Which of the following best represents a liability?

A liability represents a financial obligation that a company owes to another party. In this context, accounts payable owed to suppliers is the best representation of a liability because it indicates that the company has incurred expenses for goods or services that it has not yet paid for. This type of obligation is recorded on the balance sheet as a current liability, reflecting the company’s responsibility to settle its debts in the near future.

The other options listed do not qualify as liabilities. Cash reserves held in a bank account represent the company’s assets, showing the liquidity available to the company. Investments in company stock also represent assets, as they are resources that the company owns and can utilize for growth or generate returns. Likewise, intellectual property is considered an intangible asset that provides value to the company but does not denote a liability. Thus, accounts payable is the only choice that accurately reflects a company's financial obligations.