Symbol Lookup FAQs



1. I've tried everything, and I can't find the ticker symbol I'm looking for! What else can I do?
2. Why can't I find the stock class for my stock?
3. Why doesn't the preferred stock symbol I have from the newspaper work?
4. How do I find a quote on a new "when issued" stock?
5. Why can't I find a new fund symbol?


I've tried everything, and I can't find the ticker symbol I'm looking for! What else can I do?

There are many reasons users sometimes have trouble finding a particular ticker symbol. Sometimes you have an incorrect spelling that is so far off, it is not found by the Symbol Lookup utility. Often times, the company in question is not publicly traded and there just isn't a ticker symbol. If you've tried everything else, here are two more options you can try:

  • Try a search by company name with our partner Hoover's. If the company in question is a privately held firm, or a subsidiary of a larger company, this information will be provided in the results offered by Hoover's.
  • Try AOL Search. AOL Search performs a much broader search of the entire internet and you may be able to locate the company website or another helpful resource.


Why can't I find the stock class for my stock?

Stocks with different classes use the stock symbol followed by a period and then the class. For example, BRK.A is for Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock.


Why doesn't the preferred stock symbol I have from the newspaper work?

The format that data providers (including the newspaper, other web sites, your broker, etc.) vary widely. AOL uses the popular ticker symbol format provided by our quote data partner, Comstock. The Comstock format for preferred stocks uses the regular stock symbol followed by a dash and then the appropriate letter or no letter if there is only one type of preferred stock issued. For example, GM-G is for General Motors Series G Preferred stock.


How do I find a quote on a new "when issued" stock?

To obtain the price on a stock that is trading on a "when issued" basis, or "WI" on some other system symbols, type the stock symbol, followed by a pound sign (#). For example, NCR#.


Why can't I find a new fund symbol?

When a fund is just starting, the fund may ask for an assigned symbol from NASDAQ. However, in order to actually be listed on the exchange, they must meet special reporting requirements. For example, until the fund has grown to sufficient size, NASDAQ will not report on it. Therefore, AOL will not have quotes for the fund.