And the government is not averse to some sort of incentive scheme (ie, a variable profit).

ECONOMIST: Clottery

The proportion of workers on flexible hours has nearly doubled since 1991, to almost 30%, and two-thirds of all workers now earn some variable pay (bonus, profit share and so on).

ECONOMIST: To cut or not to cut

Make sure you take into account your variable costs to get to a gross profit and then fully allocate all of your fixed costs associated with that account.

FORBES: How To Raise Prices: Part 2

Instead, advertising becomes a variable cost of production that measurably results in making more profit.

ECONOMIST: Internet advertising

Citi Investment Research and my organization Ceres recently issued a report finding that, under the strictest mileage standard being considered, carmakers in general would increase their variable profits and the Detroit Three would get a bigger profit boost than others.

FORBES: Investors, Workers: Strong Fuel Economy Standards Will Fuel America's Economy

The return on capital variable accomplishes the first part of that goal (buying good companies), because it looks at how much profit a firm is generating using its capital.

FORBES: Four Magic Formula Buys

Over the past 30 years variable annuity firms, such as ING and Nationwide, have paid millions in fees and commissions to non-profit organizations, such as the National Association of Counties, the New York State United Teachers and the Alabama State Employees Association, that are neither licensed as investment advisers nor brokers in exchange for endorsements and other marketing assistance.

FORBES: SEC Snoozed As "Shadow Marketers" Skimmed Billions From Retirement Plans