There are plenty of Americans who understand a balance sheet, income statement and changes in cash flow...like me. Sorry to disagree here.

Standard definitions of Profit: "the financial benefit realized when revenue generated from a business activity exceeds the expenses, costs, and taxes involved in sustaining the activity in question. ... Profit is calculated as total revenue less total expenses"

Profit is NOT what is paid out to the shareholders. Those are usually called dividends.

Aren't you politicizing profit? When companies produce things people want they buy more of it, generating profits which are used to improve or create more of those products. For a variety of reasons I can't stand Apple or Tesla. But I respect what others do with their money and time. I don't want to force everyone to ride public transportation with you and I ;)

We don't need innovation? Should you and I stop writing? I haven't read through the 500 great books. You're such a grouch!