What are liabilities in a business?

Liabilities in a business refer to the financial obligations that a company is required to settle in the future. This includes debts such as loans, accounts payable, mortgages, and any other obligations that arise from past transactions and events. These obligations represent a claim against the assets of the business and must be settled over time through the transfer of economic benefits, which usually involves paying money. Understanding liabilities is crucial for evaluating a company's financial health, as they indicate how much it owes to creditors, which is essential information for investors, management, and financial analysts.

The other choices identify different concepts related to business but do not accurately define liabilities. Resources owned by the business relates to assets, values representing ownership interest refers to equity, and investments made in future projects describe capital expenditures or investments, not liabilities. Recognizing the distinction between these terms is vital for comprehending fundamental business concepts and financial statements.