Thoratec Corp.

Companies highlighted in this weekly wrap include Thoratec Corporation (THOR - Snapshot Report), American Capital Agency Corp. (AGNC - Analyst Report), InterDigital, Inc. (IDCC - Snapshot Report), The Ensign Group, Inc. (ENSG - Snapshot Report) and Northwestern Corp. (NWE - Snapshot Report).

Thoratec Corp.'s (THOR - Snapshot Report) share price has continued to move higher since originally being featured as a momentum stock in early December. A trend line that has been supporting prices for the last 3 months is now being pressured just above $29.

Third-Quarter Results

Thoratec's recent price strength comes on the heels of the company's solid third-quarter results, reported in late October. Revenue was up 44% to $80 million. Earnings came in at 13 cents per share, almost doubling analyst estimates of 7 cents.

Analyst Estimates

Analyst estimates have continued to tick higher over the last 3 months, with the current-year estimate up 7 cents to 45 cents per share. The next-year estimate is pegged at $57 cent, a 27% earnings growth projection.

The Chart

This stock has been fairly range bound for the last month after mounting a big rally to close the year. The 52-week and all-time high is close at hand just above $33, take a look below.

Updates to Previous Momentum Zacks Rank Buy Stocks

American Capital Agency Corp. (AGNC - Analyst Report) has been publicly traded for less than a year, but the company's early results are solid. The analyst community is bullish, with the next-year estimate projecting 64% earnings growth. Read Full Article.

InterDigital, Inc.'s (IDCC - Snapshot Report) share price recently spiked higher after analysts substantially boosted their earnings estimates. The company is also fresh off the heels of a $400 million patent settlement with Samsung. Read Full Article.

The Ensign Group, Inc. (ENSG - Snapshot Report) looks well positioned to benefit from the aging domestic population. The analyst community is bullish on the company, with the next-year estimate projecting 20% earnings growth. Read Full Article.

Northwestern Corp. (NWE - Snapshot Report) has been on the move since mid December, climbing from just above $17 to a recent high above $23. Analysts are bullish on the company, with the next-year estimate projecting 11% earnings growth. Read Full Article.