A public company is a business that has sold shares to the general public through a stock exchange. This means that anyone can buy a piece of the company, making it easier for the company to raise money for growth and operations. Public companies are required to disclose their financial information regularly, ensuring transparency for investors. Being a public company also means that it is subject to regulations set by government agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. This oversight helps protect investors by ensuring that companies provide accurate information about their performance and operations.