2.1 Derivatives-based tax avoidance
A derivative is a contract or security deriving its value based on its relation to something else, commonly referred to as the “underlying”. The underlying is often another financial instrument or economic good, but can be almost anything. For example, the values of some derivatives are based on familiar stock indices, the heat index in Florida, and that of other derivatives. Many companies use derivatives to manage interest rate, foreign exchange rate, and commodity price risks. However, an increasingly common motive for derivatives usage is corporate tax avoidance; that is, the reduction of explicit taxes.