What does a residual claim pertain to in the context of equity?

A residual claim in the context of equity refers to the rights of shareholders to the remaining assets of a company after all debts and obligations have been paid. This concept is integral to understanding the position of equity holders within a firm's capital structure. When a company liquidates, the first parties to be paid are creditors, and once all debts are settled, any leftover assets belong to the equity holders, who are the owners of the company. Thus, they have a claim on whatever remains, which emphasizes their ownership stake.

This ownership grants shareholders voting rights and a residual benefit from the company’s profits, typically in the form of dividends or increased value of their shares, but only after all other claims—such as those from creditors—have been satisfied. Therefore, the correct choice clearly highlights the connection between residual claims and equity ownership.