Gentiva Health Services (Nasdaq: GTIV) is expected to report Q1 earnings on May 9. 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 Gentiva Health Services's revenues will shrink -0.8% and EPS will increase 25.0%.

The average estimate for revenue is $432.1 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.30.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Gentiva Health Services tallied revenue of $425.0 million. GAAP reported sales were 5.4% lower than the prior-year quarter's $449.2 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, non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.31. GAAP EPS of $0.27 for Q4 were 93% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.14 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 46.1%, 30 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 9.7%, 90 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 2.0%, 100 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $1.70 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.01.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 271 members out of 286 rating the stock outperform, and 15 members rating it underperform. Among 83 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 78 give Gentiva Health Services a green thumbs-up, and five give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Gentiva Health Services is hold, with an average price target of $13.20.

Is Gentiva Health Services the best health care stock for you? Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," including one above-average health care logistics company. Click here for instant access to this free report.