What defines a growth company?

A growth company is characterized by annual revenue growth that exceeds that of its competitors. This definition highlights the importance of not just increasing revenue but doing so at a rate that is faster than the overall market or industry growth, demonstrating a company's competitive advantage and effective business strategies.

Such companies typically invest in innovation, marketing, and expansion opportunities that allow them to capture a larger market share. They are often focused on scaling their operations to take advantage of growth opportunities, which can be reflected in their financial metrics and market positioning.

In contrast, stagnant annual revenue indicates no growth, while yearly revenue that grows slower than competitors signifies that a company is losing its competitive edge. A focus on nonprofit objectives does not inherently relate to growth in revenue, as nonprofit organizations can operate under different financial goals. Thus, a growth company thrives by generating substantial revenue increases faster than its peers, making option C the defining characteristic.