Contingent Liabilities. MSNBC provides a good example of a contingent liability Microsoft must disclose on their 2004 annual report. The fine amount could have a significant impact on their future value if their appeal is unsuccessful.

"The European Union declared Microsoft Corp. guilty Wednesday of abusing its "near monopoly" with Windows to squeeze competitors in other markets and levied a record fine of $613 million (497.2 million euros)."