Market Reactions to Stock Rating and Target Price Changes in Analyst Reports: Evidence from Japan

Abstract

Abstract We aim to perform a comprehensive analysis of the effects of stock ratings and target prices published in the Japanese markets using a large number of analyst reports. Our study is the first to cover reports published by six domestic brokerage firms and ten foreign brokerage firms. In addition to the impact of rating changes on stock prices, we provide analyses on the combined effects of stock ratings and target prices. Furthermore, we find that market responses are affected by the information quality of securities companies issuing analyst reports and the number of reports issued on the same day.