Category IR Communications

Crisis Communications

General

  • Press Release – Company Names New Head of IR

    We are big fans of press releases for Heads of IR.  It provides prominence to the role and visibility.  A great way to build credibility in the role.

  • NASDAQ Insight on Transition Back to In-Person

    Here is a nice document on transitioning back to in-person.  The pendulum will swing back to a good mix of in-person (which is very effective) and virtual (which is very efficient).

  • Press Release Ex – Appointment of IR Manager / Firm

    Here is a good press release to announce the hiring of an IR manager, who is from an IR firm.  In addition, how equity is part of the compensation.  A nice way to show alignment of duties to shareholders.

  • E-Blasts – Be Careful with Layout and Wording

    Fresh sets of eyes are very valuable.  Here is an e-blast which seems harmless.  But, having what appears to be “SELL” in your subject header for each blast can work against you.  Or, at least not for you.  See the document herein for an example.

  • Response to Activist Letter

    Here is a response to an activist letter.

  • Company Response to 13D Filing – Press Release

    Although atypical, here is a formal company response to a 13D filing by an investor. 

  • Termination of Merger Agreement – Press Release

    Here is a nice example of a press release that discloses the termination of a merger agreement.

  • Quarterly Shareholder Letter – Example

    Here is a nice quarterly shareholder letter which gives a synopsis of key highlights and information.  We like this.

  • IR E-Newsletter Example

    Here is a great example of an IR E-Newsletter. It provides a quarterly outreach to your investor and analyst base. Not too detailed, but just enough to make it informative.

  • Financial Media for Executives

    Here are some tips and thoughts regarding financial media opportunity for executives. This includes our ranking of the best financial media options.

  • Investor Kit Cover Letter – Example

    One of the least used marketing tools is to include a nice cover letter when sending out requested materials. Here is an example. Feel free to use this as a starting point, then custom it to make it scream your brand.

  • Comment on Market Speculation – Press Release

    Here is an example of a short and sweet press release you can issue if you have a material movement in your stock price or significant volume.

  • Communicating Transition from Paper to Electronic Only

    Although it is rare, it is growing. That is, communicating to investors and analysts that SEC filings are only available electronically. Paper copies are not provided. Here are a few examples of communications you can reply with if requested to send paper copies.

  • Ongoing Accounting Review of Revenue Recognition – Ex

    It is always best to hit things head on. Here is an example of a press release where the company provides a reminder/update on an ongoing review of its revenue recognition and has delayed its SEC filings.

  • Student Inquiries

    We are big fans of interacting with students and helping them with their projects. Often times, they have fresher thinking than even some seasoned investors. They are not as jaded or set in their ways. We recommended you have a way to connect with this group.

  • Thank You to Customers – Example

    Sometimes the smallest gesture gets the biggest notice. Here is an example of a simple email sent to customers saying “Thank You”. It is amazing how something to simple can resonate so strongly. Sadly, saying “Thanks” in the business world is not nearly as often as it should be.

  • Company Statement

    From time to time, your company may look to release a statement to help bring clarity on a specific subject related to your company. Although it is generally reserved for larger companies, any company may use this tool as a communication resource.

  • Press Release Tips

    Here are some key tips when considering your press release for company news. It includes thoughts on what to do when you have 2 events in close proximity.

  • Communication to Customers – Example

    Sometimes a simple marketing message to your customers can speak volumes about your company culture. Take a look at this example. It may not be a public company, but you can feel the culture of the company.

  • Change in IR Leadership

    Here is a nice press release for a change in IR leadership. It provides good background on the new leader, plus a reference to a smooth transition from the former leader.

  • Social Media Overview and Tips

    Social Media is incredibly popular, but is still not overly used for IR purposes. However, it will continue to grow and here are some considerations and tips as you incorporate social media into your IR messaging.

To Buy-Side

  • Thank You – Conference or NDR

    Here is an example of a thank you letter you can send after meeting with an investor at a Conference, NDR, or other event.  It is simple and easy and is a great way to keep your stock top of mind with an investor.  It will exceed their expectations.

  • Quarterly Investor Newsletter – Example

    This is an easy way to communicate in mass to your investor base.  Stay short and sweet and provide key information and highlights.  Remember, the audience will only spend a few minutes on something like this.

  • Nice Reminder – Transcript is Available (if you missed it) – Email

    This was a nice email to receive as a head’s up in case the earnings call was missed.  A great value-add by the IR Dept. which takes virtually no time.  

  • Investor Newsletter

    Regular contact with your investor base is critical to building great relations. You may think something is immaterial, but it may be important to someone else. Here is an example of a formal investor newsletter which can be issued whenever you want to give a head’s up on something.

  • Example – Transition to Electronic from Paper Communication

    Companies continue to transition to electronic and internet access of their proxy materials. Here is an example correspondence to shareholders discussing this transition and explaining how individuals can opt-out of paper materials. This was sent directly to shareholders.

  • 10-K Highlights Communication to Buy-Side

    Imagine you are on the buy-side and you have 18 companies in your portfolio. To review 18 annual reports would be incredibly time consuming. You can score huge points with a nice email summary of highlights (i.e. new items, items taken out, subsequent events, etc.). Here is an example.

  • Example Info Request for Feedback from the Buy-Side

    The buy-side always has an opinion and loves to give you ideas and thoughts. The best IR teams use this to their advantage. At times, it is important to solicit feedback from the buy-side as you are making decisions on your IR approach. Here is an example email you can send to garner that feedback.

  • Example Holiday Greeting to Buy-Side

    The Holidays are a great reason to connect with your top investors. Here is an example of a quick email you can send as a warm greeting and a nice way to end the calendar year.

To Employees

  • Open Letter to Employees Example

    Periodically, there may be news that your Chairperson or CEO will want to address directly to the Company’s employees. Here is an example open letter to the employees which was placed on the home page of its IR Website.

  • Tips on Communicating to Employees

    It is just as important to provide timely and transparent communications to your employees as you do the Buy-Side or Sell-Side. Here are some tips on messaging internally to your employees.

  • Example – Internal Quarterly IR Newsflash

    Regular communications to your company’s employee base is crucial to good IR. They look at the stock price more often than you think. Plus, they do not distinguish between company performance and stock performance. You can be a very helpful voice of reason that helps all levels to understand the “Word on the Street”. Here is an example you can use.

To Sell-Side

  • 10-K Highlights Communication

    Imagine you are a sell-sider and you have 18 companies in your coverage universe. To review 18 annual reports would be incredibly time consuming. You can score huge points with a nice email summary of highlights (i.e. new items, items taken out, subsequent events, etc.). Here is an example.

  • Example Info Request for Feedback of Sell-Side

    The sell-side, like the buy-side, always has an opinion and loves to give you ideas and thoughts. The best IR teams use this to their advantage. At times, it is important to solicit feedback from the sell-side as you are making decisions on your IR approach. Here is an example email you can send to garner that feedback.

  • Example Holiday Greeting to Sell-Side

    The Holidays are a great reason to connect with your top investors. Here is an example of a quick email you can send as a warm greeting and a nice way to end the calendar year.