A contract whereby two or more persons bind themselves to contribute money, property or industry to a common fund with the intention of dividing the profits among themselves is a:

The description provided in the question characterizes a partnership accurately. A partnership involves two or more individuals who voluntarily come together with the intention of running a business. They contribute resources—be it money, property, or services—into a common fund and share the profits that arise from their joint efforts.

In a partnership, the fundamental aspect is the collaborative effort and profit-sharing, which aligns perfectly with the definition offered in the question. Each partner typically has an ownership stake in the enterprise and takes on some degree of liability, as they are bound by the partnership agreement.

The other options do not fit this definition as closely. A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners, often characterized by limited liability and corporate formalities; it does not involve a direct relationship of profit-sharing as described. A sole proprietorship, on the other hand, is operated by a single individual, eliminating the element of a collective agreement among multiple parties. Lastly, a joint stock company is a specific type of business structure that issues shares of stock, allowing for investment and profit-sharing, but it typically does not function like a traditional partnership. Thus, the essence of mutual contribution and profit-sharing central to a partnership is why that answer is the most appropriate.