Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) is expected to report Q3 earnings on Oct. 22. 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 Hexcel's revenues will grow 11.4% and EPS will increase 5.9%.

The average estimate for revenue is $391.8 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.36.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Hexcel booked revenue of $399.2 million. GAAP reported sales were 13% higher than the prior-year quarter's $353.7 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 $0.42. GAAP EPS of $0.47 for Q2 were 27% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.37 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 26.4%, 180 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 16.1%, 210 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 12.0%, 140 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $1.59 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.54.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 261 members out of 276 rating the stock outperform, and 15 members rating it underperform. Among 55 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 54 give Hexcel a green thumbs-up, and one give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Hexcel is outperform, with an average price target of $31.23.