Answered By: Bobray Bordelon
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024     Views: 59

Depending upon the size of the dataset –

  • For small – use Bloomberg  - CACT <go> - (corporate actions> then the dates can be changed.)
  • For large – search on CRSP – through WRDS – select variable that tracks delisting – it will give a reason for instance 200 is merger. 
  • How can I find out if an old stock certificate has value? from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
  • See the Library of Congress guide.

For very old stocks:

Directory of Obsolete Securities
Jersey City, NJ: Financial Information Incorporated, 2010.
Each cumulative issue (1926+) contains a brief profile of banks & companies whose original identities have been lost as a result of one or more of the following actions: change in name, merger, acquisition, dissolution, reorganization, bankruptcy, or charter cancelation.  Each listing indicates how the company became obsolete, the new name of the company (if any), and the date the action occurred. When possible, an indication is made if the stock still has some value. (DR) HG4961.D56 2010
Robert D. Fisher manual of valuable and worthless securities. Shows companies that have been reorganized, merged, liquidated, or dissolved. Various titles and names.  See catalog record.

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