Competition Projects
The poster session provides SMIFC teams with an opportunity to showcase key aspects of their student-managed investment funds, including:
- SMIF history
- Portfolio performance
- Asset allocation
- Investment strategy
Purpose & Incentives
To encourage participation, SMIFC will recognize and award the top three teams demonstrating excellence in both investment performance and visual presentation. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with peers from other universities.
Important Requirements
- All presenters must bring or deliver their posters to the conference.
- Posters must be removed after the session.
- Presenters must arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the poster session.
How to Participate
To enter the competition, please complete the following steps:
1. Email Intent to Participate
Send an email to: tarek.zaher@indstate.edu by 5:00 p.m., September 1, 2026, indicating your intention to participate.
2. Submit Performance Documentation
Report your fund(s) time-weighted rate of return (TWRR) using the Sharp Ratio template.
Submit it along with twelve monthly brokerage statements covering the period:
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Note: If your school manages more than one fund, two separate teams from the same institution may participate.
Evaluation Rubric
- SMIF performance (Sharpe ratio): 30%
- Visual presentation: 35%
- Presentation to judges: 35%
Poster Session Cash Prizes
Courtesy of The Garrett Companies
- First Place: $1,000
- Second Place: $800
- Third Place: $700
Project Overview
This project is a comprehensive financial analysis exercise focused on Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU). Participants are expected to evaluate the company’s financial performance and strategic position using financial ratios, valuation models, and other quantitative and qualitative metrics.
Each analysis should integrate macroeconomic, industry, and company-specific perspectives to demonstrate a thorough understanding of Micron’s financial health, competitive position, and long-term outlook.
Up to two teams (2–5 students each) from each participating school may enter this competition.
Data Resources
Participants may use the following recommended sources, as well as other reliable databases available through their institutions:
Macroeconomic and Industry Data
- Federal Reserve Beige Book and FRED Database
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- The Conference Board
- World Bank
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- PwC: Global Outlook and Industry Reports
- Deloitte: Industry and Economic Outlooks
Company-Specific Data
- U.S. SEC EDGAR Database
- Yahoo Finance
- Google Finance
- Finviz – Stock Screener
- Bloomberg Terminal
- Micron Technology official website
- Morningstar
Guiding Questions
Teams should apply analytical tools and techniques learned in finance and business courses to address the following topics:
1. Business Niches (10%)
What specialized business niches have Micron Technology developed over time?
2. Diversification (15%)
How well diversified is Micron Technology in terms of exposure to regional, national, and international economic risks (e.g., inflation, geopolitical conflict, pandemics)?
Is the firm’s business model or revenue base vulnerable to major economic, financial, or political shocks?
3. Stockholder Performance (15%)
How well have Micron Technology’s shareholders performed over the past five years?
Compare Micron’s stock performance to:
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average
- Other major market indices
- Industry peers
4. Financial Strengths and Weaknesses (30%)
What are the company’s key financial strengths and weaknesses?
Use financial ratios, trends, and relevant performance metrics to support your analysis.
5. Valuation and Recommendation (30%)
What is the intrinsic value (target price) of Micron Technology’s stock relative to its current market price?
Is the stock currently overvalued or undervalued, and would you recommend a buy, hold, or sell position?
Submission Requirements
- Font Size: 10–12 points (Times New Roman or Arial recommended)
- Length: 8–12 pages (including references and appendices)
Copies Required:
- One copy including author(s) and university information
- One anonymous copy without author or university names (for blind review)
- File Format: PDF or Word document preferred
- Submission Deadline: September 01, 2026
- Submission Email: tarek.zaher@indstate.edu
Financial Analysis Competition Cash Prize Pool
Courtesy of The Garrett Companies
- First Place — $1000
- Second Place — $800
- Third Place — $700