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Steppe Cement Ltd

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FY2015 Annual Report · Steppe Cement Ltd
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ANNUAL 

REP OR T 2015

Plant Location In Kazakhstan

Aktobe

Astana

Karaganda

 KAZAKHSTAN

Atrau

Aktau

Shymkent

Semey

Almaty

2

Steppe Cement Ltd.Major  Projects

EXPO 2017

EAST WEST AND CENTER SOUTH ROAD PROJECT

ABU DHABI PLAZA

Annual Report 2014

3
3

Annual Report 2015CONTENTS

05 - Financial Highlights

06 - Operational and market data

07 - Financial Ratios

09 - Corporate Information

10 - Chairman’s Statement

12 - CEO’s Statement 

16 - Group Structure

17 - Board Of Directors

18 - Senior Management Karcement JSC

19 - Senior Management CAC JSC

20- Corporate Governance Statement

28 - Financial Statements

94 - Statement by a Director 

95 - Notice of Annual General Meeting

4

Steppe Cement Ltd.Financial Highlights

Revenue (USD Million)

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

93.6

116.6

128.0

120.2

96.1

EBITDA* (USD Million)

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

22.7

17.4

28.7

24.9

20.0

* excluding foreign exchange losses arising on devaluation of the Tenge.

Profit/Loss after Tax (USD Million)

3.4

7.9

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

10.5

8.4

3.3

Shareholders Fund (USD Million)

2015

2014

2013

2012
2011

56.7

117.6

120.7

154.6

149.2

5

Annual Report 2015Operational and Market Data

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

49

60

79

74

67

Ex-factory price (USD)

9.7

8.5

8.1

7.0

6.2

Market Size (million tonnes)

* estimated

2.0

2.0

1.6

1.6

1.6

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

1.64

1.61

1.37

1.35

1.23

Sales Volume (million tonnes)

17

17

19

19

20

Market Share (%)

82

80

86

84

80

Annual Production Capacity 
(million tonnes)

Capacity utilisation (%)

Wet Lines/ Dry Lines production mix

* estimated

100%

Dry Lines

2015

6

* Wet Lines were dicontinued 
in October 2014

71%

29%

43%

57%

Wet Lines

Dry Lines

Wet Lines

Dry Lines

2014

2013

Steppe Cement Ltd.Financial Ratios

Ratios

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Gross profit margin (%)

39

40

42

Profit / (Loss) after tax margin (%)

Net earnings / (Loss) per share (cents)

Return on shareholders funds (%)

3

2

3

7

5

6

8

5

7

NTA Per Share (cents per share) 

71

68

71

31

(7)

(4)

(7)

54

36

(4)

(2)

(6)

26

Shares data

Number of shares issued (million)

179

219

219

219

219

7

Annual Report 20158

Steppe Cement Ltd.Corporate Information

Listing
London Stock Exchange AIM Market, 
London 
Since 15 September 2005

AIM Stock Code 
STCM

Bloomberg Ticker
STCM LN

Reuters Ticker
STCM L

Company Registration
LL04433

Country of incorporation
Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia

Registered Address
Brumby Centre
Lot 42, Jalan Muhibbah
87000 Federal Territory of Labuan
Malaysia

Head Office Address
Suite 10.1, 10th Floor
Rohas Perkasa, West Wing
No.8, Jalan Perak
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Main Country of Operation
(Operating Subsidiaries’ Address)
472380, Aktau Village
Karaganda Region
Republic of Kazakhstan

Company Secretary
TMF Trust Labuan Limited

Nominated Advisor
RFC Ambrian Limited
Level 14, 19-31 Pitt Street
Sydney, NSW 2000 
Australia

Level 28, QV1 Building
250 St Georges Tce
Perth, Western Australia 6000 

Broker
RFC Ambrian Limited
Level 5, Condor House
10 St Paul’s Churchyard
Londond EC4M 8AL, United Kingdom 

Group Auditor
Deloitte & Touche
Unit 3(I2) Main Office Tower
Financial Park Labuan Complex
Jalan Merdeka
87000 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan
Malaysia

UK Registrar
Computershare Investor Services PLC
PO Box 82
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 6ZZ

Bankers
VTB Bank (Austria) AG
VTB Bank (France) SA
Halyk Bank JSC
Altyn Bank JSC

Solicitor 
BMF Group LLP
Alatau Business Center
151 Abay Street, Almaty
050009, Republic of Kazakhstan 

Adelaida Legal Group, LLP
12/1 Kunayev Street, Block 5B, 4th floor, 
Office #1, Astana
010000, Republic of Kazakhstan 

9

Annual Report 2015Chairman’s Statement

and 

volatility 

The  year  2015  placed  before  the 
Company two main external challenges: 
additional 
currency 
  However, 
competitive  pressures. 
coupled  with 
internal 
improvements 
streamlining 
costs  and 
controlling 
operations, 
pro-actively  addressing  externalities, 
Steppe  Cement  ended  up  at  year-
end  on  a  sounder  footing  to  meet  the 
exigencies of 2016.

significant 
from 

The  Kazakh  Tenge  started  the  year 
at  an  exchange  rate  of  USD/KZT  182 
and  ended  the  year  at  USD/KZT  339.  
Correspondingly,  Steppe  Cement’s 
share price decreased from 29.50 pence 
on December 31, 2014 to 14.50 pence 
at  2015  year  end.    Currency  volatility 
persisted during the first quarter of 2016 
with  the  Tenge  reaching  USD/KZT  399 
but, with historical parity to the Russian 
Ruble  more  than  restored,  retreated 
to  USD/KZT  326  as  of  May  10th  with 
possible room for further improvement.  
Steppe’s share price has remained quite 
stable during this period.

also 

The  Kazakh  government’s  decision  in 
August to adopt a floating exchange rate 
served to stem the flow of imports from 
Russia  which  had  earlier  significantly 
affected  both  the  Company’s  sales 
volumes,  margins  and  market  share.  
This  devaluation 
intensified 
inflationary  pressures  with  a  resulting 
13.6%  year-on-year  spike  in  December 
2015  and  continued  high 
inflation 
forecast for 2016.  Overall, the growth 
rate  of  the  Kazakh  economy  slowed 
from 4.3% in 2014 to 1% in 2015, largely 
as  a  result  of  continuing  low  oil  prices 
and decreased domestic demand.  The 
economic  outlook  for  2016  remains 
uncertain  with  forecasts  ranging  from 
anemic growth to possible contraction.  
The  government’s 
stimulus  policy, 
however,  more  than  offset  decreased 
private  sector  capital  investment  in 
2015  by  actively  supporting  lending 

The economic outlook for 2016 

remains uncertain with forecasts 

ranging from anemic growth to 

possible contraction. 

10

Steppe Cement Ltd.infrastructure, 

to  industrial  companies  and  the 
construction  sector  by  financing 
road 
housing, 
construction  and  Expo  2017  in 
Astana.    We  expect  this  level  of 
support  to  remain  fairly  stable  in 
2016.    High  interest  rates  have 
also  made  large-scale,  long-term 
capital  financing  very  difficult 
which  could  discourage  future 
investment into the cement sector.  
In  addition,  existing  competitors 
with  a  much  higher  ratio  of 
foreign  currency  debt  per  tonne 
of  capacity  than  Steppe  should 
experience  greater  pressures  on 
their  margins,  thereby  providing 
us with a competitive advantage.  

in 

the 

from 

resulted 

Additional  competitive  pressures 
have 
two 
new  dry  lines,  one  at  Shymkent 
(replacing  their  old  wet  lines) 
and  Standard  Cement’s  second 
line, not to mention the two new 
entrants  during  late  2013  and 
early 2014 although one of them 
is  near  the  Caspian  sea  and  far 
from  our  potential  markets.  The 
impact  of  this  cumulative 
full 
increase 
competition  will 
depend  on  the  actual  size  of  the 
market in 2016.  While demand in 
2015 increased substantially from 
that  of  2014  (from  8.5  million  to 
9.7  million  tonnes),  country-wide 
production capacity appears now 
for  the  first  time  in  several  years 
to  exceed  anticipated  demand.  
While  monthly  demand  through 
October  2015  was  greater  than 
that for each month of the previous 
year,  the  period  of  November 
through March 2016 experienced 
an  overall  decrease  of  16%  over 
the  preceding  period.    However, 
historically,  demand  has  always 
increased as summer approaches.  
April and May results confirm this 
trend.

Notwithstanding,  Steppe’s  sales 
of  cement 
increased  to  1.64 
million  tonnes  in  2015,  2%  more 
than the 1.61 million tonnes sold 
the previous year, yet resulting in 
a reduced market share of 17.3% 

down from 19%.  Increased price 
pressure  from  Russian  imports 
prior  to  the  further  de  facto 
devaluation of the Tenge resulted 
in  an  average  ex-factory  price 
6%  below  that  of  2014.    Total 
revenue  therefore  decreased  to 
KZT  19.537  million  which  was 
7%  lower  than  2014.    In  spite  of 
this  situation,  a  real  margin  of 
21.5%  represented  a  significant 
increase over the 16.3% achieved 
the  previous  year.    Although  a 
forex loss of USD16.4 million was 
posted,  the  overall  net  loss  for 
2015 narrowed to USD3.4 million 
from  USD8  million  the  previous 
year – a 58% improvement - while, 
during this same period, net debt 
was reduced by 42% from USD48 
million to USD28 million.  

targeted  capex 

These results were made possible 
by the operational cost reductions 
invested 
and 
during  2014  and  2015  which 
resulted 
in  significant  savings 
and  vindicated  management’s 
investment and cost containment 
strategies.

Personnel  cost  reductions  were 
achievable  because  of 
also 
management’s  efforts, 
starting 
at  the  top.    The  Board  not  only 
decided  to  remain  at  three  in 
number but also to reduce its levels 
of compensation.  In addition, RFC 
Ambrian  Limited  was  asked  to 
serve as the Company’s Broker as 
well as its Nominated Advisor, thus 
realizing  a  further  cost  efficiency.  
The  task  of  rationalization  of  the 
Company’s  work  force  to  800 
personnel – including expatriate as 
well  as  local  -  had  been  assigned 
in October 2014 and achieved by 
December  31,  2015.    A  further 
goal  was  established  for  year-
end  2017.    Equally  important  is 
the increased effort both to instill 
greater employee discipline as well 
as to transform the understanding 
of  individual  responsibilities,  all 
in  the  context  of  open  offices 
and 
function 
regrouped  by 
improved communications.  

During  2015, 
the  Company 
had  secured  a  KZT  2.1  billion 
subsidized  loan  with  attractive 
terms  from  Halyk  Bank,  KZT  500 
million  of  which  was  to  be  used 
for  working  capital  and  KZT  1.6 
billion for capex.  It is anticipated 
that  all  investments  contracted 
for during 2015 will be completed 
by September 2016.  The cement 
grinding  mills 
the 
greatest investment but the kilns, 
cement 
facilities  and 
laboratory  will  all  benefit  both 
from  the  ability  to  handle  both 
the increased volumes of cement 
and  to  do  so  more  efficiently 
while maintaining product quality.  
Some impact was felt in 2015 but 
the groundwork has been laid for 
significant  gains  in  productivity 
and  cost  reduction  in  2016  and 
beyond.

received 

loading 

Given  the  current  indeterminate 
market,  currency  and  cash  flow 
situations  combined  with 
the 
reduced  but  still  substantial  hard 
currency  debt,  the  Company  will 
be  unable  to  pay  a  dividend  in 
respect  of  2015.    It  is  planned, 
however, 
the 
current  portion  of  that  debt 
onto  a  schedule  that  will  give 
the  Company  greater  financial 
flexibility  with 
the  possibility 
of  being  able  to  pay  a  further 
dividend  once 
current 
economic  environment  becomes 
clearer.

refinance 

the 

to 

I  am  also  pleased  to  report  that 
this  year’s  audit  report  contains 
no qualifications.

As  2016  begins,  your  Company’s 
fundamentals  are  strong  and  the 
steps  taken  during  2015  should 
ensure  a  solid  foundation  for  a 
more  profitable  future,  even  in 
difficult times.  

Respectfully submitted,

Paul Rodzianko
Non-Executive Chairman

11

Annual Report 2015CEO’s Statement

In 2015 we produced exclusively 

from the dry lines and, as 

a consequence, our cost of 

production was lowered more 

than our selling price, thereby 

increasing our gross margin.

12

The  2015  results  were  significantly 
affected  by  the  sharp  devaluation  of 
the Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT) against our 
reporting  currency  between  August 
2015  and  January  2016.  The  relative 
strength of the KZT against the rouble 
until August forced local producers to 
lower  their  selling  prices  to  fence  off 
imports  into  Kazakhstan.  As  a  result, 
our  sales  volume  in  tonnes  increased 
only  by  2%  while  the  price  in  KZT 
decreased  by  8%.  After  September 
imports  slowed  down  significantly, 
but so did the economy as well as the 
cement consumption. 

In 2015 we produced exclusively from 
the  dry  lines  and,  as  a  consequence, 
our  cost  of  production  was  lowered 
more  than  our  selling  price,  thereby 
increasing  our  gross  margin.  Steppe 
Cement operated Line 5 at 85% of its 
current  capacity  (1.1  million  tonnes) 
and  Line  6  at  87%  of  capacity  (0.8 
million  tonnes).  With  small  capital 
investments  taking  place 
in  2016 
and  2017,  we  expect  to  increase  the 
capacity to 1.2 million tonnes in Line 5 
and 1.0 million tonnes in Line 6. 

Steppe  Cement  was  able  to  hedge 
some of the impact of the devaluation 
as it maintained a healthy cash balance 
in  USD  during  the  year  and  devoted 
most  of  its  cash  flow  to  repay  term 
loan  principal  (USD13.2  million)  and 
interest. Besides, the short-term credit 
lines  available  were 
to 
KZT3.8 billion as at end of the year. 

increased 

funds  reduced 

Shareholders’ 
from 
USD117.7  million  to  USD56.7  million 
over  the  year  due  to  the  combined 
effect of a USD3.4 million loss for the 
year  and  a  USD57.6  million  charge 

Steppe Cement Ltd.Key financials

Year ended
31-Dec-2015

Year ended
31-Dec-2014

 Inc/
(Dec)%

Sales (tonnes of cement)

1,643,136

1,612,709

Consolidated turnover (KZT million)

Consolidated turnover (USD Million)

Consolidated loss before tax (USD Million)

Consolidated loss after tax (USD Million)

Loss per share (US cents)

Shareholders’ funds (USD Million)

Average exchange rate (USD/KZT)

Exchange rate as at year end (USD/KZT)

19,537

93.6

(8.8)

(3.4)

(1.5)

56.7

222

339.5

20,926

116.6

(8.1)

(7.9)

(3.6)

117.7

179.5

182.3

2%

(7%)

(20%)

(9%)

56%

58%

(52%)

(24%)

(86%)

against  asset  carrying  values  arising  from  the 
substantial  devaluation  of  the  KZT  to  the  USD 
over  the  course  of  the  year  (from  182  to  339).  
However as most of the assets required to build a 
new cement factory are denominated in USD, the 
replacement  cost  for  the  cement  plant  would  be 
relatively unchanged in USD terms.

In  2015  Steppe  Cement  posted  a  net  loss  of 
USD3.4  million  due  to  the  foreign  exchange  loss 
of  USD16.4  million.  Steppe  Cement’s  EBITDA 
increased  to  USD22.7  million    from  USD17.4 
million in 2014 with a lower production cost amidst 
stable  volumes,  lower  pricing  and  despite  the 
KZT  devaluation.  The  EBITDA  calculated  in  2015 
includes the write back of USD1.9 million charged 
two years before as electricity expense and it has 
been reinstated in 2015 as the time for appeal of 
the court decision has expired.

The market volume increased by 14% in 2015 but 
we expect no growth in 2016

The Kazakh cement market in 2015 was 9.7 million 
tonnes, an increase of 14% compared to 8.5 million 
tonnes  in  2014.  The  increase  in  market  size  was 
taken  up  by  imports  growing  at  30%,  Heidelberg, 
Standard  Cement  and  Vicat.  The  local  producers’ 
market  share  decreased  slightly  to  86%  from  87% 
in 2014. 

Our expectations are that overall market demand in 
2016 will be stable or decrease slightly. The demand 
depends  upon  the  government  investment  plans 
and  macroeconomic  situation.  The  indication  in 
the  first  months  of  2016  is  that,  despite  the  drop 
in the oil price, the government remains committed 
to  a  strong  infrastructure  plan  and  the  outlook  of 
the  construction  industry  in  Kazakhstan  remains 
positive, driven by the Expo 2017 and road building 
programs.

After  the  sharp  devaluation  of  KZT,  imports  have 
plummeted by 75% while exports from Kazakhstan 
increased.    Therefore  in  2016  the  local  cement 
factories should maintain at least similar volumes to 
2015.  Steppe  Cement  had  a  market  share  of  17% 
in  2015  compared  to  19%  in  2014.  We  expect  to 
regain our market share in 2016 in line with higher 
capacity utilization.

Steppe  Cement’s  average  cement  selling  prices 
decreased  by  8%  in  KZT  and  by  21%  in  USD  to 
USD56.9 per tonne delivered (equivalent to USD48.4 
per tonne ex-factory). 

Line 5 produced 0.94 million tonnes of cement while 
Line 6 produced 0.70 million tonnes. The combined 
production of both dry lines was increased by 45% 
from  1.13  million  tonnes  in  2014  to  1.64  million  in 
2015 resulting in a significant reduction in production 
costs per tonne.

13

Annual Report 2015Limited capital investment in 2015

During 2015 capital investment was limited to USD2 
million from USD21.8 million in 2014. 

In  the  second  quarter  we  negotiated  a  capital 
investment  credit  facility  of  KZT1.69  billion  at  6% 
and  repayable  over  10  years.  The  facility  was  used 
mostly in the first four months of 2016 to improve the 
reliability of the milling department and in logistics i.e. 
silos, loading areas, bagging plant and the terminal in 
Astana.

Significant cost reduction in dry lines

Average cash production costs in the dry lines was 
reduced  to  USD30/tonne  from  USD38/tonne  in 
2014. Measured in KZT, production cost per tonne 
decreased by 8% despite inflation declared of 13.6% 
in 2015. We expect to contain cost increases in 2016.

Selling expenses, reflecting mostly cement delivery 
costs,  were  reduced  to  USD8/tonne  from  USD12/
tonne  in  2014.  This  is  due  to  increasing  deliveries 
to Astana and nearby construction sites, savings on 
wagon rental and the devaluation. 

General and administrative expenses

General  and  administrative  expenses  decreased 
by 34% to USD8 million from USD12.2 million in 

2014 due mostly to management efforts and the 
effect of devaluation.

The  labour  count  stood  at  785  on  31  March  2016 
compared  with  926  on  31  March  2015.  Of  those 
82  are  in  administration,  177  in  the  quarry  and 
transportation  departments  and  the  balance  in 
production. We will continue to optimize the labor 
count until the end of 2017.

Dry lines’ improved operating performance

In  2015  Line  5  contributed  57%  of  sales  and  Line 
6  the  balance.  In  2016  it  is  expected  that  Line  5 
will  contribute  59%  and  its  production  increase 
by  at  least  7%.  Both  lines  should  be  operating  at 
90% capacity. Line 5’s further target is to be able to 
produce 1.2 million tonnes of cement by 2017 and 
Line 6 1.0 million tonnes.

Financial  position:  Strong  debt  reduction  and 
ratios compliance

During the year we decreased our non-current portion 
of  borrowings  significantly  from  USD30.4  million  to 
USD14.9  million.  This  comprised  the  repayment  of 
USD13.2 million in principal to VTB Bank,  the reduction 
in  the  value  of  the  bond  (denominated  in  KZT)  from 
USD7.9  million  to  USD4.3  million  and  an  increase  in 
capital investment loan of USD1.3 million.

14

Steppe Cement Ltd.In  2015  finance  costs  decreased  to  USD4.2  million 
from USD4.8 million in 2014 due to the continuous 
repayment of loan principals.

Depreciation decreased to USD10.7 million in 2015 
from  USD12.2  million  in  2014  mostly  due  to  the 
exchange rate.

The statutory corporate income tax rate remains at 
20% in Kazakhstan. 

Javier del Ser 
Chief Executive Officer

The current portion of borrowings was reduced from 
USD27.0 million to USD15.7 million as we controlled 
the draw down of the short-term lines and limited the 
cash position at the end of year to USD2.4 million from 
USD9.3 million at 31 December 2014. We consider the 
risk of further devaluation is now much lower and the 
cost of borrowing in KZT has come some way off its 
early 2016 high.

The liquidity ratio improved to 0.7 from 1.55 at 31 
December 2014 and all covenants under the various 
credit lines have been met comfortably.

We  have  renewed  the  revolving  working  capital 
credit line from Halyk Bank of KZT3 billion until 2018 
but the interest remains high (15-20% p.a.). Therefore 
we  have  been  borrowing  at  6%  in  USD  during  the 
first  quarter  of  2016.  KZT0.5  billion  from  that  line 
will  remain  in  KZT  at  6%  under  the  government 
subsidized  program.  We  have  an  additional  credit 
line from Altyn Bank of KZT which will be increased 
to KZT0.9 billion and prolonged later in May 2016.

The  KZT2.19  billion  government  subsidized  loan 
that  we  negotiated  covers  KZT1.69  billion  capital 
expenditure  and  replaces  KZT0.5  billion  of  the 
working  capital  lines.  Both  lines  are  denominated 
in  KZT,  priced  at  6%  and  have  been  substantially 
disbursed as of 31 March 2016.

15

Annual Report 2015 
Group Structure

100%

Mechanical and Electrical
Consulting Services Ltd
 (Malaysia)

100%

Steppe Cement (M) Sdn Bhd
(Malaysia)

100%

Steppe Cement Holdings B.V.
(Netherlands)

100%

100%

100%

Central Asia Services LLP

Central Asia Cement
JSC
(Kazakhstan)

Karcement JSC
(Kazakhstan)

16

Steppe Cement Ltd. 
Board of Directors

Paul Rodzianko (Non-Executive Chairman)

in  the  energy, 

Paul  Rodzianko,  70,  is  an  international  business  executive  with 
infrastructure  and  green 
extensive  experience 
technology sectors. He serves as Chairman or Independent Director 
of several emerging companies. Currently volunteering as Chairman 
Emeritus of the Hermitage Museum Foundation (USA), he serves on 
the boards of the US-Russia Business Council, the Kennan Council of 
the Woodrow Wilson International Center, and the International Tax 
& Investment Center. Previously he was Vice-chairman of the Board of 
the US-Kazakhstan Business Association and Director of Energibolaget 
i  Sverige  (Sweden).  He  has  served  in  senior  executive  capacities  at 
Access Industries, Bogatyr Access Komir (Kazakhstan), the General Electric Company, Grace 
Geothermal  Corporation,  GreenFuel  Technologies  Corporation,  CNPC-Aktobemunaigas 
(Kazakhstan),  Sterling  Grace  &  Co.,  Tyumen  Oil  Company  (Russia),  DataPort  at  the  World 
Trade Center, and Mt. Hope Hydro. Paul holds a B.A. from Princeton University and an M.A. 
from the Institute of Critical Languages. He is a Fellow of The Explorers Club and the Royal 
Geographic Society.

Javier Del Ser Perez (Chief Executive Officer)

Javier  del  Ser  Perez,  50,  is  a  Chartered  Engineer  (Spain),  master 
in Structural Engineering and has a degree in Finance from HEC. 
Javier has lived in Kazakhstan since 1996, when he was appointed 
as  the  Investment  Adviser  to  a  large  investment  fund  focused 
on  the  country.  It  was  through  this  role  that  Javier  first  became 
involved  with  the  Group’s  cement  business.  He  is  the  Chairman 
of  the  Company’s  operating  subsidiaries,  Central  Asia  Cement 
and Karcement. Javier has other business interests in Kazakhstan, 
including  being  a  Director  and  large  shareholder  in  the  Chagala 
Group.  Javier  is  also  a  Director  of  Steppe  Cement  Holding  B.V. 

and Mechanical and Electrical Consulting Services Ltd. 

Xavier Blutel (Non-Executive Director)

Xavier Blutel, 61, is currently the Senior Adviser, Wagram Corporate 
Finance,  President  and  founding  partner  of  SAS  Baudrimont  and 
a  Conseiller  du  Commerce  Extérieur  de  la  France.  Xavier  Blutel 
spent  33  years  as  an  international  executive  in  capital  intensive 
industries  such  as  the  cement  industry,  with  Italcementi  Group 
and  Ciments  Français  Group,  and  the  petrochemicals  industry. 
Besides  managing  various  operations  in  numerous  countries,  he 
was  actively  involved  in  screening  approach,  negotiation  and 
integration  of  new  acquisitions,  disposals  of  non-core  businesses 
and  potential  mergers.  He  also  spent  6  years  (2002-2007)  in 
international  lobbying  and  developed  and  implemented  the  Sustainable  Development 
approach in Italcementi Group. He was formerly a director of Shymkent JSC and Beton 
ATA LLP from 2008 to 2013.

17

Annual Report 2015Senior Management

Management & staff of Karcement JSC

Gan Chee Leong
General Director
Gan  is  a  Chartered  Accountant  from 
England and Wales. He started work 
in  Kuala  Lumpur  as  a  senior  auditor 
with  a  well-known  international  firm. 
He has about 23 years of experience in 
cement industry in various capacities. 
Before  joining  CAC  and  Karcement, 
he  was  GM-marketing  of  a  leading 
cement  company  in  Malaysia  and 
held  various  directorships  within  the 
Group  companies  He  also  held  a 
number  of  positions  in  the  Cement 
and  Concrete  Association  Malaysia 
and  was  once  the  Deputy  Secretary 
General  of  Asian  Federation  of 
Cement Manufacturers.

George Ramesh
Operation Director
A Mechanical Engineer by profession 
with  a  Master  degree  in  Business 
Management  (Finance  &  Marketing) 
from  India.  He  has  about  24  years’ 
of vast experience in the Dry process 
cement  industry  in  various  countries 
(India,  Malaysia  & 
Singapore), 
handled plant improvement projects, 
operational  reliability,  methodology 
and  maintenance. 
development 
Before 
in 
Karcement 
September  2007,  he  worked  as 
Maintenance  &  Project  Manager  for 
Holcim  (Malaysia)  and  prior  to  that, 
with  Lafarge  (Malaysia).  He  was  the 
Project Manager of the Line 5 dry line 
modernization  Project  in  Karcement 
which was successfully commissioned 
in 2014.

joining 

18

P. Sampathkumar
Head of Production
He  is  a  Chemistry  graduate  with  a 
Master  degree  in  Sociology,  Post 
Graduate Diploma holder in Personnel 
Management  &  Industrial  Relations 
and also a holder of Technical Diploma 
in  Total  Productive  Maintenance 
(Gemba Kaizen).  

He has extensive experience of more 
than  33  years  in  the  operation  of  all 
types  of  kilns  right  from  wet  process 
to  modern  kilns.  He  specializes  in 
process stabilization and optimization.
He has worked in India, Iraq, and UAE 
with companies like ACC Ltd – (Now 
HOLCIM) and Lafarge. 

G. Srinivasa Reddy
Head of Maintenance 
A  Mechanical  Engineer  from  India 
and  graduated  from  the  prestigious 
College, 
Engineering 
Regional 
Warangal. 
extensive 
has 
He 
experience  in  the  cement  industry 
for  more  than  23  years  in  projects, 
maintenance and operation in various 
capacities.  He  has  worked  at  India 
Cements  Ltd,  Dalmia  Cements  (B) 
Ltd.  and  Holcim  India  before  joining 
Karcement in 2008. He has very good 
knowledge  about  modern  dry  plant 
maintenance,  operation,  process 
control and optimization.

Veronica Kuznetsova 
Legal Department Chief
A  graduate 
the  Legal 
from 
Academy  of  Kazakhstan  with  a 
Master’s Degree in Law. She joined 
CAC  in  2005  as  a  Lawyer.  In  2007 
she  was  transferred  to  Karcement 
and from 2010, she was appointed 
Chief of the Legal Department. 

Svetlana Alekseeva 
Chief Accountant:
Svetlana 
certified 
is  a  CAP 
accountant  and  an  Engineer-
Economist  by  qualification.  She 
graduated 
Karaganda 
from 
Polytechnic Institute.

Tanzilya Sirazieva 
Quality Assurance
She  qualified  as  a  chemical-
from 
engineer 
technologist 
Belgorod  Technological 
Institute 
of  Building  Materials  and  has  42 
years  of  experience  in  the  cement 
industry.

Steppe Cement Ltd.Senior Management

Management & staff of Central Asia Cement JSC

Peter Durnev 
General Director
A  graduate  of  Academy  Marketing 
Moscow.  He  has  worked  in  CAC  for 
about 18 years rising from marketing 
executive to his present position. He 
also  holds  the  position  of  Marketing 
Director. 

Chan Keng Chung 
Finance Director
Chan  Keng  Chung  is  a  member  of 
Malaysian Institute of Certified Public 
Accountants (MICPA) and a graduate 
from  the  University  of  Malaya  in 
bachelor  degree  of  accountancy. 
He  has  over  18  years  of  working 
experience  including  in  audit  with 
a  big-four  accounting  firm  in  Kuala 
Lumpur,  and  in  commerce  with  a 
Hong-Kong  listed  company.  Before 
joining CAC, he held the position of 
financial  controller  based  in  Hong 
Kong,  after  having  spent  6  years  in 
Shanghai. His expertise encompasses 
audit,  financial  reporting, 
internal 
control procedures, corporate finance 
and investment evaluation. 

Zilya Khasanova 
Chief Accountant 
She  holds  a  bachelor  degree  in 
accounting  and  audit 
the 
Karagandy  Economical  University  of 
Kazpotrebsouz and has worked for 25 
years in the cement industry.

from 

Irina Poluychik 
Personnel Manager  
An  economist  by  qualification.  She 
specializes 
resources 
in  human 
matters.  She  has  been  with  CAC  for 
more than 25 years.

19

Annual Report 2015Corporate Governance

•  Review of internal controls annually.  The review 
should encompass all material controls including 
financial,  operational  and  compliance  controls 
and risk management systems.

Steppe Cement complies with the QCA guidelines.  
Nonetheless,  Steppe  Cement  adopts  the  principal 
requirements  of  the  Combined  Code,  as  far  as 
practicable,  to  ensure  high  standards  of  corporate 
governance.

BOARD PROCESSES

The  Board  has  established  a  framework  for  the 
management  of  the  Group  including  a  system  of 
internal control, risk management practices and the 
establishment of appropriate ethical standards. The 
Board  holds  regular  meetings  to  discuss  strategy, 
operational matters and any extraordinary meetings 
at such other times as may be necessary to address 
any  specific  and  significant  matters  that  may  arise. 
The Board has determined that individual directors 
have  the  right  qualification  and  experience  to 
perform their duties and responsibilities as directors.

is 

(“Board”) 

The  Board  of  Directors 
fully 
committed  and  strives  to  take  the  necessary 
measures  to  uphold  the  best  principles  and 
practices  of  corporate  governance  in  the  Group. 
Good corporate governance is fundamental to the 
Group’s discharge of its corporate responsibilities 
and  accountability  to  protect  and  enhance  the 
financial  performance  and  shareholders’  value  of 
the Group.

Steppe Cement is not required to comply with the 
UK  Combined  Code  of  Corporate  Governance 
(“Combined Code”) published by the UK Financial 
Reporting Council.  The Combined Code applies 
to  companies  listed  on  the  Main  Board  but  not 
AIM companies.  

The  Quoted  Companies  Alliance  (“QCA”)  has 
published a set of corporate governance guidelines 
for  AIM  companies  as  a  minimum  standard  to 
follow.    The  QCA  guidelines  are  less  rigorous 
than  the  Combined  Code  and  recommendations 
include the following:

•  Separation  of  Chairman  and  CEO  roles  –both 
roles  should  not  be  performed  by  the  same 
individual;

• 

Independent  non-executive  directors  –  at  least 
two  independent  non-executive  directors,  one 
of whom may be the Chairman.

•  Establishment  of  Audit,  Remuneration  and 
Nomination  Committees  and  that  Audit  and 
Remuneration  Committees  should  comprise  at 
least two independent non-executive directors.

•  Re-election  of  directors  –  All  directors  should 
be  submitted  to  re-election  at  regular  intervals 
subject to continued satisfactory performance of 
the directors.

•  Dialogue  with  shareholders  –  there  should  be 
a  dialogue  with  shareholders  based  on  mutual 
understanding of objectives.

•  Matters  reserved  for  the  Board  –  there  be  a 
formal schedule of matters specifically reserved 
for the Board’s decision;

•  Timely  information  –  the  Board  should  be 
supplied with timely information to discharge its 
duties;

20

Steppe Cement Ltd.Directors

Board

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination
Committee

Paul Rodzianko
(Non-Executive Chairman)

Javier Del Ser Perez
(Chief Executive Officer)

Xavier Blutel
(Non-Executive Director)

4

4

2

4

4

N/A

N/A

2

2

4

4

2

Committee meetings are held concurrently with the board meetings.

Board Meetings

During the year ended 31 December 2015, 4 board 
meetings  were  held.    The  above  is  the  attendance 
record of the directors:

or  group  of  directors  is  able  to  unduly  influence 
the  Board’s  decision  making.  This  enables  the 
independent directors to debate and constructively 
challenge the management on the Group’s strategy, 
financial and operational matters. 

BOARD COMPOSITION

Selection and appointment of directors 

At least half of the Board comprises of independent 
non-executive  directors.  The  Board  composition 
reflects the balance of skills and expertise to ensure 
that these are in line with the Group’s strategies. 
There is a clear segregation of roles of between the 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Chairman 
is  responsible  for  leadership  and  management  of 
the  Board  and  ensures  that  it  operates  effectively 
and  fully  discharges  its  responsibilities.  The  Board 
has  delegated  responsibility  for  the  day-today 
management  and  operations  of  the  Group  in 
accordance  with  the  objectives  and  strategies 
established  by  the  Board  to  the  Chief  Executive 
Officer and the senior management. 

Independence 

The  Non-Executive  Directors  are  responsible  for 
providing  independent  advice  and  are  considered 
by  the  Board  to  be  independent  of  management 
and free from any business or relationship that would 
materially interfere with the exercise of independent 
judgment as a member. No one individual in the Board 
has  unfettered  powers  of  decision  and  no  director 

The  mix  of  skills,  business  and  industry  experience 
of the directors is considered to be appropriate for 
the  proper  and  efficient  functioning  of  the  Board. 
The Board has delegated the functions of selection 
and  appointment  of  directors  to  the  Nomination 
Committee  including  the  annual  review  of  the 
structure, size, composition and balance of the Board.

Section  87(1)  of  the  Labuan  Companies  Act  1990 
provides that every offshore company shall have at 
least  one  director  who  may  be  a  resident  director. 
Section  87(2)  states  that  only  an  officer  of  a  trust 
company  established  in  Labuan  shall  act  or  be 
appointed  as  a  resident  director.  The  Company’s 
Articles  provide  that  there  shall  be  at  least  one 
and  not  more  than  7  directors.  If  the  Company’s 
activities increase in size, nature and scope the size 
of  the  Board  will  be  reviewed  periodically  and  the 
optimum number of directors required to supervise 
adequately  the  Company  is  determined  within  the 
limitations  imposed  by  the  Company’s  Articles  and 
as circumstances demand. 

21

Annual Report 2015Corporate Governance

Performance evaluation 

Nomination Committee

The Board conducts regular evaluates its performance 
and the effectiveness of the Board Committees. The 
performance of the Chairman and individual directors 
is continually assessed to ensure that each director 
continues to contribute effectively and demonstrates 
commitment to the role. 

Re-election of directors 

The Committee comprises of majority independent 
Non-Executive Directors. The Terms of Reference of 
the  Nomination  Committee  was  approved  by  the 
Board.  The  Nomination  Committee  meets  at  least 
once a year. 

The  Nomination  Committee’s  members  comprises 
of: 

Every  year,  the  directors  offer  themselves  for  re-
election  and  their  re-election  is  subject  to  the 
shareholders  approval  at  the  Company’s  Annual 
General Meeting.

1. 

2. 

3. 

Paul Rodzianko (Chairman) 

Javier Del Ser Perez 

Xavier Blutel

Remuneration policy 

Remuneration levels are competitively set to attract 
and  retain  appropriately  qualified  and  experienced 
directors  and  senior  executives.  The  Board  has 
delegated the setting of broad remuneration policy 
to the Remuneration Committee. The purpose of the 
policy is to ensure the remuneration package properly 
reflects the person’s duties and responsibilities and 
level  of  performance,  and  that  remuneration  is 
competitive  in  attracting,  retaining  and  motivating 
people  of  the  highest  quality.  Where  necessary, 
independent  advice  on  the  appropriateness  of 
remuneration packages is obtained. 

Independence advice and insurance 

The Board may seek independent consultant’s advice 
at  the  Company’s  expense  in  relation  to  director’s 
rights and duties and the engagement is subject to 
prior approval of the Chairman and this will not be 
withheld  unreasonably.  The  company  maintains  a 
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance policy that 
provides appropriate cover in respect of legal action 
brought against its directors. 

BOARD COMMITTEES

the  Nomination 
The  Board  has  established 
Committee,  the  Remuneration  Committee  and  the 
Audit  Committee  and  delegated  certain  functions 
to these committees as set out in each Committee’s 
Terms of Reference. 

22

The  principal  objectives  of  the  Committee  are  to 
review  that  the  Board  structure,  size,  composition 
and  the  mix  of  skills  and  expertise  to  ensure  that 
these are in line with the Group’s strategies and to 
recommend  to  the  Board  the  potential  candidates 
for  directorship.  The  selection  criteria  for  selection 
the  potential  candidates 
and 
include  qualifications  of 
for  directorship  shall 
and 
knowledge 
the 
achievements, credibility and background and ability 
of  the  candidates  to  contribute  effectively  to  the 
Board and Group. 

individual,  experience, 

recruitment  of 

The functions of the Nomination Committee include: 

•  Review  annually 

size  and 
composition of the Board taking into account the 
Group’s strategies; 

structure, 

the 

• 

Identify  and  nominate  the  potential  candidates 
to the Board for approval; 

•  Monitor the appointment process of directors; 

•  Recommend to the Board for approval on the re-

appointment of directors; 

•  Oversee  the  succession  planning  of  directors 
the  Group’s 

into  consideration  of 

taking 
strategies; 

•  Report and make recommendations to the Board 

on the Committee’s activities; and 

•  Review  and  update  the  Terms  of  Reference  at 

least once a year. 

Steppe Cement Ltd. 
Remuneration Committee 

The Remuneration Committee comprises entirely of independent Non-Executive Directors. The functions of 
the Remuneration Committee are governed by the Terms of Reference which was approved by the Board. 
The Remuneration Committee meets at least twice (2) a year. 

The principal objectives of the Committee are to ensure that the broad remuneration policy and practices of 
the Group reflect the level of responsibilities, performance, relevant legal requirements and high standards 
of  governance.  In  determining  such  policy,  the  Committee  shall  ensure  that  remuneration  levels  are 
appropriately and competitively set to attract, retain and motivate people of the highest quality. 

The functions of the Remuneration Committee include: 

•  Determine and review the broad remuneration policy of the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Executive 

Directors and Senior Executives; 

•  Review the contracts for the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Directors and the contractual 

terms; 

•  Obtain information on the remuneration of other listed companies of similar size and industry; 

•  Report and make recommendations to the Board on the Committee’s activities; and 

•  Review and update the Terms of Reference every two (2) years, or more frequently as required to ensure 

its ongoing relevance and effectiveness. 

23

Annual Report 2015Corporate Governance

The Remuneration Committee’s members comprises of: 

1. 

2. 

Xavier Blutel (Chairman) 

Paul Rodzianko

Audit Committee

The  Audit  Committee  comprises  entirely  of  independent  Non-Executive  Directors.  The  functions  of  the 
Audit Committee are governed by the Terms of Reference which was approved by the Board. The Audit 
Committee meets at least three times (3) a year. 

The principal objectives of the Committee are to monitor and review the adequacy, integrity and compliance 
of  the  Group’s  financial  reporting  and  policies,  internal  controls  system  and  procedures  including  risk 
management,  and  compliance  and  the  external  audit  process.  The  Committee  shall  make  the  necessary 
recommendations to the Board to achieve its objectives. 

The functions of the Audit Committee include: 

•  Review the Group’s financial statements, regulatory announcements relating to the Group’s results; 

•  Review the Group’s significant accounting policies and practices; 

•  Review compliance with international financial reporting standards, regulatory and other legal requirements; 

24

Steppe Cement Ltd.The Audit Committee’s members comprises of: 

1. 

2. 

Paul Rodzianko (Chairman) 

Xavier Blutel 

BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

In the course of business, the Board acknowledges 
the  need  to  maintain  high  standards  of  business 
and ethical conduct by all Directors, management 
and  employees  of  the  Group.  In  this  respect,  the 
Group has the responsibility to observe local laws, 
customs  and  culture  of  each  country  in  which  it 
operates in particular Kazakhstan and to adopt the 
high standards of business practice, procedure and 
integrity. All Directors and employees are expected 
to  act  with  the  utmost  integrity  and  objectivity, 
striving at all times to enhance the reputation and 
performance of the Group. 

Conflict of interest 

All Directors must keep the Board advised, on an 
ongoing basis, of any interest that could potentially 
conflict with those of the Group. Where the Board 
believes  that  a  significant  conflict  exists  for  a 
director on a board matter, the director concerned 
does  not  receive  the  relevant  board  papers  and 
is  not  present  at  the  meeting  whilst  the  item  is 
considered.  Directors  are  required  to  take  into 
consideration  any  potential  conflicts  of  interest 
when accepting appointments to other Boards. 

INVESTOR RELATIONS

The  Board  recognises  and  values  the  importance 
of  managing  its  relationship  with  the  investing 
community.  The  Board 
is  committed  and 
communicates  regularly  with  shareholders  on 
the  Group’s  strategy,  financial  performance, 
developments and prospects via issuance of annual 
and  interim  financial  statements  to  shareholders, 
stock exchange announcements and in meetings. 

The Group’s management meets regularly with fund 
managers,  analysts  and  shareholders  to  convey 
information about the development of the Group’s 
performance and operations in Kazakhstan. 

25

•  Review and advise the Board on the appointment, 
nomination  and  re-appointment  of  the  external 
auditors; 

•  Oversee  the  relationship  with  the  external 
auditors, including the engagement of auditors, 
the  audit  scope,  plan, 
remuneration  and 
objectivity; 

•  Evaluate  and  monitor 

the  adequacy  and 
effectiveness  of  the  internal  controls  system 
and procedures including risk management and 
compliance; 

•  Monitor  and  review  the  performance  and 

effectiveness of the internal audit function; 

•  Report and make recommendations to the Board 

on the Committee’s activities; and 

•  Review  and  update  the  Terms  of  Reference  at 
least once a year and recommend any changes 
to the Board for approval. 

Annual Report 2015Corporate Governance

Annual General Meeting 

Purpose 

The  Annual  General  Meeting  (“AGM”)  provides 
the main forum and opportunity for discussion and 
interaction between the Board and the shareholders. 
The  Board  encourages  the  active  participation  of 
shareholders,  both  individuals  and  institutional  at 
the  AGM  on  important  and  relevant  matters.  The 
results  of  the  AGM  are  announced  via  Regulatory 
News Service to the public after the AGM. 

investments.  The  Group’s 

The  Group’s  internal  control  system  is  designed 
to  safeguard  the  Group’s  assets  and  enhance  the 
internal 
shareholders 
control  system  is  designed  to  manage  rather  than 
fully eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business 
objectives.  Therefore,  that  the 
internal  control 
system can only provide reasonable but not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement or loss. 

INTERNAL CONTROL

Key elements 

The  Board  places  importance  on  the  maintenance 
of  a  strong  internal  control  system  in  the  Group, 
including compliance and risk management practices 
to  ensure  good  corporate  governance.  The  Board 
regularly evaluates and monitors the effectiveness of 
the internal control system. 

The  key  elements  of  the  Group’s  internal  control 
system are: 

•  Control  -  an  organisational  structure  is  in  place 
with  clearly  defined  levels  of  responsibility  and 
authority  together  with  appropriate  reporting 
procedures, particularly with respect to financial 
information and capital expenditure

. 

26

Steppe Cement Ltd.•  Financial Reporting and Budgeting – A financial 
reporting and budgeting system with an annual 
budget  approved  by  the  directors  has  been 
established  to  monitor  the  performance  of  the 
subsidiaries.  The  management  evaluates  the 
actual against budget to identify and explain the 
causes of the significant variances for appropriate 
action.  The  budgets  are 
regularly 
taking  into  internal  and  external  variables  such 
as  performance,  costs,  capital  expenditure 
requirements, macro outlook and other relevant 
factors. 

revised 

•  Risk  Management  and  Compliance  –  Risk 
management  and  compliance  policies,  controls 
and practices are in place for the Group to identify, 
assess,  manage  and  monitor  key  business  risks 
and exposure and for evaluation of their financial 
impact and other implications. 

Monitoring and review mechanism 

The Audit Committee is tasked to monitor and review 
the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control 
system  and  procedures  including  risk  management 
and compliance. The Group’s internal audit function 
is  responsible  for  conducting  internal  audits  based 
on  the  risk-based  audit  plan  approved  annually  by 
the  Audit  Committee.  The  internal  audit  function 
provides  regular  reports  to  the  Audit  Committee 
highlighting the observations, recommendations and 
management action to improve the internal control 
system. The scope of work, authority and resources 
of  the  internal  audit  function  are  reviewed  by  the 
Audit Committee at annually. The Audit Committee 
also  deliberates  on  control  issues  highlighted  by 
the external auditors during the course of statutory 
audits. 

27

Annual Report 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31DECEMBER 2015

(In United States Dollar)

28

Steppe Cement Ltd.CONTENTS

Independent auditors’ report

Income statements

Statements of comprehensive income 

Statements of financial position 

Statements of changes in equity

Statements of cash flows

Notes to the financial statements

Statement by a director

PAGES

30 - 31

32

33

34 - 35

36 - 38

39 - 41

42 - 93

94

29

Annual Report 2015INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF STEPPE CEMENT LTD
(Incorporated in Labuan FT, Malaysia under the Labuan Companies Act, 1990)

Report on the Financial Statements 

We have audited the financial statements of STEPPE CEMENT LTD, which comprise the statements 
of  financial  position  of  the  Group  and  of  the  Company  as  of  31  December  2015,  and  the  income 
statements,  statements  of  comprehensive  income,  statements  of  changes  in  equity  and  statements 
of cash flows of the Group and of the Company for the year then ended, and a summary of significant 
accounting policies and other explanatory information, as set out on pages 32 to 93.

Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Statements

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of these financial statements so as to 
give a true and fair view in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the Labuan 
Companies Act, 1990 in Malaysia. The directors are also responsible for such internal control as the 
directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility

Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  financial  statements  based  on  our  audit.  We 
conducted our audit in accordance with approved standards on auditing in Malaysia. Those standards 
require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgement, including 
the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud 
or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditors consider internal control relevant to the entity’s 
preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in order to design audit procedures 
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the 
effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of 
accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as 
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence that we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a 
basis for our audit opinion. 

30 Steppe Cement Ltd.
30

Steppe Cement Ltd.Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group 
and of the Company as of 31 December 2015 and of  their financial performance and cash flows for the 
year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the requirements 
of Labuan Companies Act, 1990 in Malaysia.

Other matters

This report is made solely to the members of the Company, as a body, in accordance with Section 
117(1) of the Labuan Companies Act, 1990 in Malaysia and for no other purpose. We do not assume 
responsibility towards any other person for the contents of this report.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE
AAL 0011
Chartered Accountants

LIM KENG PEO
Partner - 2939/01/18 (J/PH)
Chartered Accountant

16 May 2016

Annual Report 2015 31
31

Annual Report 2015 
 
INCOME STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

The Group

The Company

Note

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

4

93,632,720

116,634,875

100,000

4,247,325

(60,383,321)

(80,925,733)

-

-

33,249,399

35,709,142

100,000

4,247,325

(13,082,506)

(19,139,532)

-

-

(8,037,254)

(12,151,311)

(383,830)

(531,641)

40,584

8,245

(4,215,275)

(4,787,593)

-

-

-

-

(16,376,575)

(5,281,327)

72,203

29,391

5

6

(94,795)

691,630

-

-

-

(4,000,001)

10

(298,397)

(3,144,100)

-

-

-

-

7

8

(8,814,819)

(8,094,846)

(4,211,628)

3,745,075

5,433,161

154,161

-

(5,720)

(3,381,658)

(7,940,685)

(4,211,628)

3,739,355

(3,381,658)

(7,940,685)

(4,211,628)

3,739,355

9

(1.5)

  (3.6)

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling expenses

General and 
  administrative 
  expenses

Interest income

Finance costs

Net foreign exchange 

(loss)/gain

Other (loss)/income, net

Impairment loss on invest-

ment

Impairment loss on 
 property, plant and 
 equipment, net of tax 

(Loss)/Profit before 
  income tax

Income tax 
  credit/(expense)

(Loss)/Profit for the 
  year

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the
  Company

Loss per share:

Basic and diluted 
  (cents)

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

32

Steppe Cement Ltd.STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

The Group

The Company

Note

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

(Loss)/Profit for the year

(3,381,658)

(7,940,685)

(4,211,628)

3,739,355

Other comprehensive 

 loss:

Items that will not be reclassi-
fied subsequently to profit or 
loss:

Revaluation gain on property, 

  plant and equipment, net of 

  tax

10

124,531

-

Impairment loss on property, 

  plant and equipment, net of 

  tax

10

(142,081)

(481,777)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(57,566,026)

(24,936,678)

(57,583,576)

(25,418,455)

(60,965,234)

(33,359,140)

(4,211,628)

3,739,355

Items that may be reclassified 
subsequently to profit or loss:

Exchange differences 

  arising on translation of 

  foreign operations

Total other comprehensive 

  loss

Total comprehensive 

  (loss)/income for the year

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company

(60,965,234)

(33,359,140)

(4,211,628)

3,739,355

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

33

Annual Report 2015  
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

The Group

The Company

Note

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

10

11

16

12

13

14

15

25

71,787,157

151,695,517

-

-

-

-

26,500,001

30,500,002

1,270,919

50,666

2,442,499

7,021,239

549,669

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

76,050,244

158,767,422

26,500,001

30,500,002

13,319,832

22,112,879

2,290,736

3,949,124

547,232

1,211,045

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

39,845,904

40,377,069

  16

1,432,447

2,514,290

6,582

17

2,406,309

9,295,439

338,124

5,731

2,112

Assets

Non-Current Assets

Property, plant and 
  equipment

Investment in subsidiary 
companies

Advances and prepaid 
expenses

Other assets

Deferred taxes

Total Non-Current 
  Assets

Current Assets

Inventories

Trade and other   
  receivables

Income tax recoverable

Loans and advances to sub-
sidiary companies 

Advances and prepaid 
expenses

Cash and cash 
  equivalents 

Total Current Assets

19,996,556

39,082,777

40,190,610

40,384,912

Total Assets

96,046,800

197,850,199

66,690,611

70,884,914

34

Steppe Cement Ltd.STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

The Group

The Company

Note

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

18

19

19

19

20

13

21

22

23

20

24

73,760,924

73,760,924

73,760,924

73,760,924

3,443,582

3,986,065

(108,124,581)

(50,558,555)

-

-

-

-

87,646,119

90,502,844

(8,427,886)

(4,216,258)

56,726,044

117,691,278

65,333,038

69,544,666

14,857,018

30,363,401

-

7,399,794

517,778

-

51,265

84,458

15,426,061

37,847,653

4,485,684

7,658,755

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,084,812

6,638,802

1,357,573

1,334,528

15,822,258

27,088,698

501,941

925,013

-

-

-

5,720

23,894,695

42,311,268

1,357,573

1,340,248

39,320,756

80,158,921

1,357,573

1,340,248

96,046,800

197,850,199

66,690,611

70,884,914

Equity and Liabilities

Capital and Reserves

Share capital

Revaluation reserve

Translation reserve

Retained earnings/ 
  (Accumulated losses)

Total Equity

Non-Current Liabilities

Borrowings

Deferred taxes

Deferred income

Provision for site 
  restoration

Total Non-Current
  Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Accrued and other
  liabilities

Borrowings

Taxes payable

Total Current
  Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Total Equity and
  Liabilities

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

35

Annual Report 2015  
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

Non-distributable

Distributable

The Group

Share capital Revaluation reserve Translation reserve Retained earnings

USD

USD

USD

USD

Total*

USD

As of 1 January 2015

73,760,924

3,986,065

(50,558,555)

90,502,844

117,691,278

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Other transactions impacting equity:

  Transfer of revaluation reserve
    relating to property, plant and
    equipment through use 

-

-

-

-

-

(17,550)

(17,550)

-

(3,381,658)

(57,566,026)

(57,566,026)

-

(3,381,658)

(3,381,658)

(57,583,576)

(60,965,234)

(524,933)

-

524,933

-

As of 31 December 2015

73,760,924

3,443,582

(108,124,581)

87,646,119

56,726,044

*Attributable to the shareholders of the Company

36

36

Steppe Cement Ltd.Annual Report 2015Non-distributable

Distributable

The Group

Share capital Revaluation reserve Translation reserve Retained earnings

USD

USD

USD

USD

Total*

USD

As of 1 January 2015

73,760,924

3,986,065

(50,558,555)

90,502,844

117,691,278

-

(17,550)

(17,550)

(57,566,026)

(57,566,026)

(3,381,658)

-

(3,381,658)

(3,381,658)

(57,583,576)

(60,965,234)

-

-

As of 31 December 2015

73,760,924

3,443,582

(108,124,581)

87,646,119

56,726,044

(524,933)

524,933

-

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Other transactions impacting equity:

  Transfer of revaluation reserve

    relating to property, plant and

    equipment through use 

-

-

-

-

*Attributable to the shareholders of the Company

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

Non-distributable

Distributable

The Group

Share capital Revaluation reserve

Translation reserve Retained earnings

USD

USD

USD

USD

Total*

USD

As of 1 January 2014

73,760,924

5,603,756

(25,621,877)

100,883,344

154,626,147

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Other transactions impacting equity:

  Dividends (Note 19)

  Transfer of revaluation reserve
    relating to property, plant and
    equipment through use 

-

-

-

-

-

-

(481,777)

(481,777)

-

(1,135,914)

-

(7,940,685)

(24,936,678)

(24,936,678)

-

(7,940,685)

(7,940,685)

(25,418,455)

(33,359,140)

-

-

(3,575,729)

(3,575,729)

1,135,914

-

As of 31 December 2014

73,760,924

3,986,065

(50,558,555)

90,502,844

117,691,278

*Attributable to the shareholders of the Company

37

37

Steppe Cement Ltd.Annual Report 2015 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

The Company

Share capital

Accumulated losses

USD

USD

Total

USD

As of 1 January 2015

73,760,924

(4,216,258)

69,544,666

Total comprehensive loss for the year

-

(4,211,628)

(4,211,628)

As of 31 December 2015

73,760,924

(8,427,886)

65,333,038

As of 1 January 2014

Total  comprehensive  income  for  the 
year

Other transaction impacting equity:

  Dividends (Note 19)

73,760,924

(4,379,884)

69,381,040

-

-

3,739,355

3,739,355

(3,575,729)

(3,575,729)

As of 31 December 2014

73,760,924

(4,216,258)

69,544,666

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

38

Steppe Cement Ltd.  
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING 

ACTIVITIES

(Loss)/Profit before income tax

(8,814,819)

(8,094,846)

(4,211,628)

3,745,075

Adjustments for:

Depreciation of property, plant 

and equipment

Amortisation of quarry stripping 

costs

Amortisation of site restoration 

costs

Loss on disposal of property, plant 

and equipment

10,685,978

12,239,764

-

15,699

2,430

-

545,175

237,877

-

-

-

-

Impairment loss on investment

-

-

4,000,001

Impairment loss on property, 

plant and equipment

Dividend income

Interest income 

Finance costs

298,397

3,144,100

-

-

(40,584)

(8,245)

4,215,275

4,787,593

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(4,147,325)

-

-

Net foreign exchange loss/(gain)

16,376,575

5,284,714

(68,172)

(66,613)

Provision for obsolete inventories 

395,646

1,750,864

Provision for doubtful receivables 

33,502

103,630

Provision on advances paid to 

third parties 

Accrued unused leaves

Reversal of accrued unused leaves

Reversal of provision of electricity 

39,347

-

(6,799)

119,956

19,359

(55,688)

charges

(1,922,083)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

21,808,040

19,544,777

(279,799)

(468,863)

39

Annual Report 2015STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

The Group

The Company

Movement in working capital:

(Increase)/Decrease in:

  Inventories

2015

USD

2014

USD

(2,324,878)

(3,619,182)

  Trade and other receivables

1,844,366

1,069,568

2015

USD

-

(851)

2014

USD

-

3,156

  Loans and advances to 
    subsidiary companies 

  Advances and prepaid 
    expenses

Increase/(Decrease) in:

-

-

531,165

(468,393)

(909,535)

1,505,920

-

-

-

-

  Trade and other payables

452,420

(169,749)

  Accrued and other liabilities

1,462,067

1,483,330

90,977

126,505

Cash From/(Used In) Operations

22,332,480

19,814,664

341,492

(807,595)

Income tax paid

Interest paid

(398,712)

(1,448,896)

(4,073,196)

(4,806,663)

(5,480)

-

-

-

Net Cash From/(Used In) Operating 

Activities

17,860,572

13,559,105

336,012

(807,595)

CASH FLOWS FROM
  INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchase of property, plant and 

equipment

(1,831,446)

(21,834,528)

Purchase of other assets

(26,002)

(356,421)

Dividends received

Interest received

-

40,584

-

8,245

Net Cash (Used In)/From
   Investing Activities

(1,816,864)

(22,182,704)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,147,325

-

4,147,325

40

Steppe Cement Ltd.STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING 

ACTIVITIES

Dividends paid

-

(3,575,729)

Proceeds from bank loans

20,184,000

89,745,890

Repayment of bank loans

(38,853,066)

(71,954,803)

Net Cash (Used In)/From Financing 

Activities

(18,669,066)

14,215,358

-

-

-

-

(3,575,729)

-

-

(3,575,729)

NET (DECREASE) /INCREASE IN 

CASH AND CASH 

   EQUIVALENTS

EFFECTS OF FOREIGN EX-
CHANGE RATE CHANGES

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

AT END OF YEAR (Note 17)

(2,625,358)

5,591,759

336,012

(235,999)

(4,263,772)

(595,503)

-

-

9,295,439

4,299,183

2,112

238,111

2,406,309

9,295,439

338,124

2,112

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

41

Annual Report 20151.   GENERAL INFORMATION 

Steppe Cement Ltd (the “Company”) is a limited liability company incorporated in Malaysia. The 
Company’s registered office is Brumby Centre, Lot 42, Jalan Muhibbah, 87000 Labuan FT, Malaysia. 
The  Company’s  shares  are  listed  on  the  Alternative  Investment  Market  of  the  London  Stock  Ex-
change. The group comprises the Company and the subsidiary companies (collectively the “Group”) 
that are disclosed in Note 11.

The  principal  place  of  business  of  the  Company’s  operating  subsidiary  companies  is  located  at 
472380, Aktau village, Karaganda Region, the Republic of Kazakhstan.  

The  Company’s  principal  activity  is  investment  holding.  The  Company’s  operating  subsidiary  are 
principally engaged in the production and sale of cement. The principal activities of the subsidiary 
companies are disclosed in Note 11.  

The financial statements of the Group and of the Company have been approved by the Board of 
Directors and were authorised for issuance on 16 May 2016.

2.  

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Basis of preparation

The  financial  statements  of  the  Group  and  of  the  Company  have  been  prepared  in  accordance 
with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”)  issued  by  the  International  Accounting 
Standards Board (“IASB”). 

Application of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)

Amendments to IFRSs and the new Interpretation that are mandatorily effective for the current 
year

In the current year, the Group and the Company have applied a number of amendments to IFRSs 
issued  by  IASB  that  are  mandatorily  effective  for  an  accounting  period  that  begins  on  or  after  1 
January 2015.

Amendments to IAS 19  

Defined Benefit Plans - Employee Contributions

Amendments to IFRSs contained in the document entitled Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010 - 
2012 Cycle and 2011 - 2013 Cycle

The application of these amendments has had no material impact on the disclosures in the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements.

42

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015New and revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective

IFRS 9

IFRS 15

IFRS 16

Amendments to 
  IFRS 11

Amendments to 
  IAS 1

Amendments to 
  IAS 7 

Amendments to 
  IAS 12

Amendments to 
  IAS 16 and 
  IAS 38

Amendments to 
  IAS 16 and 
  IAS 41

Amendments to 
  IFRS 10 and 
  IAS 28

Amendments to 
  IFRS 10, 12 and 
  IAS 28

Amendments to 
  IFRSs

Financial Instruments3

Revenue from Contracts with Customers3

Leases5

Accounting for Acquisitions of interests in Joint Operations1

Disclosure Initiative1

Disclosure Initiative2

Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses2

Clarification  of  Acceptable  Methods  of  Depreciation  and 

Amortisation1

Agriculture: Bearer Plants1

Sale  or  Contribution  of  Assets  between  an  Investor  and  its 

Associate or Joint Venture4

Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception1

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle1

1 Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016, with earlier application permitted.
2 Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017, with earlier application permitted. 
3 Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, with earlier application permitted.
4 Effective date deferred to a date to be determined and announced, with earlier application still permitted. 
5  Effective  for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  1  January  2019.  Earlier  application  is  permitted 

provided MFRS 15 is also applied.

The  directors  anticipate  that  the  abovementioned  Standards  and  Amendments  will  be  adopted 
in  the  financial  statements  of  the  Group  and  the  Company  when  they  become  effective  and  that 
the  adoption  of  these  Standards  and  Amendments  will  have  no  material  impact  on  the  financial 
statements of the Group and the Company except for the application of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 which 
may have impact on the disclosure as described below.

43

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS  9  issued  by  IASB  in  November  2009  introduces  new  requirements  for  the  classification  and 
measurement of financial assets. IFRS 9 was subsequently amended in October 2010 to include the 
requirements  for  the  classification  and  measurement  of  financial  liabilities  and  for  derecognition, 
and  in  November  2013  to  include  the  new  requirements  for  general  hedge  accounting.  Another 
revised version of IFRS 9 was issued in July 2014 mainly to include a) impairment requirements for 
financial assets and b) limited amendments to the classification and measurement requirements by 
introducing  a  ‘fair  value  through  other  comprehensive  income’  measurement  category  for  certain 
simple debt instruments. Key requirements of IFRS 9 are described as follows:

•  All recognised financial assets that are within the scope of IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition 
and Measurement to be subsequently measured at amortised cost or fair value. Specifically, debt 
investments that are held within a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual 
cash flows, and that have contractual cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest 
on the principal outstanding are generally measured at amortised cost at the end of subsequent 
accounting  periods.  All  other  debt  investments  and  equity  investments  are  measured  at  their 
fair values at the end of subsequent accounting periods. In addition, under IFRS 9, entities may 
make an irrevocable election to present subsequent changes in fair value of equity instrument 
(that is not held for trading) in other comprehensive income, with only dividend income generally 
recognised in profit or loss.

•  With regards to the measurement of financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit 
or loss, IFRS 9 requires that the amount of change in the fair value of the financial liability that is 
attributable to changes in the credit risk of that liabilities, is presented in other comprehensive 
income,  unless  the  recognition  of  the  effects  of  changes  in  the  liability’s  credit  risk  in  other 
comprehensive income would create or enlarge an accounting mismatch in profit or loss. Changes 
in fair value attributable to financial liability’s credit risk are not subsequently reclassified to profit 
or loss. Under IAS 39, the entire amount of the change in the fair value of the financial liability 
designated as at fair value through profit or loss is presented in profit or loss.

• 

In relation to the impairment of financial assets, IFRS 9 requires an expected credit loss model, as 
opposed to an incurred credit loss model under IAS 39. The expected credit loss model requires 
an entity to account for expected credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses at 
each reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition. In other words, it is 
no longer necessary for credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised; and 

•  The  new  general  hedge  accounting  requirements  retain  the  three  types  of  hedge  accounting 
mechanisms currently available in IAS 39. Under IFRS 9, greater flexibility has been introduced 
to  the  types  of  transactions  eligible  for  hedge  accounting,  specifically  broadening  the  types 
of  instruments  that  qualify  for  hedging  instruments  and  the  types  of  risk  components  of  non-
financial  items  that  are  eligible  for  hedge  accounting.  In  addition,  the  effectiveness  test  has 
been overhauled and replaced with the principle of an “economic relationship”. Retrospective 
assessment of hedge effectiveness is also no longer required. Enhanced disclosure requirements 
about any entity’s risk management activities have also been introduced.

The  directors  of  the  Company  anticipate  that  the  application  of  IFRS  9  in  the  future  may  have  a 
material impact on amounts reported in respect of the Group’s and of the Company’s financial assets 
and liabilities.  However, it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect of IFRS 9 
until the Group and the Company complete a detailed review.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, IFRS 15 was issued which establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use 

44

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. IFRS 15 will supersede the current 
revenue  recognition  guidance  including  IAS  18  Revenue,  IAS  11  Construction  Contracts  and  the 
related  Interpretations  when  it  becomes  effective.  The  core  principle  of  IFRS  15  is  that  an  entity 
should recognise revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an 
amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those 
goods or services. Specifically, the Standard introduces a 5-step approach to revenue recognition:

•  Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
•  Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
•  Step 3: Determine the transaction price.
•  Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
•  Step 5 : Recognise revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

Under IFRS 15, an entity recognises revenue when (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied, i.e. 
when ‘control’ of the goods or services underlying the particular performance obligation is transferred 
to the customer. Far more prescriptive guidance has been added in IFRS 15 to deal with specific 
scenarios. Furthermore, extensive disclosures are required by IFRS 15.

The directors of the Company anticipate that the application of IFRS 15 in the future may have a 
material impact on the amounts reported and disclosures made in the financial statements of the 
Group. However, it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect of IFRS 15 until 
the Group performs a detailed review.

3.  

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Accounting

The financial statements of the Group and of the Company have been prepared under the historical 
cost  convention  except  for  the  revaluation  of  land  and  building  made  in  accordance  with  IAS  16 
Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 10).

Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for goods 
and services. 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants at the measurement date, regardless of whether that price 
is directly observable or estimated using another valuation technique.  In estimating the fair value of 
an asset or a liability, the Group and the Company take into account the characteristics of the asset 
or liability if market participants would take those characteristics into account when pricing the asset 
or liability at the measurement date.  Fair value for the measurement and/or disclosure purposes in 
these financial statements is determined on such basis.

In addition, for financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorised into Level 1, 2 
or 3 based on the degree to which the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and the 
significance of the inputs to the fair value measurement in its entirety, which are described as follows:

•  Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities 

that the entity can access at the measurement date;

•  Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable 

45

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

•  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The principal accounting policies are set out below.

Basis of Consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  incorporate  the  financial  statements  of  the  Company 
and its subsidiary companies. Control is achieved when the Company: 

•  has the power over the investee;
• 
•  has the ability to use its power to affect its returns. 

is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

The  Company  reassesses  whether  or  not  it  controls  an  investee  if  facts  and  circumstances 
indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.

When the Company has less than a majority of the voting rights of an investee, it has power 
over the investee when the voting rights are sufficient to give it the practical ability to direct 
the  relevant  activities  of  the  investee  unilaterally.  The  Company  considers  all  relevant  facts 
and circumstances in assessing whether or not the Company’s voting rights in an investee are 
sufficient to give it power, including:

• 

the  size  of  the  Company’s  holding  of  voting  rights  relative  to  the  size  and  dispersion  of 
holdings of the other vote holders;

rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

•  potential voting rights held by the Company, other vote holders or other parties;
• 
•  any  additional  facts  and  circumstances  that  indicate  that  the  Company  has,  or  does  not 
have, the current ability to direct the relevant activities at the time that decisions need to 
be made, including voting patterns at previous shareholders’ meetings. 

Consolidation  of  a  subsidiary  company  begins  when  the  Company  obtains  control  over  the 
subsidiary company and ceases when the Company loses control of the subsidiary company. 
Specifically,  income  and  expenses  of  a  subsidiary  company  disposed  of  during  the  year  are 
included in the income statement from the date the Company gains control until the date when 
the Company ceases to control the subsidiary company.

Profit or loss and each component of the other comprehensive income are attributed to the 
owners of the Company. Total comprehensive income of subsidiary companies is attributed to 
the owners of the Company.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiary companies to 
bring their accounting policies to be in line with those used by other subsidiary companies of 
the Group. 

All  intra-group  transactions,  balances,  income  and  expenses  are  eliminated  in  full  on 
consolidation.

Changes in the Group’s ownership interests in existing subsidiary companies

Changes  in  the  Group’s  ownership  interests  in  subsidiary  companies  that  do  not  result  in  the 
Group losing control over the subsidiary companies are accounted for as equity transactions. 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative 

46

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015interests in the subsidiary companies. 

When the Group loses control of a subsidiary company, the profit or loss on disposal is calculated 
as the difference between (i) the aggregate of the fair value of the consideration received and the fair 
value of any retained interest and (ii) the previous carrying amount of the assets (including goodwill), 
and liabilities of the subsidiary company. All amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive 
income in relation to that subsidiary company are accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed 
of the related assets or liabilities of the subsidiary company (i.e. reclassified to profit or loss or trans-
ferred directly to retained earnings as specified by applicable IFRSs). The fair value of any investment 
retained in the former subsidiary company at the date when control is lost is regarded as the fair value 
on initial recognition for subsequent accounting under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement or, when applicable, the cost on initial recognition of an investment in an associate or 
a joint venture.

Revenue

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Revenue of the 
Group  represents  sale  of  cement,  transmission  and  distribution  of  electricity  and  interest  income. 
Sale of cement and transmission and distribution of electricity are stated at invoice value net of dis-
counts,  rebates,  commissions  and  returns.  Revenue  of  the  Company  represents  management  fee 
and dividend income. 

Sale of goods
Upon shipment/delivery of goods and when the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the 
customers,  revenue  is  recognised  at  gross  invoiced  value,  net  of  discounts,  rebates,  commissions 
and returns.

Transmission and distribution of electricity
Revenue is recognised upon delivery of electricity to the customers.

Interest income
Interest income is recognised on an accrual basis by reference to the principal outstanding and at the 
effective interest rate applicable.

Management fee income
Management fee is recognised on a straight-line basis over the period of the agreement as the ser-
vices are provided.

Dividend income
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established. 

Government Grants

Government grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the Group will comply 
with the conditions attaching to them and that the grants will be received.

Government grants are recognised in profit or loss on a systematic basis over the periods in which the 
Group recognises as expenses the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate. 
Specifically, government grants whose primary condition is that the Group should purchase, construct 
or  otherwise  acquire  non-current  assets  are  recognised  as  deferred  revenue  in  the  consolidated 
statement of financial position and transferred to profit or loss on a systematic and rational basis over 
the useful lives of the related assets.

47

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
 
Government grants that are receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or 
for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the Group  with no future related costs are 
recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they become receivable. 

The  benefit  of  a  government  loan  at  a  below-market  rate  of  interest  is  treated  as  a  government 
grant, measured as the difference between proceeds received and the fair value of the loan based 
on prevailing market interest rates.

Foreign Currencies 

The individual financial statements of each group entity are presented in the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which the entity operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the 
financial statements of the Group, the results and financial position of each entity are expressed in 
United States Dollars (“USD”), which is the functional currency of the Company, and the presentation 
currency for the financial statements of the Group. The functional currency of the principal subsidiary 
companies,  Karcement  JSC  and  Central  Asia  Cement  JSC  (“CAC  JSC”),  is  the  Kazakhstan  Tenge 
(“KZT”).

In preparing the financial statements of the individual entities, transactions in currencies other than 
the  entity’s  functional  currency  are  recorded  at  the  rates  of  exchange  prevailing  on  the  dates  of 
the  transactions.  At  each  reporting  date,  monetary  items  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are 
retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value 
that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the date when 
the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a 
foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange  differences  arising  on  the  settlement  of  monetary  item  and  on  the  retranslation  of 
monetary items are included in the income statement for the year. Exchange differences arising on 
the retranslation of non-monetary items carried at fair value are included in the income statement for 
the year except for differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary item in respect of which 
gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income. For such non-monetary items, any 
exchange component of that gain or loss is also recognised in other comprehensive income.

For the purposes of presenting financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign 
operation  (including  comparatives)  are  expressed  in  USD  using  exchange  rates  prevailing  on  the 
reporting date. Income and expense items (including comparatives) are translated at the average 
rates  at  the  dates  of  the  transactions.  Exchange  differences  arising,  if  any,  are  recorded  in  other 
comprehensive  income  and  accumulated  in  the  Group’s  translation  reserve.  Such  translation 
differences  are  recognised  in  the  income  statement  in  the  year  in  which  the  foreign  operation  is 
disposed of.

Goodwill (if any) and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of foreign operations are treated 
as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the closing rate.

The principal closing rates used in translation of foreign currency amounts are as follows:

48

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
1 Sterling Pound (“GBP”)

1 Euro (“EUR”)

1 Ringgit Malaysia (“MYR”)

1 Russian Ruble (“RUB”)

2015

USD

1.4736

1.0862

0.2329

0.0138

KZT

2014

USD

1.5577

1.2098

0.2860

0.0173

KZT

1 USD

339.47

182.35

Retirement Benefit Costs

In accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the country in which the Group operates, the 
Group withholds amounts of pension contributions (a defined contribution plan) equivalent to 10% 
of each employee’s wage, but not more than USD440 per month per employee (2014: USD821) from 
employee salaries and pays them to the state pension fund. In addition, such pension system provides 
for calculation of current payments by the employer as a percentage of current total disbursements 
to staff. Such expenses are charged in the period the related salaries are earned. Upon retirement 
all retirement benefit payments are made by pension funds selected by the employees. The Group 
does not have any pension arrangements separate from the state pension system of the countries 
where its subsidiary companies operate. In addition, the Group has no post-retirement benefits or 
other significant compensation benefits requiring accrual. 

Taxation

Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax and is calculated 
in accordance with tax legislation applicable to the respective jurisdiction and based on the operating 
results for the year after adjustments for amounts which are non-taxable or non-deductible for tax 
purposes.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as 
reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable 
or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are not taxable or deductible. The 
Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in 
the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, 
and  are  accounted  for  using  the  liability  method.  Deferred  tax  liabilities  are  generally  recognised 
for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is 
probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be 
utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill 
or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in 
a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

49

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
The  carrying  amount  of  deferred  tax  assets  is  reviewed  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period  and 
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to 
allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period 
when the liability is settled or the asset realised, based on the tax rates (and tax laws) that have been 
enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred 
tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the 
entity expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or to settle the carrying amount of its 
assets and liabilities. Deferred tax is charged or is credited to the income statement, except when it 
is related to items that are recognised outside profit or loss (whether in other comprehensive income 
or charged or credited directly to equity), in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with outside 
profit or loss, or where they arise from the initial accounting for a business combination. In the case 
of a business combination, the tax effect is included in the accounting for the business combination.

Deferred  tax  liabilities  are  recognised  for  taxable  temporary  differences  arising  on  investments  in 
subsidiary  companies,  except  where  the  Group  is  able  to  control  the  reversal  of  the  temporary 
difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current 
tax  assets  against  current  tax  liabilities  and  when  they  relate  to  income  taxes  levied  by  the  same 
taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Property, Plant and Equipment 

Property, plant and equipment except for land and buildings and construction in progress

Property,  plant  and  equipment  except  for  land  and  buildings  are  carried  at  historical  cost  less 
accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss. The initial cost of property, plant and 
equipment consists of its purchase price, including import duties, taxes and any directly attributable 
cost to bring the property, plant and equipment to its working condition and location for its intended 
use.

Land and buildings

Land and buildings held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, or for administrative 
purposes, are stated at their revalued amounts in the statement of financial position, being the fair 
value  at  the  date  of  revaluation,  less  any  subsequent  accumulated  depreciation  and  subsequent 
accumulated impairment losses, if any. Revaluations are performed with sufficient regularity such that 
the carrying amounts do not differ materially from those that would be determined using fair values 
at the end of each reporting period.

Any  revaluation  increase  arising  on  revaluation  of  such  land  and  buildings  is  recognised  in  other 
comprehensive  income  and  revaluation  reserve  in  equity,  except  to  the  extent  that  it  reverses  a 
revaluation  decrease  for  the  same  asset  previously  recognised  in  the  income  statement,  in  which 
case,  the  increase  is  credited  to  the  income  statement  to  the  extent  of  the  decrease  previously 
expensed. A decrease in the carrying amount arising on revaluation of such land and buildings is 
recognised  in  the  income  statement  to  the  extent  that  it  exceeds  the  balance,  if  any,  held  in  the 
revaluation reserve relating to a previous revaluation of that asset.

50

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015Revaluation  surplus  is  transferred  directly  to  retained  earnings  as  and  when  the  revalued  asset  is 
used by the Group. The amount of the surplus transferred is calculated as the difference between 
depreciation calculated based on the revalued carrying amount of the asset and depreciation based 
on the asset’s original cost. 

Construction in Progress

Assets in the course of construction for production, supply or administrative purposes are carried at 
cost, less any recognised impaired loss. Cost includes professional fees and, for qualifying assets, 
borrowing costs capitalised in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy. Such assets will be 
presented in the appropriate categories of property, plant and equipment when they are completed 
and ready for intended use. 

Depreciation

Depreciation  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  commences  when  the  assets  are  ready  for  their 
intended use. 

Depreciation on revalued buildings is recognised in the income statement. On the subsequent sale 
or  retirement  of  revalued  assets,  their  remaining  revaluation  surplus  recorded  in  the  revaluation 
reserve is transferred directly to retained earnings.

Freehold land is not depreciated.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets (other than freehold land 
and construction in progress) less their residual values over their useful lives using the straight-line 
method.  The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings

Machinery and equipment

Railway wagons

Other assets 

25 years

14 years

20 years

5 - 10 years

The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method of assets are reviewed at the end 
of each reporting period with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective 
basis.

Derecognition

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic 
benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on the 
disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference 
between the sale proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the income 
statement.

51

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
Mining assets

  Mining assets comprise quarry stripping costs and site restoration costs relating to quarry used by 

the Group.

(i)  Quarry stripping costs

The cost of removal of the overburden from the quarry is deferred until the commencement of 
physical extraction of limestone from the site.  Such costs are amortised over the expected life of 
the quarry from the date of commencement of extraction.

(ii)  Site restoration costs

Site  restoration  provisions  are  made  in  respect  of  the  estimated  discounted  costs  of  closure 
and  restoration,  and  for  environmental  rehabilitation  costs  (which  include  the  dismantling  and 
demolition  of  infrastructure,  removal  of  residual  material  and  remediation  of  disturbed  areas). 
Over time, the discounted obligation is increased for the change in present value based on the 
discount rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks 
specific to the liability. A corresponding asset is capitalised where it gives rise to a future benefit 
and depreciated over the remaining life of the quarry to which it relates on a straight-line basis. 
The provision is reviewed on an annual basis for changes in cost estimates, discount rates or life 
of operations. Any change in restoration costs or assumption will be recognised as additions or 
charges to the corresponding asset and provision when they occur. 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

At the end of each reporting period, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to 
determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any 
such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the 
extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount 
of  an  individual  asset,  the  Group  estimates  the  recoverable  amount  of  the  cash-generating  unit 
(“CGU”) to which the asset belongs. Where a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation can be 
identified, corporate assets are also allocated to individual CGUs, or otherwise they are allocated to 
the smallest group of CGUs for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified.

Recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and the value in use. In assessing 
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 
discount rate that management believes reflects the current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the asset.

If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying 
amount  of  the  asset  is  reduced  to  its  recoverable  amount.  An  impairment  loss  is  recognised 
immediately  in  the  income  statement  unless  the  relevant  asset  is  carried  at  a  revalued  amount 
in  which  case  the  impairment  loss  is  treated  as  a  revaluation  decrease  (see  accounting  policy  on 
property, plant and equipment above). 

Where  an  impairment  loss  subsequently  reverses,  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  (or  CGU)  is 
increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount 
does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss 
been recognised for the asset (or CGU) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised 
immediately in income statement unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount in which 
case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

52

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
Inventories 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs comprise direct materials 
and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing 
the inventories to their present location and condition. Cost is calculated using the weighted average 
method.  Net  realisable  value  represents  the  estimated  selling  price  less  all  estimated  costs  of 
completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. 

At  each  reporting  date,  the  Group  evaluates  its  inventory  balances  for  excess  quantities  and 
obsolescence and, if necessary, records a provision to reduce inventory for obsolete, slow-moving 
raw materials and spare parts. Provision is determined based on inventory ageing as follows:

Not moving more than 1 year 
Not moving more than 2 years 
Not moving more than 3 years 

33.3%
66.7%
100%

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result 
of a past event, and it is probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a 
reliable  estimate  can  be  made  of  the  amount  of  the  obligation.  Provisions  are  measured  at  the 
directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the reporting date, 
and are discounted to present value where the effect is material.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the 
present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties 
surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle 
the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows (where the effect 
of the time value of money is material). 

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered 
from a third party, a receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will 
be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.

Equity

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Distributions to holders of ordinary shares are debited directly 
to  equity  and  dividend  declared  on  or  before  the  reporting  date  is  recognised  as  liability.  Costs 
directly attributable to equity transactions are accounted for as a deduction, net of tax, from equity.

Contingent Liabilities 

Contingent  liabilities  are  not  recognised  in  the  statement  of  financial  position  but  are  disclosed 
unless the possibility of any outflow in settlement is remote. 

Financial Instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the statement of financial position when the 
Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.

53

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are 
directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than 
financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss)  are  added  or  deducted 
from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. 
Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair 
value through profit or loss are recognised immediately in the income statement.  

Effective Interest Method

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or 
financial liability and of allocating interest income or expense over the relevant period. The effective 
interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts or payments (including 
all fees, paid or received, which comprise an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction 
costs and other premiums or discounts) through the expected life of the financial asset or financial 
liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Financial Assets

Financial  assets  are  classified  into  the  following  specified  categories:  financial  assets  at  fair  value 
through  profit  or  loss  (“FVTPL”),  held-to-maturity  investments,  available-for-sale  (“AFS”)  financial 
assets  and  loans  and  receivables.  The  classification  depends  on  the  nature  and  purpose  of  the 
financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition. 

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that 
are not quoted in an active market. Loans and receivables (including cash and cash equivalents, short-
term  investments,  trade  and  other  receivables  and  loans  and  advances  to  subsidiary  companies) 
are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Interest 
income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables where 
the recognition of interest would be immaterial. 

The Group does not have financial assets designated as at FVTPL, held-to-maturity investments or 
AFS financial assets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits and other short-term highly 
liquid investments with initial maturity period of up to three months that are readily convertible to 
a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. When cash and 
cash equivalents are restricted from use, they are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. 

Short-term Investments
Short-term investments represent fixed short-term deposits in banks with original maturity of more 
than three months.

Trade and Other Receivables
Trade and other receivables are recognised and carried at fair value upon initial recognition. After 
initial  measurement,  such  financial  assets  are  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the 
effective interest method, less impairment.

54

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015Impairment of Financial Assets

The  Group  provides  an  allowance  for  impairment  of  financial  assets  when  there  is  an  objective 
evidence of impairment of a financial asset. Financial assets are assessed on individual basis. The 
allowance for impairment of financial assets represents a difference between the carrying value of 
the assets and present value of estimated future cash inflows, discounted using the original effective 
interest  rate  on  the  financial  instrument,  which  is  reflected  at  amortised  value.  If  in  a  subsequent 
period the value of the financial asset increases, and such an increase can be objectively connected 
with  an  event  which  happen  after  recognition  of  the  impairment  then  the  previously  recognised 
impairment loss is reversed with an adjustment of the allowance account.

For financial assets carried at cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the 
asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flow, discounted at the current 
market rate of return for a similar financial instrument.

The  changes  in  impairment  allowances  are  charged  to  the  income  statement  and  the  assets  are 
reduced by the amount of the impairment allowances. The factors evaluated in determining whether 
the evidence of impairment is objective includes information on liquidity of borrowers, solvency and 
exposure  to  financial  risks,  insolvency  trends  regarding  similar  financial  assets,  general  economic 
condition and fair value of security and guarantees. 

Financial Liabilities and Equity Instruments Issued by the Group

Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with 
the substance of the contractual arrangement. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a 
residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments are 
recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at FVTPL or other financial liabilities.

Other financial liabilities (including accrued and other financial liabilities, borrowings and trade and 
other payables) are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

The Group does not have financial liabilities designated as FVTPL.

Offset of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and recorded on a net basis in the statement of 
financial position when the Group is legally entitled to offset certain amounts and the Group intends 
to either record on a net basis or receive assets and offset liabilities simultaneously.

Derecognition of Financial Liabilities

The  Group  derecognises  financial  liabilities  when,  and  only  when,  the  Group’s  obligations  are 
discharged, cancelled or they expire. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial 
liability derecognised and the consideration paid and payable is recognised in the income statement.

55

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
Borrowing Costs

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, 
which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use 
or sale, are added to the cost of those assets until such time as the assets are substantially ready 
for their intended use or sale. Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific 
borrowings  pending  their  expenditure  on  qualifying  assets  is  deducted  from  the  borrowing  costs 
eligible for capitalisation.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are 
incurred.

Statements of Cash Flows

The Group and the Company adopt the indirect method in the preparation of the statements of cash 
flows.

Critical Accounting Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  the  directors  to  make 
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 
revenues and expenses and the disclosure of liabilities. Due to the inherent uncertainty in making 
those  judgements  and  estimates,  actual  results  reported  in  future  periods  could  differ  from  such 
estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting 
estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that 
period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and 
future periods.

Revaluation of Property, Plant and Equipment
As  stated  in  Note  10,  land  and  buildings  of  the  Group  are  measured  at  fair  value  at  the  date  of 
revaluation less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses recognised. The carrying amount 
of  the  land  and  buildings  was  determined  by  professional  valuers  on  31  August  2015.  Valuation 
techniques  used  by  the  professional  valuers  are  subjective  and  involve  the  use  of  professional 
judgement in the estimation of, amongst others, the Group’s future cash flows from operations and 
appropriate discount factors and in the application of relevant market information. 

As of 31 December 2015, the directors consider that the carrying amount of the land and buildings 
is reflective of the fair value of these assets.

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment
The  Group  assesses  at  each  reporting  date  whether  there  is  any  indication  that  an  asset  may  be 
impaired. If any such indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, 
the Group makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the 
higher of an asset’s or CGU’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use and is determined for an 
individual asset. Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is 
considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. 

The determination of  impairment  of property, plant and equipment involves the use of estimates 
that  include,  but  not  limited  to,  the  cause,  timing  and  amount  of  the  impairment.  Impairment  is 
determined based on a large number of factors, such as expected growth in the industry, changes in the 

56

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015future availability of financing, technological obsolescence, discontinuance of service, current 
replacement costs and other changes in circumstances that indicate an impairment exists. The 
recoverable amount and the fair values are typically determined using a discounted cash flow 
method which incorporates reasonable market participant assumptions. The identification of 
impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values 
for assets (or group of assets) requires management to make significant judgments concerning 
the  identification  and  validation  of  impairment  indicators,  expected  cash  flows,  applicable 
discount rates, useful lives and residual values. The determination of the recoverable amount 
of a CGU involves the use of estimates by management. These estimates can have a material 
impact  on  the  fair  value  and  ultimately  the  amount  of  any  property,  plant  and  equipment 
impairment.

On 31 August 2015, the Group performed a revaluation of land and buildings based on inde-
pendent revaluation. As a result of the revaluation, the Group recognised a net loss on reval-
uation of USD95,551, of which USD251,216 was recognised as impairment loss in the income 
statement, while a net revaluation gain of USD124,531 was recognised in revaluation reserve, 
net of deferred tax of USD31,134.

On 31 August 2015, several buildings which were no longer in use as a result of operational 
streamlining were identified as unlikely to be re-used. As such, those buildings were subject to 
full impairment loss on that date. The Group recognised an impairment loss of USD224,780 of 
which USD47,181 was recognised in the income statement and USD142,081 was charged to 
revaluation reserve, net of deferred tax of USD35,518.

Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment
The estimated useful lives and residual values of property, plant and equipment and deprecia-
tion method are reviewed at each year end. The useful lives and residual values are estimated 
based on normal life expectancies and industry factors. Changes in expected level of usage 
could impact the economic useful lives and the residual values of these assets, hence future 
depreciation charges on such assets could be revised.

Provisions for Doubtful Debts, Advances paid to Third Parties and Inventories 
The Group makes provisions for doubtful debts and advances paid to third parties. Significant 
judgement is used to estimate doubtful debts. In estimating doubtful debts, historical and an-
ticipated customer performances are considered. Changes in the economy or specific custom-
er conditions may require adjustments to the provision for doubtful debts and advances paid 
to third parties. As of 31 December 2015, provision for doubtful debt amounted to USD40,171 
(2014:  USD481,826)  (Note  15)  and  advances  paid  to  third  parties  amounted  to  USD86,888 
(2014: USD1,107,623) (Note 16).

The Group makes provision for obsolete and slow-moving inventories based on information 
obtained from annual stock count and the results of inventory turnover analysis. As of 31 De-
cember 2015, provision for obsolete and slow moving inventories amounted to USD2,805,285 
(2014: USD4,485,879) (Note 14).

Provision for Electricity Charges
As stated in Note 23, as of 31 December 2015, a provision of USD617,698 (2014: USD3,492,586) 
was made by the Group pertaining to ongoing lawsuit between a subsidiary company, CAC 
JSC,  and  Karaganda  Zharyk  LLP  on  electricity  transportation  services.  There  is  an  inherent 
uncertainty  in  the  final  outcome  of  the  court  case.  Having  considered  all  pertinent  factors, 
including  after  due  consultation  with  solicitor  and  assessment  of  the  merits  of  the  case, 
management considers the provision made as adequate.

57

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015Provision for Site Restoration 
The Company’s subsidiary company, CAC JSC, engaged professional consultants with geology and 
environmental protection expertise to estimate site restoration obligation which may arise from its 
limestone and clay quarries in accordance with Subsurface Use Contracts and relevant legislations. In 
arriving at the present value of site restoration obligation, a pre-tax discount rate of 13% (2014:13%) 
is used as it reflects current market assessment of the time value of money and the risk specific to 
site restoration obligation.

4. 

REVENUE

The Group

The Company

Sale of manufactured goods

93,606,443

116,576,914

Transmission and distribution of 

electricity

Dividend income

Management fee receivable from 

subsidiary company

26,277

57,961

-

-

-

-

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

-

-

4,147,325

-

-

-

100,000

100,000

5. 

FINANCE COSTS

Interest expenses on: 
  - Bank loans 

  - Bonds issued

Amortisation of discount on bonds 
issued

Others 

93,632,720

116,634,875

100,000

4,247,325

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

3,407,346

3,774,373

713,191

830,084

61,497

33,241

64,217

118,919

4,215,275

4,787,593

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The Group’s weighted average interest rate on the bank loans is 7.26% (2014: 7.65%) per annum.

58

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 20156. 

NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE (LOSS)/GAIN

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain 

(16,376,575)

(5,281,327)

72,203

29,391

During the year, foreign exchange losses of USD16,505,050 arose from the translation of the USD 
denominated bank loans due to significant decline in the value of KZT against USD. These losses are 
presented as part of the repayment of bank loans in statement of cash flows.

7. 

(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX

(Loss)/Profit before income tax includes the following (expenses)/income:

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

Staff costs

(5,788,259)

(8,713,682)

Depreciation of property, plant 
and equipment

Amortisation of quarry stripping 
costs

Amortisation of site restoration 
costs

(10,685,978) 

(12,239,764) 

-

(15,699)

(2,430)

-

Loss on disposal of property, plant 
and equipment

(545,175)

(237,877)

Provision for obsolete inventories

(395,646)

(1,750,864)

Provision for doubtful receivables

(33,502)

(103,630)

Provision for doubtful advances 
paid to third parties

Accrued unused leaves

Reversal of accrued unused leaves

Reversal of provision for electricity 

(39,347)

(119,956)

-

6,799

(19,359)

55,688

charges

1,922,083

-

Impairment loss on property, plant 

and equipment

298,397

3,144,100

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Impairment loss on investment

-

-

4,000,001

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

59

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 20158. 

INCOME TAX CREDIT/(EXPENSE)

The income tax credit/(expense) is as follows:

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

Current tax credit/(expense):

   - Company

-

(5,720)

   - Subsidiary companies

(433,764)

-

    - Over/(Under)provision
       in prior years

 Deferred tax credit    
  (Note 13):

29,893

(246,479)

   - Subsidiary companies

5,837,032

406,360

5,433,161

154,161

-

-

-

-

-

2014

USD

(5,720)

-

-

-

(5,720)

Under the Labuan Business Activity Tax Act, 1990, the Company has to elect annually whether it is 
to be charged tax at the amount of RM20,000 (USD5,120) or at a tax rate of 3% on the chargeable 
profits of a Labuan company carrying on Labuan trading activities for the basis period for that year 
of assessment. No tax is charged on Labuan non-trading activities. 

The  profits  earned  by  the  subsidiary  companies  incorporated  in  the  Republic  of  Kazakhstan  are 
subject  to  the  prevailing  statutory  tax  rate  of  20%  (2014:  20%),  and  Malaysian  and  Netherland 
subsidiaries are subject to statutory tax rates of 25% (2014: 25%). 

60

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015A reconciliation of income tax (credit)/expense applicable to (loss)/profit before income tax at the 
applicable statutory income tax rate to income tax (credit)/expense at the effective income tax rate 
of the Group is as follows:

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

(Loss)/Profit before income tax

(8,814,819)

(8,094,846)

(4,211,628)

3,745,075

Tax (credit)/expense calculated at 
domestic tax rates applicable to 
the respective jurisdictions 

Tax effects of expenses not 
  deductible for tax purposes

Tax effects of income not assess-
able for tax purposes

Effect of previously unrecognised 
temporary differences

Effect of unused tax losses 
  not recognised as deferred tax 
assets

(Over)/Underprovision of current 
tax in prior years

(5,466,622)

(1,295,729)

(126,349)

112,352

531,774

765,703

120,000

-

(302,432)

(60,540)

(248,545)

-

-

-

(124,420)

-

82,557

184,206

6,349

12,068

(29,893)

246,479

Election of tax at RM20,000

-

5,720

Income tax (credit)/expense

(5,433,161)

(154,161)

-

-

-

-

5,720

5,720

The high effective tax rate at 62% as compared to the prevailing statutory tax rate of 20% of subsidiary 
companies in Kazakhstan is due to tax effects arising on foreign exchange losses on intercompany 
loan deductible for tax purposes.  

61

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 20159. 

LOSS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted

The Group

2015

USD

2014

USD

Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders

(3,381,658)

(7,940,685)

Number of ordinary shares in issue at beginning 
  and end of year

219,000,000

219,000,000

2015

2014

Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
  in issue

219,000,000

219,000,000

Loss per share, basic and diluted (cents)

2015

(1.5)

2014

   (3.6)

The basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to shareholders of the Company 
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the financial year.

There are no dilutive instruments outstanding for the years ended 31 December 2015 and 2014.

62

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201510.   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:

Freehold 
land and land 
improvement

Buildings

Machinery 
and equipment

Railway 
wagons

Stand-by 
equipment 
and major 
spare parts

Construction
in progress

Other 
assets

Total

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

The Group

Cost 

At 1 January 2014

4,026,848

48,598,957

78,169,165

-

-

82,644,609 15,662,124

229,101,703

5,654

8,045

6,822

15,063,905

5,409,970

6,515,809

210,617

27,220,822

1,989,542

78,259,929

9,344

(10,480)

(81,019,758)

771,423

-

-

-

(296)

(238,870)

(602,223)

-

-

-

-

(60)

(45,632)

(186,844)

-

-

-

-

-

(471,702)

(602,223)

Exchange differences

(620,093)

(7,474,321)

(18,365,169)

(7,372,912)

(2,411,804)

(36,244,299)

3,412,409

42,519,704

137,831,877

15,073,249

5,399,430

722,116 14,045,516

219,004,301

6,313

-

(7,600)

-

(669,885)

(281,759)

35,649

1,544,643

(1,107,667)

Revaluation gain/(loss)

391,307

(235,642)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,895,082

113,908

2,050,952

(1,660)

(9,836)

(816,355)

-

(1,798,277)

925,179

-

(3,469)

(2,334,290)

(3,744,621)

-

-

-

-

(816,355)

155,665

Exchange differences

(1,696,309)

(19,280,506)

(66,885,999)

(6,976,490)

(2,188,057)

(391,603)

(6,053,577)

(103,472,541)

At 31 December 2015

2,106,120

22,051,912

71,418,503

8,096,759

2,383,522

423,849

6,696,736

113,177,401

63

63

Additions

Transfers

Disposals

Impairment losses 

At 31 December 
2014/       
  1 January 2015

Additions

Transfers

Disposals

Reclassification to 
  inventories

Steppe Cement Ltd.Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
The Group

Freehold 
land and land 
improvement

Buildings

Machinery 
and equipment

Railway 
wagons

Stand-by 
equipment 
and major 
spare parts

Construction
in progress Other assets

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

Total

USD

Accumulated
  depreciation and
  impairment losses

At 1 January 2014

Charge for the year

Transfers

Disposals

Impairment losses 

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2014/       
  1 January 2015

Charge for the year

Transfers

Disposals

Impairment losses

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2015

Net Book Value
At 31 December 2015

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

23,172,676

30,436,872

-

1,858,195

8,910,156

338,418

16

(22)

195,944

-

(114,741)

2,947,554

-

-

-

(3,600,456)

(4,872,288)

(5,289)

21,626,353

37,307,553

1,314,124

(95,253)

(228,652)

   475,996

7,795,690

32,270

(676,787)

-

333,129

618,358

-

-

-

(10,494,204)

(19,736,716)

(367,706)

12,598,364

24,722,010

583,781

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

8,327,256

61,936,804

1,132,995

12,239,764

(16)

-

(119,062)

(233,825)

602

3,144,100

(1,300,026)

(9,778,059)

8,041,749

67,308,784

957,806

10,685,978

62,983

-

(2,294,007)

(3,199,446)

-

475,996

(3,282,442)

(33,881,068)

3,486,089

41,390,244

2,106,120

9,453,548

46,696,493

7,512,978

2,383,522

423,849

3,210,647

71,787,157

At 31 December 2014

3,412,409

20,893,351

100,524,324

14,740,120

5,399,430

722,116

6,003,767

151,695,517

64

64

Steppe Cement Ltd.Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015D

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Land and buildings were revalued on 31 August 2015 by an independent professional valuer based 
on  depreciated  replacement  cost  and  income  approach.  Valuation  of  buildings  was  arrived  at  by 
reference to the discounted cash flows method, as the property is a production facility, which is a 
level [3] measurement in the fair value hierarchy. 

The following significant unobservable inputs were used in preparing the discounted cash flow:

the forecast period was from September 20l5 to December 2018;

• 
•  derivation of a terminal value using a constant growth model;
•  discount rate of 17.31% was applied.

Valuation of land was arrived at by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for comparable 
properties, which is a level [2] measurement in the fair value hierarchy.  

The carrying amount of the land and buildings, which is stated at fair value at the revaluation date 
less subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, amounted to USD11,559,668 as 
of  31  December  2015  (2014:  USD24,305,760).  In  the  fair  value  assessment,  the  highest  and  best 
use  of  the  land  and  buildings  is  their  current  use  which  is  production  and  sale  of  cement  facility. 
According  to  International  Accounting  Standard  16,  Property,  Plant  and  Equipment,  for  property, 
plant and equipment that is accounted for under revaluation model, revaluations shall be made with 
sufficient  regularity  to  ensure  that  the  carrying  amount  does  not  differ  materially  from  that  which 
would be determined using fair value at the end of the reporting period. 

The directors are of the opinion that the carrying amounts of the land and buildings since the date of 
revaluation until 31 December 2015 do not differ significantly from their fair values.

If the land and buildings are measured using the cost model, the net carrying amounts would be as 
follows:

Land 

Buildings

The Group

2015

USD

2014

USD

241,317

1,761,291

428,977

3,649,705

As a result of the revaluation on 31 August 2015, the Group recognised a net loss on revaluation 
of USD95,551, of which 251,216 was recognised as impairment loss in the income statement, while 
a net revaluation gain of USD124,531 was recognised in revaluation reserve, net of deferred tax of 
USD31,134.

On  31  August  2015,  several  buildings  which  were  no  longer  in  use  as  a  result  of  operational 
streamlining were identified as unlikely to be re-used. As such, those buildings were subject to full 
impairment loss on that date. The Group recognised an impairment loss of USD224,780 of which 
USD47,181 was recognised in the income statement and USD142,081 was charged to revaluation 
reserve, net of deferred tax of USD35,518.

65

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other  assets  included  in  property,  plant  and  equipment  comprise  commonly  used  assets  for  pro-
duction,  administrative  facilities,  computer  and  software  and  constructed  items  including  cables, 
conveyors and heaters which are usable for a certain period of time. 

As of 31 December 2015, property, plant and equipment of a subsidiary company (Karcement JSC) 
with  a  cost  and  net  book  value  of  USD32,496,942  (2014:  USD52,061,892)  and  USD23,226,910 
(USD41,794,308), respectively, is pledged to secure the loan from VTB Bank (Austria) AG and VTB 
Bank (France) SA.

As  at  31  December  2015,  property,  plant  and  equipment  with  a  cost  and  net  book  value  of 
USD7,442,160 and USD6,449,527 respectively were pledged as collateral for the government-sub-
sidised loan (Note 20).

As of 31 December 2015, the cost of property, plant and equipment that is fully depreciated amount-
ed to USD614,967 (2014: USD907,365).

11. 

INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Unquoted shares, at cost

Less: Impairment loss

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

30,500,002

(4,000,001)

30,500,002  

-

26,500,001

30,500,002

66

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015The details of subsidiary companies are as follows:

Place of 
incorporation (or 
registration) and 
operation

Proportion of 
ownership interest 
and voting power 
held

Principal 
activities

2015

2014

%

%

Malaysia

100

100

Malaysia

100

100

 Investment 
 holding 
 company

 Provision of 
consultancy 
services

Direct Subsidiary 
  Companies

Steppe Cement (M) 
  Sdn. Bhd.

Mechanical & Electrical 
  Consulting Services Ltd.
    (“MECS Ltd”)

Indirect Subsidiary 
  Companies

Held through Steppe
  Cement (M) Sdn. Bhd.:

Steppe Cement Holdings
  B.V. (“SCH BV”) 

Netherlands

100

100

 Investment 
  holding 
  company

Held through SCH BV:

Central Asia Cement JSC
  (“CAC JSC”)

Karcement JSC

Republic of 
Kazakhstan

Republic of 
Kazakhstan

100

100

100

Sale of Cement

100

 Production 
  and sale 
  of cement

Central  Asia  Services  LLP 
(“CAS LLP”)

Republic of 
Kazakhstan

100

100

 Transmission 
  and
  distribution   
  of electricity

67

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201512.  OTHER ASSETS

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

VAT recoverable - non-
  current

2,170,009

6,557,845

Quarry stripping costs

167,214

297,412

Site restoration costs

Site restoration fund

43,777

61,499

84,458

81,524

Quarry stripping costs

2,442,499

7,021,239

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Quarry stripping costs comprised of stripping cost and site restoration cost. Stripping cost represent-
ed costs removing the overburden related to the expansion of the existing quarry. The overburden 
removal work began in 2009 and continued as necessary up to 31 December 2015. Amortisation 
commenced upon physical extraction of limestone and clay from this quarry. 

Movement of quarry stripping costs is as follows:

The Group

The Company

At beginning of year

Exchange differences

Additions

Amortisation 

2015

USD

297,412

(137,654)

7,456

2014

USD

371,402

(58,291)

-

-

(15,699)

At end of year

167,214

297,412

Site restoration costs

2015

USD

2014

USD

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Site restoration cost pertains to CAC’s use of limestone and clay quarries and is calculated with ref-
erence to the scope of rehabilitation work required under the present relevant laws. The expected 
timing of economic outflow used in arriving at the site restoration provision is at the expiry of the 
agreement on 24 June 2043. 

68

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 13.  DEFERRED TAXES

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

At beginning of year

7,399,794

9,357,535

Exchange differences

(2,108,047)

(1,430,935)

Credited to income statement 
(Note 8)

Credited to other 
comprehensive income

(5,837,032)

(406,360)

(4,384)

(120,446)

 At end of year

(549,669)

7,399,794

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Movement in net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) of the Group is as follows:

Opening 
balance

Exchange 
rate 
differences

Recognised 
in profit or 
loss

Recognised 
in other 
comprehensive 
income

Closing 
balance

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

2015

Temporary
  differences: 

Property, plant and
  equipment

(11,925,928)

5,653,127

(739,819)

4,384

(7,008,236)

Inventories

780,697

(385,460)

Trade receivables

96,365

(28,191)

(91,732)

(60,208)

Accrued unused
  leaves

Tax losses

Payables

Others

25,502

(12,299)

1,386

3,439,709

(3,035,464)

6,645,567

183,861

-

(69,585)

(14,081)

30,175

51,663

-

-

-

-

-

-

303,505

7,966

14,589

7,049,812

144,451

37,582

(7,399,794)

2,108,047

5,837,032

4,384

549,669

69

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
Opening 
balance

Exchange 
rate 
differences

Recognised 
in profit or 
loss

Recognised 
in other 
comprehensive 
income

USD

USD

USD

USD

Closing 
balance

USD

2014

Temporary
  differences: 

Property, plant and
  equipment

(10,223,439)

1,626,330

(3,449,265)

120,446

(11,925,928)

Inventories

646,567

(221,591)

Trade receivables

89,409

(14,097)

355,721

21,053

Accrued unused
  leaves

Tax losses

Payables

29,746

(4,584)

340

-

(54,614)

3,494,323

100,182

99,491

(15,812)

-

-

-

-

-

780,697

96,365

25,502

3,439,709

183,861

(9,357,535)

1,430,935

406,360

120,446

(7,399,794)

The loss of the Group in 2015 was due to the foreign exchange losses as a result from the devaluation 
of the KZT against the USD in 2015. The Group has forecasts that it will have sufficient future taxable 
profits arising that will enable the reversal of existing temporary differences from unutilised tax losses. 
Management expects the KZT to recover in the future. 

The cumulative tax losses for which no deferred tax assets have been recognised are as follows:

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

Cumulative tax losses for which no 
deferred tax assets have been 
recognised

138,944

184,206

6,349

12,068

70

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201514. 

  INVENTORIES

Spare parts

Work-in-progress

Raw materials

Finished goods

Packing materials

Fuel

Goods held for resale

Construction materials

Others

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

9,234,446

11,664,601

4,118,685

2,335,670

52,211

61,201

12,785

35,175

13,391

6,692,975

5,331,523

1,683,035

317,104

237,960

68,966

45,769

261,553

556,825

16,125,117

26,598,758

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Less: Provision for 

  obsolete inventories

(2,805,285)

(4,485,879)

The movements in the provision for obsolete inventories are as follows:

13,319,832

22,112,879

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

At beginning of year

(4,485,879)

(3,232,839)

Add: Provision for obsolete 

inventories

(395,646)

(1,750,864)

Exchange differences

2,076,240

497,824

 At end of year

(2,805,285)

(4,485,879)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

As of 31 December 2015, inventories amounting to USD2,778,944 (2014: USD7,708,626) are pledged 
to secure the short-term loan obtained from Halyk Bank JSC (Note 20). 

71

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
 
15. 

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

Trade receivables 

391,708

946,285

 Less: Provision for
           doubtful receivables

(40,171)

(481,826)

Other receivables:

  VAT recoverable - 
    current

  Receivables from related 
    party 

  Receivables from  
    employees

   Others

351,537

464,459

1,495,844

2,741,782

33,850

88,943

10,690

398,815

11,900

642,040

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,290,736

3,949,124

 -    

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The Company enters into sales contracts with trade customers on cash terms. Some customers with 
good payment history are granted certain credit periods on their cement purchases which are se-
cured against bank guarantee or other credit enhancements. 

Age of trade receivables that are past due but not impaired as of 31 December are as follows: 

The Group

2014

USD

256,764

44,135

26,252

68,479

2015

USD

207,385

78,266

10,340

16,829

312,820

395,630

1-90 days 

91-180 days 

181-270 days

271-360 days

72

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
Trade receivables disclosed above include amounts that are past due at the end of the reporting 
period for which the Group has not recognised a provision for doubtful debts because there has 
not been a significant change in credit quality and the amounts are still considered recoverable. 

Age of impaired trade receivables as of 31 December are as follows:

   1-2 years

    > 2 years

    > 3 years

The Group

2015

USD

38,286

40,602

-

2014

USD

39,901

126,674

384,080

78,888

550,655

Movement in the provision for doubtful trade receivables is as follows:

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

At beginning of year

(481,826)

(447,034)

Exchange differences

223,008

68,838

Add: Provision for doubtful 
  receivables 

 Less: Write-off of 
   provision for doubtful
   receivables

(33,502)

(103,630)

252,149

-

 At end of year

(40,171)

(481,826)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The  recoverability  of  trade  accounts  receivable  depends  to  a  large  extent  on  the  Group’s 
customers’ ability to meet their obligations and other factors which are beyond the Group’s 
control. The recoverability of the Group’s trade accounts receivable is determined based on 
conditions prevailing and information available as at reporting date.

Other receivables mainly comprise VAT recoverable and customs duties that are refundable. 
VAT recoverable are value added tax credits arising from the purchase of materials, property, 
plant and equipment and repair and maintenance services made or procured by a subsidiary 
company  (Karcement  JSC)  in  relation  to  the  refurbishment  of  a  production  line.  Refundable 
customs duties represent customs duties levied on the import of property, plant and equip-
ment for the refurbishment project. 

73

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015    
16.  ADVANCES AND PREPAID EXPENSES

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

Advances paid to third    
  parties 

Less: Provision on  
advances paid to third 
parties

Less: Non-current 
portion of advances 
paid to third parties

Current portion of 
  advances paid to third     
  parties

2,474,060

3,281,108

(86,888)

(1,107,623)

2,387,172

2,173,485

(1,270,919)

(50,666)

1,116,253

2,122,819

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Prepaid expenses

316,194

391,471

6,582

5,731

1,432,447

2,514,290

6,582

5,731

Non-current  advances  paid  to  third  parties  represent  advances  made  to  suppliers  by  subsidiary 
companies for the purchase of machinery, equipment and construction work at cement production 
plant, while short-term advances are mainly advance payments for materials. 

Movement of provision on advances paid to third parties is as follows:

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

At beginning of year 

(1,107,623)

(1,188,261)

Exchange differences

512,650

182,980

Add: Provision on 
  advances paid 
  to third parties

Less: Write-off of 
  provision on 
  advances paid to third 
  parties

(39,347)

(119,956)

547,432

17,614

At end of year

(86,888)

(1,107,623)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

74

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015  
 
 
 
The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

-

(86,888)

(839,583)

(268,040)

(86,888)

(1,107,623) 

-

-

-

-

-

-

Provision for doubtful   
  advances paid to third 
  parties:
    Non-current portion

    Current portion

17.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

Cash in hand and at banks 

2,369,419

9,259,047

338,124

Short-term deposit

36,890

36,392

-

2014

USD

2,112

-

2,406,309

9,295,439

338,124

2,112

As  at  31  December  2015,  in  accordance  with  the  Law  on  Labor  of  the  Republic  of  Kazakhstan,  a 
non-interest bearing deposit of USD36,890 (2014: USD36,392) was placed with Kazkommertsbank 
JSC as part of work permit requirements for non-resident employees of the Republic of Kazakhstan 
which include annual renewal of work permit. 

18. 

SHARE CAPITAL 

The Group and
the Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

Issued and fully paid:

  219,000,000 ordinary shares of no par value each:

    At beginning and end of year 

73,760,924

73,760,924

75

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
 
 
19. 

RESERVES

Revaluation reserve 

Revaluation  reserve  represents  the  reserve  arising  from  the  revaluation  of  land  and  buildings  of 
subsidiary  companies  (CAC  JSC  and  Karcement  JSC)  performed  by  an  independent  valuation 
appraiser. 

Translation reserve

Exchange  differences  arising  from  the  translation  of  assets  and  liabilities  of  foreign  subsidiary 
companies  are  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  and  accumulated  in  the  translation 
reserve.

On  20  August  2015,  the  National  Bank  of  Kazakhstan  adopted  the  floating  rate  regime  for  the 
Kazakhstan Tenge (“KZT”).With the floating rate mechanism, the exchange rate of the KZT is based 
on its market demand and supply driven by both internal and external economic factors. 

As at 31 December 2015, the KZT closed at 339.47 (2014: 182.35) to the USD, representing a 86% 
decline against the USD through the financial year. The sharp decline caused a significant loss of 
USD57,566,026 recorded in the translation reserve due to re-translation of the financial statements 
of the foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements whose functional currency is the KZT.

Retained earnings

Any  dividend  distributions  to  be  made  by  foreign  subsidiary  companies  are  subject  to  dividend 
withholding  tax  ranging  from  15%  to  25%  which  may  be  reduced  to  5%  or  waived  subject  to 
compliance  with  the  relevant  tax  treaties  requirements.  Deferred  taxation  has  not  been  provided 
for  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  respect  of  temporary  differences  attributable  to 
accumulated profits of these subsidiary companies as the Group is able to control the timing of the 
reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not be 
reversed in the foreseeable future. 

Under the Malaysian tax law, any dividend income received by Malaysian subsidiary companies will 
be credited into an exempt income account from which tax-exempt dividends can be distributed. 
There is no withholding tax on dividends distributed by Malaysian subsidiary companies.

Under the Labuan  Business  Activity Tax Act, 1990, any dividends received by the Company from 
Steppe Cement (M) Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary company incorporated in Malaysia, will be exempted 
from tax. There is no withholding tax on dividends distributed to its shareholders.

76

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015Dividends

Interim tax exempt dividends of GBP0.01 per ordinary 
share of no par value each in total of GBP2,190,000 in 
respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2014:

The Group and
the Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

-

3,575,729

No final dividend will be proposed in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2015 
at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

20. 

BORROWINGS

Unsecured - at amortised cost

Bonds issued at price of:

   96.2458%

Discount on bonds issued

Accrued interest

Secured - at amortised cost

  Bank loans

Current portion:
  Bonds

  Bank loans

Non-current portion:
  Bonds

  Bank loans

The Group

2015

USD

2014

USD

4,389,195

8,171,100

(83,695)

47,969

(226,268)

89,301

4,353,469

8,034,133

26,325,807

49,417,966

30,679,276

57,452,099

47,969

89,301

15,774,289

26,999,397

15,822,258

27,088,698

4,305,500

7,944,832

10,551,518

22,418,569

14,857,018

30,363,401

30,679,276

57,452,099

77

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
In November 2012, a subsidiary company (CAC JSC) issued 5-year KZT1.49 billion (USD9,904,281 
net of USD99,043 issue cost) bonds at a coupon rate of 10% per annum maturing in November 2017. 
The bond coupon is payable semi-annually. The bonds are listed on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange 
and all amounts due in relation to the bonds issued are guaranteed by the Company and its subsid-
iary company (Karcement JSC). 

Details of bank loans are as follows:

Currency Maturity date

Interest 
rate

The Group

2015

USD

2014

USD

Karcement JSC:

VTB Bank (Austria) 
  AG and VTB Bank 
  (France) SA

VTB Bank (Austria) 
  AG and VTB Bank 
  (France) SA

USD

15 November 
2016

6.20% p.a.

10,970,424

21,805,435

USD

11 March 2019 7.20% p.a.

11,729,549

13,861,129

Altyn Bank JSC 

USD

9 April 2016

7.50% p.a.

2,420,500

-

Altyn Bank JSC 

KZT

9 April 2016

Halyk Bank JSC 

USD

9 September 
to November 
2025

CAC JSC:

8.5 % to 
13.85% 
p.a.

6% p.a.

-

4,186,998

89,410

-

Halyk Bank JSC

KZT

23 February 
2018

10.75% 
p.a.

-

9,300,795

Halyk Bank JSC 

KZT

9 September 
to November 
2025

6% p.a.

1,014,560

-

Accrued interest 

Total outstanding

78

101,364

263,609

26,325,807

49,417,966

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
Karcement JSC

On 11 April 2014, Karcement JSC signed a USD60 million credit facility agreement with VTB Bank 
(Austria) AG and VTB Bank (France) SA (“VTB”). The VTB credit facility consists of three tranches:

•  Tranche A loan of up to USD30 million. The purpose of the loan is to refinance the outstanding 
loans due to EBRD and SB HSBC Bank Kazakhstan JSC of up to USD29.1 million and the remain-
ing balance loan of USD0.9 million is for general working capital purposes. The first instalment of 
the loan was repayable in 15 July 2014 and the remaining loan outstanding is repayable in equal 
instalments on 15 July and 15 November annually with the final instalment repayable on maturity 
date. The applicable interest rate on the loan is 6.2% per annum payable on a quarterly basis on 
12 August annually until maturity; and

•  Tranche B and C loans of up to USD30 million. The purpose of the loans is for the purchase of 
railway wagons. 70% of the principal amounts of the loans is to be repaid in equal monthly in-
stalments with the remaining 30% to be repaid on maturity dates. The maturity dates of Tranche 
B and C loans are 60 months from 11 April 2014 and up to 60 months from 31 March 2015, re-
spectively. The applicable interest rate on the Tranche B loan is 7.2% per annum repayable on a 
quarterly basis and the interest rate on Tranche C loan will be fixed at a date to be determined 
on drawdown. The Tranche C of USD15 million is not available for use as the availability period 
has expired on 30 June 2015.

On 9 April 2015, Karcement JSC signed a credit line agreement for working capital  with Altyn Bank 
JSC with a limit of KZT750 million (or equivalent of USD2.2 million) which matures on 9 April 2016. 
The line carries an interest rate of 8.5% per annum, subject to discretion of Altyn Bank JSC on pre-
vailing market interest rate.

On  19  June  2015,  both  CAC  JSC  and  Karcement  JSC  signed  a  loan  agreement  with  Halyk  Bank 
Kazakhstan JSC on terms subsidised under government programs. The loan of KZT2.19 billion (or 
equivalent of USD6,445,341) carries a subsidised fixed interest rate of 6% per annum and is available 
for drawdown until 19 June 2016. The loan is used for the following purpose:

•  KZT1.69 billion, approximately USD4,974,457, for capital expenditure with maturity period of 10 
years.  KZT1.19 billion (or USD3,499,573) and KZT500 million (or USD1,472,884) loan comes with 
a 2 year grace period and no grace period with monthly principal repayment, respectively; and

•  KZT500 million, approximately USD1,472,884, for 5 years working capital requirement on a re-

volving basis with interest payable monthly.

This government-subsidised loan is initially recognised at fair value at interest rate of 14% per annum, 
and subsequently carried at amortised cost effective interest method (Note 21).

CAC JSC

On 23 January 2014, CAC JSC signed an extension of working capital credit line agreement, matur-
ing on 23 January 2016 with Halyk Bank JSC with the same credit limit of KZT3 billion (or equivalent 
of USD16.4 million).

Subsequent to year end, CAC JSC signed an agreement with Halyk Bank Kazakhstan JSC, to extend 
the existing working capital credit line from 23 January 2016 to 23 February 2018 (Note 30). The 
loan from the Halyk Bank JSC is secured by inventories of both CAC JSC and Karcement JSC with a 
carrying amount of USD2,778,944 (2014: USD7,708,626) (Note 14).

79

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015Undrawn loan amounts

As of 31 December 2015, the Group has fully drawndown the loan facilities from VTB Bank (Austria) 
AG and VTB Bank (France) SA. 

As at 31 December 2015, USD4,836,560 is available for drawdown under the government-subsidised 
loan granted by Halyk Bank JSC.

As  of  31  December  2015,  CAC  JSC’s  short-term  loan  of  USD7,364,421  with  Halyk  Bank  JSC  is 
available for drawdown.

21.  DEFERRED INCOME

Deferred income represents government grant in the form of interest rate lower than market interest 
rates on government-subsidised loan for capital investment from Halyk Bank Kazakhstan JSC (Note 
20).  It  represents  the  difference  between  the  initial  carrying  amount  of  the  loan  measured  at  fair 
value using interest rate of 14% per annum and the proceeds received, and is amortised to income 
statement as other income over the useful lives of the related assets.

Pursuant to the government-subsidised loan agreement, CAC JSC and Karcement JSC are jointly 
entitled to undrawn loan amount of USD3,363,673 for capital expenditure. The undrawn loan amount 
is available until 19 June 2016. 

As at 31 December 2015, the related assets were not utilised.

22. 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

Trade payables

Others

4,484,161

7,648,774

1,523

9,981

The credit period granted by creditors ranges from 1 to 30 days.

4,485,684

7,658,755

-

-

-

-

-

-

80

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201523.   ACCRUED AND OTHER LIABILITIES

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

Provision for electricity 
  charges 

617,698

3,492,586

-

-

Accrued directors’ fees

1,324,200

1,288,996

1,324,200

1,288,996

Advances from customers

Accrued salaries

Accrued unused leaves

Others

665,959

197,028

72,937

206,990

909,350

370,200

127,502

450,168

-

-

-

-

-

-

33,373

45,532

The movement in the provision for electricity charges is as follows:

3,084,812

6,638,802

1,357,573

1,334,528

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

At beginning of year

Exchange differences

Less: Reversal of 
  provision for electricity 
  charges

3,492,586

4,128,301

(952,805)

(635,715)

(1,922,083)

-

 At end of year

617,698

3,492,586

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Provision for electricity charges represents electricity transportation charges provided by the Group 
in relation to potential claims by Karaganda Zharyk LLP against CAC JSC for the use of its electrical 
equipment from 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2013.

During  the  year,  the  management  reversed  provision  for  electricity  transportation  services  of 
USD1,922,083 for services provided in the year 2012. This is due to the expiry of the permissible 
period of 3 years for filing of appeal by Karaganda Zharyk LLP against CAC JSC.

The  management  considers  the  provision  of  electricity  transportation  services  as  at  31  December 
2015  as  adequate,  given  its  assessment  of  the  most  probable  final  outcome  of  the  ongoing  and 
future court cases. 

81

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201524. 

TAXES PAYABLE 

Corporate income tax 

Other taxes:

   VAT payable

   Withholding taxes

    Emission taxes

   Pension fund

   Royalty 

   Personal income tax

   Social

   Other taxes

25.  RELATED PARTIES

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

27,873

2014

USD

5,720

230,880

534,818

-

159,917

20,809

-

27,334

23,601

11,527

8,610

220,088

41,793

36,167

36,111

27,886

13,820

501,941

925,013

2015

USD

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2014

USD

5,720

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,720

Related  parties  include  shareholders,  directors,  affiliates  and  entities  under  common  ownership 
(which the Group has the ability to exercise a significant influence).

Other related parties include entities which are controlled by a director, which a director of the Group 
has ownership interests and exercises significant influence. 

Receivable from/(payable) to related parties and other related parties, which arose mainly from trade 
transactions  and  expenses  paid  on  behalf,  is  unsecured,  interest-free  and  repayable  on  demand 
except as mentioned below.

Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiary companies, which are related 
parties of the Company, have been eliminated on consolidation.

Loans  and  advances  to  subsidiary  companies  of  the  Company  are  unsecured,  interest-free  and 
repayable on demand. 

82

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015The transactions between related parties and the Group included in the income statement and state-
ment of financial position are as follows: 

Other related party    
  Opera Holding LLP

Other related parties

  Opera Holding LLP

  Others 

  Purchase of services

2015

USD

2014

USD

16,427

21,170

Receivable from/(Payable) to 
related parties

2015

USD

(804)

33,850

2014

USD

-

88,944

83

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
The following transactions and balances of the Company with subsidiary companies are included in 
the income statement and statement of financial position of the Company:

Subsidiary Company

Nature of 
transactions

Revenue from services 
performed

2015

USD

2014

USD

Steppe Cement (M) Sdn. Bhd. 

Dividend income

-

4,147,325

MECS Ltd. 

Management fees

100,000

100,000

Subsidiary Companies

Nature of 
transactions

Receivable from subsidiary 
companies

2015

USD

2014

USD

Karcement JSC

Intercompany loans

31,920,000

34,690,000

MECS Ltd.

Advances and 
management fees

Steppe Cement (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Advances

5,302,886

3,117,634

2,623,018

2,569,435

39,845,904

40,377,069

Compensation of key management personnel

The remuneration of directors and other members of key management are as follows:

Remuneration

Short-term benefits

The Group

The Company

2015

USD

701,191

123,586

2014

USD

782,664

135,376

2015

USD

2014

USD

142,341

219,763

-

-

Total

824,777

918,040

142,341

      219,763

The remuneration of directors and key executives is determined by the remuneration committees of 
the Company and subsidiary companies having regard to the performance of individuals and market 
trends.

84

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015The directors’ remuneration in the Company is as follows:

Director fees

Executive director:

Javier del Ser Perez

Non-executive director:

Paul Rodzianko

Xavier Blutel (appointed on 29 June 2015)

Malcolm Brown (retired on 28 May 2015)

The Company

2015

USD

2014

USD

59,667

102,868

37,510

15,288

29,876

38,965

-

77,930

Total

142,341

219,763

85

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
26. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Capital Risk Management

The  Group’s  capital  risk  management  objectives  are  to  maximise  value  to  shareholders  and  to 
ensure that the Group’s subsidiary companies will continue to operate as a going concern through 
optimisation of debt and equity balance.  

The Group’s capital structure consists of net debt (which comprise of borrowings as detailed in Note 
20 offset by cash and cash equivalents) and equity attributable to the shareholders of the Group. 
Equity attributable to the shareholders of the Group includes share capital, reserves and retained 
earnings. The Group monitors and reviews its capital structure based on its business and operating 
requirements.

Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies

Financial risk management is an essential element of the Group’s operations. The Group monitors 
and  manages  financial  risks  relating  to  the  Group’s  operations  through  internal  reports  on  risks 
which analyse the exposure to risk by the degree and size of the risks. The operations of the Group 
are subject to various financial risks which include foreign currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and 
interest rate risk. 

The Group continuously manages its exposures to risks and/or costs associated with the financing, 
investing and operating activities of the Group.

(i) 

Foreign Currency Risk

The  Group  undertakes  trade  and  non-trade  transactions  with  its  trade  customers  and  suppliers 
which are denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, the amount outstanding is exposed to 
currency translation risks.

Besides maximising cash at bank in US Dollars, the Group monitors the fluctuations in exchange rate 
of foreign currencies to limit currency risk. The Group does not use derivative instruments for the 
purpose of currency risk management.

86

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
Foreign currency sensitivity analysis

The carrying amounts of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities in foreign currencies as of 31 December are presented below:

2015

KZT

GBP

EUR

MYR

RUB

USD

Total

Financial Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Financial Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Accrued and other liabilities

Borrowings

1,922,362

351,537

2,844,605

1,049,762

5,368,029

-

-

-

1,324,775

-

48,980

4,427

-

-

430,540

2,406,309

-

351,537

19,000

969,983

4,485,684

33,008

-

-

-

31,316

2,467,114

25,311,247

30,679,276

2014

KZT

GBP

EUR

MYR

RUB

USD

Total

Financial Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Financial Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Accrued and other liabilities

Borrowings

1,711,160

464,459

6,404,595

1,687,386

21,577,386

-

-

-

1,290,679

-

66,290

5,437

-

-

7,512,552

9,295,439

-

464,459

18,218

860,455

7,658,755

38,253

-

-

-

99,931

3,146,216

35,874,713

57,452,099

-

-

-

-

-

651,996

28,253

-

-

375,487

29,967

-

87

87

Steppe Cement Ltd.Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015The  following  table  displays  the  Group’s  sensitivity  to  a  20%  increase  and  decrease  against  the 
relevant foreign currencies. A benchmark sensitivity rate of 20% is used to report foreign currency 
risk  internally  to  key  management  and  represents  management’s  assessment  of  the  reasonably 
possible changes in foreign exchange rates. The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign 
currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the year end for a 20% change 
in foreign currency rates. The sensitivity analysis below indicates the changes in financial assets and 
liabilities of the effect of a 20% increase in value of USD against KZT and the other relevant foreign 
currencies, respectively. The positive figure indicates an increase in profit before tax and negative 
indicates a decrease in (loss)/profit before tax for the reporting period. In the case of 20% decrease 
in  value  of  USD  against  KZT  and  the  relevant  foreign  currencies,  respectively,  there  would  be  an 
equal and opposite impact on the Group’s (loss)/profit before tax and equity.

Impact on (loss)/profit before tax and 
equity

2015

2014

1,521,131

264,955

5,286,959

129,068

        126,254 

          33,916 

5,716 

3,820

3,282 

1,822

KZT

GBP

EUR

MYR

RUB

(ii) 

Credit Risk

Credit risk arises when the counterparty defaults on its contractual obligation resulting in financial loss 
to the Group. The Group adopts a policy of trading only with creditworthy counterparties to mitigate 
risk of financial loss from defaults. The requirement of cash upfront for sales with major customers 
limits the credit risk of the Group. The maximum exposure to credit risk equals the carrying amount 
of each financial asset.

Concentration of credit risk can arise when several debts are due from one customer or group of 
customers with similar borrowing terms for which there is a basis to expect that changes in economic 
terms or other circumstances can equally affect their capacity to meet their obligations. 

Concentration of credit risk on trade receivables is limited as sales to major customers are based on 
cash prepayment terms before the actual delivery of cement. 

88

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
The Group maintains a stringent credit control policy which includes dealing only with customers with 
adequate credit history and monitoring of outstanding trade receivables to ensure that customers do 
not exceed their respective credit limits.

The Group maintains cash balances only with internationally reputable banks and domestic banks of 
high credit standing.

(iii) 

Liquidity Risk

Ultimate  responsibility  for  liquidity  risk  management  rests  with  the  board  of  directors,  which  has 
established an appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group’s 
short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity management requirements. The Group manages 
liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves, bank loans and accessible credit lines. The Group 
actively monitors its forecasts and actual cash flows and matches the maturity profiles of financial 
assets and liabilities to determine any shortfall in cash requirements.

As of 31 December 2015, the Group has available of USD4,836,560 and USD7,364,421 for drawdown 
under the government-subsidised loan program and short-term loan with Halyk Bank  Kazakhstan 
JSC respectively (Note 20).

Subsequent  to  financial  year  end  (Note  30),  CAC  JSC,  signed  an  agreement  with  Halyk  Bank 
Kazakhstan JSC on 2 February 2016, to extend the existing working capital credit line to mature on 
23 February 2018. The interest rate of the credit line was revised from 10.75 % to 20% per annum.

89

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015Tables on Liquidity and Interest Rate Risk 
The following table reflects contractual terms of the financial liabilities of the Group. The table is prepared based on the undiscounted cash flows on financial 
liabilities on the basis of the earliest date at which the Group can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows.

Weighted average 
interest rate

Less than
1 month

1-3 months

3 months 
- 1 year

1-5 years

Greater than 
5 years

Total

2015

Interest bearing

Borrowings

   Bonds

   Bank loans

Non-interest bearing

Trade and other payables

Accrued and other liabilities

 2014

Interest bearing

Borrowings

   Bonds

   Bank loans

Non-interest bearing

Trade and other payables

Accrued and other liabilities

11.15%

7.26%

-

-

11.15%

7.65%

-

-

-

-

438,919

4,828,114

-

5,267,033

270,015

3,186,058

13,852,491

11,867,452

959,614

30,135,630

1,382,803

3,102,881

-

-

373,657

45,273

57,246

1,324,979

-

-

4,485,684

1,801,155

2,026,475

6,334,212

14,348,656

18,020,545

959,614

41,689,502

-

817,110

9,805,319

-

2,723,630

3,431,610

23,070,145

25,600,088

2,401,519

4,662,177

595,059

-

494,034

294,055

1,341,887

106,890

5,619,183

9,204,952

34,812,410

25,706,978

-

-

-

-

-

10,622,429

54,825,473

7,658,755

2,236,866

75,343,523

The amounts included above for borrowings represent amounts the Group expects to repay according to repayment terms in loan agreements. As at financial 
year end, the Group is in compliance with the financial covenants of the loan agreements.

90

90

Steppe Cement Ltd.Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
 
Tables on Liquidity and Interest Rate Risk 

The following table reflects contractual terms of the financial liabilities of the Group. The table is prepared based on the undiscounted cash flows on financial 

liabilities on the basis of the earliest date at which the Group can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows.

Weighted average 

interest rate

Less than

1 month

3 months 

- 1 year

1-3 months

1-5 years

5 years

Total

Greater than 

2015

Interest bearing

Borrowings

   Bonds

   Bank loans

Non-interest bearing

Trade and other payables

Accrued and other liabilities

 2014

Interest bearing

Borrowings

   Bonds

   Bank loans

Non-interest bearing

Trade and other payables

Accrued and other liabilities

11.15%

7.26%

-

-

438,919

4,828,114

5,267,033

270,015

3,186,058

13,852,491

11,867,452

959,614

30,135,630

1,382,803

3,102,881

-

-

373,657

45,273

57,246

1,324,979

4,485,684

1,801,155

2,026,475

6,334,212

14,348,656

18,020,545

959,614

41,689,502

11.15%

7.65%

-

817,110

9,805,319

2,723,630

3,431,610

23,070,145

25,600,088

2,401,519

4,662,177

595,059

494,034

294,055

1,341,887

106,890

5,619,183

9,204,952

34,812,410

25,706,978

-

-

10,622,429

54,825,473

7,658,755

2,236,866

75,343,523

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The amounts included above for borrowings represent amounts the Group expects to repay according to repayment terms in loan agreements. As at financial 

year end, the Group is in compliance with the financial covenants of the loan agreements.

The following table reflects expected maturities of non-derivative financial assets of the Group. The table was prepared based on undiscounted contractual 
terms of financial assets, including interest received on these assets, except when the Group expects the cash flow in a different period.

 2015

Non-interest bearing

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

2014

Non-interest bearing

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Weighted 
average 
interest rate

Less than
1 month

1-3 months

3 months 
- 1 year

1-5 years

Greater than 
5 years

-

-

-

-

2,406,309

-

-

286,122

207,730

267,231

2,692,431

207,730

267,231

9,295,439

-

-

555,563

498,448

469,400

9,851,002

498,448

469,400

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total

2,406,309

761,083

3,167,392

9,295,439

1,523,411

10,818,850

91

91

Steppe Cement Ltd.Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 
 
 
(iv) 

Interest rate risk 

Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in floating interest rates will adversely impact the financial 
results of the Group. The Group does not use derivative instruments for the purpose of interest rate 
risk management. 

As  at  31  December  2015  and  2014,  the  Group  does  not  have  any  exposure  to  floating  interest 
rates as the interest rates of the Group’s loans are fixed and therefore, the Group is not exposed to 
variability in cashflows due to interest rate risk.

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in 
an orderly transaction in the principal (or most advantageous) market at the measurement date under 
current market condition regardless of whether that price is directly observable or estimated using 
another  valuation  technique.  As  no  readily  available  market  exists  for  a  large  part  of  the  Group’s 
financial  instruments,  judgement  is  necessary  in  arriving  at  fair  value,  based  on  current  economic 
conditions and specific risks attributable to the instrument. The fair value of the instruments presented 
herein is not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Group could realise in a market exchange from 
the sale of its full holdings of a particular instrument.  

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Group to estimate the fair value of financial 
instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis (but fair value disclosures are 
required):

Cash and cash equivalents

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value due to the short-term 
nature of maturity of these financial instruments.

Short-term investments, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and accrued and 
other liabilities

For assets and liabilities with maturity less than twelve months, the carrying value approximates fair 
value due to the short-term nature of maturity of these financial instruments.

Borrowings
The fair values of the borrowings are estimated by discounting expected future cash flows at market 
interest rates prevailing at the end of the relevant year with similar maturities adjusted by credit risk.

As of 31 December 2015 and 2014, the fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities approxi-
mate their carrying values, except for the following:

Carrying amount

Fair Value

2015

USD

2014

USD

2015

USD

2014

USD

Borrowings

22,890,747

35,874,708

23,291,372

33,964,936

92

Steppe Cement Ltd.NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015The fair values of the borrowings with VTB Bank (Austria) AG and VTB Bank (France) SA are included 
in the Level 3 of fair value hierarchy, as the fair values have been determined in accordance with gen-
erally accepted pricing models based on a discounted cash flow analysis with the most significant 
inputs being the discount rate that reflects the credit risk of counterparties. The discount rate used 
in the fair value calculation of Tranche A and Tranche B is 6.5% and 7.1% per annum, respectively. 

If the discount rate used in the fair value calculation of the borrowings with VTB had been increased by 
1%, the fair value of the borrowings as of 31 December 2015 would have decreased by USD315,135. 

27.  CONTINGENCIES

The Group has and continues to be engaged in legal proceedings and adjudications. The Group has 
recognised the electricity transportation charges in respect of potential claims by Karaganda Zharyk 
LLP against CAC JSC for the use of its electrical equipment. The directors are of the opinion that the 
amount recognised to date is adequate based on the outcome of recent legal proceedings (Note 
23).

Commercial legislation of the Kazakhstan where the Group operates, including tax legislation, may 
allow  more  than  one  interpretation.  In  addition,  there  is  a  risk  of  tax  authorities  making  arbitrary 
judgments of business activities. If a particular treatment, based on management’s judgment of the 
Group’s business activities, was to be challenged by the tax authorities, the Group may be assessed 
additional taxes, penalties and interest. Such uncertainty may relate to the valuation of provision for 
taxation and the market pricing of transactions. The management of the Group believes that it has 
accrued all tax amounts due and therefore no additional allowance has been made in the financial 
statements of the Group.

28.  COMMITMENTS 

The Group has outstanding amount of contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant 
and equipment of USD3,121,419 as at 31 December 2015 (2014: Nil).

29. 

SEGMENTAL REPORTING

No industry and geographical segmental reporting are presented as the Group’s primary business is 
the production and sale of cement which is located in Karaganda region, the Republic of Kazakhstan.

30.   SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On 2 February 2016, CAC JSC signed an agreement with Halyk Bank Kazakhstan JSC, to extend the 
existing working capital credit line to mature on 23 February 2018. The interest rate of the credit line 
was revised from 10.75 % to 20% per annum.

On 19 February 2016, Karcement JSC has repaid working capital credit due to Altyn Bank on a draw-
down amounting to USD 2,400,000. 

93

Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015STATEMENTS BY A DIRECTOR

STEPPE CEMENT LTD
(Incorporated in Labuan FT, Malaysia under the Labuan Companies Act, 1990)
AND ITS SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

I, JAVIER DEL SER PEREZ, on behalf of the directors of STEPPE CEMENT LTD, state that, in the 
opinion of the directors, the accompanying statements of financial position and the related statements 

of income, changes in equity and cash flows are drawn up in accordance with International Financial 

Reporting Standards so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the 

Company as of 31 December 2015 and of their financial performance and cash flows for the year end-

ed on that date.

Signed in accordance with a
resolution of the Directors,

______________________________
JAVIER DEL SER PEREZ

Labuan
16 May 2016

94

Steppe Cement Ltd.Notice of the 2016 AGM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2016 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Company will be held at 
the office of Steppe Cement Ltd, Suite 10.1, 10th Floor, West Wing, Rohas Perkasa, 8 Jalan Perak, Kuala 
Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday, 10 June 2016 at 2.30 p.m. for the purpose of considering and if thought fit, 
passing the following Resolutions:    

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

1.

ADOPTION OF AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

To receive and adopt the audited financial statements for year 
ended 31 December 2015.

 RESOLUTION 1

2.

RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

To re-elect the following Directors who offered themselves for 
re-election: 

RESOLUTION 2

2.1 Javier Del Ser Perez

2.2 Paul Rodzianko

2.3 Xavier Blutel

3.

To transact any other business of which due notice shall have 
been given in accordance with the Labuan Companies Act, 
1990.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD

TMF Secretaries Limited
(f.k.a. Equity Trust Secretaries Ltd.)
Corporate Secretary
Labuan F.T., Malaysia
25 May 2016

95

Annual Report 2015 
Notes:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at this meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy 
to appoint and vote instead of him.
The instrument appointing a proxy shall be produced at the place appointed for the meeting before 
the time for holding the meeting at which the person named in such instrument proposes to vote.
The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the appointer, unless the 
appointer, is a corporation or other form of legal entity other than one or more individuals holding 
as joint owners, in which case the instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand 
of an individual duly authorised by such corporation or legal entity to execute the same. 
Copies of the proxy form and form of instruction are available at the UK Registrar Computershare 
Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road BS13 8AE.

96

Steppe Cement Ltd.97

Annual Report 2015STEPPE CEMENT LTD
(Corporate Office)

Suite 10.1, 10th Floor
Rohas Perkasa, West Wing
No.8, Jalan Perak
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Tel: +(603) 2166 0361
Fax: +(603) 2166 0362