Private vs. Public Company: Key Differences Explained

The main difference between a private vs public company is that the shares of a public company are traded on a stock exchangeStock MarketThe stock market refers to public markets that exist for issuing, buying and selling stocks that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter. Stocks, also known as equities, represent fractional ownership in a company, while a private company’s shares are not. There are several more important differences to understand, which this article will outline below.

Differences between a Private vs Public Company

The main categories of difference are trading of shares, ownershipStockholders EquityStockholders Equity (also known as Shareholders Equity) is an account on a company's balance sheet that consists of share capital plus (types of investors), reporting requirements, access to capital, and valuation considerations.

Access to Capital and Liquidity

Being able to access public markets to raise new money, as well as the benefit of liquidity (being able to easily sell shares), is the biggest benefit for public companies. When a business undergoes an Initial Public Offering (IPO)Initial Public Offering (IPO)An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the first sale of stocks issued by a company to the public. Prior to an IPO, a company is considered a private company, usually with a small number of investors (founders, friends, family, and business investors such as venture capitalists or angel investors). Learn what an IPO is with the aid of investment banking professionalsInvestment Banking Job DescriptionThis Investment Banking Job description outlines the main skills, education, and work experience required to become an IB analyst or associate, it becomes much easier for it to raise additional funds. The funds can be used for growth, mergers and acquisitions, or other corporate purposes.

Once the company is listed, investors can easily move in and out of the stock by buying and selling shares that trade on a stock exchange.

Reporting Requirements

Public disclosure requirements are another main difference between the two types of businesses and a major drawback of being public.

As a publicly listed company in the U.S. (i.e., stock trades on a U.S.-based exchange), you are required to file quarterly financial reports (10-Q) and annual reports (10-k10-KForm 10-K is a detailed annual report that is required to be submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The filing provides a comprehensive summary of a company’s performance for the year. It is more detailed than the annual report that is sent to shareholders) and several other disclosure documents.

Learn more about disclosure requirements for public companies here.

Valuation of a Private vs Public Company

Publicly traded businesses are much easier for market analysts and investors to value than their private counterparts. The main reason is due to the amount of information that’s readily available, thanks to the reporting requirements (discussed above), as well as equity research reports and coverage by equity research analysts.

Both types of companies can be valued using the same three methods: comparable company analysisComparable Company AnalysisThis guide shows you step-by-step how to build comparable company analysis ("Comps") and includes a free template and many examples., precedent transactions,Precedent Transaction AnalysisPrecedent transaction analysis is a method of company valuation where past M&A transactions are used to value a comparable business today. and discounted cash flow (DCF) analysisDiscounted Cash Flow DCF FormulaThis article breaks down the DCF formula into simple terms with examples and a video of the calculation. Learn to determine the value of a business..

Financial modeling via DCF analysis is the preferred method of valuing both types of businesses. However, for a private company, it will be almost impossible without access to internal company information.

Additional Resources

CFI is the official provider of the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst certification.Become a Certified Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)®CFI's Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)® certification will help you gain the confidence you need in your finance career. Enroll today!  In addition to providing formal financial analyst training, CFI offers a wide range of free resources, including the following:

• Privately held CompanyPrivately Held CompanyA privately held company is a company’s whose shares are owned by individuals or corporations and that does not offer equity interests to investors in the form of stock shares traded on a public stock exchange.
• Private Company ValuationPrivate Company Valuation3 techniques for Private Company Valuation - learn how to value a business even if it's private and with limited information. This guide provides examples including comparable company analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, and the first Chicago method. Learn how professionals value a business
• Analysis of Financial StatementsAnalysis of Financial StatementsHow to perform Analysis of Financial Statements. This guide will teach you to perform financial statement analysis of the income statement,
• Financial Modeling GuideFree Financial Modeling GuideThis financial modeling guide covers Excel tips and best practices on assumptions, drivers, forecasting, linking the three statements, DCF analysis, more