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Colorado PERA to Host CFA Institute Research Challenge

February 21, 2024

Media invited to student presentations and awards on February 28

DENVER—Colorado PERA will be hosting students from the University of Wyoming, Colorado State University, University of Colorado – Boulder, University of Denver, University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, and Fort Lewis College for a daylong competition culminating in an award presentation on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the PERA office.

Students from each school will deliver a stock analysis on Walmart to a panel of judges, who will evaluate each team based on a written report and the in-person presentation. Judges include investment analysts from Colorado PERA and other financial firms.

“Hosting this challenge provides PERA with an opportunity to lend our investment expertise to inspire the next generation of investors,” said Jeremy Frenkel, Equity Analyst III at Colorado PERA and organizer of this event. “PERA has 26 CFA Charterholders on staff managing over $55.9 billion in assets and is committed to the high standards of the program,” said Frenkel.

Local level competitions are organized and judged by CFA Institute society members. The winning university team from each local competition advances to the sub-regional competition, and then the winning teams from each sub-regional competition advance to the regional competition. Regional winners advance to the Global Final, where one team emerges as the global champion.

Media availability and opportunities include the presentations, students, judges, and the announcement of the winner at the PERA offices. Media are invited to attend the presentations and award announcements:

  • Presentations begin 10 a.m.
  • Awards 3 p.m.
  • Location is Colorado PERA, 1301 Pennsylvania Street, Denver, CO.

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global competition that provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Each student will be tested on their analytical, valuation, report writing, and presentation skills. They gain real-world experience as they assume the role of a research analyst.

Colorado PERA provides retirement and other benefits to more than 670,000 current and former teachers, State Troopers, corrections officers, snowplow drivers, and other public employees who provide valuable service to all of Colorado. PERA is a vital and stable contributor to Colorado’s economy, distributing more than $4.5 billion to retirees who live in the state.