What do you call an individual who owns stock in a company?

An individual who owns stock in a company is referred to as a stockholder. This term specifically denotes ownership in equity shares of a corporation, indicating that the person has a claim on a portion of the company's assets and earnings. Stockholders are entitled to vote on key company matters, such as electing the board of directors, and they may receive dividends based on the company’s performance.

While other options are related to financial ownership or investment, they distinguish between different kinds of financial engagement. A stakeholder is a broader term that encompasses anyone who has an interest or investment in a company, including employees, customers, and suppliers—not solely those who own stock. A bondholder, on the other hand, refers to someone who has lent money to a company by purchasing bonds, which is a different financial product with its own implications regarding returns and ownership rights. An investor can refer to anyone who invests in a financial asset, including stocks, bonds, and real estate, but it does not specifically indicate share ownership. Thus, the term that precisely identifies someone with ownership in stock is stockholder.