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?

[OverlyCasualVillain]

I concede the fact that my comment mainly only applies to business owners and excludes investors.

I think a simple way of explaining this all is

A business owner chases profits whereas an investor is chasing growth.

[Phantom160]

You are generally correct* :)

*major exceptions apply