On Apr 7, we issued an updated research report on Discover Financial Services DFS.Discover Financial remains poised for growth over the long term riding on the strength of its extensive student loan portfolio, global expansion, prudent capital management and increased card sales. The expected long-term earnings growth rate is currently pegged at 8.3%.The company has always been eyeing strategic collaborations and agreements that increase its card sales, and enhance its operational profile and growth track. Additionally, Discover Financial’s card sales volume has been consistently growing on improved consumer spending and wallet share, credit quality trends and a new card account.A solid capital base helps the company to engage in shareholder-friendly moves.Nonetheless, the company’s escalating expenses are weighing on its bottom line. An intense competitive environment limits Discover Financial’s business opportunities. Adding to its woes is an underperforming Payments Service segment that has been a drag over the past few quarters.Moreover, the company’s earnings per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last reported quarter. Discover Financial is slated to report first-quarter results on Apr 19. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same is currently pegged at $1.31 per share, translating into a year-over-year increase of 2.4%. However, our proven model cannot conclusively state whether the company is poised for an earnings beat. This is because though a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat, a 0.0% Earnings ESP makes prediction difficult.Stocks to Consider Some better-ranked stocks from the finance sector are Cash America International, Inc. CSH, First Cash Financial Services Inc. FCFS and Aflac Inc. AFL. Each of these stocks carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report DISCOVER FIN SV (DFS): Free Stock Analysis Report AFLAC INC (AFL): Free Stock Analysis Report CASH AM INTL (CSH): Free Stock Analysis Report FIRST CASH FINL (FCFS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research