Managers and analysts: An examination of mutual influence
The Academy of Management Journal
Published online on June 27, 2013
Abstract
Securities analysts' predictions of firm earnings per share constitute important performance targets for firms. Firm managers attempt to both influence analysts' targets and achieve the targets. We draw on the impression management literature to offer hypotheses regarding how firm performance relative to prior targets influences the impression management activities of issuing forecast guidance, having conference calls with analysts, and issuing firm press releases. We also consider the influence of these impression management activities on subsequent analysts' targets. We test this dyadic representation of impression management activities using a longitudinal panel of large firms. Findings suggest managers take a variety of actions that vary with firm performance, and that some of those actions influence subsequent analyst targets under some conditions.