how to find information to calculate cost basis for old stocks?

July 15, 2010 8:13 AM

where can i find comprehensive information about corporate actions that happened a long time ago (1990s) along with its details like basis allocation, etc.

I'm working on an assignment determining cost basis for stocks purchased during the 90s that have since undergone mergers, spin offs, stock splits, etc. I've been able to reconcile the original and current share amounts but am having trouble finding the additional information needed to calculate the adjusted total costs (per share).

I have access to the database at https://www.wolterskluwerfs.com/cap but it does not document far back enough.

I was told to visit each corporation's website and search through investor relations pages but I'm still having trouble finding what I need.

The specific corporate actions I need more info on are:
- AIG's acquisition of HSB (11/6/00)
- General Re Corp and BRKB merger (11/22/98)
- Warner Lambert Co and Pfizer Inc merger (2/7/00)

Any help would be appreciated! I'm a first time summer intern and know next to nothing about finance so if I'm completely off track.. please let me know.

posted by qvinx to Work & Money (2 answers total)

why don't you just call IR. This is what their job is. The bigger firms probably have a shareholder services person as well. If that is the case call them not IR.
posted by JPD at 8:19 AM on July 15, 2010

Does your organization subscribe to any of the CRSP (Center for Research in Security Prices) databases? The CRSP US Stock Database, which has data reaching back to 1925, will have what you want. (Note: I work for CRSP.)
posted by Fred Mars at 8:47 AM on July 16, 2010