A public corporation is a company that has sold shares to the public through a stock exchange, allowing anyone to buy ownership in the company. This type of corporation is typically larger and must adhere to strict regulations set by government agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. Public corporations are required to disclose financial information regularly, ensuring transparency for investors. Public corporations can raise capital more easily by issuing additional shares, which can help fund expansion and growth. However, they also face pressure from shareholders to perform well financially, as stock prices can fluctuate based on company performance and market conditions. Examples of public corporations include Apple, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola.