National Instruments Stock Price: NATI Identity and Legacy

The national instruments stock price (formerly traded under the ticker NATI) remains a point of historical interest for industrial and technology investors. National Instruments Corp., a pioneer in software-defined instrumentation and the creator of LabVIEW, operated as a public entity for nearly five decades before its transition into a private subsidiary. Understanding its stock history provides critical insights into the valuation of the electronic test and measurement sector.

1. Stock Identity and Exchange Listing

Prior to its delisting, National Instruments was a staple of the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Trading under the symbol NATI, the company was classified within the Technology sector, specifically focusing on Electronic Test & Measurement. As a mid-to-large-cap entity, it was often viewed as a bellwether for automated testing and industrial IoT trends.

2. Historical Stock Performance

The national instruments stock price journey was characterized by steady long-term growth and consistent shareholder returns. Before the acquisition talks began in early 2023, the stock typically traded based on its strong fundamentals and market-leading software ecosystem.

• Price History: NATI saw significant appreciation over the decades, reaching a 52-week high of approximately $59.90 just prior to the finalization of its buyout.
• Dividend History: The company maintained a disciplined capital return policy, with its last recorded annual dividend at approximately $1.12 per share, offering a reliable yield for value-oriented investors.
• Market Capitalization: At the time of its acquisition, the company’s valuation peaked near the $8 billion mark, reflecting its dominant position in the modular instrumentation market.

3. Financial Fundamentals (Pre-Delisting)

Before becoming part of Emerson, NATI reported robust financial metrics. In 2022, the company generated approximately $1.6 billion in revenue. Its Earnings Per Share (EPS) trends generally outperformed sector averages, supported by high-margin software subscriptions and recurring hardware sales. Analysts frequently monitored its P/E ratio and debt-to-equity metrics as indicators of the stock's relative value against competitors like Keysight Technologies.

4. Acquisition by Emerson Electric (2023)

The most significant event in the history of the national instruments stock price occurred in October 2023. Following a competitive bidding process, Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) officially completed its acquisition of National Instruments.

• Merger Terms: The deal was an all-cash transaction valued at $60 per share, representing a total enterprise value of roughly $8.2 billion.
• Delisting Process: Upon completion of the merger on October 11, 2023, NATI ceased trading on the NASDAQ. The business was integrated into Emerson’s new "Test & Measurement" segment.
• Impact on Shareholders: Public shareholders received the cash payout of $60 per share, concluding the independent trading life of the NATI ticker.

5. Comparative Market Analysis

When evaluating the national instruments stock price historically, it is often compared to industry peers. For years, NATI traded in tandem with firms like Fortive and Teradyne. Compared to the broader S&P 500 and the NASDAQ Composite, NATI often exhibited lower volatility, making it a favorite for institutional portfolios seeking exposure to industrial automation without the high beta of pure-play software companies.

6. Investor Legal Actions and Class Actions

As is common with large-scale acquisitions, the transition from a public national instruments stock price to a private subsidiary involved several shareholder investigations. Firms such as the Rosen Law Firm and others conducted inquiries into whether the board of directors fulfilled their fiduciary duties regarding the $60 per share offer. While these are standard procedures during buyouts, they underscore the complexities of delisting a long-standing public company.

7. Legacy and Ongoing Valuation

Today, the national instruments stock price no longer exists as an independent metric. Investors wishing to gain exposure to the National Instruments business must now track Emerson Electric Co. (EMR). As of late 2024 and early 2025, Emerson has focused on leveraging NATI's software-centric model to enhance its industrial automation suite.

For those monitoring broader market trends, the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate pauses and the nomination of new financial leadership (such as Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair) continue to influence the industrial sector at large. While NATI is gone from the ticker boards, its integration into Emerson remains a significant case study in industrial tech consolidation. To explore current market opportunities and diversify your portfolio with emerging assets, consider exploring the features available on Bitget.