Investor Relations Survey 2011

Extraordinary Times

These are extraordinary times. Interest rates have never been lower, but as soon as the fear of deflation receded, inflationary pressures started to mount. In an uncertain world, dividend yields on European equities were higher than the yields available on government bonds, something that has not happened for the best part of 60 years. Corporate profits have been strengthening, but there are concerns about consumer demand and while companies strengthened their balance sheets, governments found themselves immersed in sovereign debt. Hopes are pinned on the private sector to drive economic growth as the state retreats.

In some respects, and paradoxically  as a degree of normality returns, the job for investor relations officers (IROs) will become more difficult. They will move away from communication strategies that convey clear and quantifiable messages on costs savings and debt reduction to more uncertain messages on top line growth and investment. Extraordinary Times, our 2011 Investor Relations Survey, reviews changes to the landscape over the past year and asseses the issues facing IROs over the coming year.

Link to press release

Investor Relations Survey May 2009

Investor Relations in times of uncertainty

Who would be an IRO in the current uncertain times? Despite some signs of optimism in April, markets continue to be volatile, many investors still lack confidence in equities and visibility on future prospects continues to be limited. These are just some of the factors making the job of communicating with shareholders, analysts and creditors a far from simple task.

Link to Survey