ALC - Q4

Markets don’t wait for quarterly reports anymore. 

Investor relationships rarely break overnight. They fade gradually, quietly, and often without obvious warning signs. The real risk lies not in dramatic exits, but in the slow decline of interest, conviction, and engagement.

Earnings events are critical moments that can make or break market perception in minutes. When executed flawlessly, they build investor trust and confidence. When problems arise, such as technical glitches or communication failures, the consequences extend beyond momentary embarrassment to financial impact and lasting reputational damage.

It’s the message every IRO recognizes: that unexpected Slack from your CEO, minutes before a critical investor call, “What are we facing here?” Behind this seemingly casual inquiry lies the expectation that you’re not just informed, you’ve already analyzed the situation and prepared strategic options. CEOs function in an environment where market shifts occur at the speed of news alerts, and investors measure credibility by your capacity to respond with immediate precision and confidence.

AI-powered Q4 Platform earns 2 Stevie® Awards for improving IR productivity and results; Judges say ‘Q4’s innovative approach to investor relations is a game-changer’

The conversation around AI in Investor Relations has evolved. It’s moved from if it will play a role—to how to make it work in a way that’s practical and meaningful.

When you’re serving 2 million customers a day across 1,750+ locations, operational efficiency is part of your DNA. But for Murphy USA’s IR team, driving that same level of efficiency behind the scenes was a challenge, especially with a small team and growing expectations. Ranked #214 on the Fortune 500, Murphy USA has built its reputation by helping Americans save on fuel and everyday essentials. As the company expanded, so did the demands for an improved IR function. However, with just three people handling earnings communications, competitive tracking, and investor engagement, inefficient workflows were slowing them down.

In the second edition of our ELT Spotlight series, we interview Courtney Austermehle, Q4’s Chief Marketing Officer, to discuss her perspective on Q4’s place in the market, her expertise in sales and marketing, and what she likes to do in her spare time.

AI isn’t a future disruptor in IR—it’s already becoming part of the day-to-day.