What is a quarterly report and why you, as an investor, should read it

What is a quarterly report? Why do some companies produce a quarterly report and not others? How should investors interpret a quarterly report?

IR Department’s Investor Relations Specialist Glen Zurcher sat down with Tom Piotrowski recently to discuss quarterly reporting – technically referred to as an Appendix 4C / Appendix 5B - as part of the CommSec Executive Series.

What is a quarterly report? Why do some companies produce a quarterly report and not others? How should investors interpret a quarterly report?

IR Department’s Investor Relations Specialist Glen Zurcher sat down with Tom Piotrowski recently to discuss quarterly reporting – technically referred to as an Appendix 4C / Appendix 5B - as part of the CommSec Executive Series.

“It’s a report that’s been around for a long time, particularly for the smaller, high growth companies, or companies freshly listed on the ASX for which its compulsory,” says Glen, explaining that the quarterly report has its origins in the mining industry.

“Today, there is greater diversity in the number of smaller companies listed on the ASX. The report spans different industries and that has a different meaning in terms of what you need to understand to read the report. 

“It’s best to look for the ‘Business activities review’, a report which often accompanies the Appendix 4C and provides commentary on the quarter.”

Glen also discusses the key sections within the quarterly reports which related to cash flow and forecasting.

About Glen Zurcher – Account Director

Glen has extensive international public listed company experience across small and large market caps having worked in Australia and Zurich, also reaching into the London market, where he was based for almost a decade in roles with KPMG and the Holcim Group, during which time he worked with capital market participants globally.

He brings 17 years of experience working with companies, both in in-house roles and agency environments, to communicate complex stories and to ensure they are appropriately positioned to attract investment.

Originally a corporate analyst, he has experience from a number of sectors including: life sciences, tech, building materials, mining, energy and property.

Glen developed the investor relations function at Fortescue Metals Group and acted as an advisor to Singaporean listed property group Frasers’ takeover of ASX listed Australand. Glen holds a degree in Banking and Finance, is a Chartered Company Secretary and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

About IR Department 
Established in 2007, Investor Relations Department Pty Ltd (IR Department) is an independent corporate and financial communications agency, known for delivering outstanding results for clients. 

Our experienced consultants understand the importance of matching business objectives with communications campaigns.  We translate complex data and messaging into understandable investor communications that form the backbone of successful investor engagement strategies, and support appropriate valuations.

We provide expert consulting services across the areas of investor relations, public relations, marketing and communications.  We like to do what we say we’re going to do – delivering to brief and reporting to clients as we go, so our clients aren’t left guessing about what we’re doing, and they can measure our collective success along the way.

For more information or to contact us, please visit www.irdepartment.com.au.