What is a key characteristic of contingent liabilities?

Contingent liabilities are defined by their dependence on the outcome of future events. This characteristic emphasizes that these liabilities are not certain debts at present; rather, they may arise due to circumstances that could potentially occur in the future, such as legal disputes, warranty claims, or environmental remediation costs. If the anticipated event happens, the entity will have to record the liability on its financial statements.

The other options do not accurately describe contingent liabilities. Guaranteed debts pertain to obligations that are certain and not dependent on future events. Fixed costs refer to expenses that do not change with the level of production, and they do not encompass the variable nature of contingent liabilities. Representing actual cash on hand relates to liquidity and cash flow, which is distinct from the uncertain nature of contingent liabilities.