Northwest Natural Gas (NYSE: NWN) is expected to report Q2 earnings on Aug. 3. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

The 10-second takeaway
Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Northwest Natural Gas' revenue will increase 9.1% and EPS will shrink 36.0%.

The average estimate for revenue is $73.3 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.16.

Revenue details
Last quarter, Northwest Natural Gas booked revenue of $139.9 million. GAAP reported sales were 1.7% lower than the prior-year quarter's $323.1 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
Last quarter, EPS came in at $1.51. GAAP EPS of $1.51 for Q1 were 1.3% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.53 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Recent performance
For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 35.7%, 130 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 24.8%, 70 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 12.8%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
The full year's average estimate for revenue is $387.5 million. The average EPS estimate is $2.50.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 131 members out of 137 rating the stock outperform, and six members rating it underperform. Among 39 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 37 give Northwest Natural Gas a green thumbs-up, and two give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Northwest Natural Gas is outperform, with an average price target of $48.38.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than Northwest Natural Gas. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.