INTRODUCTION From Darwin to Wall StreetCHAPTER 1 The Investor's North Star: Customer ObsessionCHAPTER 2 Corporate Alchemy: Turning Customer Obsession into Long-Term SuccessCHAPTER 3 Cracking the Moat Code: Tools for Measuring Moat StrengthCHAPTER 4 The Secret to Customer Loyalty: The Customer Advantages-FrameworkCHAPTER 5 Base Barriers Revealed: Building the Initial Customer AdvantagesCHAPTER 6 The Magic of Exit Barrier: Supercharging Customer LoyaltyCHAPTER 7 Customer Loyalty’s Last Bastion: Uncovering the Power of Entry BarriersCHAPTER 8 Unlocking Investor Success: Mastering Customer-Based InvestingCONCLUSION A New DawnAcknowledgmentsAPPENDIX A: Moat CategoriesAPPENDIX B: Overview Switching BarriersAPPENDIX C: Moat Strength IndexAPPENDIX D: Customer Data SourcesBibliographyIndexAbout the AuthorHidden Monopolies challenges conventional investment thinking, introducing a groundbreaking approach to company analysis, helping investors recognize firms with lasting competitive advantagesInvesting in high quality companies is often cited as the most reliable way to achieve successful investment returns. However, the question remains: why do so many investors adopting this approach fail to generate such returns? Many books have been written on investing, but only every few generations does a book emerge that challenges the way we think about investing.​This is such a book.​After decades of research into why some companies stay successful while others fail, former Head of Equities, Patrick Wierckx managed to uncover the answer. Now, for the first time, he shares his insights in a book that captivates even the most experienced investors. By drawing on his more than 25 years of institutional investment management experience, he offers a groundbreaking approach to help investors analyze companies more accurately and achieve successful investment returns.​Whether you are a beginning investor or a seasoned professional, Hidden Monopolies offers an invaluable resource for every investor who wants to take full advantage of those companies that deliver superior returns over prolonged periods of time.​HIDDEN MONOPOLIES will teach you:The secrets to achieving successful investment returns​How to let investments work for you, rather than against youHow to effectively analyze a company in a short period of timeThe timeless principle that underpins enduring business success​How to find hidden gems among companies that are built to last​How to spot the warning signs hiding behind a company’s success​How to predict a company’s future success even when data is scarceInvesting in high quality companies is often cited as the most reliable way to achieve successful investment returns. However, the question remains: why do so many investors adopting this approach fail to generate such returns? Many books have been written on investing, but only every few generations does a book emerge that challenges the way we think about investing.​This is such a book.​After decades of research into why some companies stay successful while others fail, former Head of Equities, Patrick Wierckx managed to uncover the answer. Now, for the first time, he shares his insights in a book that captivates even the most experienced investors. By drawing on his more than 25 years of institutional investment management experience, he offers a groundbreaking approach to help investors analyze companies more accurately and achieve successful investment returns.​Whether you are a beginning investor or a seasoned professional, Hidden Monopolies offers an invaluable resource for every investor who wants to take full advantage of those companies that deliver superior returns over prolonged periods of time.