Handled bond issues for Robbinsville, Millstone schools in 2011
BORDENTOWN — Phoenix Advisors LLC was ranked the top performer among New Jersey financial advisors for 2011, according to rankings published Jan. 24 by Thomson Financial, which tracks public sector debt transactions.
Phoenix, which operates in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, ranked first among New Jersey financial advisers in two key measurements: Total value of all issues handled, which was $630 million, and the number of issues, at 60. Phoenix out-paced the second-place firm by $68.6 million and 14 more transactions.
In 2011, Phoenix Advisors handled New Jersey bond issues for 26 municipalities, 23 school districts, six authorities, and five counties. Locally, Phoenix handled $9.1 million in general obligation bonds for Robbinsville Township and $15 million in school refunding bonds for the Millstone Township School District.
The company, which was founded seven years ago, rose to the No. 1 ranking on total value of issues from its sixth-place ranking in 2010. However, in the key area of total number of issues, Phoenix stayed in first place, handling 60 issues in 2011 compared to 64 the prior year. Phoenix maintained its high number of issues despite the overall value of the market in New Jersey dropping from $14.8 billion in 2010 to $8.8 billion last year.
”Market conditions last year revealed Phoenix’s core strength: We work with everyone, from the smallest fire district to the largest municipality,” said Dave Thompson, founder of Phoenix Advisors.
The role of the financial adviser is a key part of any public sector debt transaction. The adviser works with a municipality, school district or other public agency to navigate through the process of issuing debt — answering questions from underwriters and potential investors, as well as presenting important public information ahead of the sale.
Phoenix Advisors excels in all aspects of the transaction, including the key meetings with Wall Street rating agencies, Mr. Thompson said. Beyond the latest rankings, Phoenix also succeeded in helping several issuers improve their bond rating in 2011, including Robbinsville Township which was able to achieve a AA rating from Standard & Poor’s last year.
”These are difficult times for mayors and school board members,” said Phoenix Managing Director Anthony P. Inverso, who joined the firm in 2007.
”Our firm is focused on helping those elected officials who are on the front lines trying to control property taxes,” Mr. Inverso said. “These results show we help deliver the lowest interest rate possible, not only when refinancing existing issues, but also in structuring new issues when they are needed.”
Managing Director Sherry L. Tracey, who has been with Phoenix Advisors since its inception, said she is especially proud that the company saved New Jersey taxpayers $31,017,725 in 2011.

