Every once in a while there's a compelling research report issued in the Concrete Canyon that goes virtually unnoticed. Wall Street, so often caught up in the mood of the market 'right now,' sometimes drifts past data and fails to fully-publicize information that reveals fertile ground and investment opportunities.

That may have been the case with U.S. Global Investors' infrastructure report.

The report, entitled "Infrastructure: A Global Opportunity for Investors" notes that $41 trillion will be needed to modernize urban water, electricity, and transportation systems globally, during the 2005-2030 period, according to an estimate by Booz Allen Hamilton. In the United States, the figure is $1.6 trillion, according to research by the American Society of Civil Engineers. There are two distinct but massive infrastructure tasks: in emerging markets, a massive build-out to support growth; in the United States and the developed world, a focus on repair and replacement, according to U.S. Global Investors.

For L-3 Communications, the defense never rests. L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LLL) makes secure and specialized systems for satellite, avionics, and marine communications, with a healthy percentage of its business coming from the U.S. Government.

Analysts like LLL's diversified revenue stream: specialized products (34%), intelligence/communications (22%), government services (25%), and aircraft modernization and maintenance (19%).

Analysts expect 8%-9% organic revenue growth in 2007 and 7%-8% in 2008, including solid growth in government service and specialized products. The Reuters F2007/F2008 EPS consensus estimates for LLL are $5.95 to $6.51.

The risks? Analysts are keeping their eye on LLL's profit margins, high financial leverage, and ability to increase its low dividend. A substantial decline in U.S. government/defense spending would also hurt L-3's results.

The First Call mean rating for LLL is: Hold [15 firms]. Mean 2008 target: $116.20 [high: $129, low: $108].

Stock Analysis: L-3 Communications is a moderate-risk stock not suitable for low-risk investors. Investors with an investment horizon longer than 2 years should be rewarded from LLL's shares. Sell/Stop Loss if you were to purchase shares in this company: $78.