Well planned is half done – how to organise a CMD that will be remembered
Summary
Capital Markets Day, more commonly known as CMD, is one of the company’s most important opportunities to engage with investors, analysts, and the media. It offers an opportunity to deepen investors’ understanding of the company’s strategy, introduce key personnel, and outline the direction in which the business is heading. At its best, CMD leaves the audience with a clear picture of why this company is an attractive investment opportunity now and in the future.
In this blog, we share tips on how to organise a capital markets day that will be memorable and truly add value.
When is it worth organising a CMD?
t’s worth organising a CMD when the company genuinely has something new and significant to share. Such situations include, for example, the launch of a new strategy, a change in CEO, or the completion of a major corporate transaction. A CMD doesn’t have to be an annual routine, but rather an event organised when there is a need for it. However, most companies hold a CMD annually or every other year. If several years have passed since the last CMD, the market may begin to wonder if nothing worth reporting is actually happening at the company.
A CMD shouldn’t be organised just for the sake of slides; its real purpose is to answer the question: “Why should an investor be interested in us specifically, and right now?” A good CMD provides answers, but above all, it gives a reason to be interested.
Careful preparation is key
It’s a good idea to start planning the CMD several months before the event. Scheduling, practical arrangements, defining content and messages, and preparing materials all take time. If necessary, presenters should be offered personal coaching – this ensures that messages are conveyed convincingly and that presenters feel confident about their roles. A highly effective practice is to conduct a dress rehearsal, where the entire event is run through together before the day of the event.
The most effective way to build a successful CMD is to combine the company’s strong substance with the support and perspective of an external advisor. The company provides the content and expertise, and we can help challenge, distil, clarify, and visualise it. IR Partners brings an up-to-date understanding of market best practices and expectations. A good way to map out market expectations in advance is through investor research. You can find more information about this in a blog post we published earlier here.
Few tips for organising a successful CMD
- A CMD is an excellent opportunity to showcase the company’s leadership and experts to a wide audience. In addition to the CEO and CFO, it’s a good idea to offer speaking slots to the heads of business units and other company experts.
- Presentations don’t have to be monologues; instead, they should be livened up by, for example, splitting the speaking time between two presenters, organising panel discussions, or inviting an external expert to discuss industry trends or specific customer cases. Such solutions add depth and authenticity to the day and the content of the presentations.
- Following the pandemic years, companies have returned to hybrid formats, where analysts and institutional investors are present on-site while others participate remotely. This requires special attention to technical execution, interaction, and schedule management to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
Are you planning a Capital Markets Day?
A successful CMD doesn’t happen by chance – it requires a clear message, engaging content, and meticulous execution. When all the elements come together, the event can elevate investor communications to a new level.
Contact us at IR Partners, and we’ll help you build a CMD that adds value for investors, analysts, and the company alike.
