Who are the individuals that hold ownership rights in a corporation?

The individuals who hold ownership rights in a corporation are the shareholders. Shareholders are those who own shares of stock in the corporation, giving them a claim to a portion of the company’s assets and earnings. Their ownership can grant them voting rights in corporate decisions and potential dividends based on the company’s performance. This ownership structure is fundamental to how corporations operate, as it distinguishes shareholders from other roles within the company, such as employees, who do not possess ownership stakes, or managers, who may have the authority to run the company but do not necessarily hold ownership unless they also own shares. Creditors, on the other hand, lend money to the corporation and are repaid with interest, but they do not have any ownership rights in the business. Hence, shareholders are clearly identified as the group that possesses ownership rights within a corporation.