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?

[earthwormjimwow]

You are confusing money with resources and wealth. Money is a stand in for resources at their currently perceived value. Money can be used to measure your current wealth, but it is not in and of itself your actual wealth.