Background
Mark Minervini is a two-time US Investing Champion (1997, 2021) who averaged 220% annual returns over a 5-year audited period with only one losing quarter. He developed the Specific Entry Point Analysis (SEPA) methodology and the Volatility Contraction Pattern (VCP) — arguably the most widely used stock breakout pattern among professional momentum traders.
Core Methodology
SEPA combines fundamental screening (earnings acceleration, sales growth, relative strength) with technical timing (the VCP pattern). The VCP identifies stocks where each successive pullback within a base is shallower and tighter than the last, indicating that selling pressure is drying up. When the stock breaks out of this increasingly tight pattern on volume, it often produces explosive moves.
Key Trading Rules
- 8-Point Trend Template: stock must meet all eight criteria confirming a Stage 2 uptrend
- Price above 150-day and 200-day MA. 150-day above 200-day. Both rising.
- Price at least 25% above 52-week low. Price within 25% of 52-week high.
- Relative strength rating of 70+ (IBD style)
- VCP: look for 3-5 contractions in price range (e.g., 25% → 15% → 8% → 4%)
- Buy on breakout from the final contraction (pivot point) with volume 50%+ above average
Key Concepts
Books & Resources
Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard by Mark Minervini. Think & Trade Like a Champion by Mark Minervini. Minervini Private Access subscription ($5,000/year). US Investing Championship records.