Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is expected to report Q1 earnings on May 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 Xcel Energy's revenues will grow 8.0% and EPS will grow 15.8%.

The average estimate for revenue is $2.78 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.44.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Xcel Energy reported revenue of $2.55 billion. GAAP reported sales were 0.7% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.57 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 $0.29. GAAP EPS of $0.28 for Q4 were 3.4% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.29 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 25.5%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.4%, 100 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.5%, much about the same as the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $10.83 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.90.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Xcel Energy is hold, with an average price target of $28.96.

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