Ticker Symbol
The short alphabetic code used by an exchange to identify a listed security in quotes, orders and trade reports.
How it is identified
Test: the code is exchange-assigned, unique within that exchange, and resolves to exactly one security
Unit
qualitative
In depth
A ticker is a convenience label owned by the exchange, not by the company, so the same company can carry different symbols on the NSE and the BSE, and the BSE additionally uses a numeric scrip code. Symbols get reused and reassigned after delistings and name changes, which is why historical data keyed on ticker alone eventually goes wrong. The ISIN is the identifier that stays put across exchanges and corporate actions, and it is what depositories actually settle against. Assuming a ticker uniquely identifies a company forever is a reliable way to corrupt a long price history.
Worked example
A company changes its name and its NSE symbol changes with it, while its ISIN is unchanged. A price series keyed on the old symbol appears to stop dead on the change date; the same series keyed on ISIN runs straight through.
Illustrative figures, chosen so the arithmetic is easy to follow. Not a live price and not a valuation of any company.
Educational reference only
This entry explains what “Ticker Symbol” means. It is not investment advice and not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Any numbers above are illustrative, not live prices, and nothing here predicts price direction or rates a stock. Consider your own circumstances and consult a SEBI-registered investment adviser before acting.