5th Annual Global IR Issuer Pulse Report Landing Page

    Nasdaq Survey Report

    5th Annual Global IR Issuer Pulse

    We surveyed the IR community to understand top priorities, greatest challenges, and emerging opportunities. Review the survey results and insights from over 900 IR professionals across different sectors and market caps globally.

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    Even as the 2023 macro environment piled on heaping pressures, it is clear that IR professionals remained resilient.

    The 5th Annual Global IR Issuer Pulse highlights for key takeaways:

    IR professionals are incredibly ambitious, even with limited resources

    IR professionals are enduring more transformative events

    IR professionals are an internal partner of choice

    IR professionals are cautiously optimistic around generative AI

    Key Findings

    IRPR-01

    15% or more indicated role specialization was shaped by institutional and retail investor engagement, buy-side and sell-side engagement, and external and internal engagement.

    Notably, less than 10% of reported no specific division of responsibilities across their IR team.

    IR professionals are increasingly entrusted to do more with flat or less resources, leading them to consider how to best optimize those resources and effectively structure stakeholder engagement.

    15% or more indicated role specialization was shaped by institutional and retail investor engagement, buy-side and sell-side engagement, and external and internal engagement.

    Notably, less than 10% of reported no specific division of responsibilities across their IR team.

    IR professionals are increasingly entrusted to do more with flat or less resources, leading them to consider how to best optimize those resources and effectively structure stakeholder engagement.

    43% indicated macroeconomic and political headwinds will impact their IR roles in 2024.

    Concerns were associated with the likelihood of extended macro weakness and continued uncertainty in the global operating environment.

    However, some pointed to a favorable macro backdrop as beneficial to their roles, citing stabilization in interest rates, abating market concerns, 2024 U.S. election outcomes, normalization of yield curves, and more certainty on regulatory changes as potential positives.

    43% indicated macroeconomic and political headwinds will impact their IR roles in 2024.

    Concerns were associated with the likelihood of extended macro weakness and continued uncertainty in the global operating environment.

    However, some pointed to a favorable macro backdrop as beneficial to their roles, citing stabilization in interest rates, abating market concerns, 2024 U.S. election outcomes, normalization of yield curves, and more certainty on regulatory changes as potential positives.

    IRPR-02
    IRPR-03

    Nearly 40% shared CEOs, CFOs, and boards seek advice from IR on investor/market sentiment and general messaging.

    Executive management teams are most likely to ask IR teams questions about peer developments.

    A number of corporate functions also lean on IR professionals for guidance and support in translating market complexities and investor sentiment.

    Nearly 40% shared CEOs, CFOs, and boards seek advice from IR on investor/market sentiment and general messaging.

    Executive management teams are most likely to ask IR teams questions about peer developments.

    A number of corporate functions also lean on IR professionals for guidance and support in translating market complexities and investor sentiment.

    64% have not yet leveraged AI in a professional capacity but expressed interest understanding potential.

    The larger the issuer, the greater the willingness to invest in AI-powered tools.

    The main detractor for IR professionals not currently using generative AI is their limited understanding of its capabilities and unfamiliarity with optimal use cases, value-added opportunities, and risks.

    64% have not yet leveraged AI in a professional capacity but expressed interest understanding potential.

    The larger the issuer, the greater the willingness to invest in AI-powered tools.

    The main detractor for IR professionals not currently using generative AI is their limited understanding of its capabilities and unfamiliarity with optimal use cases, value-added opportunities, and risks.

    IRPR-04

    Looking Ahead: Innovative IR Tactics

    To optimize on emerging opportunities, IR professionals shared efforts and tactics they plan to implement in 2024.

    Participate in Investor Conference or roadshows overseas

    Conduct a sentiment survey that helps to confirm
    and clarify the market's pain points

    Integrate ESG outreach with normal standard investor outreach cadence

    Host spotlights on specific parts of the business
    that are less understood by the investors

    Focus less on sell-side conferences and more on direct buy-side outreach

    Use of AI for Q&A documents

    Nasdaq 5th Annual Global IR Issuer Pulse

    Download our 5th Annual Global IR Issuer Pulse Report to discover more data and key findings that can help you execute IR priorities in 2024 and beyond.