Maximising the value of interim reporting

Half-yearly reports are continuing to evolve from simply a mandatory ASX-reporting requirement of financial performance to a golden opportunity to maximise the value of your investor relations program.

As one of the key milestones on the reporting calendar, organisations are increasingly using their interim reporting to reinforce the value of their investment proposition with clear, effective, and engaging communication to all stakeholders.

There are several key elements of half-yearly reports and key trends to be aware of that companies should be considering when preparing half-yearly reports for the first half of the 22/23 financial year.

3 key half-yearly report trends

1. Moving beyond the minimum

While it remains essential to meet the expectations of shareholders, analysts, and other key stakeholders to report on the company’s financial performance on key metrics such as profit, cash flow, changes in debt or cash levels and earnings per share, many companies are now providing much greater insight into non-financial performance for the half-yearly reporting period.

Interim reports are increasingly including bringing non-financial metrics to the forefront, with sustainability or ESG reports highlighting progress against ESG metrics and providing a more complete picture of performance.

2. Looking to the future

Half-yearly reports provide an opportunity to share information about the company’s prospects, such as its strategic initiatives and growth plans, to give shareholders an understanding of where the company is heading and the value they can expect in the future.

Stakeholders are seeking guidance on progress in implementing corporate growth strategies, how market conditions are influencing performance and growth momentum, as well as any risks or challenges the company expects to be managing for the remainder of the year.

3. Transforming to engage

Many companies are transforming their interim reports with the use of infographics, videos, and other multimedia elements.

There’s an increasing use of data visualisation, in the form of interactive charts, graphs, and other visual elements, which help investors quickly grasp key information and make complex financial information more accessible and easier to understand for shareholders.

We’ve also seen a growing number of companies use storytelling to bring their report to life and make it more engaging for shareholders, by sharing case studies that illustrate the company’s performance and provide context for the financial results.

These days, many half-yearly reports are prepared and optimised for online viewing. This improves usability and is also an effective way to showcase the company’s digital capabilities.

This is also supported using social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, to increase online engagement.

As always, using traditional investor relations activities such as shareholder webinars to present the report, allows shareholders to ask questions in real-time and get further insights into the company’s performance.

Connect with us

At Phillips Group, we use data and consumer insights to create memorable brands and compelling narratives that accurately reflect your business, while bearing in mind the needs of your stakeholders – now and into the future.

Contact Group Executive Director – Corporate, Andrew Buckley to discuss how we can work with you to create a brand that stands out.