Raymond James Ltd. has released its Canadian Equity Analysts’ Best Picks list for 2011, the investment dealer announced Thursday.

The list highlights 13 individual stocks of Canadian companies that Raymond James analysts expect will produce superior results during the upcoming year.

The 13-analyst-selected stocks are:
> Aura Minerals Inc. (TSX:ORA)
> Bankers Petroleum Ltd. (TSX:BNK)
> CGI Group (TSX:GIB.A)
> Domtar (NYSE:UFS)
> Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO)
> Fortress Paper (TSX:FTP)
> Genivar Income Fund (TSX:GNV.UN)
> Great Basin Gold (AMEX:GBG)
> Groupe Aeroplan (TSX:AER)
> McCoy Corporation (TSX:MCB)
> North American Energy Partners (TSX:NOA)
> Paladin Energy (TSX:PDN)
> PetroAmerica Oil Corp. (TSX:PTA)

“In terms of measuring performance, we will be tracking returns for the first half of 2011 to allow our analysts the ability to review their selections and make mid-year changes in June,” says Daryl Swetlishoff, head of research at Raymond James Ltd.

Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, the 2010 picks by Raymond James analysts generated an average holding period return of 24.9% compared to 12.3% for the S&P/TSX composite Index and a 22.8% for the S&P/TSX Small Cap Index from July 27 to December 2, 2010.

“There is no assurance that the Best Picks will achieve the results expected and like any investment, investors could incur profits or losses,” says Swetlishoff.

“These stocks represent a current snapshot of our analysts’ best ideas,” he says, “however, we continue to encourage investors to focus on risk adjusted returns and appropriate asset allocation while investing over the long term.”

Within the last 12 months, Raymond James Ltd. has undertaken an underwriting liability or has provided advice for a fee with respect to the securities of Bankers Petroleum, Fortress Paper, Groupe Aeroplan and PetroAmerica Oil.