Data limitations
Stock Splits and Corporate Actions Limitations
Long histories can be tricky. Corporate actions, symbol changes, and data feeds can reshape how prices appear. Here is how to read them safely.
Published: December 26, 2025 · Updated: December 26, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only, not financial advice.
- Examples are illustrative and simplified.
- Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
- Market returns can be negative.
- See the Privacy Policy for data handling details.
Open the Investment History Checker
Run your dates, then review splits and corporate action notes before you interpret results.
Quick answer
- Splits and symbol changes can reshape historical prices.
- Different data vendors can show small differences or gaps.
- Use the checker for illustration, not perfect broker matching.
Stock splits in plain English
A stock split increases share count and adjusts the per-share price so the total position value is designed to stay similar at the moment of the split. Historical prices are adjusted to keep charts continuous. See split adjusted prices explained.
Other corporate actions that affect history
- Mergers and acquisitions that convert shares into another ticker.
- Spin offs that create a new ticker and reduce the parent price.
- Symbol changes and re-listings across exchanges.
- Delistings or moves to OTC trading.
- Special dividends and distributions that shift price levels.
What can cause gaps or weird jumps
- Missing vendor rows in the feed.
- Suspended trading or halts.
- Holidays and partial trading days.
- Symbol migrations or re-listings.
- Timezone date boundaries shifting timestamps.
- Rounding differences between sources.
Why two data vendors can differ
Vendors can use different corporate action databases, adjustment methods, and correction timing. Small differences in dividends, split factors, or late restatements can shift start and end values. This is normal for public history feeds.
Safe expectations and how to verify
The checker uses data feeds and simplified assumptions for illustration. Broker statements include execution timing, FX, fees, taxes, and reinvested dividends, so they will differ. See why results differ from broker.
- [ ] Confirm ticker and listing
- [ ] Check for splits or symbol changes
- [ ] Rerun a shorter window around the suspected issue
- [ ] Compare to another public quote source if needed
Issue and what to do
| What you see | Likely cause | Quick check |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden drop to near zero | Split adjustment or symbol change | Look for split dates and re-run around them |
| Missing year | Delisting, migration, or data gap | Check another source and shorter window |
| Large one-day jump | Corporate action or special dividend | Verify corporate action notes |
| Different start price vs another site | Different adjustment methods or currencies | Confirm currency and adjustment type |
FAQ preview
- Does the tool adjust for splits?
- Why does my broker show a different price?
- What happens when a ticker changes symbol?
- Why are some dates missing?
- Can I trust long range comparisons?
For more detail, read split adjusted prices explained, why results differ from broker, and the Investment History Checker FAQ.
Ready to check your history with context?
Run the checker, watch for splits and symbol changes, and read results as directional illustrations.