A Few More Stock Tips for Investment Success

Thank you for the article on Bill O’Neil (“The Profiting Prophet of Playa del Rey,” by Thomas M. Kostigen, March 5). Although no investment system is foolproof, O’Neil’s CAN SLIM system and Investor’s Business Daily give the individual investor solid information for investing. Being disciplined in one’s investing style is the hard part.

Jim Peoples

Agoura Hills

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I find it unfortunate that the otherwise good article on O’Neil and his CAN SLIM methodology didn’t mention the American Assn. of Individual Investors’ tracked screens. AAII has been following its version of the CAN SLIM screen since 1998. Although there are some real-world constraints in following the screen (such as commissions, turnover and slippage), it has produced a return of 1,020% compared to the S&P; 500’s return of 31.9% during the same period. At the very least, this is an interesting starting point for more research.

Mebane Faber

Vice president

Cambria Asset Management

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I am a private investor in the market. I have no affiliation with any investment clubs or market “prophets.” The one philosophy I have tried to adhere to is patience. Kostigen purchased EZCorp at $16 and change. About six weeks later, he sold it for $15 and change.

I then turned to the Los Angeles Times’ Business section from March 3. EZCorp was trading at $23 and change.

Steven Hipsman

Granada Hills