Thoratec (Nasdaq: THOR) is expected to report Q4 earnings around Jan. 26. 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 Thoratec's revenues will grow 8.9% and EPS will drop 0.0%.

The average estimate for revenue is $119.1 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.38.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Thoratec chalked up revenue of $117.8 million. GAAP reported sales were 15% higher than the prior-year quarter's $102.6 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 $0.49. GAAP EPS of $0.41 for Q3 were 37% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.30 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 69.3%, 140 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 27.8%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 20.6%, 310 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $482.0 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.83.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 153 members out of 174 rating the stock outperform, and 21 members rating it underperform. Among 48 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 42 give Thoratec a green thumbs-up, and six give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Thoratec is outperform, with an average price target of $40.00.

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