Shares, shareholders & voting · Core
Share
Also called: stock, equity security
ELI5
A unit of ownership or economic interest in a company, with rights determined by its class and governing documents.
Used in conversation
“Can we circulate share with the assumptions and open questions marked?”
Pitch context
You will see “Share” in board papers, contracts, policies, risk registers and compliance reports when the discussion reaches shares, shareholders & voting.
Why it matters: In shares, shareholders & voting, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Connected terms
- InventoryThe search label “stock” can route to both entries.
- Market shareThe search label “share” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 4
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16