Next generation perception research that grows in value over time

Interviewing investors is a classically time-consuming process that puts pressure on consultants to either limit their research or charge hefty fees. Consequently, perception studies are often felt to have delivered poor value for money.

Also, because traditional research techniques can only access a relatively small number of individuals, it is very difficult for these studies to reliably capture the market-level view. Furthermore, if too much focus is put on interviewing large shareholders, this process risks overlooking views that are held in the wider investor community, which is precisely where valuation is often impacted.

To fully understand the market perceptions influencing valuation, it is necessary to engage a wider investor audience that better represents the market view.

Importantly, traditional perception research normally only provide the views of a limited group at a ‘moment in time', reported through unstructured interview transcripts that offer no ongoing utility. Unless these qualitative findings are combined with quantitative analyses, benchmarking and trends (etc), results are out of date as soon as they are delivered and destined for the archive.

Perception studies have historically been an expensive way for companies to confirm the opinions of the investors they already know well, with very little added value or ongoing utility. The Living Perception Study changes this.

QuantiFire has developed and tested technology and processes specifically designed to bring investor perception research and reporting into the 21st century.

Our methodology combines thoughtful, investor-friendly research processes that have proven highly successful in obtaining large numbers of detailed responses from all types of institutional investor.

Results are qualitative and quantitative, providing a foundation for rich analysis and ongoing measurement. The depth of information we obtain also means we rarely need to schedule interviews, which keeps costs down.

Ultimately the success of any perception project hinges on the quality of the final report, and we are always delighted by the feedback that we get from our clients about this. However, the opportunity for ongoing value creation is where our service is truly differentiated, due to analytical insights that grow in importance over time.

The Living Perception Study is a fully upgraded, proven and cost-effective alternative to traditional perception research. It achieves significantly higher participation rates — typically at least 100 responses — and far richer insights. It is uniquely able to grow in value over time.

Key features:

• Genuine market-level perception reporting that represents real value for money
• Extensive written commentary from participating investors
• The inclusion of data-centric analysis, which greatly improves clarity and context
• Comprehensive narrative and interpretation, written by highly experienced senior consultants
• Valued-added analysis, such as 'opportunity targeting' that highlights attributed respondents to follow up with based on an analysis of their answers
• The creation of a valuable asset, not a throwaway: The Living Perception Study is specifically designed to grow and evolve as new results are added