I think the difference is they're supposed to mark-to-market to handle inflows and outflows from their accounts. Other financial firms (say Morgan Stanley or B

I think the difference is they're supposed to mark-to-market to handle inflows and outflows from their accounts. Other financial firms (say Morgan Stanley or Barclays) provide price targets as a service to investors. (Whether or not they're accurate, or providing any real value with the "Service" is another story)