Credit Suisse First Boston announced it will adopt a new equity research ratings system to provide greater clarity and transparency for investors.

Under the new system, which will take effect in September, CSFB equity research analysts will assign each stock they cover with one of three ratings: Outperform, Neutral and Underperform. The new ratings will be made relative to the coverage universe in each analyst’s respective sector. Previously, CSFB had a four-tier ratings system. CSFB will rate each sector with one of three industry ratings – Overweight, Market-weight and Underweight – which will be included on company research reports. The industry ratings will be made relative to the broad market.

CSFB will also introduce a volatility indicator to identify stocks with greater than average perceived risk. The volatility legend will be used on stocks whose price has moved up or down by more than 20% in a month in at least eight of the past 24 months or if the analyst expects such movement going forward. All IPO stocks will automatically be rated volatile within the first 12 months of trading.

John Mack, CEO of CSFB said, “Today’s ratings changes will help us continue to produce the best research on the Street. We have taken many steps over the past year to ensure that our analysts work in an independent environment and produce objective research. These steps have included policies banning equity and fixed income analysts from owning securities in the companies they cover and prohibiting analysts from having any reporting relationship to investment banking.”

“Our new rating system makes stock recommendations even more clear to investors,” said Al Jackson, Global Head of Securities Research. “CSFB’s global research team has consistently performed well in objective stock-picking surveys, and we believe that this new system will further solidify our reputation for outstanding quality research.”