What do shares represent in a corporation?

Shares represent ownership in a corporation. When individuals buy shares, they are essentially purchasing a piece of the company, which entitles them to a stake in its assets and profits proportional to the number of shares they own. This ownership aspect allows shareholders to participate in the decision-making processes of the company, such as voting in annual meetings.

Ownership through shares also carries the potential for financial benefits, as shareholders might receive dividends based on the company's performance. However, it's essential to understand that shares are fundamentally about ownership rather than being solely related to profits or assets. The concept of dividends and profits does flow from the ownership of shares but does not define what shares represent in the broader context of corporate structure.