A Note on Analysts' Earnings Forecast Errors Distribution

31 Pages Posted: 8 Oct 2008

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: November 2003

Abstract

Abarbanell and Lehavy provide evidence that analysts' forecast errors are not normally distributed exhibiting a high occurrence of extreme negative forecast errors (left-tail asymmetry) and a high occurrence of small positive forecast errors (middle asymmetry). This is important for researchers who rely on techniques that are sensitive to the distributional assumptions of analysts' forecast errors. Many of the conclusions drawn by Abarbanell and Lehavy, however, are based on visual impressions (as opposed to formal empirical tests) or based on methods that are very sensitive to the empirical methods used (e.g., whether the serial correlation of forecast errors is caused by the left-tail asymmetry).

Keywords: Analysts forecasts, analysts bias, analysts under/overreaction to information, analysts loss function, discretionary accruals

Suggested Citation

Cohen, Daniel A. and Lys, Thomas Z., A Note on Analysts' Earnings Forecast Errors Distribution (November 2003). NYU Working Paper No. 2451/27553, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1280715

Daniel A. Cohen (Contact Author)

Vanderbilt University - Owen Graduate School of Management ( email )

401 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
United States

Thomas Z. Lys

Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management ( email )

2001 Sheridan Road
Department of Accounting & Information Systems
Evanston, IL 60208
United States
847-491-2673 (Phone)
847-467-1202 (Fax)

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