IR teams respond to currency shocks, sanctions and the oil price drop
This is an edited version of IR Magazine Week, IR Magazine's weekly newsletter. To receive the newsletter, please register here.
For many companies, conversations with investors are currently dominated by factors well outside the firm’s control: central bank decisions, commodities prices and the fallout from regional conflicts, to name a few examples. As a result, plenty of work is being done to analyze the potential impacts and explain them to the market.
Here at IR Magazine we’ve been investigating how these macroeconomic and geopolitical issues are affecting readers; three of the articles detailing our findings are outlined below.
Clariant IRO more busy than worried amid Swiss franc turmoil
The IR officer at Muttenz-headquartered Clariant explains how the removal of the Swiss currency cap occurred right in the middle of a pre-close call with analysts. While the timing came as a surprise, it at least offered the firm the chance to immediately address the impact of a dramatically revalued Swiss franc.
Russian firms divided on Asian investor targeting
With western sanctions against Russia in full swing, some companies have voiced an interest in looking East for new investment. But others are not convinced that targeting investors in Asia is time well spent. (The fighting in Ukraine and related sanctions may also be negatively affecting London’s GDR market.)
Ryanair says oil hedge will benefit competitors
The collapse in the price of oil has created many winners and losers – even within the same industries. Despite positive results overall, Ryanair warned this week that, thanks to hedging made when oil prices were high, it will be paying more than $90 a barrel during 2015 and 2016. Competitors that didn’t hedge in the same way may take advantage and cut fares, said the budget airline.
Canada seminar and awards
Our annual program of events kicks off in Toronto today with the IR Magazine Investor Perception Seminar – Canada 2015, featuring panels on activism, IR best practice and buy-side sentiment. Then in the evening, it’s time for the IR Magazine Awards – Canada 2015, where the country’s top IR performers will be revealed. Check back on our site tomorrow for coverage of the awards.
IR Magazine Awards – Europe 2015: Voting ends
The investment community is now voting for the best investor relations in Europe. The online survey will run until February 6 so please encourage the investors and analysts who cover your stock to take part. If they have not yet received a survey invite, please ask them to email lloyd.bevan@thecrossbordergroup.com asking for a link to the survey.
