They do, collectively, own most companies. It is possible to create shares that do not represent an ownership interest, but most companies are structured such t

They do, collectively, own most companies. It is possible to create shares that do not represent an ownership interest, but most companies are structured such that they do. Shareholders are generally able to reconstitute the board, which can appoint a CEO, who is in control over the assets of that company. They may then appoint a board, who would appoint a CEO who would liquidate the assets and return them as a dividend to the shareholders. That is the sense in which they own the company. Now, some companies sell shares that don't have voting rights (e.g. Google, Facebook). Those are a bit more nuanced. Though even in those cases, there are voting shares, they're just not traded in the public markets. So, the statement that the company is owned/controlled by its shareholders remains correct.