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The Integrity of Financial Analysts: Evidence from Asymmetric Responses to Earnings Surprises

Author

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  • Rui Lu

    (Sun Yat-sen University)

  • Wenxuan Hou

    (University of Edinburgh Business School
    Shanghai University of Finance and Economics)

  • Henry Oppenheimer

    (University of Rhode Island)

  • Ting Zhang

    (University of Dayton)

Abstract

This paper investigates the integrity of financial analysts by examining their recommendation responses to large quarterly earnings surprises. Although there is no significant difference in recommendation changes between affiliated and unaffiliated analysts in response to positive earnings surprises, affiliated analysts are more reluctant than unaffiliated analysts to downgrade stock recommendations in response to negative earnings surprises. The evidence implies that conflicts of interest undermine the integrity of financial analysts. We further examine the effects of reputation concern and the Global Research Analyst Settlement as informal and formal mechanisms, on restoring analysts’ integrity. The results show that the positive bias in recommendations remains prevalent for affiliated analysts from reputable investment banks and for the postreform period. Finally, evidence from market reactions suggests that investors fail to notice that analysts’ integrity is compromised by conflicts of interest and are misled by affiliated analysts.

Suggested Citation

  • Rui Lu & Wenxuan Hou & Henry Oppenheimer & Ting Zhang, 2018. "The Integrity of Financial Analysts: Evidence from Asymmetric Responses to Earnings Surprises," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 151(3), pages 761-783, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:151:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-016-3244-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-016-3244-1
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