"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.

United Parcel Service's (UPS) stock, which I first discussed here on April 7, 2009, at a price of $51.28, appears to be forming a short-term double top near $77. But the view from here argues that it won't keep UPS down, and I obviously still like the business model at this stage.

UPS's 2011 revenue should increase 8% to 10%, after a nice 9% rise in 2010. The company is benefiting from increased demand stemming from the U.S. and global economic recoveries and better quarters are ahead. Look for increased pricing power, in some delivery segments and higher volumes.

Warner Brothers, Time Warner's (TWX) movie entertainment arm, is going to launch part 2 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows in 3D during 2011. We take this opportunity to estimate the value of such movies from Time Warner's perspective. Time Warner competes with Viacom (VIA), News Corp. (NWS), CBS (CBS) and Disney (DIS) in the media and entertainment business.

Our price estimate for Time Warner's stock stands at $35.51, in line with market price.

The shares of Kansas City Southern's (KSU), which I first discussed here on July 29, 2009, at a price of $19.66, have broken through major, psychological resistance at $50. Now may be a good time to consider taking some profits, if you're in near $20.

However, those investors who can tolerate the risk can maintain their full position in KSU, but keep in mind the journey to $70 may not be completed in 2011.

McDonald's (MCD) is looking to expand its footprint in Russia by increasing its store count by 15%, or about 40 new locations, in an effort to tap the growing demand for fast food. McDonald's competes with Wendy's (WEN), Subway, Burger King (BKC), and Yum! Brands (YUM) in the fast-food market and is the market leader with about 19% share. The company also competes with Starbucks (SBUX) in the specialty coffee market.

We have $78.40 price estimate for McDonald's stock, which is slightly ahead of market price.

Oracle (ORCL) has time and again reiterated its emphasis on profitability. Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in early 2010 with a view to strengthen its portfolio of products. Sun was a loss-making company at that time, and reported an operating income loss of $2.24 billion for fiscal year ended 2009. This is why Oracle could buy Sun Microsystems at a relatively cheap valuation of $7.4 billion.

However, Oracle seems to have converted the losses incurred by Sun Microsystems to profits. By leveraging Sun's technology, Oracle is trying to come up with a superior product portfolio and maintain an edge over competitors SAP (SAP), Microsoft (MSFT), IBM (IBM) and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ).

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is set to launch its Llano APU in Q3 of 2011 to compete with Intel's (INTC) Sandy Bridge. Here we take a look at how these two processors stack up against each other. AMD also competes with Nvidia (NVDA) in the PC microprocessor and graphics businesses.

Our price estimate for AMD stands at $8.85, which is roughly in line with market price.

Armstrong World Industries (AWI), first discussed here on November 8, 2010, at a price of $49.61, has meandered near $45 for the past three months, but I still like the shares at this stage. Here's why.

Armstrong, a leading producer of flooring products and ceiling systems for commercial, institutional, and residential buildings, should benefit from the bottoming-process in both the U.S. housing sector and commercial construction.

Starbucks (SBUX) is the world's leading roaster and retailer of specialty coffee. Through its global network of owned and franchised coffee retail outlets, Starbucks offers a wide range of products from coffees and teas to sandwiches and brewing equipment. It competes with McDonald's (MCD), Caribou Coffee (CBOU) and Peet's Coffee (PEET) in the broader market for specialty coffee.

The shares of Union Pacific (UNP), which I first discussed here on March 27, 2009, at a price of $43, have failed three times this winter to break through major, psychological resistance at $100. Needless to add, if you haven't already, now may be a good time to consider taking some profits if you're in near $43.

However, those investors who can tolerate the risk can maintain their full position in UNP, but keep in mind that the journey to $120 probably will not be completed in 2011.

U.S. Steel (X) recently announced its plans to partner with Surface Enhancement Technologies, a part of the Lambda Technologies Group, to improve the quality of its tubular steel products. The improved tubular products would see a wider range of applications and has the potential to add significant value to U.S. Steel by increasing the shipment figures for the company in the years to come. The company competes with international steel giants like ArcelorMittal (MT), BaoSteel, Posco, Nippon Steel (NISTY) and ThyssenKrupp.

Our price estimate for U.S. Steel stands at $60.17, roughly 7% ahead of its current market price.

"Sanofi-Aventis (SNY), a pharmaceutical products company, is a buy based on our 'Benjamin Graham value' model," says John Reese who assesses stocks based on the investment criteria of numerous "legendary" investors.

The editor of Validea, explains, "Indeed, the stock earns a 100% score, meeting all of the investment criteria we review in for this value-oriented screen.

Definitely not-for-the-squeamish Delta Air Line's (DAL) stock has plunged in bear-hug fashion during the winter to $9.80 from $14.70, and is now dangerously close to the sell/stop loss at $8.

Delta Air Lines, first discussed here on July 19, 2010, at a price of $10.73, would likely have been a leader of a rejuvenated airline sector until Middle East unrest, including the ongoing civil war in Libya, sent oil prices above $105 per barrel. That crude surge has pushed jet fuel prices -- typically the second biggest or biggest expense for an airline -- substantially higher.