1.18. CO2 Emission rights
Emission rights are accounted for under the net liability method, based on which the Group recognizes a liability for emissions when the emissions are made and are in excess of the allowances allocated. The Group has chosen to measure the net liability on the basis of the period for which the irrevocable right to the cumulative emissions rights have been received. Emission rights purchases in excess of those required to cover its shortages are recognized as intangible asset. Proceeds from the sale of granted emission rights are recorded as a reduction to cost of sales.
1.19. Provisions
Provisions represent liabilities of uncertain timing or amount and are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount can be made. Where the Group expects a provision to be reimbursed, for example under an insurance contract, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating to any provision is presenting in the income statement net of any reimbursement.
Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses. The Group recognises a provision for onerous contracts when the economic benefits to be derived from a contract are less than the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract.
Restructuring provisions comprise lease termination penalties and employee termination payments, and are recognised in the period in which the Group becomes legally or constructively committed to payment. Costs related to the ongoing activities of the Group are not provided for in advance.
Where the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions is measured at the present value of the expenditure expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due the passage of time is recognized as a finance expense.
1.20. Site restoration, quarry rehabilitation and environmental costs
Companies within the Group are generally required to restore the land used for quarries and processing sites at the end of their producing lives to a condition acceptable to the relevant authorities and consistent with the Group’s environmental policies. Provisions for environmental restoration are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events and, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount has been reliably estimated.
Provisions associated with environmental damage represent the estimated future cost of remediation. Estimating the future costs of these obligations is complex and requires management to use judgment.
The estimation of these costs is based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site and considers factors such as existing technology, currently enacted laws and regulations and prior experience in remediation of sites. Inherent uncertainties exist in such evaluations primarily due to unknown conditions, changing governmental regulations and legal standards regarding liability, the protracted length of the clean-up periods and evolving technologies. The environmental and remediation liabilities provided for reflect the information available to management at the time of determination of the liability and are adjusted periodically as remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available.
Estimated costs associated with such rehabilitation activities are measured at the present value of future cash outflows expected to be incurred. When the effect of the passage of time is not significant, the provision is calculated based on discounted cash flows. Where a closure and environmental obligation arises from quarry/mine development activities or relate to the decommissioning property, plant and equipment the provision can be capitalized as part of the cost of the associated asset (intangible or tangible). The capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the asset and any change in the net present value of the expected liability is included in finance costs, unless they arise from changes in accounting estimates of valuation.
1.21. Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, and represents amounts receivable for the sale of goods and services stated net of value-added tax, rebates and discounts.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods are transferred to the buyer (usually upon delivery and customer acceptance) and the realization of the related receivable is reasonably assured.
Revenue arising from services is recognised in the accounting period in which the services are rendered, by reference to stage of completion of the specific transaction and assessed on the basis of the actual service provided as a proportion of the total services to be provided.
Revenue from rental income arising, from operating leases, is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.
Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method.
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive the payment is established.
1.22. Dividend distribution
Dividend to the Company’s shareholders is recognized in the financial statements in the period in which the Board of Directors’ proposed dividend is ratified at the Shareholders’ Annual General Meeting.
1.23. Segment information
Segment information is presented on the same basis as the internal information provided to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker is the person (or the group of persons) that allocates resources to and assesses the operating results of the segments.
For management purposes, the Group is structured in four geographic regions: Greece and Western Europe, North America, South East Europe and Eastern Mediterranean. Each region is a set of countries. The aggregation of countries is based on proximity of operations and to an extent in similarity of economic and political conditions. Each region has a regional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who reports to the Group's CEO. In addition, the Finance Department is organized also by geographic region for effective financial controlling and performance monitoring.