re: #397 iossarian

This is not true. Profit is what is left after these things are paid for - it goes to shareholders, who are typically wealthy individuals (ceteris paribus, if you own shares in a company, you are wealthier than a non-shareholder).

The idea that profit is necessary for running a company is false. The promise of profit attracts investment, that’s all.

Nobody said NET profit. Which is not a bad thing either by nature. Capitalism is a good thing when not abused. Net profit does much more than merely attract investment from outside. It provides funds for R&D, expansion and raises.