How has the public confused profit, profit margin for oil companies?

Question

I hear so much talk about oil companies have such large profits and that they must be charging too much for gas. But if you look at the numbers they are one of the least profitable industries.
Why does the public buy into this garbage?

According to their financial report, Exxon has a profit a margin of 10.46% for the last quarter, and 9.5% for the last year.
McDonalds over the same time has a profit margin of 14% for the quarter, and 12% for the year.
Apple computers has 11% and 12% for the same time period.

Just because a company has large sales doesnt mean anything about their prices or their actual profit.

Merck has a quarterly profit margin of 22% and annual of 33%.

Answer 1

Stop trying to use common sense. Don't you know hating oil companies is so much more fun.

Reason:
1 - Don't hold your breathe waiting for journalists to explain any of this in ways that people can understand
2 - The economic IQ of the average American is atrocious (you can see that in this section of Yahoo! Answers)
3 - People will simply always hate others that have more. I think it is some devious genetic human trait.

.

Answer 2

Because blaming sombody else for your suffering is easier than reflecting back on ones own faults and mistakes.
Unfortunately those who don't understand will never get it. It doesn't matter that oil companies only make about 3 to 5 cents per gallon of gas. Maybe they should just stop refining gas in America. The Chinese and Indians will buy all their raw crude, that's where the money is anyway.