Who is referred to as the owner of stock in a corporation?

The term "shareholder" specifically identifies an individual or entity that owns shares in a corporation. Each share represents a unit of ownership in the company, and shareholders have a claim on a portion of the company's assets and earnings. This ownership typically comes with voting rights in corporate matters and the potential to receive dividends based on the company's performance.

In contrast, an investor is a broader term that encompasses anyone who puts money into various assets with the expectation of earning a return. While all shareholders are investors, not all investors are shareholders.

A bondholder is someone who owns a bond, which is a loan made to a corporation or government. Bondholders do not own a part of the corporation; instead, they are creditors who receive interest payments and the return of their principal once the bond matures.

A debtor is an individual or entity that owes money to another party, typically resulting from borrowing. Debtors do not have ownership stakes in a corporation; rather, they are obligated to repay the borrowed funds.

Thus, "shareholder" is the precise term that denotes ownership of stock in a corporation, highlighting the unique relationship between shareholders and the companies they invest in.