Covanta Holding (NYSE: CVA) is expected to report Q4 earnings on Feb. 6. 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 Covanta Holding's revenues will shrink -4.5% and EPS will contract -11.5%.

The average estimate for revenue is $410.8 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.23.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Covanta Holding booked revenue of $412.0 million. GAAP reported sales were 4.6% lower than the prior-year quarter's $432.0 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 $0.25. GAAP EPS of $0.19 for Q3 were 37% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.30 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 45.4%, 340 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 20.9%, 90 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 6.3%, 340 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $1.62 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.53.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Covanta Holding is outperform, with an average price target of $20.20.

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