Public Company

Business, Legal & Accounting Glossary

Definition: Public Company


Public Company

Quick Summary of Public Company


A public company is one that has issued securities through an Initial public offering (IPO) and is traded on a stock exchange.




Full Definition of Public Company


A public company is a company that has issued securities that are now traded on the open market.

A common misperception is that an investor can become a shareholder by buying stock in any public company. In fact, a public company may be closely held, with only publicly traded debt. Nevertheless, the most common way to form a public company is for a successful private company to raise capital in an initial public offering. If a public company issues stock, the company may be listed on a stock exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, or the shares may be traded over the counter. In the US, every public company must file quarterly and annual reports with the SEC. The investor can also own a public company stock indirectly by investing in a mutual fund.


Related Phrases


Initial public offering
Private company


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, from PayrollHeaven.com website: https://payrollheaven.com/define/public-company/

Definition Sources


Definitions for Public Company are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 29th November, 2021 | 0 Views.