Examples of Public Limited Companies (PLCs): An Overview and Comparison

Public Limited Companies, abbreviated as PLCs, are a type of company that has been granted special permission by a national government to raise capital by issuing public shares. These shares are typically listed on stock exchanges, enabling investors from around the world to buy and trade them. Here, we delve into the roles and significance of PLCs, with a specific focus on some prominent examples, both within and outside India.

The Functions and Characteristics of Public Limited Companies

PLCs operate under stringent regulatory frameworks and provide financial transparency to all shareholders. This makes them attractive to both investors and regulatory bodies. They are often multinational entities, with operations spanning across different countries, and they play pivotal roles in various sectors, from healthcare and finance to telecommunications and consumer goods.

Well-Known Global PLCs

BP plc

BP plc is a British multinational oil and gas company operating globally. It's known for its significant contributions to the energy sector and its extensive operations in various countries. BP is headquartered in London and is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

HSBC Holdings plc

HSBC Holdings plc is a major global financial services organization headquartered in London. This company offers a broad range of banking and financial services, including retail banking, commercial banking, credit cards, and wealth management. HSBC is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK)

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) is a global healthcare company focused on pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and consumer health products. Established in the UK, GSK has a global presence and is recognized for its innovative research and development efforts. It's listed on the London Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Euronext Paris.

Vodafone Group plc

Vodafone Group plc is a multinational telecommunications company with a significant footprint in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The company provides a wide range of services including mobile phone services, high-speed internet, and international roaming. Vodafone is listed on the London Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Unilever plc

Unilever plc is a consumer goods multinational company known for its diverse portfolio of food, beverages, cleaning agents, and personal care products. Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer goods companies and is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

Diageo plc

Diageo plc is a global leader in alcoholic beverages, recognized for brands like Johnnie Walker and Guinness. The company operates across multiple markets and is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

AstraZeneca plc

AstraZeneca plc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines. The company is headquartered in the UK and is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ.

Examples of Public Limited Companies in India

Notable Indian PLCs

India is home to many prominent and successful Public Limited Companies. Notable examples include:

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) - A major player in the power sector with a focus on manufacturing and servicing of electrical equipment. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) - Involved in the production and marketing of oil and gas products. Coal India Limited - The largest coal mining company in the world, contributing significantly to the energy sector. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Indian Oil) - One of India's largest oil and gas marketing companies. National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) - A leading power generation company with a strong presence in the Indian energy sector. Punjab National Bank - One of the large public sector banks in India, offering a wide range of banking services.

Other significant Indian companies include:

Reliance Industries Limited Tata Motors Limited Yes Bank Limited Mas Financial Services Limited

Market Performance of Indian PLCs

According to a report by Business Standard, India is home to 54 of the world's biggest Public Limited Companies (PLCs). Some of the key players and their rankings are:

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) - Ranked 135 with a market value of 50.9 billion and 72.8 billion in sales as of May. State Bank of India - Ranked 155 with a market value of 23.6 billion. Other notable Indian companies include: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) - Ranked 176 ICICI Bank - Ranked 304 Tata Motors - Ranked 332 Indian Oil - Ranked 416 HDFC Bank - Ranked 422 Coal India - Ranked 428 Larsen Toubro - Ranked 500 Tata Consultancy Services - Ranked 543 Bharti Airtel - Ranked 625 Axsi Bank - Ranked 630 Infosys - Ranked 727 Bank of Baroda - Ranked 801 Mahindra Mahindra - Ranked 803 ITC - Ranked 830 Wipro - Ranked 849 Bharat Heavy Electricals - Ranked 873 Global India - Ranked 955 Tata Steel - Ranked 983 Power Grid Corporation of India - Ranked 1011 Bharat Petroleum - Ranked 1045 HCL Technologies - Ranked 1153 Hindustan Petroleum - Ranked 1211 Adani Enterprises - Ranked 1233 Kotak Mahindra Bank - Ranked 1255 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries - Ranked 1294 Steel Authority of India - Ranked 1329 Bajaj Auto - Ranked 1499 Hero Motocorp - Ranked 1912 Jindal Steel Power - Ranked 1955 Grasim Industries - Ranked 1981 JSW Steel - Ranked 1990

These rankings highlight the significant role that Indian PLCs play in the global market, contributing to economic growth and innovation in their respective sectors.

Conclusion: Public Limited Companies play a crucial role in the global economy, driving innovation and growth in various sectors. Whether it's in the UK, India, or other countries, these companies are vital contributors to the financial landscape and are subject to strict regulatory and transparency requirements.