Who is classified as a shareholder?

A shareholder is someone who owns shares in a corporation, which makes them a part-owner of that company. By purchasing stock, an individual acquires equity in the corporation, meaning they have a stake in its profits and may be entitled to vote on certain corporate matters, such as the election of the board of directors. This ownership can influence corporate decisions and policies.

The other choices do not accurately define a shareholder. An employee of a corporation may not necessarily own any stock; simply working for the company does not confer ownership rights. A person who can buy a business outright is typically referred to as a buyer or investor, but this does not specifically relate to holding shares in a corporation. Lastly, a person who manages the operations of a corporation, often known as a manager or executive, may not hold any ownership in the firm. Therefore, the definition aligns precisely with the situation described in the correct answer, which emphasizes the role of acquiring stock to become a shareholder.