Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is expected to report Q3 earnings on Oct. 25. 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 expand 6.9% and EPS will grow 2.9%.

The average estimate for revenue is $3.03 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.71.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Xcel Energy booked revenue of $2.27 billion. GAAP reported sales were 6.7% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.44 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, EPS came in at $0.38. GAAP EPS of $0.38 for Q2 were 15% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.33 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 34.8%, 420 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 17.8%, 310 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 8.0%, 150 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $10.69 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.77.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Xcel Energy is outperform, with an average price target of $28.31.

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