"This thesis is an attempt to explain methods of determining the investment worth of bank stocks. It is assumed that the chief interest of most investors is profit making; therefore, investment worth may be taken to mean income- and wealth-producing power. There are some instances in which bank stocks are bought for purposes other than profit, as when control of a bank's management is desired, but such instances are not included in this objective study of investment worth. The Chicago banks were used as subjects of special study because easier and better access could be had to information concerning these banks than to any other group of banks."--P. i.

Without a doubt, millions of investors don't feel entirely comfortable researching their own stock selections. They invest in 401(k) plans, mutual funds and even individual stocks with only bare-bones investigation, turning to so-called investment gurus on financial news shows and headlines in newspapers for their information.

Find great stocks "in your own backyard": master do-it-yourself research techniques for uncovering today's best small-cap equity opportunities! Peter Ricchiuti reveals the secrets of Tulane University's Burkenroads Reports program, where he and 200+ business students work together to uncover less-followed, frequently misunderstood, and seemingly un-sexy companies that often produce superior investment returns. Their research on these "orphan stocks" powers The Burkenroad Mutual Fund, which has outperformed 99% of all stock funds over the past eleven years. You've seen them on CNBC, CNN, and the Nightly Business report... read about them in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Now, Ricchiuti shows how they do it - and how some well-informed stock sleuthing can pay off big for you, too. You'll discover why "underfollowed" small-cap equities now offer exceptional investment opportunities, and how to leverage the surprising hidden advantages available to individual investors - including the ability to trade in stocks that don't generate the volume and liquidity institutional investors require. Fact is, there's very little innovative equity research on Wall Street anymore. That gives you a powerful advantage - and Ricchiuti gives you the principles and simple techniques you need to take advantage of it. Stocks Under Rocks will be the next classic for every personal investor who wants to find great investments and have fun doing it!

"Exploring the Investments Jungle: Finding Your Way to Financial Success" is the perfect book for anyone who wants to make intelligent investment decisions, but isn't sure where to begin. You'll learn: Which investments are the most suitable for you Where to find the investments that meet your needs How to avoid common pitfalls With the help of Seth C. Anderson's easy-to-follow guidelines, you can effectively navigate the investments jungle instead of relying on professionals-professionals who may be more interested in their own profits than your well-being. You can take control of your financial future . . . and there's no better time than now.

Publisher Description

"Though no one speaks about them, thrift conversions have been tremendously lucrative for savvy investors." If you dream of digging up hidden treasure in the stock market, you'll want to read this book. You're about to discover a niche that portfolio managers and top investment experts can't touch - even if they knew about it! It's an area you have a huge advantage on Wall Street. It's a place where the potential returns are high and the risks are low, and most of the stocks are acquired at a substantial premium. Here's your guide to these secret stocks: - Discover how to systematically uncover these hidden gems- Invest even before they go public- Find banks so cheap they're worth more dead than alive- Analyze how to buy them and what to look for - even let pro analysts value them for you- Get expert insight from investors who dominate this niche- Supercharge your returns by getting these top professionals to work for you - for free!This book provides step-by-step guidance for investors and offers case studies of current and past stocks. You'll have the tools to find attractive risk-adjusted returns in small banks. James F. Royal, Ph.D., got hooked on special situation investments after he discovered that the stock market sometimes gives away companies for free and occasionally even pays you to take them. He worked at The Motley Fool as an analyst managing a portfolio of spinoffs and thrift conversions. He has been investing in stocks for over 20 years and has a doctorate from the University of Florida.