Complete summary of How to Make Money in Stocks (Fourth Edition). Learn the CAN SLIM system, chart patterns, entry-exit rules, and investing strategies for 2025.
How to Make Money in Stocks (Fourth Edition) is one of the most influential books ever written on stock market investing. Authored by William J. O’Neil, this book introduces the world-famous CAN SLIM System, which has helped millions of traders and investors choose winning stocks and build long-term wealth.
In this article, you will learn:
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What the CAN SLIM system is
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How to make money in good and bad market conditions
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Chart patterns explained by O’Neil
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Entry, exit, and risk-management rules
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The most important lessons from the book
This is a fully SEO-friendly summary updated for 2025.
Why This Book Is Special. (How to Make Money in Stocks)
According to O’Neil, two types of people consistently make money in the stock market:
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Those who follow a proven system
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Those who control their emotions
He famously said: The stock market is not a place for emotions; it’s a place for rules. In the fourth edition, O’Neil explains how to select strong companies, buy them at the right time, and sell them before they turn weak helping you build long-term wealth. This book works for both investors and traders.
What Is the CAN SLIM System?
The CAN SLIM system is the core of this book. It identifies high-potential growth stocks using seven powerful factors:
C – Current Quarterly Earnings.
Choose companies whose quarterly earnings are consistently rising.
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EPS growth of 20–25% or more
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Rising revenue
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Strong profit margins
Weak earnings rarely produce multibagger stocks.
A – Annual Earnings Growth.
At least three years of strong annual earnings growth is essential. Consistent growth reflects a strong and scalable business.
N – New Products, New Management, New Highs.
Multibagger companies typically bring something new, such as:
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A breakthrough product
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New management
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New technology
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Or simply making new 52-week highs
O’Neil says: Stocks making new highs are often the best buys.
S – Supply and Demand.
Price movement is governed by supply and demand:
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Low float stocks move faster
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High volume indicates institutional buying
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More demand = stronger uptrend
L – Leader or Laggard.
Always pick leaders, not laggards. Leading stocks outperform their sector. A lagging stock almost never becomes a rocket.
I – Institutional Sponsorship.
Strong stocks always attract:
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Hedge funds
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FIIs/DII investors
Institutional support adds stability and momentum.
M – Market Direction.
Market trend is everything. Trend is your friend. When the market is in a downtrend, staying in cash is also a smart strategy.
Chart Patterns: O’Neil’s Most Powerful Weapon.
The book spends a major portion teaching chart reading, because charts reveal the true behavior of big money.
1. Cup With Handle Pattern.
O’Neil calls it the most reliable pattern.
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U-shaped bottom
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A small downward handle
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Breakout with volume
This pattern often leads to big multi-month rallies.
2. Double Bottom Pattern.
A “W”-shaped pattern. When it breaks out on strong volume, it signals the start of a major uptrend.
3. Flat Base Pattern.
A tight, low-volatility pattern where early smart money accumulates. A perfect setup for long-term gains.
Entry Strategy – When to Buy.
O’Neil says: Buy stocks only at breakout points.
A valid breakout must include:
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Strong volume
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A clean resistance breakout
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A confirmed market uptrend
Even a great stock bought at the wrong time becomes a losing trade.
Exit Strategy – When to Sell.
1. Always use a 7–8% stop loss.
This single rule has saved millions of traders from big losses.
2. Take partial profits at 20–25%.
Secure gains when the stock has moved sufficiently.
3. Never hold during a confirmed downtrend.
A profit is not real unless it is booked.
Risk Management – The Biggest Lesson.
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Never put all your money in one stock
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Diversify wisely
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Avoid overtrading
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Control emotions
Success belongs to those who follow a systematic, disciplined approach.
Top 10 Lessons from the Book. (How to Make Money in Stocks)
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The market is never wrong—you are.
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Ride the uptrend, avoid the downtrend.
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Trust charts, not emotions.
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Cut losses small, let profits grow big.
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Choose strong sectors and strong stocks.
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Stick to market leaders.
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Learn and buy breakouts.
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Start small and scale over time.
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Build a system and follow it strictly.
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Patience + Discipline = Success.
Who Should Read This Book?
This book is ideal for:
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Beginners
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Swing traders
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Stock market investors
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Growth investors
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Anyone who wants a proven investing system
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. If you want to invest in the stock market, you should learn about the stock market yourself or consult a financial advisor and a certified expert. The stock market is risky. Before making any investment, you should consult an expert.
Conclusion
This article explains, in today’s volatile markets, a rule-based system is more important than ever. O’Neil’s CAN SLIM method, chart patterns, and disciplined approach provide a complete roadmap to consistent profits. If you want to build wealth in 2025 and beyond, this book can transform your trading and investing journey. If you enjoyed the information in this article, please like, share, and comment.
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