Nanometrics (Nasdaq: NANO) is expected to report Q4 earnings on Feb. 4. 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 Nanometrics's revenues will drop -33.4% and EPS will shrink to a loss.

The average estimate for revenue is $30.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.15.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Nanometrics chalked up revenue of $43.9 million. GAAP reported sales were 25% lower than the prior-year quarter's $58.3 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 $0.10. GAAP EPS of $0.08 for Q3 were 75% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.32 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 51.8%, 110 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 8.2%, 1,200 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 4.3%, 880 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $182.8 million. The average EPS estimate is $0.21.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Nanometrics is outperform, with an average price target of $17.50.

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