More than 70% of IROs surveyed believe that AI will save time and increase effectiveness
TORONTO – June 4, 2024 Q4 Inc. (“Q4” or “the company”), the IR Ops platform, unveils survey results focused on a variety of topics to better understand Investor Relations Officers (“IROs”) goals, challenges and use cases within AI. Over 200 IROs engaged with the survey, providing in depth insight for what the future of IR may hold and a clear roadmap on how IR technology partners can help.
With small teams and tight budgets, IR programs are laser focused on driving greater efficiency and effectiveness in their IR strategies. The top expectations from IR management to IROs are clear; shareholder retention, improving analyst ratings and coverage, and enhancing the quality of investor meetings. With the majority of IR teams composed of just a few members, these mandates are challenging to achieve. Therefore, this data solidifies the necessary need to deliver on these expectations in a timely, efficient, and effective way.
IROs were asked what tools they would use if they had unlimited resources to enhance their success. Over 50% of those surveyed expressed a desire for additional tools that provide impact reporting and progress tracking. This data corresponds with the top goals and challenges uncovered in the survey, with respondents identifying investor and analyst targeting/engagement as their primary goal and 40% of them reporting it as their biggest challenge. Furthermore, 43% of IROs stated that identifying the right individuals for outreach is their top challenge when trying to attract new investors.
Advancements in technology, particularly the use of AI, offer effective solutions for IROs to address these challenges. A significant majority (73%) of IROs believe in the potential of AI to make teams more effective and save time on administrative tasks, while 60% think AI will allow more time for strategic initiatives. However, there is still a gap in understanding and integrating technology effectively, as over 50% of respondents are unsure where AI would be most useful and how to best utilize it for success.
Darrell Heaps, Founder and CEO of Q4, stated, “Through our recent survey and in discussions with our existing clients, including members of our client advisory board, we understand the challenges that IROs face and are committed to providing them with the tools they need to succeed. In order to mitigate some of the issues IROs are facing, our research found that there is a need for education around how technology, including AI, can help to increase efficiency.”
Q4’s research substantiates the importance of the types of tools being used by IROs, how they access the knowledge to use them effectively, and how to measure and report outcomes when using AI. By automating routine IR tasks, IROs can devote more time and resources to strategic planning, fostering meaningful relationships and driving premium valuations, which are crucial for long-term success.
For additional information on the research conducted by Q4, please contact media@q4inc.com.
About Q4 Inc.
Q4 Inc. is the first IR Ops Platform with the world’s largest set of proprietary investor data, purpose-built to remove obstacles between public companies and their investors. Q4 gives investor relations leaders and their teams the tools to attract, manage, and understand investors — all in one place. The AI-enabled Q4 IR Ops Platform boasts a simple yet powerful IR website management system, frictionless events software, a robust analytics engine, a streamlined investor CRM, and shareholder intelligence with enhanced metrics to elevate investor targeting strategies. Q4 delivers the data, insights, and workflows that give IR teams the power to focus on what really matters: strategy, relationships, and driving premium valuations for their companies.
The company is a trusted partner to more than 2,600 public companies globally, including many of the most respected brands in the world, and maintains an award winning culture where team members grow and thrive.
Q4 is headquartered in Toronto, with offices in New York and London. Learn more at www.q4inc.com.
Media:
Heather Noll
Manager, Corporate Communications
media@q4inc.com
