No, that is not the free market at work at all. I agree it happens however. We simply don't live in a 100% free market world.

I bet you can’t name a single company that doesn’t perform some critical function at a loss.

“subsidising” and “free market” are antonyms we learn in 3rd grade language arts class :)

How about “loss leader”? Ever use napkins at a diner? Buy Costco chicken? I think you are repeating things you were taught but they aren’t true

I guess I have heard it all, the Government is providing napkins at diners and buying up Costco chicken, missed that one in the budget

My friend, what is so special about the government? If a company uses its massive profits in one area to crus competition by selling at a loss in another area, this is the free market, and when a government does it it is something else? I think you have not thought this through

Private companies do things to maximize profits. They might lose money on some stuff to make more on other things, and there might be some gunk in the system but they are almost all laser focused on making bigger profits.

Governments have lots of other incentives (like job creation, elections, income distribution)

Why don't we abolish any business altogether and just have government run everything? There are countries where this is normal, perhaps not "free market" countries like maybe us? :)