National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI) is expected to report Q4 earnings on Jan. 31. 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 National Instruments's revenues will expand 1.6% and EPS will expand 19.0%.

The average estimate for revenue is $282.5 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.25.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, National Instruments logged revenue of $290.0 million. GAAP reported sales were 14% higher than the prior-year quarter's $255.0 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 $0.26. GAAP EPS of $0.20 for Q3 were 82% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.11 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 74.7%, 30 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 10.4%, 610 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 8.4%, 340 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $1.13 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.99.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 378 members out of 399 rating the stock outperform, and 21 members rating it underperform. Among 169 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 166 give National Instruments 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 National Instruments is outperform, with an average price target of $31.20.

Looking for alternatives to National Instruments? It takes more than great companies to build a fortune for the future. Learn the basic financial habits of millionaires next door and get focused stock ideas in our free report, "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich." Click here for instant access to this free report.