The crossword solution for the term 'THING IN THE PLUS COLUMN' is ASSET, which is a five-letter word. An ASSET is something that has value and can be owned or controlled to produce positive value. Assets are typically divided into two categories: tangible assets, such as land, buildings, and equipment; and intangible assets, such as intellectual property, copyrights, and trademarks. Assets can also be financial, such as stocks, bonds, and cash. Assets are important for businesses, as they can be used to generate income and increase the value of the company.