In August, Harley-Davidson changed its ticker symbol from HDI to HOG, the nickname for its motorcycles. “The new ticker symbol captures the spirit of what Harley-Davidson is all about—the fun of riding motorcycles,” said CFO Tom Bergmann in a statement on the change.
But will it lure more investors?
Not likely, says Bob Leahy of the Financial Relations Board, an investor-relations firm. “It may appeal to the retail community, but it will absolutely have no impact on valuation,” he says. And using a symbol that is not an abbreviation of the company name can make it hard to find on an alphabetical list, he adds.
Nevertheless, a spokesperson for the New York Stock Exchange says more companies are choosing tickers that reflect their products or brand image. “They’re easier to remember and can reinforce what a company stands for,” he says.
See if you can match these ticker symbols with the companies they represent.
1) BID | A) Brinker International |
2) DNA | B) Nicor |
3) EAT | C) Gibraltar Industries |
4) FUN | D) Sotheby’s Holdings |
5) GAS | E) The Boston Beer Company |
6) LUV | F) MarineMax |
7) MTN | G) Southwest Airlines |
8) RIG | H) Genentech |
9) ROCK | I) Vail Resorts |
10) SAM | J) Steinway Musical Instruments |
11) HZO | K) Cedar Fair |
12) LVB | L) Transocean |
For the answer key click here.