Stakeholders demanding greater corporate information

The quality and content of annual reports and investor relations are very important for stakeholders, according to a recent study from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). PwC’s survey tracked the attitudes of investors towards the resources that companies provide for them. Among those surveyed, a vast majority (80 per cent) reported that the way company reports are presented and…

The quality and content of annual reports and investor relations are very important for stakeholders, according to a recent study from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

PwC’s survey tracked the attitudes of investors towards the resources that companies provide for them. Among those surveyed, a vast majority (80 per cent) reported that the way company reports are presented and communicated to them affects their perception of management. 

A similar number (82 per cent) reported that the clarity and precision of these communications gave them greater confidence in the performance of a company and their own analysis.

Other important aspects that investors want to have communicated to them include the links between different aspects of a company. Providing an overview of a company’s strategy, KPIs and potential risks all added up to provide a more substantial insight into how a company is performing, according to 87 per cent of respondents.

While there are clear benefits for a clear communications strategy, respondents also pointed to a number of gaps in the way that companies report back information. Many businesses are struggling to report on the risks they face and how these are being managed.

What’s more, only 14 per cent of respondents felt that companies are disclosing enough information on their performance, suggesting that companies have a lot of room to make up.

While this survey from PwC focussed on investor relations, there are important lessons that can be applied across the PR spectrum. As corporate affairs shifts to involve managing the perceptions of various different groups, finding the right level of transparency is going to be essential for companies.

With 63 per cent of PwC’s respondents indicating that a company’s reporting will affect their access to future cost of capital, conveying information efficiently is an essential part of a well-run firm.

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