Analysis published by sell-side analysts at investment banks and independent research firms covering a public company’s financial performance, valuation, and investment prospects. Initiating or maintaining equity research coverage is a key objective of sell-side analyst targeting in an IR program.

The quantitative and qualitative metrics used to substantiate a company’s ESG performance — including carbon emissions, workforce diversity statistics, board composition data, water usage, and supply chain policies. Reliable ESG data is the foundation of credible ESG reporting.

A framework used by investors, analysts, and rating agencies to assess a company’s management of non-financial risks and opportunities across environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance quality. ESG factors increasingly influence institutional investment decisions and proxy voting.

A concise, public-facing statement describing a company’s ESG priorities, commitments, and the principles guiding its approach to environmental, social, and governance responsibilities.

Organizations — such as MSCI, Sustainalytics (Morningstar), ISS ESG, and CDP — that evaluate and score public companies on ESG criteria. ESG ratings influence institutional investor allocations, index inclusion, and proxy advisory recommendations. IR teams engage with rating entities to ensure accurate data and methodology understanding.

A public document summarizing a company’s ESG strategy, performance metrics, targets, and progress. ESG reports are typically published annually and may align with international frameworks such as GRI, SASB, TCFD, or the ISSB standards.

Established standards or guidelines used to structure and standardize ESG disclosures — including GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board), TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures), and ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board).

The total compensation package for senior executives — including base salary, annual bonus, long-term equity incentives, and benefits. Executive compensation design, disclosure in the proxy circular, and the say-on-pay vote are significant areas of investor and proxy advisor scrutiny.

A concise one- or two-page document summarizing a company’s key metrics, highlights, investment thesis, and corporate positioning. Fact sheets are widely used in investor meetings and on IR websites as quick-reference materials for analysts and investors.

Market-facing messaging tied to a company’s financial performance, outlook, and strategy — including earnings releases, investor presentations, quarterly commentary, and guidance communications. Effective financial communications reduce information asymmetry and support fair valuation.