Numbers dressed up in fancy suits pretending to be words.
The financial payoff that makes investors stop asking uncomfortable questions—usually expressed as a percentage gain on their initial investment. It's the difference between what you put in and what you got out, presented with either champagne-worthy enthusiasm or soul-crushing regret. When your startup finally exits or your portfolio generates profits, those returns are what get bragged about at networking events.
Someone making a comeback—either returning to their homeland like a migrant hero or sending merchandise back like a disappointed shopper with buyer's remorse. The protagonist in their own sequel.
Net income divided by equity, showing how effectively you're using shareholder money to generate profits. It's management's report card.