What Makes Up an Investment Research Challenge?

 

Panelists consider a presentation

University teams of 3-5 students are mentored by industry professionals in writing an equity research report on a publicly traded company.

 

The teams then present their findings to a panel of experts. Past panelists included directors of research, chief strategists, and CIOs from Bear Stearns, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, and Morgan Stanley.

 

Challenge Components:

 

Analysis of a Public Company:
Teams research a publicly traded company. Company management presents to the teams and participates in a Q&A session.

 

Mentoring By a Professional Research Analyst:
Each team works with an investment professional, who mentors the team on research process and reviews and critiques its report.

 

Writing a Research Report:
Each team produces an initiation of coverage report on its chosen company. The report is reviewed and scored by a group of judges.

 

Presentation of Research to a High-Profile Panel of Experts:
Teams present their research to a panel of experts from top financial institutions. The team with the highest combined report and presentation score is the winner.

 

Advancement to the CFA Institute Global Challenge:
The winners of local competitions advance to compete against teams within their geographic region, culminating in a global finale competition on 1 May 2008 in New York City.