This paper aims to provide a theoretical underpinning of the dynamic efficiency model pioneered by [Ahn, S.C., Good, D.H., Sickles, R.C., 2000. Estimation of long-run inefficiency levels: A dynamic frontier approach. Econometric Reviews 19, 461–492]. In the context of a quadratic loss function this paper formulates a multi-period forward-looking rational expectations model on the evolution of the technical inefficiency level, which correctly produces a dynamic panel data model. The model is illustrated using panel data of 112 French banks. Encouraging evidence of superiority in favor of the model is reached. Substantial cost inefficiency prevails in this industry, where the constituent banks are characterized as having volatile adjustment speeds toward their long-run steady states. The sample banks exhibit increasing returns to scale and product-mix economies.

This study provides evidence of changes in how analysts generate stock recommendations after the SEC's approval of NASD Rule 2711 in May 2002, which introduced regulatory reforms to enhance the independence of analysts' research. We investigate the relations of analysts' stock recommendations with intrinsic value estimates (based on analysts' earnings forecasts relative to the stock prices, V/P) and with investment-banking-related conflicts of interest during the 1994–2005 period. We find a stronger relation between analysts' stock recommendations and V/P and a weaker relation between analysts' stock recommendations and conflicts of interest in the post-Rule period than prior to the implementation of the Rule. Moreover, the increases in the relation between stock recommendations and V/P after the implementation of the Rule are greater for the stocks recommended by analysts with greater potential conflicts of interest. Our findings suggest that the implementation of Rule 2711 has enhanced analysts' independence.