MII donates $1,000 to the CDC Foundation in an effort to help the world battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shortly after UVa dismissed students from Grounds as a result of COVID-19, we organized the MII Philanthropy Pitch to find ways to support our local and national communities. We donated $1,000 to the CDC Foundation per the wishes of Som Mohapatra and Nikhil Paul, the winners of the Philanthropy Pitch, in order to aid the nation’s fight against COVID-19. This donation underscores our long-standing commitment to service and citizenship.

Nikhil and Som pitched PVH Corp, a retail clothing designer and manufacturer, as a long investment based on its Calvin Klein strategic brand revamp, Tommy Hilfiger manufacturing explosion, and strong liquidity position amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. PVH’s stock price decreased 70% since its 2020 peak (compared to a 50% average for competitors), despite a lower debt/EBITDA ratio and a higher cash balance. Predicted catalysts for PVH’s price recovery were increased sales in Calvin Klein apparel reflected in the Q1 earnings report and plans for reopening retail stores in China and the United States. Since the pitch, the thesis has already begun to play out and the stock is up 15% to date.

Som and Nikhil are both first-year students at UVa. Som is on track to double major in Economics and Computer Science and is interested in blockchain research and equity / fixed income analysis. Nikhil plans to major in Economics and has prior experience in business operations.