[Retric]

I don't think that's really a bad thing. If it's failing then the stock holders get nothing and assets get put on the market. If some piece is worth more then you can just sell that off. But, if company is public and profitable then what's the upside for society?

[djrogers]

If a company is failing or doing poorly in the stock market, sometimes a private buyout allows them to back off the quarter-to-quarter demands or to incur debt needed for expansion/R&D/acquisition etc. this freedom can enable a company to turn around, grow, etc - that's better for society than having it flounder for a few more years while bleeding...: