gold bull is resting for now, page-29

shareholders own the stock but not the corporation itself.

technically speaking they do have a claim on the assets in the company, however it doesn't mean they can rock up and demand something in person, as their ownership value is determined by the value of the stock at that time.

the upshoot for shareholders is that they are shielded from personal liability for the debts and obligations of the corporation.

the downside is that they are usually last in line to claim any assets after a liquidation.

typically the creditors get dibs on the company's assets to settle their outstanding debts, then bondholders, followed by preferred shareholders, and finally common shareholders