California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) is expected to report Q1 earnings on May 1. 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 California Water Service Group's revenues will wither -0.5% and EPS will come to zero.

The average estimate for revenue is $116.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.00.

Revenue details
Last quarter, California Water Service Group logged revenue of $121.5 million. GAAP reported sales were 18% higher than the prior-year quarter's $103.0 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, EPS came in at $0.12. GAAP EPS of $0.12 for Q4 were 200% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.04 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 46.6%, 130 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 9.2%, 210 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 4.1%, 230 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $574.5 million. The average EPS estimate is $0.87.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 224 members out of 235 rating the stock outperform, and 11 members rating it underperform. Among 87 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 86 give California Water Service Group 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 California Water Service Group is hold, with an average price target of $20.40.

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