What is a "warrant" in the context of securities?

A warrant is indeed a derivative that grants the holder the right to buy shares of a company's stock at a specified price, known as the exercise price, before the warrant expires. This characteristic enables investors to purchase the underlying asset (the stock) at a predetermined price, which can be particularly advantageous if the stock's market price exceeds the exercise price during the warrant's life. The potential for profit arises from the opportunity to buy shares at a lower price than the current market value, allowing for gains when the shares are sold at a higher price.

Warrants are often issued by the company itself and can be a part of financing arrangements, incentivizing investors or offering them a way to participate in the company’s future growth. This specific definition distinguishes warrants from other financial instruments, emphasizing their role in providing rights rather than obligations or fixed agreements.