plowback

[ plou-bak ]

noun

1. a reinvestment of earnings or profits in a business enterprise.
2. the money thus reinvested.

Word History and Origins

Origin of plowback¹

First recorded in 1945–50; noun use of verb phrase plow back

Example Sentences

Since Congress increasingly favors some sort of excess profits tax on the industry, a number of companies are coming around to a grudging acceptance of the idea, just as long as the levy would contain a so-called plowback provision that would permit them to reduce windfall taxes by investing the money in exploration.

From Time Magazine Archive

Though Carter has attacked the scheme as a loophole "that you can sail an oil tanker through," he may find that without a plowback he will have real trouble getting a tax at all.

From Time Magazine Archive

Congress could well go along with a plowback.

From Time Magazine Archive

The aim of the oil companies, Carter argued, was to create "loopholes" in any tax and include a "plowback" provision, so they could put some $4 billion or $5 billion into exploration for new oil, while retaining about $6 billion anticipated under decontrol.

From Time Magazine Archive