Analysts were expecting Nash Finch Co. (NAFC) [Chart - News - Analysis] to report earnings of $1.04 for last quarter, but NAFC beat expectations with actual earnings of $1.17---13 cents above the consensus estimate.

If you compare last quarter's earnings to the $1. 0 the company made per share during the same quarter a year ago, you can see that NAFC’s earnings are up this year.

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Also, if you compare NAFC's 15.00% projected earnings-per-share (EPS) growth rate for the next five years with the projected EPS growth rate of 10.42% for the Food Wholesale industry as a whole during that same time frame, you can see that analysts expect NAFC to outperform the industry in the future---which is a good sign for the stock.

Drilling down a little deeper into the Food Wholesale industry, you can see how analysts believe NAFC will stack up against some of the other stocks in the industry, like United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) [Chart - News - Analysis] and Sysco Corp. (SYY) [Chart - News - Analysis], in the future. Analysts believe UNFI's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 17.17% while SYY's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 9.75%.

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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