The owners of Underground Airways Ltd. want to take their privately owned corporation public through an initial public offering (IPO). They are speaking to a specialist from an investment dealer to determine whether it would be advisable to become listed on a stock exchange or the over-the-counter (OTC) market. In comparing the two options, which of the following considerations is TRUE?

Listing on a formal stock exchange, such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), offers significant advantages over trading on the over-the-counter (OTC) market. Exchanges have stringent listing requirements regarding a company's financial health, governance, and public float. Meeting these standards provides a signal of quality and stability to the market, which enhances public confidence. This, combined with the centralized trading and reporting mechanisms of an exchange, leads to greater visibility, media coverage, and overall market exposure compared to the less-regulated and more fragmented OTC market.

A. Stock exchanges have significantly more stringent listing requirements than OTC markets, which is a key reason for their prestige.
B. The OTC market is a secondary market where unlisted securities are traded. It provides a venue for trading, although with less liquidity.
C. The issuing company (Underground) is not directly involved in the secondary market trading of its shares; trading occurs between investors.

Canadian Securities Institute. (2022). Investment Funds in Canada Course Textbook. Chapter 2: The Canadian Securities Industry, Section: "The Canadian Stock Exchanges and Quotation Systems", pp. 2-14 to 2-17.

Puri, L. (2007). The Structure and Evolution of the Canadian Capital Markets. Queen's University Law School. Legal Studies Research Paper Series. Paper No. 07-03. (Discusses the role and hierarchy of exchanges vs. alternative trading systems).