cash cow

Definition

A product, service, or enterprise that generates ongoing, high net free cash flows.

Etymology

An allusion to the dairy cow, who once acquired (and having given birth) may be milked on an ongoing basis.

Example Sentences

• "The managers of a cash cow are primarily responsible for the generation of cash, and they should in principle be willing to give cash away to those other businesses in the portfolio which need it most."
• "Hollinger International, the owner of the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, claimed in the 175-page filing that its former chief executive had treated the company as his "cash cow"."
• "Meanwhile, "Mr Spears is keen on protecting his cash cow, um, wife. Brit's bodyguards have been teaching Kev how to shoot a handgun," the New York Post says."