The Ole Miss Finance Club Stock Pitch Fall ‘24 Recap
Stock pitches are structured presentations where OMIG members lead a team to advocate for investing in a specific stock based on a strong investment thesis, financial analysis, industry insights, catalysts, and risk assessments. In the TVA Investment Challenge, participating teams use these pitches to propose new holdings for our real-money portfolio managed under professional-grade guidelines. The pitches serve as the foundation for portfolio decisions, ensuring that each stock is rigorously analyzed and aligns with the fund's risk and return objectives. This hands-on approach not only helps teams acquire high-potential holdings but also provides invaluable experience in real-world investment management.
1. PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL)
Portfolio Manager Dave Roberts, supported by Portfolio Manager McClain Schieltz, delivered an insightful pitch on PayPal. They highlighted the company’s strategic position in the digital payments ecosystem, emphasizing growth opportunities in e-commerce and its diversification into buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services. Their analysis provided a detailed examination of PayPal’s competitive landscape and innovative developments.
2. Leggett & Platt (LEGG)
Portfolio Manager Logan Rodgers, alongside Sr. Analyst Sara Ausbury and Portfolio Manager McClain Schieltz, presented a compelling case for Leggett & Platt. They focused on the company’s leadership in bedding components and its diversification into other industries such as automotive and aerospace. The team highlighted Leggett & Platt’s innovation-driven approach, positioning it as a strong contender in a competitive market.
3. Peabody Energy Corporation (BTU)
Portfolio Manager Marshall Farnham, supported by Zach Wilson, Gibson Reitig, VP Nick Simokaitis, and Jordan Berry, tackled the case for Peabody Energy. Their pitch explored the company’s resilience amid volatile energy markets and its efforts in transitioning to sustainable coal production. The team presented a robust analysis of Peabody’s financials and potential growth trajectory with the recent acquisition of the centurion mine.
4. CVS Health Corporation (CVS)
Sr.Analyst Colin Kirchgisner, backed by Sr.Analyst Jackson Miller, Connor Griebenow, Dalt Brown, and Sr.Analyst Sara Ausbury, analyzed CVS Health. They delved into the company’s integrated healthcare model, its expansion into primary care services, and its competitive position in the pharmacy and healthcare sectors. The pitch emphasized CVS’s commitment to long-term growth and innovation in the healthcare space.
5. Gray Television, Inc. (GTN)
Portfolio Manager Tanner Galow, supported by Sr.Analyst Jackson Miller, Stuart Spence, Joshua Huelsman, Connor Griebenow, Tyler Faircloth, William Griffith, and Jada Baker, presented on Gray Television. They highlighted the company’s strong local media presence and strategic acquisitions to expand its market reach. The team discussed Gray Television’s adaptability in the rapidly evolving media landscape, showcasing its potential for sustained growth.