IPA: /ˈplaʊbæk/
KK: /ˈplaʊˌbæk/
The portion of profits that a company reinvests back into its own business instead of distributing to shareholders.
The company decided to use its plowback to expand its operations and improve its technology.
Plowback → The word is formed from "plow" (from Old English *plōwan*, meaning to turn up the earth) and "back" (meaning in the reverse direction). The term "plowback" refers to the act of reinvesting profits back into a business, metaphorically turning resources back into the ground for growth.
Think of 'turning up the earth' ('plow') and then 'reversing' that action ('back') to remember that 'plowback' means reinvesting profits for future growth.