Every day, the sun rises on Wall Street, and a plethora of professional analysts wake to issue new opinions on stocks. Here at the Fool, we use our "This Just In" column to examine some of these picks -- and the track records of the companies behind them -- so individuals can make better investing decisions.

In addition to following professional banks, anyone can use Motley Fool CAPS to monitor the collective opinions of the 140,000 members, many of whom demonstrate better investing insight than published analysts do.

After spending much of the past few years stuck at a middle-of-the-road three-star rank, enough top-performing CAPS members have turned bullish on Force Protection (NASDAQ:FRPT) recently to upgrade it to a more formidable four stars. A total of 870 members have given their opinion on Force Protection, with many offering analysis and commentary explaining the recent optimism.

Despite reporting earnings recently that landed with a thud -- and took its stock down with them -- many CAPS members like the long-term outlook for military vehicle maker Force Protection. The company has a strong international sales pipeline, solid service and replacement contracts, and zero debt on the balance sheet. Although it and peers General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), Navistar (NYSE:NAV), and BAE missed out on the large government contract that Oshkosh (NYSE:OSK) recently took home, Force has managed a couple of contract wins of its own. Of note, there's a $56 million contract from the U.S. Marines that will have Force upgrading its Cougar fleet. The company also recently scored a $53 million deal to build Buffalo MPCVs for the U.S. Army.

Force Protection might also land some significant, unanticipated revenue in the coming years. While an extended U.S. presence in Afghanistan shows promise for companies such as Boeing (NYSE:BA), Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) that make unmanned aerial vehicle technology, Force Protection looks to increase annual sales of vehicle repair and maintenance as President Obama has committed to expanding operations in the country. Over five years, the company believes the additional work could add up to $1 billion in incremental business.

Do you think Force Protection deserves its new, higher status? Add your thoughts in the comments box below, or head over to CAPS to rate it yourself. While you're at it, see what the very best CAPS analysts are saying now about the company.