Ahead Of The Bell: Caci International,0334

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — An analyst upgraded Caci International Inc. Tuesday, saying the military contractor has a strong position in high growth areas of intelligence, cybersecurity and biometrics.

Analyst William R. Loomis of Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Inc. upgraded the Arlington, Va., company to "Buy" from "Hold."

In a note to investors, he said a federal judge's refusal to dismiss a lawsuit against Caci International by alleged torture victims at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison has pressured the stock. Although the lawsuit creates uncertainty, federal officials have already investigated the accusation and it's unlikely that new information will surface, Loomis said.

In a ruling made public Thursday, a federal judge rejected claims by CACI International that it could not be sued because its interrogators were performing their duties as required by the U.S. government and that none of the plaintiffs allege interaction with anyone at CACI International. The company also said the case involves U.S. policy issues too sensitive for litigation.

Monday, Caci International vowed to pursue all legal alternatives to defend itself and "vindicate the company's good name."