NetScout Systems (Nasdaq: NTCT) is expected to report Q3 earnings on Jan. 17. 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 NetScout Systems's revenues will expand 8.9% and EPS will shrink 0.0%.

The average estimate for revenue is $90.7 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.35.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, NetScout Systems reported revenue of $84.5 million. GAAP reported sales were 16% higher than the prior-year quarter's $72.6 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 $0.34. GAAP EPS of $0.23 for Q2 were 35% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.17 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 80.0%, 140 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 21.3%, 550 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 11.7%, 200 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $350.9 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.29.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 122 members out of 133 rating the stock outperform, and 11 members rating it underperform. Among 31 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 28 give NetScout Systems a green thumbs-up, and three give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on NetScout Systems is outperform, with an average price target of $26.17.

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