Merrie Frankel, president of Minerva Realty Consultants, LLC, joined REIT.com for a video interview at REITWeek 2017: NAREIT’s Investor Forum at the New York Hilton Midtown.
Minerva provides credit rating and capital structure analysis to REITs and real estate companies. The firm’s clientele includes listed REITs and private real estate companies seeking strategic analysis, companies considering going public and companies that are working through the ratings process.
Frankel previously served as a REIT analyst with Moody’s Investor Service before launching Minerva earlier this year.
In terms of advice for clients considering going public, Frankel stressed the importance of “doing your homework.” She noted that clients must ensure they are ready for enhanced reporting and public access. They also should have staff in place to deal with different constituencies.
“It’s important to think about the landscape and have an advisor that can help you look out for any landmines,” Frankel said.
Meanwhile, Frankel noted that clients are also seeking her help to evaluate the REITs in their investment portfolios, collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and other types of structured products.