Mark Minervini
U.S. Investing Champion with 220% Annual Returns
Mark Minervini
Momentum Growth
Key Stats
Net Worth
$50+ Million
Origin
American
Lifespan
Born 1960 (66 years old)
Biography
Mark Minervini is a legendary stock trader who turned a few thousand dollars into millions using his proprietary SEPA (Specific Entry Point Analysis) methodology. His journey from a struggling trader to a two-time U.S. Investing Champion is nothing short of remarkable.
Early Life & Struggles
Mark didn't start as a natural. In fact, he lost money for years before cracking the code. He spent countless hours studying the greatest traders in history, including Jesse Livermore, Nicolas Darvas, and William O'Neil. This obsessive study of market history would become the foundation of his trading approach.
The SEPA Methodology
Minervini developed SEPA (Specific Entry Point Analysis), a systematic approach to identifying superperformer stocks before they make their biggest moves. The system focuses on:
- Trend Template: Only buying stocks in confirmed uptrends
- Volatility Contraction Pattern (VCP): Identifying tight consolidations before breakouts
- Relative Strength: Seeking stocks outperforming the market
- Fundamental Catalysts: Earnings acceleration and revenue growth
Championship Performance
Mark won the U.S. Investing Championship in 1997 with a stunning 155% return. He returned to competition in 2021 and won again, proving his methods remain effective across different market cycles. His compound annual growth rate over his career exceeds 30%.
Teaching & Legacy
Today, Mark is dedicated to teaching his methodology through his books, workshops, and Master Trader Program. He has helped thousands of traders understand that consistent profits come from having a defined strategy and the discipline to execute it.
Trading Philosophy
"The goal of a successful trader is to make the best trades. Money is secondary." Mark believes in cutting losses quickly (typically at 7-8% below purchase price), letting winners run, and only trading stocks that meet all his criteria. He emphasizes that most traders fail because they lack a specific, repeatable methodology.
Famous Trades
Multiple Growth Stocks
Used SEPA methodology to identify and ride multiple momentum stocks to victory in the U.S. Investing Championship.
Championship Win
+155%
Growth & Momentum Plays
Returned to competition after 24 years and dominated with his refined SEPA system, proving its timeless effectiveness.
Championship Win
+334.8%
Legendary Quotes
"The goal of a successful trader is to make the best trades. Money is secondary."
"Losses are a cost of doing business. Take them quickly and move on."
"I look for stocks that are acting right, in the right industry groups, at the right time."
"Your job as a trader is not to predict. Your job is to react."
Recommended Reading
Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard
The definitive guide to the SEPA methodology
Think & Trade Like a Champion
Advanced strategies and mindset for serious traders
Mindset Secrets for Winning
The psychological edge needed to succeed
Similar Legends
Jesse Livermore
The Greatest Stock Speculator Who Ever Lived
William O'Neil
Creator of CANSLIM & Investor's Business Daily
Ed Seykota
Trend Following Pioneer with 250,000% Returns