NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP /DE/
10-Q, 1996-10-31
COMPUTER PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT, NEC
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

/ X / Quarterly  report  pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal quarter ended: September 30,1996 or

/  /  Transition  report  pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange  Act of  1934  For  the  transition  period  from  ________________  to
________________

Commission file number:     0-25426

                        NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          Delaware                                    74-1871327
          --------                                    ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of                     (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                    Identification Number)

 6504 Bridge Point Parkway
       Austin, Texas                                     78730
       -------------                                     -----
(address of principal executive offices)              (zip code)


       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (512) 338-9119
                           --------------------------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes / X /  No /  /

Indicate the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's  classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

            Class                         Outstanding at October 31, 1996
            -----                         -------------------------------
Common Stock - $0.01 par value                      21,641,434



<PAGE>
                        NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION

                                      INDEX

                                                                        Page No.
                                                                       --------
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1   Financial Statements:

          Consolidated Balance Sheets
          September 30, 1996 (unaudited) and December 31, 1995...............3

          Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
          Three months and nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995.....4

          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
          Nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995..................... 5

          Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (unaudited)
          Nine months ended September 30, 1996.............................. 6

          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.........................7

Item 2   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial         
          Condition and Results of Operations................................9

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...................................17


<PAGE>
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                        NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                        (in thousands, except share data)

                                                    September 30,   December 31,
                                                        1996            1995
                                                    -------------   ------------
Assets                                               (unaudited)
Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents......................  $   28,795      $   12,016
    Short-term investments.........................      42,923          37,765
    Accounts receivable, net.......................      31,636          28,789
    Inventories, net...............................      11,406          15,295
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets......       5,996           6,788
                                                     -----------     -----------
        Total current assets.......................     120,756         100,653
Property and equipment, net........................      32,290          32,596
Intangibles and other assets.......................       4,949           3,853
                                                     -----------     -----------
                                                    
        Total assets...............................  $  157,995      $  137,102
                                                     ===========     ===========


Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
    Current portion of long-term debt..............  $    2,008      $    2,137
    Accounts payable...............................      10,317           9,783
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities.........      10,729           7,313
    Taxes payable..................................       7,208           6,874
                                                     -----------     -----------
        Total current liabilities..................      30,262          26,107
Long-term debt, net of current portion.............       9,194          11,603
Deferred income taxes..............................         656             656
                                                     -----------     -----------
        Total liabilities..........................      40,112          38,366
                                                     -----------     -----------

Commitments and contingencies                                --              --

Stockholders' equity:
    Common Stock:  par  value  $.01;  60,000,000
    shares authorized; 21,592,573 and 21,471,896
    shares issued and outstanding, respectively....         216             215
Additional paid-in capital.........................      43,512          41,277
Retained earnings..................................      74,350          57,104
Other..............................................        (195)            140
                                                     -----------     -----------
        Total stockholders' equity.................     117,883          98,736
                                                     -----------     -----------
        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.  $  157,995      $  137,102
                                                     ===========     ===========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

                        NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                      (in thousands, except per share data)
                                   (unaudited)


                                     Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
                                        September 30,       September 30,
                                     -----------------   -------------------
                                       1996      1995      1996       1995
                                     -------   -------   --------   --------

Net sales..........................  $49,679   $40,122   $146,328   $120,443
Cost of sales......................   12,623     8,920     36,651     28,574
                                     -------   -------   --------   --------
    Gross profit...................   37,056    31,202    109,677     91,869
                                     -------   -------   --------   --------
Operating expenses:
    Sales and marketing............   17,466    15,718     53,108     47,663
    Research and development.......    6,412     5,161     18,239     15,100
    General and administrative.....    4,401     4,053     12,963     10,958
                                     -------   -------   --------   --------
        Total operating expenses...   28,279    24,932     84,310     73,721
                                     -------   -------   --------   --------
        Operating income...........    8,777     6,270     25,367     18,148

Other income (expense):
    Interest income, net...........      499       146      1,070        498
    Foreign exchange
     (loss) gain, net..............      (31)     (637)      (696)       363
                                     -------   -------   --------   --------
        Income before income taxes.    9,245     5,779     25,741     19,009
Provision for income taxes.........    2,887     1,940      8,495      7,034
                                     -------   -------   --------   --------
        Net income.................  $ 6,358   $ 3,839   $ 17,246   $ 11,975
                                     =======   =======   ========   ========

Earnings per share.................  $  0.29   $  0.18   $   0.79   $   0.58
                                     =======   =======   ========   ======== 

Weighted average
 shares outstanding................   22,061    21,593     21,872     20,707
                                     =======   =======   ========   ========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>


                        NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)
                                                          Nine Months Ended
                                                            September 30,
                                                        --------------------
                                                          1996        1995
                                                        --------    --------
Cash flow from operating activities:
 Net income ..........................................  $ 17,246    $ 11,975
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
  provided by operating activities
     Charges to income not requiring cash outlays:
         Depreciation and amortization ...............     7,042       4,596
         Charge for in-process research & development.     1,000          --
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
         Increase in accounts receivable .............    (2,975)     (4,802)
         Decrease (increase) in inventory ............     3,711      (7,872)
         Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and
          other assets ...............................       707      (1,468)
         Increase in current liabilities .............     4,240       5,891
                                                        --------    --------
     Net cash provided by operating activities .......    30,971       8,320
                                                        --------    --------

Cash flow from investing activities:
  Payments for acquisitions, net of cash received ....      (900)         --
  Capital expenditures ...............................    (5,111)    (14,138)
  Additions to intangibles ...........................    (1,368)       (531)
  Purchases of short-term investments ................   (61,126)    (62,133)
  Sales of short-term investments ....................    55,900      22,758
                                                        --------    --------
      Net cash used in investing activities ..........   (12,605)    (54,044)
                                                        --------    --------

Cash flow from financing activities:
 (Repayments of) borrowings from debt ................    (2,509)      4,209
 Net proceeds from issuance of common stock ..........     1,007      39,644
                                                        --------    --------
     Net cash (used in) provided by 
      financing activities............................    (1,502)     43,853
                                                        --------    --------

Effect of translation rate changes on cash ...........       (85)        167
                                                        --------    --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..    16,779      (1,704)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period .....    12,016       7,526
                                                        --------    --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ...........  $ 28,795    $  5,822
                                                        ========    ========

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
                        NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                        (In thousands, except share data)



                          
                       Common           Additional
                       Stock    Common   Paid-In    Retained          
                      (Shares)   Stock   Capital    Earnings   Other     Total
                     ---------- ------- ---------- ---------- -------  --------
Balance at
  December 31, 1995. 21,471,896   $ 215   $ 41,277  $  57,104  $  140  $ 98,736

Net income..........         --      --         --     17,246      --    17,246

Issuance in 
  connection with
  acquisition.......     60,916       1      1,228         --      --     1,229

Issuance under
  employee plans....     59,761      --      1,007         --      --     1,007

Unrealized loss on
  short-term
  investments.......         --      --         --         --     (68)      (68)

Foreign currency            
  translation
  adjustment........         --      --         --         --    (267)     (267)
                     ---------- ------- ---------- ---------- -------  -------- 
Balance at
  September 30, 1996 21,592,573   $ 216  $  43,512  $  74,350  $ (195) $117,883
                     ========== ======= ========== ========== =======  ========


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
                        NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying  unaudited  financial  statements should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated  financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended
December 31, 1995,  included in the Company's  annual report on Form 10-K, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  In the opinion of management,  the
accompanying   consolidated   financial   statements   reflect  all  adjustments
(consisting  only of normal  recurring  items)  considered  necessary to present
fairly the  financial  position  of  National  Instruments  Corporation  and its
consolidated  subsidiaries  at September  30, 1996 and  December  31, 1995,  the
results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September
30, 1996 and 1995, and the cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September
30, 1996 and 1995.  Operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily  indicative of the results that may
be expected for the year ending December 31, 1996.

NOTE 2 - Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share are  computed by dividing net income by the weighted  average
number of common shares and common share  equivalents  outstanding (if dilutive)
during each period.  Common share equivalents include stock options.  The number
of common share  equivalents  outstanding  relating to stock options is computed
using the treasury stock method.

NOTE 3 - Inventories

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
                                        September 30,            December 31,
                                            1996                     1995
                                   --------------------     --------------------
Raw materials                      $             5,721      $             8,101
Work-in-process                                    480                      719
Finished goods                                   5,205                    6,475
                                   --------------------     --------------------
                                    $           11,406       $           15,295
                                   ====================     ====================

NOTE 4 - Acquisitions

During the third  quarter of 1996,  the Company  purchased  imaging  acquisition
software technology from Graftek (Miramande, France). The purchased software was
amortized over the third quarter, resulting in a charge to earnings of $500,000.
This  amortization  period  was  utilized  due to the  nature  of  this  rapidly
developing  technology  and the revisions to be made to the software in the near
future. Excluding the effect of this charge, net income for the third quarter of
1996 would have been $6.7 million or $0.30 per share.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>



On April 1, 1996, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding  shares
of common stock of Georgetown  Systems,  Inc. ("GSI") for an aggregate  purchase
price of approximately $2.0 million, paid with 60,916 unregistered shares of the
Company's  common stock and $764,000 in cash. The  acquisition was accounted for
as a purchase.  The results of GSI's operations have been combined with those of
the Company since the date of acquisition.  The Company  recorded a $1.0 million
charge against  earnings  during the second quarter of 1996 for the write-off of
in-process  GSI research  and  development  technology  that had not reached the
working model stage. The Company also recorded $920,000 of capitalized  software
development costs related to the acquisition,  which are included in intangibles
and other assets and are being  amortized on a straight line basis over 3 years.
Excluding the effect of the charge for the GSI acquisition and the  amortization
of  intangible  assets  related  to the  Graftek  purchase,  net  income for the
nine-months  ended September 30, 1996 would have been $18.2 million or $0.83 per
share.












                                      -8-
<PAGE>




ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS

     This  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q  contains  forward-looking  statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the  Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E
of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934.  Actual results could differ materially
from those projected in the  forward-looking  statements as a result of a number
of important  factors.  For a discussion of important  factors that could affect
the  Company's  results,  please  refer to the Issues and  Outlook  section  and
financial statement line item discussions below.  Readers are also encouraged to
refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for further  discussion of the
Company's business and the risks and opportunities attendant thereto.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table sets forth, for the periods  indicated,  the percentage
of  net  sales   represented  by  certain  items   reflected  in  the  Company's
consolidated statements of income:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Three Months Ended                        Nine Months Ended
                                                 September 30,                             September 30,
                                     -----------------------------------       ----------------------------------
                                          1996                1995                  1996               1995
                                     ----------------    ---------------       ---------------    ---------------
<S>                                  <C>                 <C>                   <C>                <C>    
Net sales:
    North America...................      59.4%               58.6%                 57.8%              56.8%
    Europe..........................      27.3                28.4                  28.1               30.7
    Asia Pacific....................      13.3                13.0                  14.1               12.5
                                     ----------------    ---------------       ---------------    ---------------
    Consolidated net sales..........     100.0               100.0                 100.0              100.0
Cost of sales.......................      25.4                22.2                  25.0               23.7
                                     ----------------    ---------------       ---------------    ---------------
    Gross profit....................      74.6                77.8                  75.0               76.3
                                     ----------------    ---------------       ---------------    ---------------
Operating expenses:
    Sales and marketing.............      35.1                39.2                  36.3               39.6
    Research and development........      12.9                12.9                  12.5               12.5
    General and administrative......       8.9                10.1                   8.9                9.1
                                     ----------------    ---------------       ---------------    ---------------
      Total operating expenses......      56.9                62.2                  57.7               61.2
                                     ----------------    ---------------       ---------------    ---------------
        Operating income............      17.7                15.6                  17.3               15.1

Other income (expense):
    Interest income, net............       1.0                 0.4                   0.8                0.4
    Foreign exchange (loss)gain, net      (0.1)               (1.6)                 (0.5)               0.3
                                     ----------------    ---------------       ---------------    ---------------
       Income before income taxes...      18.6                14.4                  17.6               15.8
Provision for income taxes..........       5.8                 4.8                   5.8                5.8
                                     ----------------    ---------------       ---------------    ---------------
    Net income......................      12.8%                9.6%                11.8%               10.0%
                                     ================    ===============       ===============    ===============
</TABLE>

     NET SALES.  Consolidated  net sales  represent  gross sales less discounts,
returns and  adjustments.  Consolidated net sales of $49.7 million for the three
months  ended  September  30, 1996  increased  by $9.6 million or 24% from $40.1
million for the three  months ended  September  30, 1995,  and  increased  $25.9
million or 21% to $146.3  million for the nine months ended  September  30, 1996
from $120.4  million for the  comparable  1995 period.  The increase in sales is
primarily  attributable  to  the  expansion  of  sales  and  marketing  efforts,
particularly  in the Asia Pacific market;  the  introduction of new and upgraded
products;  increased  market  acceptance  of  the  Company's  products;  and  an
expanding customer base.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

     North American  sales of $29.5 million for the quarter ended  September 30,
1996  increased 25% and for the nine months ended  September 30, 1996  increased
23% to $84.5 million over the  comparable  1995 periods.  Compared to 1995,  the
Company's European sales increased by 19% to $13.6 million for the quarter ended
September  30,  1996  and by 11% to $41.2  million  for the  nine  months  ended
September 30, 1996.  Net sales in Asia Pacific  increased by 27% to $6.6 million
for the quarter  ended  September  30, 1996 compared to 1995 and by 37% to $20.7
million  for the nine  months  ended  September  30,  1996.  The  growth  in the
Company's North American sales  continues a historical  trend of increased North
American  sales as a  percentage  of  consolidated  net sales  during  the third
quarter  when  international  sales  levels tend to be weaker due to the typical
slowdown in the summer months in  international  markets,  particularly  Europe.
Despite weak economic  conditions in several European  countries,  third quarter
sales growth of 19% over the prior year  quarter was  achieved.  European  sales
growth for the year-to-date  remains low due to the decline in European sales in
the first  quarter of fiscal  1996.  This decline was the result of late product
releases  and  product  delivery  disruptions  caused by the  centralization  of
European  inventory  during the first  quarter.  The sales  increase in the Asia
Pacific region is  attributable  to increased  customer  acceptance of localized
products and support,  particularly  in Japan,  and to the  Company's  new sales
offices in Hong Kong,  Singapore,  South Korea and Taiwan  which  opened in late
1994 and early  1995.  The Company  expects  sales  outside of North  America to
continue to represent a  significant,  and possibly  increasing,  portion of its
revenue.

     Sales made by the Company's direct sales offices in Europe and Asia Pacific
are denominated in local currencies,  and accordingly,  the US dollar equivalent
of these sales is affected by changes in the value of the US dollar. Between the
third quarter of 1995 and the third  quarter of 1996 the weighted  average value
of the US Dollar  increased by 4.9%,  causing an  equivalent  decrease in the US
dollar value of the Company's foreign currency sales and expenses. This weighted
average is  calculated  as the  percentage  change in the value of the  currency
relative to the dollar,  multiplied  by the  proportion of  international  sales
recorded in the particular currency. If the weighted average value of the dollar
in the third  quarter of 1996 had been the same as that in the third  quarter of
1995, the Company's international sales for the third quarter of 1996 would have
been  $7.4  million  in the Asia  Pacific  region  and $13.8  million  in Europe
resulting in consolidated  net sales of $50.7 million.  Percentage  sales growth
over the prior year third quarter would have been 42% in Asia, 21% in Europe and
26% consolidated growth. If the weighted average value of the dollar in the nine
months  ended  September  30,  1996 had been the same as that in the nine months
ended September 30, 1995, the Company's  international  year-to-date sales would
have been  $23.3  million  in Asia and $41.7  million  in  Europe  resulting  in
consolidated  net sales of $149.5  million.  Percentage  sales  growth  over the
comparable  prior year  nine-month  period  would have been 55% in Asia,  13% in
Europe and 24% consolidated  growth.  Since most of the Company's  international
operating  expenses are also incurred in local currencies the change in exchange
rates has a corresponding effect on operating expenses.  If the current trend in
the value of the dollar continues  throughout 1996, it will continue to have the
effect of lowering the US dollar equivalent of international sales and operating
expenses.

     GROSS  PROFIT.  Cost of  goods  sold  consists  primarily  of the  costs of
components  and  subassemblies,  amortization  of  software  development  costs,
freight,  labor and manufacturing  overhead. As a percentage of net sales, gross
profit decreased to 74.6% for the third quarter of 1996 from 77.8% for the third
quarter of 1995 and  decreased  to 75.0% for the first nine  months of 1996 from
76.3% for the  comparable  period a year ago.  The  lower  margin  for the third
quarter of 1996  compared to the third  quarter of 1995 is  attributable  to the
foreign  exchange  effect on sales during the third quarter of 1996 as discussed
above and increased  costs from the  outsourcing  of software  duplication  to a
third-party vendor.  These same factors are responsible for the lower margin for
the nine months ended  September 30, 1996 when compared to the nine months ended
September 30, 1995.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

     The  marketplace  for the  Company's  products  dictates  that  many of the
Company's  products be shipped  very quickly  after an order is  received.  As a
result, the Company is required to maintain significant inventories.  Therefore,
inventory  obsolescence  is a risk for the Company  due to frequent  engineering
changes,  shifting customer demand,  the emergence of new industry standards and
rapid  technological  advances including the introduction by the Company, or its
competitors,  of products embodying new technology.  While the Company maintains
valuation  allowances for excess and obsolete inventory and management continues
to monitor the adequacy of such valuation allowances,  there can be no assurance
that such valuation allowances will be sufficient.

     SALES AND MARKETING.  Sales and marketing  expenses consist of salaries and
commissions,  customer support,  advertising and promotional expenses. Sales and
marketing  expenses  increased  11% for the third  quarter of 1996 and the first
nine months of 1996 from the  comparable  1995  periods.  As a percentage of net
sales,  sales and marketing expenses decreased to 35.1% for the third quarter of
1996 from  39.2% for the third  quarter of 1995 and  decreased  to 36.3% for the
first  nine  months of 1996 from 39.6% for the first  nine  months of 1995.  The
increase in these expenses in absolute dollar amounts is primarily  attributable
to programs designed to increase the Company's presence in both the European and
the Asia  Pacific  markets,  including  increases  in  international  sales  and
marketing  personnel  and  increased  sales and  marketing  activities  in these
markets,  as well as increases in United States sales and  marketing  personnel.
Overall sales and marketing  personnel  increased from 471 at September 30, 1995
to 517 at September 30, 1996,  with  increases  primarily in the European and US
sales  forces.  The decline in sales and  marketing  expenses as a percentage of
sales  is due to lower  advertising  costs  related  to the  increased  usage of
electronic media which is more cost effective than traditional printing methods.
The Company  expects sales and marketing  expenses in future periods to increase
in absolute dollars,  and to fluctuate as a percentage of sales based on initial
marketing  and  advertising  campaign  costs  associated  with major new product
releases,  the  opening  of new sales  offices  and the timing of  domestic  and
international conferences and trade shows.

     RESEARCH  AND  DEVELOPMENT.   Research  and  development  expenses  consist
principally  of personnel  costs and overhead  costs  relating to occupancy  and
equipment  depreciation.  Research and  development  expenses  increased to $6.4
million for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, a 24% increase, as compared to
$5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 1995, and increased 21% to
$18.2 million for the nine months ended  September 30, 1996 from the  comparable
1995 period.  As a percentage of net sales,  research and  development  expenses
represented  12.9% of sales for the third quarter  ended  September 30, 1996 and
1995,  respectively,  and 12.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and
1995,  respectively.  The  increase in absolute  dollar  amounts of research and
development expenses during the third quarter of 1996 is due to the amortization
of purchased software resulting from the purchase of Graftek imaging acquisition
software.  Research and  development  expenses also increased as a result of the
hiring of additional product  development  engineers,  including the increase in
personnel from the Georgetown  Systems,  Inc. ("GSI")  acquisition in the second
quarter of 1996.  For the nine months ended  September 30, 1996, the increase in
the absolute  dollar amounts of research and  development  expenses is primarily
attributable  to a $1.0 million charge for the write-off of in-process  research
and development  technology of GSI.  Excluding the effects of the Graftek charge
in the third  quarter,  research and  development  expenses  have  declined as a
percentage of revenue from the third quarter of 1995  primarily due to increased
software  development  costs  capitalized for Bridgeview and HiQ 3.0 for Windows
during the third  quarter of 1996.  Excluding  the effects of GSI,  research and
development  expenses  have  declined  as a  percentage  of  revenue  during the
nine-month  period ended  September 30, 1996 as compared to 1995 which is due to
the  capitalization of LabVIEW 4.0 development costs during the first quarter of
1996 and the software  development  costs  capitalized  in the third  quarter of
1996. The Company believes that a significant,  on-going  investment in research
and development is required to remain competitive.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

     The Company capitalizes  software  development costs in accordance with the
Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 86. The Company amortizes such
costs over the related product's estimated economic useful life, generally three
years  beginning  when  a  product  becomes   available  for  general   release.
Amortization  expense  totaled  $943,000  and  $298,000  for the  quarter  ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively,  and $1.7 million and $902,000 during
the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase in
amortization  expense is due  primarily to  amortization  of  development  costs
capitalized as a result of the GSI and Graftek software  acquisitions.  Software
development  costs  capitalized were $821,000 and $76,000 for the quarters ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and $2.7 million and $276,000 for the
first nine months of 1996 and 1995, respectively. The amounts capitalized in the
third  quarter and first nine  months of 1996  include  Bridgeview,  HiQ 3.0 for
Windows  and  $500,000  of  software  development  costs  related to the Graftek
software acquisition. In the nine-month period ended September 30, 1996, amounts
capitalized  also  include  development  costs of LabVIEW  4.0 and  $920,000  of
software development costs related to the GSI acquisition.

     GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE.  General and administrative expenses consist of
personnel  costs  for  administration,   finance,   information  systems,  human
resources and general  management.  General and administrative  expenses for the
third  quarter ended  September 30, 1996  increased 9% to $4.4 million from $4.1
million for the comparable prior year period. For the first nine months of 1996,
general and  administrative  expenses  increased 18% to $13.0 million from $11.0
million for the first nine months of 1995. As a percentage of net sales, general
and  administrative  expenses  decreased to 8.9% for the quarter ended September
30, 1996 from 10.1% for the third quarter of 1995.  During the first nine months
of 1996, general and administrative  expenses decreased as a percentage of sales
to 8.9% from 9.1% for the comparable  prior year period.  The Company's  general
and administrative  expenses have increased in absolute dollars primarily due to
the increased sales volume including the related supporting  activities and also
due to the costs of support for its worldwide  management  information system in
the US and Europe  which will  continue  to affect  general  and  administrative
expense.  Implementation  of the  management  information  system  for  European
operations  began in October 1995, in  conjunction  with the  centralization  of
European warehousing and administrative operations.  This project is expected to
be  completed  in early  1997.  The  Company  expects  to  eventually  achieve a
worldwide management information system that will allow for the consolidation of
common  functions,  reduced costs,  and  improvements  in the ability to deliver
product worldwide.  No assurance can be given that the Company's efforts will be
successful.  As a result of these and other  factors,  the Company  expects that
general and  administrative  expense in future periods will increase in absolute
amounts as sales volume increases and as the worldwide  implementation continues
and will fluctuate as a percentage of net sales.

     INTEREST INCOME,  NET.  Interest  income,  net in the third quarter of 1996
increased to $499,000  from  $146,000 in the third quarter of 1995 and increased
to $1,070,000 for the first nine months of 1996 from $498,000 for the first nine
months of 1995. Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 has
increased  as a result of the  investment  of the  proceeds  from the  Company's
initial public  offering and due to the additional  investment of cash generated
from operations during 1996.

     FOREIGN EXCHANGE (LOSS) GAIN, NET. Net foreign  exchange losses  recognized
in the third  quarter of 1996 were  ($31,000)  compared to net foreign  exchange
losses of  ($637,000)  recognized  in the third  quarter  of 1995.  Net  foreign
exchange  losses of ($696,000) were recognized for the first nine months of 1996
compared with net foreign  exchange  gains of $363,000 for the first nine months
of 1995. These results are  attributable to movements  between the US dollar and
the local currencies in countries in which the Company's sales  subsidiaries are
located. The Company recognizes the local currency as the functional currency of
its international subsidiaries.  The significant net losses in the third quarter
of 1995 are a result of the  strengthening of the US dollar against the unhedged
portion of the Company's  exposure in local  currencies,  primarily the Japanese
Yen, whereas in the third quarter of 1996 foreign  currency  exchange rates were
not as volatile.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

     The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts against
a majority of its intercompany foreign currency-denominated receivables in order
to reduce its  exposure  to  significant  foreign  currency  fluctuations.  This
hedging  strategy  only  partially  addresses  the  Company's  risks in  foreign
currency  transactions  as the  Company  does not  currently  hedge  anticipated
transactions.  There can be no assurance  that this strategy will be successful.
The Company's  hedging strategy has reduced the foreign exchange losses recorded
by $529,000  during the  nine-month  period ended  September  30,  1996.  If the
strengthening  of the US dollar  continues  throughout  1996,  the Company could
experience significant foreign exchange losses due to the foreign exchange risks
that are not addressed by the Company's hedging strategy.  The Company typically
limits the  duration of its foreign  exchange  contracts to 90 days and does not
invest in contracts for speculative purposes.

     PROVISION  FOR INCOME TAXES.  The  provision  for income taxes  reflects an
effective  tax rate of 33.0% and 37.0% for the nine months ended  September  30,
1996 and 1995,  respectively,  and an effective  tax rate of 31.2% and 33.6% for
the quarters ended  September 30, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  The decrease in
the  effective  rate  resulted  from a change in the mix of income  among taxing
jurisdictions  and  utilization of tax credits for taxes paid in higher tax rate
jurisdictions.  At September 30, 1996,  seven of the Company's  subsidiaries had
available, for income tax purposes,  foreign net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $1.4 million,  of which $1.0 million expire between 1996 and 2006.
The remaining $400,000 of loss carryforwards may be carried forward indefinitely
to offset future taxable income in the related tax jurisdictions.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     The Company has financed its operations and capital  resources through cash
flow from operations and, to a lesser degree,  through borrowings from financial
institutions.  At  September  30,  1996,  the  Company  had  working  capital of
approximately  $90.5 million compared to $74.5 million at December 31, 1995. The
increase  in  working  capital is  reflected  by the  increase  in cash and cash
equivalents  of $16.8  million from  December  31, 1995 to  September  30, 1996,
because of positive cash flow from operating activities.

     Accounts  receivable  increased to $31.6 million at September 30, 1996 from
$28.8  million  at  December  31,  1995,  as a result  of higher  sales  levels.
Receivable  days  outstanding  of 59 days at September 30, 1996 were  consistent
with days outstanding at December 31, 1995. Consolidated inventory balances have
decreased to $11.4  million at September 30, 1996 from $15.3 million at December
31, 1995.  Inventory turns of 4.1 represent an improvement  over turns of 2.7 at
December  31,  1995  and  indicate  the  Company's   improvements  in  inventory
management  occurring at the manufacturing  facility in Austin, Texas as well as
the centralized European warehouse in Amsterdam.

     Cash  used for  investing  activities  in the  first  nine  months  of 1996
includes $5.1 million for the purchase of property and equipment, capitalization
of  software  development  costs  of $1.4  million,  net  short-term  investment
purchases of $5.2 million and acquisition costs of $900,000 for the purchases of
GSI and Graftek software technology.  The Company is currently in the process of
designing  and  developing  an office  building  to be  located  next to its new
manufacturing  facility in Austin,  Texas.  It is currently  anticipated  that a
portion of the  construction  costs will be paid out of the  Company's  existing
working  capital with the remaining  costs being funded  through credit from the
Company's current financial  institutions.  The Company estimates the total cost
for the new  building  will range from $30 million to $35  million.  The Company
intends to spend less than 10% of such  building  expenses  during 1996 with the
remainder  to be spent  throughout  1997 and 1998.  The Company has entered into
firm  commitments  of  approximately  $2.0 million for building  design and site
development  costs. The Company is not committed to spend the remaining  amounts
and the actual  level of  spending  may vary  depending  on a variety of factors
including decisions on a final design plan.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

     The Company currently expects to fund expenditures for capital requirements
as well as  liquidity  needs  created  by  changes  in  working  capital  from a
combination  of available cash and short-term  investment  balances,  internally
generated  funds,  and  financing   arrangements   with  its  current  financial
institutions.  The Company has a $31.7 million credit agreement with NationsBank
of Texas,  N.A. which consists of (i) an $8.0 million  revolving line of credit,
(ii) a $7.5 million  line of credit for new  equipment  purchases,  (iii) a $3.9
million loan to finance  equipment  purchased prior to 1993, (iv) a $3.8 million
loan to finance the Company's  existing real estate and (v) an $8.5 million loan
for the  purchase  of real  estate  and for the  construction  costs  of the new
manufacturing facility. As of September 30, 1996, the Company had no outstanding
balances under the revolving and new equipment lines of credit,  $731,000,  $3.4
million and $7.1 million, under such other credit facilities,  respectively. The
revolving  line of credit expires on June 30, 1998 and the new equipment line of
credit  is  available  for draws  until  June 30,  1997.  The  Company's  credit
agreements  contain certain  financial  covenants and restrictions as to various
matters,  including  the  bank's  prior  approval  of  significant  mergers  and
acquisitions.  Borrowings  under  the  line  of  credit  are  collateralized  by
substantially all of the Company's assets.

     The Company believes that its cash flow from operations,  if any,  existing
cash  balances  and  short-term  investments  and  available  credit  under  the
Company's  existing  credit  facilities,  will be  sufficient  to meet  its cash
requirements for at least the next twelve months.

ISSUES AND OUTLOOK

     FLUCTUATIONS  IN  QUARTERLY  RESULTS.  The  Company's  quarterly  operating
results  have  fluctuated  in the past and may  fluctuate  significantly  in the
future due to a number of  factors,  including:  changes in the mix of  products
sold; the availability and pricing of components from third parties  (especially
sole sources);  the timing of orders;  level of pricing of international  sales;
fluctuations in foreign  currency  exchange rates; the difficulty in maintaining
margins,  including the higher margins  traditionally  achieved in international
sales;  and  changes in pricing  policies by the  Company,  its  competitors  or
suppliers.  As has  occurred  in the past and as may be expected to occur in the
future,  new software  products of the Company or new operating systems of third
parties on which the Company's  products are based, often contain bugs or errors
that can result in reduced  sales and/or cause the  Company's  support  costs to
increase,  having a material adverse impact on the Company's  operating results.
In addition,  the Company serves a number of industries such as  semiconductors,
telecommunications,  aerospace,  defense and  automotive  which are  cyclical in
nature.  Downturns in these  industries,  including  the current  decline in the
semiconductor  industry,  could have a material  adverse effect on the Company's
operating results.

     In  recent  years,  the  Company's  revenues  have  been  characterized  by
seasonality,  with revenues  typically being  relatively  constant in the first,
second  and third  quarters  and  growing  in the fourth  quarter.  The  Company
believes  the  seasonality  of  its  revenue  results  from  the  budgeting  and
purchasing cycles of its customers.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

     MANAGEMENT  INFORMATION  SYSTEMS.  The Company does not  currently  have an
integrated world-wide management information system. While the Company is in the
process  of  implementing  a new  world-wide  system,  the  deficiencies  in its
existing information  resources have at times inhibited  management's ability to
manage  certain  aspects of the  Company's  operations in a timely  manner.  The
Company has implemented  all of the US components of the new world-wide  system.
Implementation  began  for  European  operations  during  October  1995 and will
continue  throughout  early  1997 in  conjunction  with  the  Company's  plan to
centralize European warehouse and administrative  operations. As of August 1996,
the  Company  has  transitioned  its  European  subsidiaries  to a  centralized,
third-party  warehouse  in  Amsterdam.  The Company is in the initial  stages of
implementation  for its Japanese  operation.  All of the Company's  Asia Pacific
operations are currently using independent management information systems. Until
the new world-wide  system can be implemented in this region,  the growth of the
Company's  Japanese  operations  may be  inhibited  by the  deficiencies  of its
current  system.  In  addition,  no  assurance  can be given that the  Company's
world-wide  implementation  efforts will be  successful.  The failure to receive
adequate,  accurate and timely financial  information could inhibit management's
ability to make effective and timely decisions.

     RISKS  ASSOCIATED  WITH  INTERNATIONAL  OPERATIONS  AND FOREIGN  ECONOMIES.
International  sales are subject to inherent  risks,  including  fluctuations in
local  economies,  difficulties  in staffing  and managing  foreign  operations,
greater  difficulty  in  accounts  receivable  collection,  costs  and  risks of
localizing  products for foreign  countries,  unexpected  changes in  regulatory
requirements, tariffs and other trade barriers, difficulties in the repatriation
of earnings  and the burdens of complying  with a wide variety of foreign  laws.
The European economies,  particularly the French economy,  are experiencing weak
economic  conditions.   In  addition,   recent  economic  indicators  suggest  a
struggling  Japanese  economy.  There can be no assurances  that these  economic
conditions will improve or stabilize in the fourth quarter and accordingly these
factors may affect the Company's direct sales offices located in these countries
and negatively impact consolidated sales and operating results.

     NEW  PRODUCT  INTRODUCTIONS  AND  MARKET  ACCEPTANCE.  The  market  for the
Company's  products is characterized  by rapid  technological  change,  evolving
industry  standards,   changes  in  customer  needs  and  frequent  new  product
introductions, and is therefore highly dependent upon timely product innovation.
The  Company's  success is  dependent  in part on its  ability  to  successfully
develop and  introduce  new and  enhanced  products on a timely basis to replace
declining  revenues  from  older  products,  and on  increasing  penetration  in
international  markets.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to introduce  new  products on a timely  basis,  that new products  will achieve
market  acceptance  or  that  any  such  acceptance  will be  sustained  for any
significant  period.  Moreover,  there can be no  assurance  that the  Company's
efforts to increase international market penetration will be successful.

     OPERATION  IN  INTENSELY  COMPETITIVE  MARKETS.  The  markets  in which the
Company  operates  are  characterized  by  intense   competition  from  numerous
competitors, and the Company expects to face further competition from new market
entrants in the future. The Company believes its ability to compete successfully
depends on a number of factors both within and outside its  control,  including:
product pricing,  quality and  performance;  success in developing new products;
adequate   manufacturing  capacity  and  supply  of  components  and  materials;
efficiency of  manufacturing  operations;  effectiveness  of sales and marketing
resources and strategies;  strategic relationships with other suppliers;  timing
of new product  introductions by the Company and its competitors;  protection of
the Company's  products by effective use of intellectual  property laws; general
market and economic  conditions;  and government  actions  throughout the world.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete  successfully
in the future.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

     VOLATILE STOCK MARKET. The market price of the Company's common stock could
be subject to  significant  fluctuations  due to the inherent  volatility of the
stocks of  technology  companies.  In  addition,  the stock  market has recently
experienced  significant price fluctuations,  which often have been unrelated to
the operating  performance  of the specific  companies  whose stocks are traded.
Broad market  fluctuations,  as well as economic conditions generally and in the
technology industry  specifically,  may adversely affect the market price of the
Company's common stock.

     DEPENDENCE ON KEY MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL. The Company's success
depends to a  significant  degree upon the  continued  contributions  of its key
management,  marketing,  research  and  development  and  operational  personnel
including Dr. Truchard,  Mr. Kodosky and other members of senior  management and
key  technical  personnel.  The  Company  has no  agreements  providing  for the
employment  of any of its key employees for any fixed term and the Company's key
employees may  voluntarily  terminate  their  employment with the Company at any
time. The Company's  Manufacturing Manager,  Michael Ross, recently notified the
Company of his plans to leave his position on November 30, 1996.  At the present
time,  the Company does not  anticipate a material  adverse  affect on operating
results due to his departure and an active  recruiting  search is in progress to
find a  replacement.  However,  the loss of the  services  of one or more of the
Company's  key employees in the future could have a material  adverse  affect on
operating results.  Competition for key personnel is intense and there can be no
assurance  that the Company will be  successful  in  retaining  its existing key
personnel or attracting and retaining additional key personnel.







                                      -16-
<PAGE>
                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION



ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         (a)      Exhibits.

                  11.1     Computation of Earnings Per Share

         (b)      Reports on Form 8-K.

                  No reports on Form 8-K were  filed by the  Company  during the
                  quarter ended September 30, 1996.












                                      -17-
<PAGE>

                                    SIGNATURE


         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                          NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
                          Registrant



                              /s/ Joel B. Rollins
                              ------------------------------------------------
                          BY: Joel B. Rollins
                              Vice   President,   Finance,   Chief   Financial
                              Officer and Treasurer  (principal  financial and
                              accounting officer)






Dated:  October 31, 1996






                                      -18-
<PAGE>


                        NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS



Exhibit No.                          Description                       Page
- -----------                          -----------                       ----
   11.1           Statement Regarding Computation of Earnings per       20
                  Share











                                      -19-


                                  EXHIBIT 11.1

             STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF NET INCOME PER SHARE
                      (In thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Three Months Ended                  Nine Months Ended
                                                           September 30,                       September 30,
                                                 ---------------------------------  ----------------------------------
                                                         1996             1995              1996              1995
                                                 ----------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                              <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>   

Net Income.......................................$         6,358   $        3,839   $        17,246   $        11,975
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding..............         22,061           21,593            21,872            20,707

Earnings Per Share...............................$          0.29   $         0.18   $          0.79   $          0.58
                                                 ================  ===============  ================  ================

Calculation of Weighted Average Shares:
   Weighted Average Common Stock
     Outstanding.................................         21,591           21,372            21,550            20,536
   Weighted Average Common Stock
     Options, utilizing the treasury stock
     method......................................            470              221               322               171
                                                 ----------------  ---------------  ----------------  ----------------
                                                          22,061           21,593            21,872            20,707
                                                 ================  ===============  ================  ================


</TABLE>








                                      -20-

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>                                      
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL
INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENTS OF INCOME FILED
AS PART OF THE SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 10-Q AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH REPORT.
</LEGEND>                                     
<MULTIPLIER>                                                  1000
                                                    
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                            3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                  DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                                     JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                       SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                                   28795
<SECURITIES>                                             42923
<RECEIVABLES>                                            31636
<ALLOWANCES>                                                 0
<INVENTORY>                                              11406
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                        120756
<PP&E>                                                   32290
<DEPRECIATION>                                               0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                          157995
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                    30262
<BONDS>                                                      0
                                        0
                                                  0
<COMMON>                                                   216
<OTHER-SE>                                              117667
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                            157995
<SALES>                                                  49679
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                         49679
<CGS>                                                    12623
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                            12623
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                         28279
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                             0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                           0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                           9245
<INCOME-TAX>                                              2887
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                       6358
<DISCONTINUED>                                               0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                              0
<CHANGES>                                                    0
<NET-INCOME>                                              6358
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                             0.29
<EPS-DILUTED>                                             0.29
        
 


</TABLE>


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