What defines a public company?

A public company is defined by its ability to sell shares to the general public, and this is typically facilitated by being listed on a stock exchange. When a company is publicly traded, it must comply with regulatory requirements, allowing investors to buy and sell shares easily. The listing on a stock exchange increases the company's visibility and access to capital, as it can attract a wider range of investors.

In contrast, a public company does not operate solely in local markets; it can have a global presence and engage with international investors. Additionally, being publicly listed means that the company certainly does have shareholders, who are individuals or institutions holding shares in the company. Therefore, characteristics such as being listed on a stock exchange and having shareholders are fundamental to the definition of a public company.