Elevating Investor Relations: Strategic value of high quality data in IR

Welcome to Elevating Investor Relations, a series on the evolving role of corporate investor relations (IR). 

Investor relations (IR) is evolving into a strategic leadership function, with increasing support for its inclusion in the C-suite to better align market expectations with corporate strategy, as we discussed in the previous article in this series. A key enabler of this strategic role is competitive intelligence, which serves as a critical driver of advantage within any investor relations program. To fulfill this expanded responsibility and support effective decision-making, the quality of the underlying data must be exceptionally high. 

However, not all data is created equal. Poor-quality information can distort strategic direction and lead to significant consequences. The principle of “garbage in, garbage out” underscores this risk: flawed inputs invariably lead to flawed outcomes. Across sectors, and at all levels of leadership, poor data compromises decision-making. 

For IR professionals, particularly those working with publicly listed companies, the need for high quality data is even more pronounced. In fast-moving and increasingly volatile markets, relying on the same readily available information as competitors is unlikely to produce a competitive edge. Precision, depth, and timeliness are essential to maintain relevance and credibility. 

What makes data high quality 

Though there are no widely agreed-upon standards for what constitutes ‘high quality’ data, there are many consistent attributes that help define it. According to academics Fritz Scheuren, Thomas Herzog, and William E. Winkler, high quality data are characterized by the following: 

• Accurate – Data that represents their real-world counterparts and do not contain any errors, whether human or mechanical in nature. 

• Complete – Data that is comprehensive, with no critical gaps or omissions in record-keeping. 

• Timely – Data that is as current as required. Are you considering a particular timescale, or do you need to decide based on a current trend? 

• Comparable – Information that is compatible with itself, with consistent factors or collection methods in mind. 

• Relevant – Data that directly pertains to the specific objective and context of its intended use and is ideally able to be employed in multiple use cases. 

Each of these attributes also represents a potential bottleneck to data quality when not met. Common limitations might include: 

• Whether the data is available or whether the dataset is comprehensive 

• Whether the data source is accurate and reliable 

• Whether the data can be integrated across different sources and formats into the tools you are using 

• Whether the data has been collected legally and ethically 

• Whether the data is current and relevant in a fast-moving landscape 

Sidestepping these bottlenecks is no easy feat but ensuring that your dataset fulfills the attributes outlined above is a strong starting point. 

The cost of poor quality data 

The financial implications of using unreliable data are often underestimated. Poor data can misguide decisions, undermine productivity, and erode profitability. In some organizations, leaders may not even be aware of the true cost that inaccurate or incomplete data is imposing on their performance. 

But beyond financials, the most critical asset at risk is trust. For IR professionals, credibility with investors can take years to build and just moments to lose. Particularly in challenging circumstances, such as issuing a profit warning, investor relations officers must be able to present a clear, credible, and actionable plan. The strength of that plan often depends on the quality of the underlying data. 

Informed, data-driven decision-making can also help IR professionals identify risks and opportunities earlier. This might mean discovering untapped investor segments, spotting shifts in shareholder behavior, or recognizing activist activity before it escalates. With the right data, IR teams can act quickly and strategically, often ahead of the market. 

Turning data into strategy 

Ultimately, data is more than just a resource. It is a strategic asset. When high quality information is embedded into every aspect of the IR process, it enhances decision-making, sharpens competitive positioning, and reinforces credibility. 

In a market environment where speed, insight, and trust are at a premium, high quality data is more than just helpful. It is an essential foundation for effective decision-making and long-term success. 

How can we help? 

Bloomberg equips IR teams with the high quality data needed to navigate today’s complex market landscape. By delivering real-time access to financial, market, and alternative data, Bloomberg empowers IR teams to monitor shareholder activity, benchmark against peers, and get a timely read on market trends. This depth of data enables IR teams to support executive decision-making with precision and credibility. 

In addition to robust data access, Bloomberg provides powerful tools to analyze and integrate information across the IR workflow. From preparing earnings materials to identifying shifts in investor sentiment or tracking capital flows, Bloomberg helps IR teams uncover actionable insights. With a consistent stream of timely and relevant data, IR professionals can strengthen market communication and enhance their strategic impact across the organization. 

To learn more about how you can elevate your investor relations strategy, click here.