Who is an owner of a corporation?

An owner of a corporation is best defined as a shareholder. Shareholders are individuals or entities that own shares in a corporation, representing a claim on part of the corporation's assets and earnings. By purchasing shares, a shareholder invests in the corporation and, in return, gains ownership rights, which typically include voting on important corporate matters, such as the election of the board of directors, and receiving dividends if declared.

In contrast, while directors are responsible for overseeing the company's management and making high-level decisions, they do not necessarily own shares and can be appointed from outside the shareholder base. Traders, who buy and sell stocks in financial markets, may not have any ownership stake in the companies whose shares they trade. Employees work for the corporation but do not hold ownership unless they also happen to be shareholders, which is not a requirement of their employment. Therefore, the role of a shareholder fundamentally defines them as the true owners of a corporation.