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Does rating analyst subjectivity affect corporate debt pricing?

Author

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  • Fracassi, Cesare
  • Petry, Stefan
  • Tate, Geoffrey

Abstract

We find evidence of systematic optimism and pessimism among credit analysts, comparing contemporaneous ratings of the same firm across rating agencies. These differences in perspectives carry through to debt prices and negatively predict future changes in credit spreads, consistent with mispricing. Moreover, the pricing effects are the largest among firms that are the most opaque, likely exacerbating financing constraints. We find that masters of business administration (MBAs) provide higher quality ratings. However, optimism increases and accuracy decreases with tenure covering the firm. Our analysis demonstrates the role analysts play in shaping investor expectations and its effect on corporate debt markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Fracassi, Cesare & Petry, Stefan & Tate, Geoffrey, 2016. "Does rating analyst subjectivity affect corporate debt pricing?," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 120(3), pages 514-538.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinec:v:120:y:2016:i:3:p:514-538
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfineco.2016.02.006
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Analysts; Credit ratings; Credit spreads; Investor sentiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G02 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Behavioral Finance: Underlying Principles
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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