What are derivative liabilities?

Derivative liabilities are financial obligations that arise from derivative contracts, such as options, futures, and swaps. These liabilities represent the potential future outflows of cash or other assets that a company might face if the market moves against its position in the derivative. They are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and can fluctuate based on changes in market conditions. Essentially, they reflect the company's exposure to market risks and are an important aspect of managing financial risk.