Stock Symbol Change: A Guide for Investors and Traders

Stock symbol changes can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got you covered. A stock symbol change, also known as a ticker symbol change, is a common occurrence in the stock market.

Stocks can change their symbols due to various reasons, such as mergers and acquisitions, company name changes, or even a change in the stock exchange. This change can affect the way you buy and sell shares, so it's essential to stay informed.

A stock symbol change doesn't affect the underlying company's performance or value, but it can impact your investment strategy. It's crucial to update your records and trading platforms to reflect the new symbol.

If you're an investor or trader, it's essential to stay on top of stock symbol changes to avoid any potential losses or missed opportunities.

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Stock symbol changes can occur for a variety of reasons, including mergers and acquisitions.

Companies may change their stock symbol due to a name change, such as when a company is acquired and the new entity takes on the acquiring company's name.

A change in business focus can also trigger a stock symbol change, as seen in the case of companies that undergo significant restructuring or shift their operations to a new industry.

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In May 2021, TotalEnergies SE changed its name to TotalEnergies SE. The company's Ordinary and Extraordinary Meeting of Shareholders made the decision on May 28, 2021.

The name change affects the company's shares and American depositary receipts (ADR). The ticker symbol will also be adjusted.

The new name and ticker symbol will be TotalEnergies on the Euronext markets in Paris and Brussels, with the ticker TTE, starting June 3, 2021.

The London Stock Exchange will adopt the new name on June 2, 2021.

The New York Stock Exchange (ADR) will make the change on June 11, 2021.

Here are the markets and their corresponding new names and ticker symbols:

Altria Group, Inc. changed its name from Philip Morris Companies Inc. in 2003 to reflect its shift in focus from tobacco to a broader consumer products company.

This change was likely due to the company's desire to distance itself from its tobacco roots and appeal to a wider range of investors.

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Alcatel-Lucent, a telecommunications equipment manufacturer, changed its name from Alcatel in 2006 after merging with Lucent Technologies.

The name change was a strategic move to create a new brand identity that reflected the combined company's global reach.

Google, the technology giant, changed its name from Google to Alphabet Inc. in 2015 to reflect its expanding business interests beyond search.

This change allowed the company to create a new parent company that could oversee its various subsidiaries and projects.

In 2019, Gannett Co., Inc. changed its name from Gannett Co., Inc. to New Media Investment Group, Inc. after acquiring GateHouse Media.

The name change reflected the company's new focus on digital media and its expanded reach through the acquisition.

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