NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) is expected to report Q1 earnings around April 15. 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 NRG Energy's revenues will grow 35.4% and EPS will remain in the red.

The average estimate for revenue is $2.52 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.22.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, NRG Energy reported revenue of $2.06 billion. GAAP reported sales were 3.2% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.13 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 $0.19. GAAP EPS were $2.06 for Q4 against -$0.48 per share for the prior-year quarter.

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 28.8%, 750 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 6.1%, 510 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 25.0%, much better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $14.00 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.00.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on NRG Energy is outperform, with an average price target of $25.88.

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