paper profit

noun

1. an unrealized profit due to the appreciation of something owned but not yet sold.

Word History and Origins

Origin of paper profit¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

So would begin this cartoon age of garish society and paper profits, of calling ketchup a vegetable.

From Freakonomics

Your beesiness shows a paper profit, but it has all gone into stock.

From Project Gutenberg