LHC Group (Nasdaq: LHCG) is expected to report Q1 earnings on May 8. 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 LHC Group's revenues will grow 4.0% and EPS will wither -25.0%.

The average estimate for revenue is $165.1 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.33.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, LHC Group booked revenue of $161.8 million. GAAP reported sales were 2.7% higher than the prior-year quarter's $154.3 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 $0.43. GAAP EPS of $0.43 for Q4 were 10% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.39 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 41.6%, 50 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 9.6%, 90 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 4.7%, much about the same as the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $673.7 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.24.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 229 members out of 237 rating the stock outperform, and eight members rating it underperform. Among 51 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 49 give LHC Group 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 LHC Group is outperform, with an average price target of $19.07.

Is LHC Group 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.