Which type of corporation has the potential to issue stock to the general public?

A public corporation is characterized by its ability to issue stock to the general public. This type of corporation is typically registered with the appropriate regulatory authorities and adheres to stricter disclosures and compliance requirements, such as those set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. By issuing shares to the public, a public corporation can raise capital from a wide investor base, which may include individual and institutional investors.

In contrast, a private corporation does not have the same capability of issuing stock to the public; its shares are privately held, often limited to a small number of investors. Non-profit corporations are organized primarily for charitable, educational, or other socially beneficial purposes, and they do not issue stock at all. S corporations, while allowing certain tax advantages for owners, still operate as private entities and do not issue stock to the general public. Thus, the public corporation stands out for its access to public capital markets, making it the correct answer regarding the ability to issue stock broadly.