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.
Financial calculations determining how long a company can operate on its current cash reserves and burn rate. The metrics that determine whether your startup lives or dies.