What characterizes a public corporation?

A public corporation is defined primarily by its ability to raise capital by offering shares of stock to the public. This dual characteristic distinguishes it from other types of corporations. When a public corporation conducts an Initial Public Offering (IPO), it lists its shares on a stock exchange, making them available for purchase by the general public and institutional investors. This access to public capital enables the corporation to fund its business operations, expand, and invest in growth opportunities.

In contrast, a corporation without shareholders does not fit the definition of a public corporation, as shareholder ownership is fundamental to its structure. Moreover, a public corporation does not have to be owned entirely by the government, as government ownership defines a government entity rather than a public one. Lastly, while some public corporations can operate for profit, non-profit entities do not trade shares on stock exchanges and primarily focus on furthering a cause rather than maximizing shareholder returns.

Therefore, the defining feature of a public corporation is its ability to trade shares on a stock exchange following an IPO, facilitating public investment and ownership.