But first, why should we care?

After all, Wall Street is notorious for outlandish claims and outrageous boasts. But before you dismiss this one, there are a few things you should know about this particular investor...

• He studied security analysis at Columbia University under Benjamin Graham, where he earned the only A+ ever awarded by the stingy professor called "the father of value investing"
• His investment in Coca-Cola is the stuff of Wall Street legend. Now worth some $8.4 billion, it has paid his clients $1.9 billion in dividends alone
• In June 2006, a hedge fund manager from New York paid $250,010 simply for the opportunity to have LUNCH with him!

And then there are his legendary investments

In GEICO, Gillette, and The Washington Post... together, they made him the second-richest man in the world, behind Bill Gates. No wonder Christopher Edmonds, a successful money manager and respected financial journalist, calls this gentleman simply "the greatest investor of the last half of the last century."

Yet, despite the literally thousands of pages written about him, here's something few individuals or even professional investors know about this guru's investing secret.

To earn you 50% per year — essentially doubling your portfolio every 20 months — he would NOT buy Coca-Cola or even his own $150 billion company, (I'll explain this astonishing fact in a moment). No, he would buy a different type of stock altogether...

To earn 50% profits this year, the world's greatest investor would buy a special kind of common stocks that some of the world's top investing minds can't stop raving about. Here are just a few reasons why...

• When Ibbotson Associates analyzed 70 years worth of data — it discovered that these stocks outperformed every other type
• Another study by Oppenheimer Capital reveals that this particular class of stocks has outperformed the S&P 500 by a wide margin since 1925
• The highly respected CPA Journal confirms that "the lack of coverage by Wall Street produces a highly inefficient market in these stocks that breeds opportunity"

Now you're starting to see why... to double your portfolio every 20 months... the world's greatest living investor wouldn't buy the stocks you're probably holding now.

He'd buy a different breed of stocks with names you've probably never heard. Companies with names like...

• Transkaryotic
• CNS Inc.
• Mine Safety Appliances

Why am I so sure? Because he said so! Plus, the world's greatest investor is always on the lookout for undervalued companies that offer...

• Pristine balance sheets with low debt
• Solid, cash-generating businesses in profitable niche markets
• Outstanding management with large ownership stakes

But that's not all. They would also share another absolutely critical trait — in addition, that is, to the potential for providing you generous long-term profits.

Yes, the three stocks you just saw DOUBLED in value in two years...

But even that's not the absolutely critical trait I'm going to share with you just ahead. While you take a moment to consider what that elusive trait may be, here's something else these companies have in common.

All three were recommended in Motley Fool Hidden Gems, the service I'd like you to try for the next 30 days FREE. Here they are again, this time with the profits earned by my subscribers...

• Transkaryotic — Up 270%
• CNS — Up 226%
• Mine Safety — Up 122%
  *Returns as of 4/21/2008

And these are just three of a dozen Hidden Gems recommendations that have doubled over the past three years. You'll see more just ahead, plus my top Hidden Gems performer.

That way, you'll have all the information you need to decide if Hidden Gems can help you make money. Once you're convinced that it can, I'll show you how you can try the complete service for a full 30 days on me.

But first, you need to know how my Hidden Gems are performing.

Of course, I'd never suggest that all my picks are winners. The chart you just saw reflects my winners and disappointments alike. Some Hidden Gems recommendations even lose money. But none is ever swept under the rug.

You see, I track and update every single Hidden Gems recommendation for you to see at all times.

You'll hear more about Hidden Gems and how you can put the complete service to work for you just ahead.

Or if you're ready to start your 30-day FREE trial, click here. Otherwise, read on as we blow the lid off our little mystery about the world's greatest investor and his audacious claim.

Watch as a group of kids from Kansas breaks this remarkable case wide open

I think you'll laugh when you hear how they did it.

You see, the investor we're discussing today is a notorious straight shooter. Yet, when he was pressed to confirm his controversial "50% boast," he grew downright mysterious.

Enter a group of students from the University of Kansas. Rather than argue over who said what and when, these kids took matters into their own hands. They trekked across the heartland and demanded a private audience.

And when it was granted, they stood directly across the table from this imposing figure... and they asked:

Q: Is it true? Did the outsider from Nebraska really boast that he could earn 50% per year? And more important, does he stand by it today?

A: Yes. In fact, not only did this gentleman confirm what some believed he had first proclaimed back in 1999, he went one giant step further.

Finally, you can deploy Warren Buffett's secret weapon

I imagine you've figured out that the investor we've been talking about is none other than Warren Buffett... the Oracle of Omaha... the world's greatest living investor.

I bet you're also piecing together his formula for earning you those 50% profits year-in and year-out. At least you have an inkling of that special class of common stocks he wishes he could buy... small-company stocks.

You guessed it: The legendary value hound who became the world's second richest man by gobbling up shares of American icons like Coca-Cola and GEICO would invest his hard-earned money in small-company stocks... if he could!

As you're about to see, Warren Buffett can't. But WE can... and the profits can change our lives forever. And to make it happen, all we have to do is stay true to that absolutely critical trait I mentioned earlier.

In fact, it's not only the one critical trait shared by all great stock investments...

It's the missing link between the HUGE profit potential of small caps and the wealth-building strategy of the world's greatest investor. Here it is simply: They must trade below their intrinsic values.

Take a moment to let that sink in... Because once you fuse the critical connection between small caps and value stocks (for instance, the companies you're accustomed to hearing about from The Motley Fool), the rewards can be out of this world.

Now I think I have your attention

At least I hope I do because this really is the breakthrough that could change the way you look at risk and reward forever.

You see, my years of work analyzing America's best companies convinced me that, if we can tolerate a bit more volatility, there might be an even more powerful path to building the wealth we want and deserve.

If we could manage to buy America's top businesses when they are undervalued and unloved on Wall Street... but also when they are small... we could consistently beat the market, by ever-greater margins. (As monumental a breakthrough as this is, I didn't discover it myself. Smart investors like Chuck Royce and David Nierenberg have been exploiting it and making their clients fortunes for years.)

But most investors don't have a clue. And that's why I call this special type of extremely profitable stocks Wall Street's Best-Kept Secret.

Wall Street's Best-Kept Secret

It's worth pausing briefly to summarize that remarkable graphic in plain English. If you'd invested $1,000 in Ibbotson's universe of large-cap stocks in 1927, you'd have about $2 million today. Not too shabby.

If you'd bought small-cap value stocks instead, you'd have more than $33 million.

You read that right... $33 million. And no, that's not a typo or data trick. I created that chart using 70-odd years' worth of results straight from Ibbotson Associates, the kings of market data.

Now, is 70 years a long time? Sure, but that's the point. If you're patient, small cap value stocks are the best the market has to offer — across all types of market cycles — by a long shot.

Now, why Warren Buffett would love to be you!

It relates directly to that one condition to his "50% per year promise" we discussed earlier.

The world's greatest investor guarantees he can earn you 50% profits per year on one condition. And here it is...

You must have LESS than $1 million to invest!

I know, that sounds crazy. After all, the big money on Wall Street has all the advantages, right? In fact, that couldn't be further from the truth. Even for the man called the world's greatest investor.

In fact, a big player like Buffett has massive amounts of capital to put to work. It's simply not practical for him to take positions in small-cap stocks — no matter how undervalued or how much he loves the business.

The same goes for most professional money managers and mutual funds. With hundreds of millions or even billions to invest, most institutions can't buy high quality smaller stocks without 1) running up the price and 2) buying up a controlling share of the business.

This is the single most important advantage we have over the professional investors on Wall Street

And it may be the secret path to building the wealth of your dreams... faster than you ever thought possible. And believe it or not, you have yet another great advantage. You may not realize that big investment banks don't do business with well-capitalized small companies.

And that this is why their analysts don't cover them... and why their clients don't buy them. At least not at first.

I call this vicious circle the herd mentality on Wall Street. But it's not your problem.

It's actually a HUGE opportunity. You see, at Hidden Gems we are building our positions before Wall Street catches on... then once the herd does wake up, we just sit back and profit as the big money bids the stocks higher.

Think it can't happen to you? — It can!

After all, consider how this precise tactic of buying great companies early, before Wall Street catches on, led thousands of investors to the most profitable investments of our lifetime. In each of the following examples, notice how the profits are multiplied exponentially if you can get in when they're small.

• Dell Computer [NASDAQ: DELL] Had you invested just $10,000 in Dell Computer in 1990, you'd be sitting on $3.9 million today.
• Southwest Airlines [NYSE: LUV] Had you invested $10,000 in Southwest in 1980, you'd be sitting on almost $1 million today.
• Wal-Mart [NYSE: WMT] Had you invested $10,000 in Wal-Mart in 1975, you'd be sitting on $19.2 million today.

Are these extreme examples? Sure.

But just imagine if you could do half as well... or even one-third as well. Imagine how that would change your life... not to mention your peace of mind and your retirement plans.

It's simple mathematics. You'll never earn the astonishing returns you just saw if you're buying large, mature businesses. Most of their doubles and triples are frankly behind them. Not so with my Hidden Gems.

I know what you're thinking:
Aren't small caps risky?

You're right to think that way. That's precisely what we're taught in finance and investment classes. And like I said, small caps aren't for everyone.

They tend to be more volatile over the short term, for one thing. And, yes, small companies can face more business risk than larger entrenched corporations, especially in recessions.

But that just means that you have to be selective — you simply can't run out and buy just any small-company stock. However, that DOESN'T mean small caps have to be high-risk speculations.

That's what I call the Small-Cap Risk Myth. It's hogwash and I can prove it!

My team at Hidden Gems has prepared a Special Report to refute it once and for all. When you see the report, you'll recognize at once how the Small-Cap Risk Myth teeters on two related misconceptions:

• Small caps are penny-stock speculations, peddled in boiler rooms and cocktail parties
• Investors who "trade" small caps are interested only in "story" and "potential," not fundamentals and valuation

If you have any doubt that this is nonsense, you won't once you read the report. It's called "Rising Stars: Tomorrow's Blue Chips Today," and I'd love to get it in your hands right now.

But don't get the wrong idea. "Rising Stars" is not some abstract academic tome — it's chock full of actionable stock advice you can put to work building your wealth this afternoon.

In fact, the profits you could earn from the five stocks highlighted in this report could easily cover the cost of your one-year subscription to Hidden Gems.

Here's a sample of the breakout stocks you'll discover...

• A micro-cap whose pedigree dates to 1946 and remains in the hands of its founding family. Combines low risk with steady growth, dominates its market, and pays a dividend. Sound too good to be true? That's what I thought until I saw it for myself.
• I guarantee you know this company's clothes. You may not be as familiar with its generous cash flow, rock-solid management, and Fort Knox balance sheet. These same traits powered stocks like Gap, Wal-Mart and Dell to the top of the market-cap heap. No wonder the company is aggressively buying its own shares.
• Last year this customer service champion teamed up with Microsoft, Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Sony, IBM, and Cisco to rake in nearly $6 billion in revenues. The secret here: rapidly rising sales and improving margins. Put simply, this is a beautifully run business you can buy for less than 1 times sales!

Now, you can see why I'm so eager for you to get the full story on these three Hidden Gems. Plus, three BONUS "future" blue chips also featured in my report, "Rising Stars: Tomorrow's Blue Chips Today."

You can get the complete report free — you can even download it instantly if you like. But before I give you the full details, let's tie a bow around the Warren Buffett mystery once and for all.

Now, for the best news of all... and why NOW is the time to get started

Earlier, you heard how Warren Buffett confirmed the boast he made back in 1999. And how he actually went one amazing step further. Well, here's the final piece to the puzzle.

Not only does the world's top investor stand by his claim that he could earn 50% profits per year, he argues...

"It would perhaps even be easier to make that much money in today's environment because information is easier to access."

I couldn't agree more. I also echo Mr. Buffett's warning that "you have to turn over a lot of rocks to find those little anomalies," and that "you have to find the companies that are off the map — way off the map."

After all, you don't think Warren Buffett became the world's second-richest man by not knowing what he's talking about? Hardly. Even so, when he suggests, "no one will tell you about these businesses. You have to find them," I respectfully beg to differ.

Mr. Buffett apparently hadn't visited our Hidden Gems website yet. After all, that's exactly why I created Hidden Gems in the first place... to turn over the rocks for you... and to tell you about the market's best underfollowed stocks.

So far, my subscribers assure me that we're succeeding. Like one member who writes from Melrose Park, Illinois, exclaiming... "My investment in Hidden Gems has me at a '68-bagger' in relation to the cost to join!"

Now, I can't promise you 68 times your investment, but when you think back to the chart you saw earlier... the one that shows how Hidden Gems are far outperforming the S&P 500... you can agree we are on to something big.

Try Hidden Gems for 30 Days on me!

Just ahead, you'll hear about two new valuable reports you can access when you agree to sample the complete service FREE for 30 days.

That's right, you can visit the member's only site, look over my entire stock scorecard, and read over all our back issues. You can even poke around our super-active Hidden Gems community discussion boards.

Ask a question… post a comment… or simply get your fellow investors' latest thoughts on our Hidden Gems investments. My entire Hidden Gems service is yours FREE… with no pressure or obligation to subscribe.

I should probably explain how I can afford to make this offer.

There's only one way. You see, I'm convinced that once you experience all the benefits of the Hidden Gems service, you'll want to become a member for years to come. It's that simple.

Start your FREE trial today and get two more valuable reports FREE!

By now, you should have a pretty good idea whether my Hidden Gems approach... and the prospect of building your wealth with small-cap value stocks... is right for you.

As I said, this style of investing isn't for everyone. But if you're like me, the rewards are simply too great to pass up.

At the same time, you might be a little unsure of where to start. That's understandable. I think you'll like this solution. Accept my offer to sample Hidden Gems today... you'll find that your monthly newsletter issue, the full issue archives, and our super-active members-only website provide most everything you need to get started.

But I want make sure your transition to small-cap investing is even easier and more enjoyable. So, I've also prepared two special reports to help get you started.

Both reports are yours free the instant you start your FREE trial. The first report is called, "10 Steps to Becoming a Master Small-Cap Investor." Now, in one quick afternoon read, you can learn how to...

• Break down the financials
• Diversify like a pro
• Scale into your positions

And these are just a handful of the subjects covered in my guide to winning big with small caps. You can read it today or put it on your shelf for reference. But every investor who is serious about making money in small-cap stocks will consider this a must-have.

But you also need specific stock advice. That's why, as a complement to my "10 Steps" primer, I also want you to have my latest stock research report, "How to Bank Insider Profits on the Crazy Idea that Dazzled Bill Gates."

In this new report, you'll discover how a small company is exploiting the simple business model that transformed a fledgling Microsoft startup into one of the great Internet success stories in history.

You'll see how this simple, yet elegant, business made millionaires of early investors and raked in more than $10 billion for a Hollywood mogul who bought up the entire U.S. operation. And more important, how it's NOT too late for investors like us.

Here's why. In 1999, a team of top engineers from Oracle "borrowed" this powerful business plan and put it to work serving a population of more than 3.5 billion. And now, we can get in near the ground floor.

When you hear the details, I think you'll agree that this success story is uncannily reminiscent of the great American growth stories of the past 20 years... and that this upstart China Internet company could realistically top $10 billion or more in 10 years.

In fact, I'm so sure this company can deliver you market-beating returns, I have recommended it to my Hidden Gems members on three separate occasions. How serious a deal is that? Well, it's one of just three stocks I have awarded this "highest" recommendation in three years.

When you join Hidden Gems today, you get the full write up on how to "Bank Insider Profits on the Crazy Idea that Dazzled Bill Gates."

As an added bonus, I'll also include my full write-ups on the only other two stocks I've recommended on three separate occasions. You get the full story on all three top recommendations laid out for you in my new report. All these top picks are yours free instantly when you agree to try Hidden Gems, today.

Let's take a moment to revisit what you get when you join at my risk today...

FREE Bonus Report No. 1:

Rising Stars: Tomorrow's Blue Chips Today

No glamour here. Just 5 solid leaders in niche markets that are underfollowed, ignored, unknown, and in some cases, scorned! This is a rare opportunity to be the first to hear about six well-guarded secrets with a lot of room to run.

FREE Bonus Report No. 2:

10 Steps to Becoming a Master Small-Cap Investor

Shows you how to break down the financials... diversify like a pro... and safely scale into your small-cap positions. Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting out, this detailed guide to winning big with small-cap stocks is a must for your investing library.

FREE Bonus Report No. 3:

Bank Insider Profits on the Crazy Idea That Dazzled Bill Gates!

Reveals the one China Internet company that's eerily reminiscent of the great American growth stories of the past 20 years. This one could realistically top $10 billion or more in 10 years. Get all the details in this new report.

The Motley Fool's Oil, Gas, Precious Metals and Timber Report: 8 STOCKS to tap the global resources boom!

The price of copper has tripled in half a decade. Zinc has doubled. Wheat and soybeans rose 70% last year. Crude oil... silver... lead... uranium... cattle... gold... cocoa... and corn -- ARE ALL SOARING! And some pretty smart investors are making a bundle...

Here's the upshot for you in all this: investing in resources -- things measured in bushels, barrels, and ounces -- is a strategy that's working for investors, at a time when gains in traditional stocks are becoming harder and harder to find.

"...hard assets like oil and gold perhaps offer a safe hedge against inflation, as well as the double-digit gains that have fast been disappearing from the markets for stocks, bonds and real estate."
-- The New York Times
March 20, 2008

That's why we just spent a considerable amount of time and energy... I'm talking about the time and energy of some of the brightest investors on the planet... vetting the best resource stocks for the years to come:

• This oil field services company is set to thrive as drilling increases, which will happen whether oil costs $60 a barrel or $160, and everywhere in between... this company's strong brand, veteran leadership and healthy cash flow make for exactly the kind of investment Warren Buffett endorses, "a wonderful company at a fair price"
• Silver is a resource that's in demand whether the global economy is in boom or bust... that's why we're recommending a company that operates low cost mines with significant exploration upside... and management that's legendary for creating shareholder wealth!
• Timber is the best-performing asset over the past century, with a history of gaining value even in brutal bear markets... and that's just the beginning of what attracts us to one dynamic company poised to convert forest waste into a virtually limitless biofuel... plus, this company is set to streamline operations and could save itself a bundle in corporate taxes which gives the stock near-term upside of around 40%!

And here's what really excites us about these stocks: ever increasing global trade... the emergence of China and India and that region's uncontrollable appetite for resources... and exponentially surging demand for the world's limited resources...

All this adds up to a unique, and genuine, long-term investing opportunity!

You owe it to yourself to discover the full details of the 3 stocks I just introduced you to inside your FREE report. Plus, you'll get full details of 5 other powerhouse resource stocks that have as much potential, or perhaps even more!

So don't delay. Snap up your FREE copy of "The Motley Fool's Oil, Gas, Precious Metals and Timber Report: 8 STOCKS to tap the global resources boom" while supplies last!

Simply agree to give Hidden Gems a try for 30 days without risk today, and you get all three reports free. Plus, you also get:

The Hidden Gems private newsletter, every single month — chockfull of the best coverage on small-cap stocks the industry has to offer.

Hidden Gems Weekly rushed to your inbox every week. Now, you will always be up-to date should news develop affecting any of my Hidden Gems picks.

Your personal password to the private Hidden Gems website, where you'll find full archives of every Hidden Gems issue. Plus a running portfolio that's kept up-to-date with my newest recommendations.

Unlimited access to the members only Hidden Gems community, where you can discuss the latest issue... the latest recommendation... and all current and past Hidden Gems picks.

And just as you've come to expect from The Motley Fool, you also get full access to my real-time Scorecard, listing every current and past Hidden Gems recommendation. Plus, access to my staff of analysts online... and to me.

Of course, the risk is still 100% mine

Even after all we've discussed today, you still might not know for certain that Hidden Gems is just right for you... no matter how reasonable the price or exclusive the deal.

The last thing I would want is for you to feel you'd made a mistake. That's why… even if you decide to forgo your FREE trial and join Hidden Gems today… I want you to take a full 30 days to decide if you want to stay on.

That way, we can both rest easy. If you are not thrilled with your decision to join Hidden Gems, you simply cancel within the first 30 days.

You will get back every penny. And whatever you decide, my Special Report "Rising Stars," is yours to keep forever as are all the other valuable bonus reports we've discussed today.

And I even want you to have the valuable bonus report, The Motley Fool's Oil, Gas, Precious Metals and Timber Report: 8 STOCKS to tap the global resources boom!.

Thousands will gladly pay $59 for this product over the next few months. I want you to have it today as my gift.

No, I can't guarantee you 50% profits per year

I would never betray Mr. Levitt's trust or yours by making promises I can't keep. The truth is, I can't guarantee you will make a fortune with small caps. And I won't promise you will never have to take a loss.

But the surest way I know to build immutable wealth with stocks is to buy value where Wall Street isn't looking — then wait for the market to come to you.

And my research and experience confirms the powerful secret Warren Buffett let slip back in 1999 — if you can get in early, when the companies are small, your rewards can be multiplied.

I think we've demonstrated that clearly today.

The only question is whether you're ready to get started. If you think so, please take me up on my risk-free offer and join me and my team at Hidden Gems today.

I'll rush you instant access to my special report, "Rising Stars: Tomorrow's Blue Chips Today."

Plus, you'll get my handy primer, '10 Steps to Becoming a Master Small-Cap Investor" and the brand new report revealing, "The Crazy Idea That Dazzled Bill Gates."

Surely, there will never be an easier way or a better time to explore the profitable world of small-cap investing than by taking advantage of this special offer. And, remember, the risk is all mine. I hope to hear from you today.

Simply click on the big "Start Now" button below to start your Hidden Gems membership.

To Many Years of Great Investing,

Bill Mann
Advisor, Motley Fool Hidden Gems

P.S. Again, I can't promise you 50% per year profits. Only Warren Buffett can do that. But even if your returns are only half as great — just imagine the effect that would have on your wealth. Don't let another day go by. Join me at Hidden Gems right now.

P.P.S. I can only guarantee you'll receive the new report, The Motley Fool's Oil, Gas, Precious Metals and Timber Report: 8 STOCKS to tap the global resources boom!, if you respond in the next 10 days. And remember, this is a NO-RISK proposition for you. If you are not thrilled with Hidden Gems, you can cancel for a full refund anytime within the first 30 days. Simply click here to join today.

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

The Motley Fool stands behind our products and our guarantee. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with Hidden Gems, simply notify us within the first 30 days and you won't pay a cent. Even after your first 30 days, if you change your mind, you will receive a pro-rated refund for the remainder of your subscription term.