Winners announced for inaugural IR Magazine Awards – Small Cap

Three companies can proudly call themselves winners of the first ever IR Magazine Awards – Small Cap.

Awards were presented in three categories: best IR by a senior management team, best IR by a small-cap company under $500 mn and best IR by a small-cap company between $500 mn and $1 bn.

The awards were presented in association with OTC Markets and were hosted at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.

Altus Group took home the award for best IR by a senior management team. The judges were particularly impressed with the company’s efforts in revamping its disclosure and engaging the Street to raise its visibility and communicate a change in its business model. This effort led to a 50 percent increase in share price over the last three years.

Stoneridge was the winner of the best IR by a small-cap company (under $500 mn) award. The company was praised by the judges for revamping its marketing materials around earnings calls, conferences and non-deal roadshows, which has garnered positive feedback from the company’s existing analysts and attracted investment from new firms.

Banc of California won the final award for best IR by a small-cap company ($500 mn-$1 bn). Its IR team was recognized for handling a tumultuous year, including the unexpected turnover of its CEO and CFO, and a board refreshment program that changed five of the nine company directors. 

Nominations were open between July and August 2017. IR Magazine welcomed self-nominations and nominations by proxy, and an esteemed judging panel reviewed the short lists and selected the winners. The judges were:

  • Ben Ashwell, digital editor, IR Magazine
  • Julie Tracy, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Wright Medical Group
  • Rebecca Updegraph, president of NIRI’s New York chapter
  • Steve West, most recently of Panera Bread, where he oversaw the award-winning IR program

Click here for information about future IR Magazine events and awards. 

Upcoming events

  • Briefing – Lessons from the 2025 Proxy Season
    Tuesday, July 22, 2025

    Briefing – Lessons from the 2025 Proxy Season

    In partnership with WHEN 8.00 am PT / 11.00 am ET / 4.00 pm BST / 5.00 pm CET DURATION 45 minutes About the event The 2025 proxy season was influenced by several key issues, including changes announced in Staff Legal Bulletin 14M regarding the interpretation of Rule 14a-8, and…

    Online
  • Briefing – Effective earnings preparation amid macro volatility
    Thursday, August 07, 2025

    Briefing – Effective earnings preparation amid macro volatility

    In partnership with WHEN 8.00 am PT / 11.00 am ET / 4.00 pm BST / 5.00 pm CET DURATION 45 minutes About the event Amid constant tariff news, geopolitical upheaval and other developments stemming from the new US administration, IR teams have their work cut out as they prepare…

    Online
  • IR Impact Forum – AI & Technology
    Wednesday, November 12, 2025

    IR Impact Forum – AI & Technology

    About the event As more investors, governance and corporate communicators teams embrace AI, machine learning and emerging technologies to inform their decision-making, investor relations professionals are facing a pivotal moment: adapt and lead, or risk falling behind. At this early but fast-moving stage of adoption, IR teams are asking important…

    New York, US

Explore

Andy White, Freelance WordPress Developer London