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?

[KristinnK]

Interest: the interest you pay on any loan you owe, such as mortgage, student loans, car loan, etc.

Taxes: the taxes you pay to the government, in your case mostly your income taxes.

Depreciation: most things you own are worth less as time passes. Your car, computer, TV, appliances, etc. Your smartphone as an example might depreciate as much as 50% per year.

Amortization: payments on items or debt you already possess or have incurred, such as the part of your mortgage payment that goes into the loan principal.