It seems the old adage, “Sell in May and Go Away!” has taken hold this past month as the markets plunged into bear territory more than once. The saying, based on the premise that the six summer months from May through October (crop seeding, growth and harvesting) typically register lower gains than the six months of winter from November through April (when the bears are hibernating).

As a foreign issuer lists on OTCQX or OTCQB, it’s absolutely critical to become DTC eligible. The Depository Trust Company or DTC is the unseen and often unsung hero that allows the modern infrastructure of cross border trading to function easily and cost-effectively. In the U.S., DTC eligible shares are qualified for electronic clearing and settlement through the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, a U.S. company that manages the process for publicly traded companies.

As the Coronavirus fades into our rear-view mirror, the shift to in person events is underway. While the cost effectiveness of Zoom meetings can’t be beat, there is nothing like a day of investor meetings which can ultimately can save you time and money.

Gifted communicators are made, not born. They make eloquence appear effortless but, the reality is—they stick to a script. During an earnings call, it’s imperative to curate the narrative and ensure specific messages are conveyed to the investment community.

A rule of thumb for great investor presentations is 10-20-30. No more than 10 slides, presented in 20 minutes in a 30-point font. If you need more than 10 slides, you are not articulating your investment thesis properly or, more importantly, efficiently. Investors do not want to be burdened with an overwhelming number of details. Tighten the message and focus on the most important aspects.

It’s impossible to anticipate all the questions that may be asked during an investor presentation, nondeal roadshow or on an earnings call despite your best efforts at preparation and due diligence. When investors ask about specific lines on the balance sheet and you can’t make a direct and factual response, it’s absolutely ok to say “Sorry, I don’t know.”