Investor Relations

SEVEN KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL INVESTOR RELATIONS 512.3.6 Investor Relations ToolsIn today’s digital world, it is important that all members of the IR departmenthave access to the same IT tools (for instance, same versions of the softwareused). For instance, when working on a presentation, two different versionsof the presentation software does create havoc! Make sure this applies toyour service providers as well.The list below summaries the most widely used tools in any InvestorRelations program that is results oriented.2.3.6.1 Contact databaseThe contact database (see Resources) is the primary tool used to developand maintain an Investor Relations program. This all-important resourceshould be much more than just a sophisticated address book: It can be builtin different ways (ranging from spreadsheets to shareholder relation management—SRM—software);it should in all cases be configured in such away as to enable you to track Investor Relations actions, organize events,and integrate analysis of the shareholder base, among other things.For instance, companies that issued bonds and/or started to organize earningspresentation meetings, prior to getting listed, should in theory have apreliminary contact list to work with. Their job will be to identify, within eachinstitution in this initial database, the fund manager and/or analyst likely tocover the equity, in conjunction with the fixed income. Because of its originand how it is put together, this “homemade” list is likely to be more up todate, independent, and targeted than those used by the investment banks orpublic relations agencies, or any that can be bought from outside vendors.This list of contacts can be managed and updated with user-friendly software.Further out, if the decision is made to target new analysts and investors totake an interest in the stock, the database can be expanded by acquiring specificInvestor Relations information from specialist suppliers. When buildingyour Investor Relations contact database, it is essential that you comply withregulations governing databases and data protection rights in your country(collection, use, processing, storage of and right of access to data).To be as cost-effective as possible, the Investor Relations contact databaseand distribution list for press release distribution and meeting invitationsshould be maintained by regularly updating and cleaning contact liststhrough the following:Information gathered from individual meetings with sell-side analystsand portfolio managers about their special interests or concerns and thequestions they have raised, especially when these are particularly challengingor relevant.