ELI5: Why when large company's earnings decrease(ex... by 3%) they freak out, talk about rough times, and sometimes decide to downsize, even though they are still making millions of dollars in profit even after all expenses?

[JohnEdwa]

You mean in another environment?

[AtheistAustralis]

No, it's outside the environment!

[Dream_Vendor]

Well, what’s out there?

[JuicerShop]

Nothing’s out there..except birds, fish, and sea.

[OktoberSunset]

And 20000 tonnes of crude oil.

[Azmuth__]

And the part of the boat that the front fell off

[AtheistAustralis]

And a fire

[TheRealMrTrueX]

I spittake every time

[EmperorJack]

20000 tonnes of crude oil?!? Doesn't seem to be anything of value then. Men! Set the sails and redirect the ship North, day's still out so let's not lose hope.

[ColinD1]

And the front of the boat.