After having time to digest this venture, I can confidently say that participating in the CFA Research Challenge was the most rewarding experience of my academic career. My team and I conducted an in-depth equity research report on Shift4 (NYSE: FOUR), producing a 20-page report and a detailed presentation, which we delivered at the Union League of Philadelphia in front of a panel of judges. This challenge opened my eyes to the immense amount of time, analysis, and diligence required to perform in depth equity analysis—I personally dedicated 100+ hours to this project.
Our report covered several areas such as business analysis, industry analysis, financial analysis, valuation, investment risks, and ESG. We crafted a compelling narrative around Shift4’s expansion strategy through M&A and its ability to capitalize on an evolving payments industry.
I want to extend a huge thank you to my teammates Hector Suriel, Ryan Davis, and Matthew Marino. A full team of student-athletes, it was a pleasure working alongside a dedicated group of individuals. A special thanks to our Professor, Tunde Odusami, and our industry mentor, Matthew Viereck, CFA, whose guidance and expertise were invaluable throughout the process.
Looking forwards to what’s next in my journey!