What does a 'share' represent in terms of corporate ownership?

A 'share' represents a unit of stock in a corporation, signifying ownership in that company. When an individual purchases a share, they acquire a portion of the company, which entitles them to a proportionate claim on the company’s assets and earnings. This ownership can be reflected in dividends, which are payments made to shareholders out of the company's profits, and can also affect the shareholder's influence over corporate decisions.

While other choices mention important concepts related to corporate finance and governance, they do not accurately define what a 'share' is. Bonds, for example, are a form of debt investment and do not convey ownership. A financial interest can encompass various types of investments, but it lacks the specificity that defines a share. Voting rights, while often associated with shares, are only part of what it means to own a share in terms of corporate governance, as not all shares carry voting rights, and voting is not the sole characteristic of ownership. Thus, identifying a share specifically as a unit of stock clarifies its foundational role in defining corporate ownership.