Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR) is expected to report Q3 earnings on Nov. 2. 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 Alpha Natural Resources's revenues will shrink -27.2% and EPS will shrink to a loss.

The average estimate for revenue is $1.68 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.44.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Alpha Natural Resources recorded revenue of $1.85 billion. GAAP reported sales were 15% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.60 billion.

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, non-GAAP EPS came in at -$0.33. GAAP EPS were -$10.14 for Q2 against -$0.32 per share for the prior-year quarter.

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 12.5%, 1,630 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -3.7%, 1,720 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -121.5%, 11,840 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $7.06 billion. The average EPS estimate is -$1.50.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 869 members out of 924 rating the stock outperform, and 55 members rating it underperform. Among 172 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 156 give Alpha Natural Resources a green thumbs-up, and 16 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Alpha Natural Resources is outperform, with an average price target of $18.77.

Are you missing a major story in the energy space? Read about "One Stock to Own Before Nat Gas Act 2011 Becomes Law." Click here for instant access to this free report.