Who are the true owners of a corporation?

The true owners of a corporation are the common stockholders. This group has equity interest in the company and holds ownership claims on the company's assets and earnings. Common stockholders typically have voting rights, allowing them to participate in key corporate decisions, like electing the board of directors or approving significant changes within the company. Their ownership reflects their investment in the corporation, and they share in the corporation's profits typically through dividends and potential appreciation in stock value.

In contrast, preferred stockholders have a higher claim to dividends and assets than common stockholders but do not usually possess voting rights, which limits their control over corporate decisions. Creditors and bondholders are not owners of the corporation; instead, they are lenders who provide funds to the corporation, expecting repayment with interest. Their relationship with the company is contractual, and they have claims on the company's assets in the event of liquidation, but they do not share in the ownership or decision-making processes like common stockholders do.