Which of the following is a characteristic of a foreign corporation?

A foreign corporation is specifically defined as a corporation that is incorporated in one state but conducts business in another. This characteristic is crucial in understanding the distinction between domestic and foreign corporations. When a corporation is formed in a particular state, it must comply with that state's laws and regulations; however, once it begins operations in another state, it becomes classified as a foreign corporation in that state.

This distinction is significant because it often entails that the corporation must register to do business in the new state, adhere to additional legal requirements, and may be subject to taxation in that jurisdiction.

Other options do not accurately capture the defining features of a foreign corporation. A corporation incorporated in the same state it operates is defined as a domestic corporation, not foreign. Operating under the same state laws as its origin suggests that it remains classified as a domestic entity in both its original and operating locations. While a corporation may have a global footprint, this is not a necessary feature of being classified as a foreign corporation, as it primarily relates to the jurisdictional aspects based on incorporation and business activities.