Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Investor Relations Services
Sourcing Guide & Market Intelligence
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Investor Relations Services Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Investor relations service providers integrate finance, communication, marketing, and securities law compliance services to enable effective two-way communication between a company and its key constituencies. Services include a broad range of business-to-business offerings that can be further divided into products for investor information and management analytics. Key buyers include manufacturers, financial institutions, and other publicly traded companies.
This Report Includes:
- Corporate Governance Advisory Services
- Financial Communication Services
Not in this Report:
- Transfer Agency Services
- Media Relations
Global Investor Relations Services Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Investor Relations Services market.
Warning Trends
Fed lowers rates for the first time in 2025
- On September 17, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to lower interest rates to a target range of 4.0% to 4.25%, down 0.25% from the rate it had been holding since November of last year.
- Despite indications at the start of the year that steady reductions to the relatively high 4.25% to 4.5% rate were on the horizon, the Fed held off on rate cuts for much of the year due to concerns that the combination of higher tariffs and a reduction in borrowing costs could cause rebounding inflation.
- The September cut to Fed interest rates signals a shift in this strategy, indicating that the Fed now considers weakening employment figures a greater threat than inflation. As a result, FOMC officials have also signaled that two additional rate cuts are likely before the end of the year in an effort to fight unemployment and stimulate the economy.
- Declining Fed funds rates will provide relief to borrowers by lowering the market interest rates for consumer and business loans. This reduction in the cost of borrowing will reduce the cost of many banking and financial services, and may spur increases in demand across the economy.
Neutral
Inflation climbs above 3.0% for the first time in seven months
- In January, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) 12-month inflation rate, the most commonly used measure of inflation, rose by 0.1% to 3.0%, the highest it has been since June 2024.
- This uptick in inflation follows cuts to interest rates which may have added to consumer demand, fueling higher consumer prices.
- Additionally, the threat of impending tariff hikes has driven preemptive stockpiling by importers, adding to demand and price growth across a range of industries in the United States.
- While inflation is still low relative to previous years, sustained recent increases in inflation and the potential effects of tariffs, such as the recently implemented 10.0% on all Chinese goods, mean prices are still rising at a faster-than-normal pace.
Global Investor Relations Services Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 Europe | 965 |
| #2 China | 845 |
| #3 United States | 600 |
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2
Geography Drilldown - US
Average Cost of Investor Relations Services
United States
2026 Market Pricing$100.00 to $XXX.XX
per hourAverage Price
Prices in the Investor Relations Services market range from $100.00 to $XXX.XX, depending on Complexity, Scope of Services, Experience and Location. For example, lower prices are associated with Mid-sized company ($150 to $250 per hour), whereas higher prices are associated with Fortune 500 company ($250 to $475 per hour).
Need the scoop on international price trends?
Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Investor Relations Services Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Investor Relations Services market, prices in the US have grown 4.1% from 2022 to 2025. Subscribers can access price trend forecasts, price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data. Learn more
United States (2022-2025)
United States (2025-2028)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Wondering where prices are heading?
Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Investor Relations Services
Total cost of ownership is Low in the Investor Relations Services market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs.
Negotiated Before
Set Up Fees
Billed During
Training
Additional Fees
Travel
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -1.7 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Price Driver Volatility. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Low, which has a positive impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Internet Service Providers
- Advertising Agencies
- Commercial Real Estate Brokers
- Law Firms
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Telecom Networking Equipment Manufacturers
- Graphic Designers
- Real Estate Sales & Brokers
Biggest Investor Relations Services Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Investor Relations Services vendors by revenue in the US are S&P Global Inc., Omnicom Group Inc. and Taylor. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omnicom Group Inc. | Global | NEW YORK, NY | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| Edelman Public Relations Worldwide | Global | Chicago, IL | 1,001-10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| The NASDAQ OMX Group Inc. | Global | NEW YORK, NY | 1,001-10,000 | 15-20 | ||||
| APCO Worldwide LLC | Global | Washington, US | 501-1,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| ICR | Global | New York City, NY | 1,001-10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| S&P Global Inc. | Global | NEW YORK, NY | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| London Stock Exchange Group plc | Global | London, UK | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Taylor | < 5 | |||||||
| Computershare Limited | Global | Abbotsford, AU | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
Looking for a list of suppliers by country?
Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.
Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Investor Relations Services market is 14.1% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Overhead. The cost trend for this component is falling, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
Because investor relations services are primarily labor-based and require little in the way of key material inputs, the majority of first- and second-tier upstream suppliers present minimal risk to the supply chain.
Average vendor risk in the market is low as market providers tend to have strong profit margins. Buyers face a low risk of contracting with a financially unstable service provider and facing service disruptions.
Market share concentration is moderate, with the top four supplying firms accounting for slightly above 40.0% of market revenue. Moderate market share concentration generally reduces buyer negotiation power, but buyers still have a considerable number of suppliers to choose from.
The United States is a net importer of computers, meaning it imports more computers than it exports. While lower manufacturing costs abroad drive down prices for imported computers, relying on imports can lead to potential shortages or price increases if there are supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, or global crises.
Supplier Information
Edelman Public Relations Worldwide
Edelman Public Relations Worldwide is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include government relations services and investor relations services. Founded in 1952, the company is currently headquartered in Chicago, Illinois,... Subscribe to learn more
Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group Inc. is a holding company providing marketing and sales solutions to global companies. It offers services across media & advertising, including creative services, strategic media planning and buying, performance media, and data analytics services; precision marketing, including digital and direct... Subscribe to learn more
The NASDAQ OMX Group Inc.
Nasdaq Inc. is a global technology company that provides data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services to corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators. It organizes its business into three business segments: the Capital Access Platforms segment,... Subscribe to learn more
APCO Worldwide LLC
APCO Worldwide LLC is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include government relations services and investor relations services. Founded in 1984, the company is currently headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States Subscribe to learn more
ICR
ICR is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services and educational services sectors. The company's offerings include media training & coaching services and investor relations services. Founded in 1998, the company is currently headquartered in New York City, New... Subscribe to learn more
Computershare Limited
Computershare Limited is a public company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include investor relations services. Founded in 1978, the company is currently headquartered in Abbotsford, Australia with an estimated employee count of over 10,000.... Subscribe to learn more
London Stock Exchange Group plc
London Stock Exchange Group plc is a public company operating globally in the information and professional, scientific & technical services sectors. The company's offerings include risk management software and investor relations services. Founded in 2005, the company is currently headquartered in London, Subscribe to learn more
Prosek LLC
Prosek LLC is a private company operating internationally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include investor relations services. Founded in 1990, the company is currently headquartered in New York, New York, United States of America with an estimated 175 Subscribe to learn more
S&P Global Inc.
S&P Global Inc. is a public company operating globally in the professional, scientific and technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include chemical management services, commodity price forecasting services, investor relations services... Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Investor Relations Services Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Cash Flow and Customer Retention Rate. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Value-Added Services and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Flow |
|
Net income Capital expenditures |
Vendors with positive cash flow are preferred because it signifies a higher level of profitability and solvency of the vendor. These factors minimize the risk of a supplier abruptly exiting the market. |
| Customer Retention Rate |
|
Number of lost customers Client renewal rate |
Vendors with a higher customer retention rate indicate a higher quality of service. The customer retention rate can determine the extent to which a company’s customer base fluctuates over time. |
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Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Business Relationships
Do you have partnerships with leading business newswire companies such as Business Wire or PR Newswire?
How do you develop media and financial partnerships? What are your active methods?
Customer Service
During which hours can I contact your company? What is the best mode of contact?
What are your employee expectations? How do you reinforce these?
Experience and Expertise
Do you have experience with companies of a similar size and market?
How well do you know the audience that my company is targeting? What are your previous engagements with the audience, if any?
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Investor Relations Services RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should provide a description of their primary operations and a brief history of their organization.
Buyers should provide an explanation of the services being requested and the proposed contract length.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should provide greater detail regarding the services being requested, stating what is expected of the supplier if selected.
Buyers should break down the scope of work into relevant phases, such as preliminary consultation, primary core services and end-of-contract finalization services.
Project Budget
Buyers should state their total budget for the services, broken down by annual costs if services are to be provided on a long-term contract.
Buyers should state how additional costs will be handled, and should specify whether there are contingency costs or if the budget is flexible.
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We display average pricing information, trends and market data.
Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
