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Analysts were expecting Cross Country Healthcare Inc. (CCRN) [Chart - News - Analysis] to report earnings of $0.02 for last quarter, but CCRN beat expectations with actual earnings of $0.03---1 cent above the consensus estimate. CCRN also issued earnings guidance for next quarter that is in line with current analyst expectations.

If you compare last quarter's earnings to the $0.20 the company made per share during the same quarter a year ago, you can see that CCRN’s earnings are down this year.

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Also, if you compare CCRN's 12.00% projected earnings-per-share (EPS) growth rate for the next five years with the projected EPS growth rate of 12.44% for the Staffing & Outsourcing Services industry as a whole during that same time frame, you can see that analysts expect CCRN to underperform the industry in the future---which is a bad sign for the stock.

Drilling down a little deeper into the Staffing & Outsourcing Services industry, you can see how analysts believe CCRN will stack up against some of the other stocks in the industry, like Administaff Inc. (ASF) [Chart - News - Analysis] and Korn/Ferry International (KFY) [Chart - News - Analysis], in the future. Analysts believe ASF's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 15.00% while KFY's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 15.00%.

Earnings season can be a volatile time in the stock market. Check out these videos and articles to be better prepared to take advantage of the large price moves that tend to accompany earnings announcements.

- Earnings Season is Here - Find Out How to Trade It

- Using Options to Trade Earnings

- Understanding Stock Analyst Research and Recommendations

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