Financial Press Release: Examples and Best Practices

A well-crafted financial press release can put your company on investors' radar. Companies with a strategic press release approach see 15% more media coverage, but writing one can feel overwhelming. This blog simplifies the process with real-world examples and a step-by-step guide to help you create press releases that inform, build investor confidence, and drive business growth. If you're short on time, grab our free press release template to get started.

Examples of Different Types of Financial Press Releases

Earnings Releases

Earnings releases are key financial updates for publicly traded companies, sometimes issued by private firms. They summarize financial performance over a quarter or year, covering revenue, net income, and earnings per share (EPS). These reports keep shareholders, analysts, and the public informed, helping them make investment decisions.

A well-crafted earnings release enhances transparency, builds investor confidence, and can attract new investors while influencing stock prices. Clear, accurate reporting is essential for maintaining trust and credibility in financial markets.

Example:

Why This Press Release Works:

• The press release grabs attention with an impressive 12.9% net profit growth in the headline.
• Readers quickly understand the growth's origin because the construction division is immediately identified as the key driver.
• The release expresses confidence in future momentum, which promotes stability and reassures investors.

What Could Be Improved:

• The release lacks concrete revenue and profit figures, which makes it harder to assess the magnitude of the growth.
• Including specific growth strategies by adding forward-looking statements would further build investor confidence.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Announcements

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) press releases shape public perception and investor sentiment by announcing company mergers or acquisitions. These releases inform shareholders, employees, and the market about the deal’s strategic rationale, expected benefits, and long-term impact. A strong M&A press release clearly explains the transaction’s value, reassures stakeholders, and addresses potential concerns. By outlining growth opportunities and strategic advantages, it helps build confidence in the deal and ensures a smooth transition for both companies involved.

Example:

Why This Press Release Works:

• The opening paragraph clearly states the parties involved and the transaction value, making the core information immediately accessible.
• The strategic rationale is highlighted, explaining why the acquisition is a logical move for the company.

What Could Be Improved:

• Adding quotes from company leaders would boost credibility and provide a more personal perspective.
• Elaborating on expected benefits and combined strengths by including specific details about synergies would make the deal more compelling.

Funding Announcements

Funding announcements are crucial for startups and private companies seeking to raise capital. These press releases announce the successful completion of a funding round, detailing the amount of money raised, the investors involved, and the company's plans for utilizing the funds.

These releases are critical for building credibility, attracting future investors, and generating positive media coverage. A strong funding announcement should highlight the company's mission, the market opportunity, and the strength of its team.

Example:

Why This Press Release Works:

• The press release's inclusion of a high-profile investor, Magnus Carlsen, adds significant buzz to the announcement.
• The funding amount (€8 million) and the type of funding round are stated clearly.

What Could Be Improved:

• Providing a more detailed breakdown of how the funds will be allocated would enhance transparency.
• A quote from the CEO about the company's future plans would offer additional insight and excitement.

Update of Fiscal Guidance

Fiscal guidance updates are crucial for maintaining transparency with investors by regularly communicating expected financial performance, building trust, and managing expectations to prevent surprises. These updates allow companies to adapt to changing circumstances and empower informed investment decisions. Positive or negative guidance significantly impacts market sentiment, and well-communicated updates can boost investor confidence. Providing timely and accurate guidance helps companies comply with regulations, making it a vital tool for managing investor relations.

Example:

Why This Press Release Works:

• The financial data shows a clear vision of how Dell intends to take steps to improve. Dell shows their revenue, operating income, and EPS (Earning Per Share) so investors can have a firm idea of the financial status.

What Could Be Improved:

• Providing more detailed future projections, moving beyond past performance, would provide investors with a clearer outlook. The release would benefit from executive commentary providing context on market trends influencing projections.

Investor Strategy Announcement

Investor strategy announcements are vital communications informing stakeholders about new initiatives, investment directions, or market expansion plans impacting long-term growth. These announcements help align investor expectations with company strategy, fostering confidence and attracting investment by showcasing future-oriented vision. By transparently sharing strategic direction, companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainable growth and value creation, fostering stronger relationships with key investors and building market trust in the company's long-term potential.

Example:

Why This Press Release Works:

• The announcement positions the company as forward-thinking in response to clearly understood investor interests.
• The release clearly outlines strategic goals and future market positioning in a rapidly evolving market.

What Could Be Improved:

• Including specific financial projections related to the announced initiative would enable stakeholders to better understand future results.
• Adding quotes from key stakeholders or significant investors would reinforce confidence in the company and its strategy.

Key Elements of an Effective Financial Press Release

A financial press release is more than just a collection of facts; it's a carefully crafted message designed to inform and influence key stakeholders. To ensure your press release resonates and achieves its intended goals, focus on these essential elements:

Headline:

The headline is your most crucial opportunity to grab attention. It should be clear, concise, and compelling, summarizing the main news in a way that piques the reader's interest. Aim for a headline that is both informative and intriguing.

• How to: Think of your headline as the subject line of an email – it needs to be compelling enough for someone to open it. Use strong action verbs and quantifiable results whenever possible. Avoid jargon and clichés. Focus on the single most important takeaway.
• Example: Instead of "Acme Corp Announces Results," try "Acme Corp Beats Expectations With 20% Revenue Growth."
• Length: Keep it concise, generally under 10 words.

Summary (Lead Paragraph):

The lead paragraph is the foundation of your press release. It expands on the headline, providing the essential details of the announcement (who, what, when, where, why) in a concise and engaging manner. This paragraph should be strong enough to stand alone, even if the reader doesn't continue reading the rest of the release.

• How to: Think of the inverted pyramid – start with the most important information and gradually provide more detail. Answer the five W's (who, what, when, where, why) in the first paragraph. Use active voice and avoid passive constructions.
• Example: "NEW YORK – October 27, 2023 – Acme Corp (NYSE: ACME) today announced its third-quarter 2023 financial results, reporting revenue of $100 million, a 20% increase compared to the same period last year, driven by strong demand for its innovative widget product line."
• Length: Aim for 3-4 sentences.

Body:

The body provides supporting details, data, and context for the announcement. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and technical terms that may not be understood by a general audience. Back up your claims with data and metrics whenever possible. Tell a story – explain the why behind the numbers.

• How to: This is where you provide the "meat" of the announcement. Use bullet points, tables, and charts to present financial data in a clear and visually appealing manner. Explain the factors that contributed to the company's performance. Provide context for the numbers – what do they mean for the company's future?
• Example: "The 20% revenue growth was driven by a 30% increase in sales of our flagship widget product, coupled with successful expansion into new markets. Operating expenses were reduced by 10% due to efficiency initiatives implemented earlier this year."
• Structure: Break up the text into short, easily digestible paragraphs. Use subheadings to guide the reader.

Quotes:

Quotes from key executives can add credibility and personality to the press release. Use quotes to provide additional context, explain the company's strategy, or express enthusiasm about the announcement. Ensure that quotes are authentic and add value to the overall message.

• How to: Quotes should sound natural and genuine, not canned or overly promotional. Use quotes to provide a human perspective on the announcement. A quote can be used to restate the key message of the release from a human perspective.
• Example: "We are pleased with our strong performance in the third quarter," said John Smith, CEO of Acme Corp. "Our focus on innovation and customer satisfaction continues to drive growth and create value for our shareholders."
• Attribution: Always attribute quotes correctly and include the person's title.

Boilerplate:

The boilerplate is a short paragraph at the end of the press release that provides a standard description of the company. This paragraph should be consistent across all press releases and should highlight the company's mission, key products or services, and competitive advantages.

• How to: The boilerplate should be a concise and informative snapshot of your company. Think of it as your elevator pitch. It should answer the question, "What does your company do?" Use keywords that are relevant to your industry and target audience.
• Example: "About Acme Corp: Acme Corp (NYSE: ACME) is a leading provider of innovative widget solutions for businesses of all sizes. With a focus on customer satisfaction and technological innovation, Acme Corp is committed to helping its customers achieve their goals."
• Consistency: Keep it consistent across all press releases.

Contact Information:

Include clear contact information for media inquiries, including the name, title, email address, and phone number of a media relations representative. Make it easy for journalists to reach out with questions or requests for interviews.

• How to: Provide a direct contact who can answer questions quickly and accurately. Include both an email address and a phone number. Ensure that the contact person is readily available and responsive.
• Tip: Consider including a link to a press kit with additional information about the company.

By focusing on these key elements, you can create financial press releases that are informative, engaging, and effective in communicating your company's message to the world.

Tips for Writing a Successful Financial Press Release

Crafting a financial press release that achieves its intended goals requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to help you create a successful release:

• Target the Right Audience: Consider who you're trying to reach with your press release (investors, analysts, media, customers) and tailor the language and content accordingly.
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Avoid jargon, technical terms, and overly complex sentences. Write in a clear and straightforward style that is easy for anyone to understand.
• Focus on Key Metrics: Highlight the most important financial figures and metrics, such as revenue, earnings per share, growth rates, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Follow AP Style: Adhere to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook for formatting, grammar, and punctuation. This will ensure that your press release meets journalistic standards.
• Distribution Strategy: Plan your distribution strategy in advance. Services like MarketersMEDIA Newswire provide all of this—distributing press releases to a vast network, including Business Insider, AP News, Barchart, and The Globe and Mail. With wide reach and detailed reporting, you know exactly where your news is making an impact. Consider targeting specific journalists or publications that cover your industry.
• Compliance Considerations: Be mindful of securities regulations and avoid making any misleading or unsubstantiated claims. Consult with legal counsel to ensure that your press release complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Especially be careful of forward-looking statements and ensure they have proper disclaimers.

Final Thoughts

Financial press releases are powerful tools for communicating with investors, the media, and the public. By understanding the different types of financial press releases, mastering the key elements of effective writing, and following these essential tips, you can create press releases that inform, engage, and ultimately drive positive results for your company.

Remember to prioritize clarity, accuracy, and compliance in all your financial communications. Ready to share your financial story? If you want to streamline the process, try MarketersMEDIA Newswire's AI Press Release Generator—it helps craft a strong first draft using best practices, which you can then refine to match your company’s voice. After all, a little assistance can go a long way in getting your message just right!