Corporate actions
Analyst rating
A published recommendation on a share, typically buy, hold or sell.
How it works
Ratings come with a price target and a research note. The note is generally more valuable than the rating, since it contains the reasoning and the model.
The distribution is heavily skewed towards positive recommendations, for reasons including maintaining access to management.
Where it misleads people
A "hold" is frequently understood within the industry to mean sell. Reading the ratings literally misses the convention.
Related terms
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Educational reference only. Nothing here is investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell anything, and tax treatment depends on your own circumstances and the country you are in.