Background
David Ryan won the US Investing Championship three consecutive times (1985, 1986, 1987) under the mentorship of William O'Neil. He is considered the most successful direct student of the CAN SLIM methodology and spent years at William O'Neil + Company refining the growth stock selection approach. His verified championship performance lends enormous credibility to the O'Neil school of trading.
Core Methodology
Ryan's approach is pure CAN SLIM execution — buying the best growth stocks breaking out of proper bases during confirmed market uptrends. His edge comes from decades of experience identifying the qualitative characteristics that separate true market leaders from false breakouts. He emphasises the 'M' (Market Direction) as the most critical factor: even the best stocks fail in bear markets.
Key Trading Rules
- Follow the M (Market Direction) first — only buy in confirmed uptrends (follow-through day after correction)
- Current quarterly earnings growth of 25%+ minimum
- Annual earnings growth of 25%+ over the past 3-5 years
- Stock must be near or at a new 52-week high — never bottom-fish
- Buy on breakout from a proper base pattern (cup-with-handle, flat base, double bottom) on 50%+ above-average volume
- Cut losses at 7-8% below purchase price — no exceptions
Key Concepts
Books & Resources
How to Make Money in Stocks by William O'Neil. David Ryan's interviews in Market Wizards by Jack Schwager. IBD (Investor's Business Daily) tools and resources.