The challenge: convince the judges with investment recommendations on ASX listed companies. In this year's edition of the Deakin Stock Pitch Competition, 13 teams impressed with their grasp of analysis, valuation principles and persuasive presentations.
Excitement and anticipation filled the Deakin Trading Room on June 26th as teams of Deakin University students gathered for the annual Deakin Stock Pitch Competition (DSPC). Sponsored by the CFA Melbourne Society and organized by Dr. Ruipeng Liu, CFA Coordinator, Department of Finance. The DSPC aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world financial challenges. This year’s competition highlighted the participating students’ dedication, talent, and collaborative spirit.
A diverse pool of talent
The 2024 DSPC saw participation from 46 students, forming 13 diverse teams. Students hailed from various majors and programs, including Accounting, Business Analytics, Economics, Finance, Financial Planning, Marketing Technology, and Law. This diversity brought a rich blend of perspectives to the competition, enhancing the learning experience for all involved.
‘Beyond the academic and analytical components, the Deakin Stock Pitch Competition also allowed us to showcase our teamwork and communication skills.’ said Duong An from the winning team
A day of intense competition
Held in the state-of-the-art Deakin Trading Room, the competition required each team to research and prepare a report on a designated public company traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Teams then presented their findings and investment recommendations to a panel of judges. The judges, comprising two industry professionals and one academic, evaluated the teams on their understanding of valuation principles, analytical depth, and presentation skills.
After two rounds of rigorous competition, the team ‘Mavericks’ emerged victorious. Comprising Thi An Duong, Bach Duong Hoang, Sourabh Rikhabchand Kankariya, and Hai Vu, Team Maverick impressed the judges with their ability to seamlessly blend theoretical knowledge with practical insights. Their collegiality and teamwork further set them apart, earning them the top prize of $500 sponsored by the CFA Melbourne Society. Team ‘Mavericks’ will now represent Deakin to compete in the CFA Institute Research Challenge.
(photo of Team Mavericks and its team members)
“I am proud that the members of the team have united and overcome the challenges during the competition with the highest sense of responsibility” said Hai Vu.
2nd place was won by Team ‘Medallion Capital’ which included the duo Bhavya Bagaria and Pranav Dialani.
In a close 3rd place, Emma Habibovic, Isaac Tymms and Om Ambikar from team ‘Liquidity Lions’ concluded the winners.
“Participating in the Deakin Stock Pitch Competition was an enriching experience” said Sourabh. “Emerging as winners taught us the importance of meticulous research, strategic thinking, and effective teamwork. Me with my team gained invaluable insights into financial analysis and enhanced our pitching skills”
Commendation from judges
The judges praised all the participants for their exceptional talent and perseverance. ‘Deakin students showcased exceptional talent, dedication, and perseverance throughout the competition,’ remarked Dr.Ruipeng. The event not only tested the students’ analytical abilities but also provided invaluable networking opportunities with industry professionals.
‘Participating in the Deakin Stock Pitch Competition was a pivotal decision during my university experience. Beyond the thrill of winning, it was a profound learning journey,’ reflected Summer Hoang.
Impact and future prospects
The conclusion of DSPC 2024 marked the culmination of months of hard work and commitment. Students demonstrated their ability to think critically under pressure, and the event offered them a platform to showcase their skills in front of industry experts. For many participants, the competition could pave the way for future career prospects in finance and related fields.
The Deakin Stock Pitch Competition 2024 was a resounding success, highlighting the university’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to apply their academic learning in real-world contexts. As we look forward to future iterations of the DSPC, the event stands as a testament to the talent and potential of Deakin students.
For those inspired by this year’s competition, keep an eye out for next year’s event and start preparing your stock pitches. The DSPC not only hones analytical skills but also fosters a spirit of collaboration and innovation that will serve you well in your future careers.