What is one key characteristic of a Public Limited Company?

A key characteristic of a Public Limited Company is that its shares can be bought and sold on the stock exchange. This liquidity is an essential feature that distinguishes public companies from private companies, as it allows investors to easily trade shares, thereby giving them the opportunity to realize gains or losses based on the company's performance and market conditions. Additionally, being listed on a stock exchange increases the visibility and credibility of the Public Limited Company, making it easier to raise capital from a broad pool of potential investors.

In contrast, limited number of shares is generally associated with private companies, where ownership stakes may be restricted. Shares not being available to the public is also indicative of private companies, where transfer of ownership is usually limited to existing shareholders. Operational autonomy from shareholders suggests a level of independence that does not typically describe the relationship in a Public Limited Company, as these companies are generally accountable to their shareholders due to the nature of public ownership.