Which of the following is a characteristic of public limited companies?

Public limited companies are defined by their ability to offer shares for public purchase. This accessibility allows anyone to buy shares on the stock market, facilitating a broader range of shareholders and enhancing the ability to raise capital through public investments.

The option regarding shares being available to the public is central to the very nature of a public limited company. This characteristic enables these companies to have a larger base of potential investors compared to private companies, which typically limit their shares to a small group of individuals or entities. Consequently, the ability to expand their capital base through public offerings is a significant strategic advantage for public limited companies.

Regarding the other options, while private companies may limit their shareholders, public companies thrive on widespread ownership. Private trading of shares is also not applicable to public limited companies, as their shares must be traded on recognized stock exchanges. Lastly, tax rates for public companies are not inherently higher than those for private companies; taxation depends on various factors beyond company structure alone. Thus, the availability of shares to the public distinctly characterizes public limited companies.