"A looming supply shortage stands to push palladium prices sharply higher over the next couple years, and North American Palladium (PAL) is sitting on one of the world's biggest deposits," notes Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "The company has several promising gold mines under development that could soon produce over 80,000 ounces annually.

"Believe it or not, there are only two mines on the planet that yield palladium first and foremost -- it's a by-product everywhere else. And one of those mines belongs to North American Palladium.

"Our latest 'Stock of the Month' has one of the finest and most dependable dividend streaks you'll ever find," notes Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "Realty Income (O) just recently announced its 488th consecutive monthly dividend, meaning it hasn't missed a payment since 1970.

"That tells me two things. One, the shareholder-friendly management team is committed to returning excess cash to shareholders. Two, it has consistently generated the profits to back up those payments through thick and thin.

"ConocoPhillips (COP) is not only my favorite integrated oil company, it is also on the short-list of my favorite stocks, period," says Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "The company is raking in cash; the integrated oil giant pocketed $2.0 billion in net profits last quarter on $53.2 billion in revenues.

"For all of 2010, earnings soared nearly 160% to $11.4 billion. That percentage gets cut in half when you exclude one-time gains and charges. Still, it's a good time to be a shareholder.

"Before the iPhone, Motorola's RAZR was the world's must-have handset. But the company failed to come up with a successor and has been bleeding market share ever since," notes Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "Now, Motorola Mobility (MMI) is back. After being lost in the woods for a few years, this former leader has found its way.

"By last summer, Motorola clung to just a 3% sliver of the global mobile phone market and had slipped into 8th place. But the tide began to turn shortly thereafter -- and I am expecting a big comeback in 2011.

"Health Care REIT (HCN) is one of the nation's leading developers and managers of medical office buildings, outpatient centers, senior living communities and other such facilities," says Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "The firm's portfolio spans 640 properties in 39 states. Like other real estate investment trusts, HCN dishes out most of its profits in the form of dividend distributions.

"Backed by recurring rental income from these facilities, which tend to be recession resistant, HCN has one of the most secure dividend distributions you'll find.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"I'm expecting big things out of Augme Technologies (AUGT) this year," says Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "Specifically, the company has developed breakthrough technology that facilitates the delivery of customized web content to mobile phones.

"ConocoPhillips (COP) is one of my favorite ideas for investors seeking a reliable (and increasing) income stream and modest upside potential," says Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "With the dollar sliding, oil prices have climbed back above $87 per barrel and could soon flirt with the $90 mark. And ConocoPhillips produces 1.72 million barrels every 24 hours.

"Through the first nine months of 2010, adjusted earnings in the core exploration and production segment at ConocoPhillips are up more than 100%.

"The real magic behind lithium is that, pound for pound, this featherweight metal can store more electric energy than just about any other material," notes Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of The ETF Authority explains, "That has made lithium the battery maker's best friend. And portable electronics, power grid infrastructure and hybrid vehicles are a powerful 1-2-3 punch that could send demand soaring.

"Unlike gold, silver and other metals, it's virtually impossible to invest directly in lithium. There are no lithium trading pits, no futures contracts, and no way to take physical possession. Global X Lithium Fund (LIT), a recently launched exchange-traded fund, is the next best thing.

"Claymore/Sabrient Defensive Equity (DEF) holds defensive, low-beta stocks can be a strong ally in uncertain market conditions," says Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of The ETF Authority suggests, "The fund has outperformed nine out of 10 large-cap value funds over the long-haul and kept investors' risks lower than its competitors.

"Beta figures help investors gauge the volatility of individual stocks. Any beta reading above 1.0 denotes abnormally large price swings.

In his Half-Priced Stocks, he explains, "Potlatch (PCH) owns plenty of them, with a portfolio of 1.6 million acres spread throughout Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota and Wisconsin. That forestland produces a steady harvest year in and year out. Timber production has been rising at a healthy +9% annual pace, reaching 4.4 million tons before last year's slowdown

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

"Moviegoers represent a captive audience that can't change the channel or block a pop-up ad," observes value investor Nathan Slaughter.

In his Half-Priced Stocks, he suggests, "We expect more companies than ever before to spend ad dollars on theater ads, leading to a banner year for National CineMedia (NCMI)."

"The health care business is immune to an ill economy, as people still need vaccinations, sutures and blood screens regardless of business cycles," notes value investor Nathan Slaughter.

In his Half-Priced Stocks, he suggests, "When it comes to medical waste disposal, demand is constant and barriers to entry are high." To play this specialty sector, he looks to Stericycle (SRCL).

"Stericycle is the dominant player in this field. The firm safely empties all those bins, and also removes discarded waste from research facilities, laboratories, hospitals, surgical centers, pharmacies, veterinary clinics and even dentists' offices.

"Vacationers and professionals finally appear to be hitting the road, and many are relying on Expedia (NASDAQ: EXPE) to handle the details," says Nathan Slaughter in Half-Priced Stocks.

The value investor explains, "Expedia's travel sites processed 15.3 million transactions during the second quarter, 18% above the same period last year. Howevver, the gross dollar amount of those bookings dipped slightly to $5.6 billion/

"Whenever you have more trips bringing in less money, it's a pretty good indication that prices are way down.