Special Thanks to:
Our Sponsor
Our 2026 Subject Company
Research Challenge
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is a global competition that tests the analytic, valuation, report writing, and presentation skills of university students. The challenge comprises analysis of a publicly-traded company, mentoring by a professional research analyst, writing a research report, and presentation of research to a panel of experts. The first Research Challenge competition was hosted by the New York Society of Security Analysts in 2002 and involved just five teams from the New York area. Since then, the competition has grown to include thousands of students from over 1,000 universities in more than 75 countries.
Congratulations To Our 2026 Winner
Volunteers
The challenge is a volunteer-intensive effort and requires the participation of many industry-leading portfolio managers and analysts. Volunteering opportunities include grading written research reports, mentoring a team, or judging oral presentations. CFA continuing education credit may be available for volunteering. If you are interested in helping in any of these capacities, please email us at [email protected]
Students and Faculty
If you are a student or faculty member from a college or university in Georgia, South Carolina, or Alabama and are interested in joining this year’s CFA Institute Research Challenge Southern Classic, please send an email to [email protected].
Past Champions
| Date | Year | Subject Company | Winner |
| 2026 | Year 18 | Invesco | Kennesaw State University |
| 2025 | Year 17 | Carter's | Mercer University |
| 2024 | Year 16 | Southern Company | Kennesaw State University |
| 2023 | Year 15 | Pulte Group | Kennesaw State University |
| 2022 | Year 14 | Genuine Parts Company | Mercer University |
| 2021 | Year 13 | Aflac | Mercer University |
| 2020 | Year 12 | The Coca-Cola Company | Kennesaw State University |
| 2019 | Year 11 | HD Supply Holdings | University of South Carolina |
| 2018 | Year 10 | UPS | University of South Carolina |
| 2017 | Year 9 | Delta Air Lines | Kennesaw State University |
| 2016 | Year 8 | Intercontinental Exchange | University of Georgia |
| 2015 | Year 7 | Axiall Corporation | Wofford College |
| 2014 | Year 6 | Mohawk Industries, Inc | University of Alabama |
| 2013 | Year 5 | Rock-Tenn Company | University of Georgia |
| 2012 | Year 4 | AGCO Corporation | Wofford College |
| 2011 | Year 3 | Global Payments, Inc | University of Georgia |
| 2010 | Year 2 | Cbeyond, Inc | Georgia State University |
| 2009 | Year 1 | MedAssets, Inc | Georgia Tech |
