To: Kaliico who wrote (85059 ) 3/3/2003 11:49:02 AM From: Frederick Langford Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 208838 Zacks.com Features the Following Top Stocks in the Defense Electronics Industry: Raytheon, FLIR Systems, Integrated Defense Tech, and L-3 Communications 3/3/2003 6:00:00 AM CHICAGO, Mar 3, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Defense is the name of the game for investors these days with the fear of war and new heightened terrorist warnings. Get the hottest Defense Electronics stocks from the All Stars and start making profits today. Here are the top recommendations in the Defense Electronics industry: Raytheon Company (RTN) , FLIR Systems, Inc. (FLIR) , Integrated Defense Technologies, Inc. (IDE) , and L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (LLL) . Discover the full story at Zacks.com allstartoppicks.zacks.com What Do The All Stars Recommend: Raytheon Company (RTN) is a global technology company. The company provides products and services in the areas of defense and commercial electronics, engineering and construction, and business and special mission aircraft. RTN was recently awarded an $18 million contract by the U.S. Navy for the Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS). It will be integrated into the Navy's Sikorsky MH-60 "Black Hawk" helicopter, and has a potential value of $30 million if all options are exercised. In the fourth quarter of 2002, RTN significantly narrowed its net loss and reported that net sales rose to $4.7 billion. It's electronic systems segment saw sales jump by +13% to $2.5 billion, due to increased in sensor-related and U.S. Navy programs. FLIR Systems, Inc. (FLIR) designs, manufactures and markets thermal imaging and broadcast camera systems for applications in the commercial and government markets. The company's products come in a variety of configurations such as handheld or ground-based systems, as well as systems mounted on ships, helicopters and airplanes. Fourth quarter net earnings improved by +24% to 71 cents per diluted share, which surpassed the year-ago result by a dime. Revenue jumped by +15% to $74.9 million from $65 million. The backlog of orders grew to about $92 million at December 31, 2002, compared to $82 million from the year earlier. FLIR reaffirmed its revenue guidance for 2003 of $290 million to $300 million, and its net earnings guidance of $2.35 to $2.45. Integrated Defense Technologies, Inc. (IDE) is a leading developer and provider of advanced electronics and technology products to the defense and intelligence industries. Their products are installed on or used in support of a broad array of military platforms in order to enhance their operational performance or extend their useful life. The company reported a fourth quarter revenue rise of +18% to $88.1 million from $74.7 million, marking a record for IDE. The company said it starts 2003 with "significant momentum," and remains well positioned to grow in its core markets and capitalize on opportunities like the Army's Future Combat System (FCS) and Hybrid Electric HMMWV program. L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (LLL) is a merchant supplier of sophisticated secure communication systems and specialized communication products. LLL recently announced that it still expects to achieve its goal of 20% annual growth for sales and earnings, including 8% to 10% growth excluding acquisitions, in 2003. The company feels confident in this target because of the continued strong expected performance across its four business segments. Furthermore, LLL also said that sales of its explosive detection systems (EDS) remain unchanged for 2003 and projects sales for the year of about $175 million. In the company's fourth quarter, LLL reported increases for sales operating income and diluted earnings per share on an adjusted basis of +85%, +52.3% and +24.4% respectively. To get our full analysis and top picks for this sector, then click: allstartoppicks1.zacks.com Fred