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Do independent research analysts issue more or less informative recommendation revisions?

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  • Casey, Ryan J.

Abstract

This paper studies whether independent research analysts issue more informative stock recommendation revisions than investment bank analysts. I find independent analyst recommendation upgrades and downgrades significantly less informative. I also investigate whether the identified differences in informativeness are the result of systematic cross-sectional variation in analyst ability, portfolio complexity, and brokerage firm resources. Including these variables reduces the disparity in information content between groups. However, independent revisions continue to have lower informativeness. I follow prior research and compute daily buy-and-hold abnormal returns to portfolios formed based on analyst firm type. I find that investment bank analyst portfolios generally outperform those of independent research analysts. Lastly, I examine market reactions before and after the Global Settlement Agreement that was enacted to limit the perceived conflicts in the industry. Lastly, investment bank analyst upgrades generate an 18.7% greater reaction in the post-regulation period, suggesting the Global Settlement helped mitigate biased research. Independent analysts continue to issue less informative recommendations.

Suggested Citation

  • Casey, Ryan J., 2013. "Do independent research analysts issue more or less informative recommendation revisions?," Advances in accounting, Elsevier, vol. 29(1), pages 36-49.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:advacc:v:29:y:2013:i:1:p:36-49
    DOI: 10.1016/j.adiac.2013.03.009
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    Cited by:

    1. Jeremy Burke & Angela A. Hung & Jack Clift & Steven Garber & Joanne K. Yoong, 2015. "Impacts of Conflicts of Interest in the Financial Services Industry," Working Papers WR-1076, RAND Corporation.

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