What’s Missing in Your 2025 Investor Deck?

With the year-end rush in full swing, many of you are balancing priorities while gearing up for 2025—a challenge IROs know all too well.

This week, I’m excited to share an article by Mark Hayes , Partner and Head of Breakwater Strategy. Mark is a trusted partner and thought leader in the IR space, known for his sharp thinking and fresh perspective. If you’re not following him on LinkedIn, now’s the time!

In this article, Mark explores what IROs should prioritize as they rethink their presentations for 2025. His perspective offers a valuable guide as you revamp your investor story and refine your outreach for the year ahead.

New Investor Deck Essentials for 2025

By Mark Hayes

Several macro trends have the potential to significantly impact businesses in 2025 that are critical to address in investor communications and engagement. Here are the new top five slides and content that public companies should include in their 2025 investor decks.

New Slide: Navigating Inflation and Interest Rate Volatility

What's New in 2025:

– Inflation Forecasting: Detailed projections of how persistent inflation rates are expected to affect input costs and consumer purchasing power.

– Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis: A breakdown of how potential interest rate fluctuations could impact debt servicing costs and overall financial health.

– Hedging Strategies: Information on financial instruments or strategies employed to mitigate risks associated with inflation and interest rate changes.

Why It's Important: Given the continued global economic uncertainties, investors are focused on understanding how companies plan to maintain profitability amidst fluctuating inflation and interest rates. This slide demonstrates proactive financial planning and risk management.

New Slide: Supply Chain Resilience and Diversification

What's New in 2025:

– Supplier Diversification Metrics: Data showing the expansion of supplier networks across different regions to reduce dependency on single or a few sources.

– Technology Integration: Introduction of advanced analytics and blockchain technology for real-time supply chain monitoring and transparency.

– Contingency Planning: Established protocols for responding to supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.

Why It's Important: The past years have highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Investors need to understand that the company is equipped to handle disruptions without significant impacts on operations or profitability, including when Tariffs are in play.

New Slide: Digital Transformation and AI Integration

What's New in 2025:

– AI Adoption Impact: Specific examples of how artificial intelligence has been integrated into operations, resulting in efficiency gains or new revenue streams.

– Cybersecurity Measures: Enhanced strategies for protecting data and systems amid increasing cyber threats.

– Investment in Innovation: Financial commitments to research and development in emerging technologies relevant to the industry.

Why It's Important: Rapid technological advancements require companies to adapt or risk obsolescence. This slide shows investors that the company is forward-thinking and investing in its long-term competitiveness.?

New Slide: Geopolitical Risk Management What's New in 2025:

– Market Diversification Plans: Strategies to enter or expand in markets with stable political environments to mitigate risks.

– Regulatory Navigation: Approaches to dealing with new trade policies, tariffs, or sanctions that have emerged since 2024.

– Crisis Response Framework: Established plans for responding to geopolitical events that could affect operations or supply chains.

Why It's Important: Heightened geopolitical tensions can have immediate and severe impacts on businesses. Investors want to see that the company is not only aware of these risks but has concrete plans to address them.

Final Thought

As we step into 2025, investor expectations are shifting. They’re no longer just looking at numbers—they want a clear narrative that shows how your company is tackling challenges and capitalizing on opportunities. An investor deck is more than just a presentation. It’s a reflection of your strategy, resilience, and vision. The question is: does yours tell the story you want investors to see?

Investor Day coming up? Test-Drive our Expertise

We’ve been hearing from IROs planning their 2025 Investor Day and looking for a low-risk way to elevate their presentations. That’s why we created the Investor Day Jumpstart Package—a way to test drive our expertise.?

We'll craft key messages tailored for your I-Day, design a fresh look for your presentation, and redo money slides to ensure they make a strong impact. You'll receive usable, high-impact slides and a customizable template. Best of all, if you decide to engage us for your full presentation, we'll waive the fee for this service.?

Check out the Jumpstart Package details. Reply here or schedule a call to get tailored suggestions for your materials.

Essential Picks for IROs

Staying on the Investor Deck essentials theme, here’s a checklist for General Investor Presentations that outlines the evergreen factors investors value most.

Non-Deal Roadshows (NDRs) have surpassed in-house research as the primary influence on investor decisions, according to Gene Rubin from Rivel.

Discover the 'Minus Mindset' by Jennifer Prosek of Prosek Partners. Ideal for small IR teams, this approach focuses on essentials to maximize value. [Listen here].