General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) turned in a quarterly profit that beat expectations. The business of battle overshadowed aviation industry contraction, which contributed to the result. Thanks to the strong Q3, General Dynamics has raised its profit forecast for the year.

JPMorgan analyst Joseph Nadol wrote to his clients this morning that "the stock has been strong recently" and "there is no denying that the company posted good results." But, he also observed that the near-term upside is limited, because investors expected a solid Q3, and the company still faces some pressure from a pretty sharp drop in its aerospace backlog.

The savvy investor knows that, in addition to the known performers, one has to locate those 'off the radar' stocks -- potential gems and overlooked performers that don't receive much publicity. And with the aforementioned in mind, Olin Corp. is worth a review.

Olin Corp. (NYSE: OLN) is a diversified producer of chlor-alkali chemicals and ammunition.

Analysts like Olin's chlor-alkali business (75% of 2008 revenue), including products caustic soda and chlorine, among others. An ammunition business rounds-out OLN's diverse industrial plate. Look for the ammunition business to continue to benefit from strong U.S. Government orders, in the immediate years ahead. The Reuters F2008/F2009 EPS consensus estimates for OLN are $1.97/$2.03.

The risks? The commodity chemicals segment is cyclical -- some products are used in pulp and paper processing and to keep swimming pool water clean, for example -- so analysts will look for signs of a slower-economy-induced dip in orders in Q1/Q2 2008. Analysts are also keeping an eye on Olin's skilled labor costs.

With the U.S. economic landscape remaining uncertain, it's prudent to add a defensive stock or two to your portfolio, and with the aforementioned in mind Alliant Techsystems is worth an evaluation.

Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) is an ammunition supplier and rocket engine / motor manufacturer with substantial United States Government contracts.

Analysts like Alliant's strong fundamentals, solid U.S. Department of Defense orders for ammunition, equally impressive launch systems work from NASA, and sporting ammunition business.

Analysts also believe ATK is well-positioned to capture a portion of the U.S. DOD's work for next-generation weapon systems.

Meanwhile, margins should improve slightly in F2008 to 11%, and costs, while not low, are reasonable. The Reuters F2008/F2009 EPS consensus estimates for ATK are $6.39/$7.38.

The risks? An early withdrawal of U.S troops from Iraq would lower ATK's revenue for F2009-F2010. Analysts are also keeping an eye on the company's productivity per man hour.

The First Call mean rating for ATK is: Buy. [12 firms.] Mean 2008 target: $128. [high: $136, low: $120.]

Stock Analysis: Alliant Techsystems is a moderate-risk stock not suitable for low-risk investors. Investors with an investment horizon longer than 2 years should be rewarded from ATK's shares. Sell / Stop Loss if you were to purchase shares in this company: $68.

Disclosure: Lazzaro has no positions in stocks. In addition to private real estate holdings, he owns corporate and municipal bonds, and cash certificates of deposit.