Amounts in EUR millions NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 8 EQUIPMENT Equipment is shown at orig in al cost less depreciation over the estimated useful life. Office Data furniture processing and other Total systems equipment equipment Total cost of equipment 843 Accumulated depreciation (450) Balance at January 1, 2003 305 88 393 Investments 56 41 97 Depreciation (87) (29) (116) Disposals and other changes (36) (19) (55) BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2003 238 81 319 Accumulated depreciation 458 Total cost of equipment 777 2003 2002 Cash on hand and balances with banks 980 1,146 Short-term investments 665 441 TOTAL LIQUID ASSETS 1,645 1,587 9 LIQUID ASSETS Liquid assets are at free disposal. 10 OTHER PREPAYMENTS AND ACCRUED INCOME 2003 2002 Prepaid pension costs on employee plans 1,450 1,730 Other prepayments and accrued income 231 215 TOTAL OTHER PREPAYMENTS AND ACCRUED INCOME 1,681 1,945 For an explanation of the prepaid pension costs on employee plans, refer to page 116. For the notes to the share capital, reserves, stock appreciation rights and stock options, refer to page 137 and following. 11 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AEGON GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2003 94