Vasta Platform Limited (NASDAQ: VSTA) – “Vasta” or the
“Company” announces today its financial and operating results for
the second quarter of 2024 (2Q24) ended June 30, 2024. Financial
results are expressed in Brazilian Reais and are presented in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Vasta’s accumulated subscription revenue in the 2024 sales
cycle to date totaled R$1,152 million, a 13.8% increase compared to
the same period of the 2023 sales cycle. In 2Q24, subscription
revenue totaled R$280 million, a 32.5% increase compared to 2Q23
due to the previously disclosed shift in product deliveries, which
were deferred to the third quarter of our sales cycle, or
2Q24.
- Our subscription revenue reached 85.3% of Annual Contract Value
(“ACV”) bookings for the 2024 sales cycle, a 1.4 p.p. increase
compared to the 2023 sales cycle to date (83.9%). This indicator
allows us to reaffirm our expectation that by the end of the period
we will have achieved 12% organic growth compared to the previous
sales cycle to date.
- In the 2024 sales cycle to date (which commenced 4Q23 through
2Q24), net revenue increased 11% to R$1,309 million compared to the
same period of the 2023 sales cycle, mostly due to the conversion
of ACV into revenue and to the performance of the B2G unit. In the
second quarter, net revenue totaled R$294 million, an 8% increase
compared to the previous year.
- In the 2024 sales cycle to date, Adjusted EBITDA grew by 15% to
R$428 million compared to R$372 million in previous year, and
Adjusted EBITDA Margin grew by 32.7%, which represents an increase
of 1.1 p.p. compared to 2023. This increase was mainly driven by
gains in operating efficiency, cost savings and a sales mix that
benefited from the growth of subscription products. In 2Q24,
Adjusted EBITDA totaled R$26 million, a 36% decrease compared to
R$41 million in 2Q23, mainly due to higher Commercial expenses and
non-recurring positive effects in 2Q23 of a reversion of a
provision for doubtful account (PDA) related to a large retail
customer.
- Vasta recorded an Adjusted Net Profit of R$110 million in the
2024 sales cycle to date, a 65.8% increase compared to an Adjusted
Net Profit of R$66 million in previous year. In 2Q24, Adjusted Net
Loss totaled R$37 million, a 14.4% increase compared to Adjusted
Net Loss of R$32 million in 2Q23.
- Free cash flow (FCF) totaled R$90 million in the 2024 sales
cycle to date, a 4% increase compared to R$87 million in 2023. In
2Q24 FCF totaled R$38 million, a 59.2% decrease from R$94 million
in 2Q23. The last twelve-month (LTM) FCF/Adjusted EBITDA conversion
rate improved from 26% to 32% as a result of Vasta’s growth and
implementation of sustained efficiency measures.
- On June 21, 2024, the Company issued an aggregate amount of
R$500 million simple debentures not convertible into shares,
comprised of two series, accruing interest at a rate equal to 100%
of CDI, which is an average of interbank overnight rates in Brazil,
plus a spread of 1.35% per annum for the first series, and 1.60%
per annum for the second series. The debentures aim to strengthen
the Company's capital structure through the pre-payment of certain
existing indebtedness and extension of the Company’s debt maturity
profile. The debentures final payment date is currently set at 59
months from the issuance date. This strategic liability management
action highlights the Company's commitment to improving its
financial stability. By extending the debt maturity and reducing
the average interest rate by 50 basis points, the Company not only
enhances its liquidity position but also achieves significant cost
savings, thereby optimizing its capital structure for future
growth.
- Starting in 2023, Vasta started to offer its products and
services to the Brazilian public sector (B2G). Our broad portfolio
of core content solutions, digital platform, and complementary
products together with customized learning solutions, tested over
decades by the private sector, are now available to the K-12 public
schools. With the B2G sector, we generated R$69 million in revenues
in the 2024 sales cycle to date (R$40 million in previous sales
cycle).
- The Start Anglo bilingual school keeps growing with 30
contracts signed as of this date, and 2 operating units boasting
bilingual education alongside academic excellence, which reinforces
our strategic expansion into new revenue streams and marks the
onset of an exhilarating journey. Additionally, Start Anglo made
important progress in expanding the offering of our products into a
new region of Brazil to reach 11 Brazilian states through a
franchise business model. This progress strengthens our brand and
generates positive prospects for the business. In addition, we
launched the Revitalization project of the Liceu Complex in São
Paulo, which will preserve the entire historical architectural
design. We expect to commence our flagship operations in São Paulo
in 2025.
MESSAGE FROM MANAGEMENT
As we finished our third quarter of the current sales cycle, our
net revenue during the 2024 cycle to date has reached R$1,309
million, representing a 11% increase compared to the same period in
the previous year, mostly due to the conversion of ACV into revenue
and to the performance of the B2G business unit. Additionally, our
complementary solutions have seen an important growth of 20%
compared to sales cycle 2023, with an accelerated increase in both
student base and market penetration.
Vasta’s accumulated subscription revenue in the 2024 sales cycle
to date totaled R$1,152 million, a 14% increase compared to the
same period in the previous sales cycle. Subscription revenue for
the 2024 sales cycle to date reached 85.3% of Annual Contract Value
(“ACV”) bookings for the 2024 sales cycle, a 1.4 p.p. increase
compared to the same period in the 2023 sales cycle (83.9%). This
growth is aligned with our previously announced 12% growth
projection for our 2024 ACV.
Another highlight of the 2024 sales cycle to date has been that
Adjusted EBITDA grew by 15%, to R$428 million compared to R$372
million in previous sales cycle, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
increased by 1.1 p.p. to 32.7%. In proportion to net revenue, gross
margin increased 230 bps in the sales cycle to date (from 62.1% to
64.4%) mainly due to better product mix and reduced impact of paper
and production costs, Adjusted G&A expenses reduced by 170 bps
driven by workforce optimization and budgetary discipline and
Commercial expenses increased by 230 bps driven by higher expenses
related to business expansion and marketing investments.
Free cashflow (FCF) in the 2024 sales cycle totaled R$90
million, a 3.7% increase from R$87 million for the same period in
the 2023 sales cycle. The last twelve-month (LTM) FCF/Adjusted
EBITDA conversion rate improved for the sixth consecutive quarter,
from 26.4% to 31.9%, due to Vasta’s growth and implementation of
sustained efficiency measures. Moreover, the net debt/LTM adjusted
EBITDA was 2.28x as of 2Q24, having increased slightly from 2.22x
in 1Q24, and decreasing from 2.57x in 2Q23.
Start-Anglo bilingual school, a cornerstone of our growth
strategy, is experiencing continued expansion. In 2Q24, we entered
into 10 new contracts, totaling 30 contracts. Another positive
notice concerns the entry into a new region of the country, which
creates new possibilities and reaffirms the expansion of our
business. With this movement, the Start Anglo is distributed in 11
states in Brazil, with 2 operating units in 2024 and over 300
prospects in negotiation. We believe that the broad geographic
presence and strong pipeline underscore the robust potential for
further growth and market penetration of Start-Anglo.
OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Student base – subscription
models
2024
2023
% Y/Y
2022
% Y/Y
Partner schools - Core
content
4,744
5,032
(5.7%)
5,274
(4.6%)
Partner schools – Complementary
solutions
1,722
1,383
24.5%
1,304
6.1%
Students - Core content
1,432,289
1,539,024
(6.9%)
1,589,224
(3.2%)
Students - Complementary
content
483,132
453,552
6.5%
372,559
21.7%
Note: Students enrolled in partner schools
In the 2024 sales cycle, Vasta served nearly 1.4 million
students with core content solutions and near 500,000 students with
complementary solutions. This is aligned with the company’s
strategy to focus on improving its client base in 2024 through a
better mix of schools and growth in premium education systems
(Anglo, PH, Amplia and Fibonacci), brands with higher average
ticket, lower defaults, greater adoption of complementary solutions
and longer-term relationships. On the other hand, the reduction of
our client base was concentrated on the low-end segment, which have
higher number of students on average, and a lower margin.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Net revenue
Values in R$ ‘000
2Q24
2Q23
% Y/Y
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
% Y/Y
Subscription
279,760
211,154
32.5%
1,152,007
1,012,315
13.8%
Core content
275,817
206,675
33.5%
967,821
858,751
12.7%
Complementary solutions
3,943
4,479
(12.0%)
184,186
153,563
19.9%
B2G
-
40,453
(100.0%)
69,031
40,453
70.6%
Non-subscription
14,592
19,790
(26.3%)
88,139
126,483
(30.3%)
Total net revenue
294,352
271,396
8.5%
1,309,177
1,179,250
11.0%
% ACV
20.7%
17.5%
3.2p.p.
85.3%
83.9%
1.4p.p.
% Subscription
95.0%
77.8%
17.2p.p.
88.0%
85.8%
2.2p.p.
Note: n.m.: not meaningful
In 2Q24, Vasta’s net revenue totaled R$294 million, a 8.5%
increase compared to 2Q23. Subscription revenue totaled R$ 280
million, a 32.5% increase compared to 2Q23, due to the previously
disclosed shift in product deliveries, which were deferred to the
third quarter of our sales cycle, or 2Q24. This result brings us
back on track to accomplish the ACV revised guidance of 12% in this
Sales Cycle.
In the 2024 sales cycle to date (4Q23 to 2Q24), Vasta’s net
revenue totaled R$1,309 million, a 11.0% increase compared to the
same period in the prior year. Subscription revenue grew 13.8% in
the 2024 sales cycle to date. The subscription revenue reached
85.3% of expected Annual Contract Value (“ACV”) bookings for the
2024 sales cycle, a 1.4 p.p. increase compared to the same period
in the 2023 sales cycle (83.9% in the same period of the 2023 sales
cycle).
EBITDA
Values in R$ ‘000
2Q24
2Q23
% Y/Y
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
% Y/Y
Net revenue
294,352
271,396
8.5%
1,309,176
1,179,250
11.0%
Cost of goods sold and services
(130,767)
(119,177)
9.7%
(466,293)
(446,380)
4.5%
General and administrative expenses
(122,909)
(118,091)
4.1%
(358,462)
(365,260)
(1.9%)
Commercial expenses
(73,578)
(64,863)
13.4%
(213,966)
(166,129)
28.8%
Other operating (expenses) income
(284)
(23,481)
(98.8%)
2,068
(24,408)
(108.5%)
Share of loss equity-accounted
investees
(3,968)
(2,126)
86.6%
(20,151)
(5,016)
301.7%
Impairment losses on trade receivables
(10,149)
(1,028)
887.3%
(52,348)
(40,181)
30.3%
Profit before financial income and
taxes
(47,303)
(57,370)
(17.5%)
200,025
131,876
51.7%
(+) Depreciation and amortization
67,827
66,532
1.9%
204,390
205,204
(0.4%)
EBITDA
20,524
9,162
123.9%
404,415
337,080
20.0%
EBITDA Margin
7.0%
3.4%
3.6p.p.
30.9%
28.6%
2.3p.p.
(+) Layoff related to internal
restructuring
2,630
87
n.m.
3,610
1,182
205.4%
(+) Share-based compensation plan
2,768
7,841
(64.7%)
5,997
10,614
(43.5%)
(+) M&A adjusting expenses
-
23,562
(100.0%)
13,776
23,562
(41.5%)
Adjusted EBITDA
25,922
40,653
(36.3%)
427,798
372,439
14.9%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
8.8%
15.0%
(6.2p.p.)
32.7%
31.6%
1.1p.p.
Note: n.m.: not meaningful
In the 2024 sales cycle to date, Adjusted EBITDA grew 14.9% to
R$428 million with a margin of 32.7%, representing an increase of
1.1 p.p. in comparison to prior year. In 2Q24, Adjusted EBITDA
totaled R$26 million, a 36.3% decrease compared to R$41 million in
2Q23, mostly due to higher commercial expenses in 2024 and a
non-recurrent reversion of a provision for doubtful accounts (PDA)
related to a large retail customer that occurred in 2Q23. In the
2024 Sales cycle to date, the increase in Adjusted EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA Margin was mainly driven by gains in operating
efficiency, cost savings and a sales mix that benefited from the
growth of subscription products, partially offset by higher
commercial expenses due to anticipation of marketing events and
campaigns for the next cycle. Share of loss equity-accounted
investees relates to a 43.1% minority stake in Educbank Gestão de
Pagamentos Educacionais S.A. (“Educbank”), which registered a loss
in equity-accounted investees in the amount of R$20 million in the
2024 sales cycle to date that was mainly due to write-off costs
relating to a potential M&A target of Educbank, which
ultimately did not materialize.
(%) Net Revenue
2Q24
2Q23
Y/Y (p.p.)
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
Y/Y (p.p.)
Gross margin
55.6%
56.1%
(0.5p.p.)
64.4%
62.1%
2.3p.p.
Adjusted cash G&A expenses(1)
(18.3%)
(16.8%)
(1.5p.p.)
(11.4%)
(13.1%)
1.7p.p.
Commercial expenses
(25.0%)
(23.9%)
(1.1p.p.)
(16.3%)
(14.1%)
(2.2p.p.)
Impairment on trade receivables
(3.4%)
(0.4%)
(3.0 p.p.)
(4.0%)
(3.4%)
(0.6p.p.)
Adjusted EBITDA margin
8.8%
15.0%
(6.2p.p.)
32.7%
31.6%
1.1p.p.
(1) Sum of general and administrative expenses, other operating
income and profit (loss) of equity-accounted investees, less:
depreciation and amortization, layoffs related to internal
restructuring, share-based compensation plan and M&A one-off
adjusting expenses.
In proportion to net revenue, gross margin increased 230 bps in
the sales cycle to date (from 62% to 64%) mainly due to better
product mix and reduced impact of paper and production costs.
Adjusted cash G&A expenses reduced by 170 bps driven by
workforce optimization and budgetary discipline and Commercial
expenses increased by 220 bps. driven by higher expenses related to
business expansion and marketing investments while impairment on
trade receivable (PDA) had a slight increase of 60 bps, due to a
more restrictive credit landscape.
Finance Results
Values in R$ ‘000
2Q24
2Q23
% Y/Y
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
% Y/Y
Finance income
16,187
17,470
(7.3%)
46,405
66,320
(30.0%)
Finance costs
(63,974)
(82,754)
(22.7%)
(205,176)
(232,603)
(11.8%)
Total
(47,787)
(65,284)
(26.8%)
(158,771)
(166,283)
(4.5%)
In the second quarter of 2024, finance income totaled R$16.2
million, from R$17.5 million in 2Q23, due to the impact of lower
interest rates on financial investments and marketable securities.
In the 2024 sales cycle to date, finance income decreased 30% to
R$46.4 million from R$ 66,3 million in prior sales cycle, when
finance income was impacted with a gain of R$10 million recorded in
4Q22, resulting from the reversal of interest on tax
contingencies.
Finance costs in 2Q24 decreased 22.7% to R$64,0 million, from
R$82,8 in 2Q23, due to the impact of lower interest rates on
financial liabilities (mainly bonds, accounts payable on
acquisition and contingencies), as noted above. In the 2024 sales
cycle to date finance cost decreased 4.5% driven by the reduction
on the Finance Debt position between the comparison quarters and
lower interest rate.
Net profit (loss)
Values in R$ ‘000
2Q24
2Q23
% Y/Y
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
% Y/Y
Net (loss) profit
(66,171)
(78,611)
(15.8%)
15,739
(4,942)
(418.5%)
(+) Layoffs related to internal
restructuring
2,630
87
n.m.
3,610
1,182
205.4%
(+) Share-based compensation
plan
2,768
7,841
(64.7%)
5,997
10,614
(43.5%)
(+) Amortization of intangible
assets(1)
39,304
39,072
0.6%
118,902
117,373
1.3%
(-) Income tax contingencies
reversal
-
-
0.0%
-
(29,715)
(100.0%)
(+) M&A adjusting
expenses
-
23,562
(100.0%)
13,776
23,562
(41.5%)
(-) Tax shield(2)
(15,199)
(23,991)
(36.6%)
(48,377)
(51,929)
(6.8%)
Adjusted net (loss) profit
(36,668)
(32,040)
14.4%
109,647
66,145
65.8%
Adjusted net margin
(12.5%)
(11.8%)
(0.7p.p.)
8.4%
5.6%
2.8p.p.
Note: n.m.: not meaningful; (1) From business combinations. (2)
Tax shield (34%) generated by the expenses that are being deducted
as net (loss) profit adjustments.
In the second quarter of 2024, adjusted net loss totaled R$37
million, a 14.4% increase compared to a net loss of R$32 million in
2Q23. It is worth highlighting that 2Q and 3Q of every year
represents about 30% of the total revenue of the year due to
seasonality of product deliveries to our customers. In the 2024
sales cycle to date, adjusted net profit reached R$110 million, a
65.8% increase from an adjusted net profit of R$66 million for the
same period in 2023.
The 2023 sales cycle was positively impacted by a gain related
to the reversal of tax contingencies recorded in 4Q22, which
impacted corporate tax and finance results, but negatively impacted
by M&A expenses in the amount of R$ 24 million. The 2024 sales
cycle to date was impacted by the M&A adjusting expenses
occurred in 4Q23 as they related to one-off costs associated with
the write-off of a potential M&A target of Educbank, which
ultimately did not materialize, negatively impacting our Share of
Loss of Equity-Accounted Investees in the amount of R$13.8
million.
Accounts receivable and
PDA
Values in R$ ‘000
2Q24
2Q23
% Y/Y
1Q24
% Q/Q
Gross accounts receivable
755,133
632,151
19.5%
864,511
(12.7%)
Provision for doubtful accounts (PDA)
(93,543)
(64,870)
44.2%
(93,489)
0.1%
Coverage index
12.4%
10.3%
2.1p.p.
10.8%
1.57p.p.
Net accounts receivable
661,590
567,281
16.6%
771,022
(14.2%)
Average days of accounts receivable(1)
152
149
3
180
(28)
(1) Balance of net accounts receivable divided by the
last-twelve-month net revenue, multiplied by 360.
The average payment term of Vasta’s accounts receivable
portfolio was 152 days in the 2Q24 remained stable than the same
quarter of the previous year (149 days).
Free cash flow
Values in R$ ‘000
2Q24
2Q23
% Y/Y
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
% Y/Y
Cash from operating activities(1)
68,866
127,546
(46.0%)
228,582
228,457
0.1%
(-) Income tax and social contribution
paid
-
(334)
n.m.
(672)
(5,082)
(86.8%)
(-) Payment of provision for tax, civil
and labor losses
(64)
(549)
(88.0%)
(440)
(794)
n.m.
(-) Interest lease liabilities paid
(2,579)
(3,418)
(24.5%)
(6,109)
(11,214)
(45.5%)
(-) Acquisition of property, plant, and
equipment
(1,910)
(4,092)
(53.3%)
(14,183)
(19,889)
(28.7%)
(-) Additions of intangible assets
(22,080)
(21,376)
3.3%
(100,723)
(83,783)
20.2%
(-) Lease liabilities paid
(3,787)
(3,584)
5.7%
(16,017)
(20,512)
(21.9%)
Free cash flow (FCF)
38,446
94,193
(59.2%)
90,438
87,184
3.7%
FCF/Adjusted EBITDA
148.3%
231.7%
(83.4p.p.)
21.1%
23.4%
(2.3p.p.)
LTM FCF/Adjusted EBITDA
31.9%
26.4%
5.5p.p.
31.9%
26.4%
5.5p.p.
(1) Net (loss) profit less non-cash items less and changes in
working capital. Note: n.m.: not meaningful
Free cash flow (FCF) totaled R$38 million 2Q24, a 59.2% decrease
from a FCF of R$94 million in 2Q23. In the 2024 sales cycle to
date, FCF totaled R$90 million, a R$3 million or 3.7% increase from
R$87 million 2023. The second quarter was negatively impacted by
two main effects: (1) the anticipation of marketing expenses and
(2) increased payments related to the 2023 production costs owing
to a seasonal effect of paper and printing purchases. Accordingly,
we foresee a lower volume of production-related payments in the
following quarters and expect to maintain improvement in FCF for
the year-end.
The last twelve-month (LTM) FCF/Adjusted EBITDA conversion rate
improved from 26.4% to 31.9% as a result of Vasta’s growth and
implementation of sustained efficiency measures, for example:
improve receivables management, enforcing credit policies and
negotiate better payment terms.
Financial leverage
Values in R$ ‘000
2Q24
1Q24
4Q23
3Q23
2Q23
Financial debt
768,459
762,985
791,763
765,350
846,443
Accounts payable from business
combinations
618,830
616,247
614,120
601,171
591,620
Total debt
1,387,289
1,379,232
1,405,883
1,366,521
1,438,063
Cash and cash equivalents
50,868
67,214
95,864
106,757
38,268
Marketable securities
272,991
242,799
245,942
261,264
385,002
Net debt
1,063,430
1,069,219
1,064,076
998,500
1,014,793
Net debt/LTM adjusted EBITDA
2.28
2.22
2.36
2.43
2.57
As of the end of 2Q24, Vasta had a net debt position of R$1,063
million, a R$6 million decrease compared to 1Q24. The FCF generated
in the period was offset by the impacts of financial interest cost
and the Second Repurchase Program. The net debt/LTM adjusted EBITDA
was 2.28x as of 2Q24, having increased slightly from 2.22x in 1Q24,
and decreasing from 2.57x in 2Q23.
ESG
Sustainability Report
In 2023, Vasta released its sustainability report for the year
2022. This report, which is the company's second, was prepared in
accordance with international standards for reports of this
category and showcases the implementation of our corporate
strategy, challenges, and achievements, while also reaffirming our
commitment to transparency and sustainability. These include the
publication of its first Greenhouse Gas Inventory, the company's
adherence to the UN Global Compact, the dedication of 3,216
thousand hours to the Corporate Volunteer Program, the SOMOS Afro
program, an affirmative internship program, and the fact that 29%
of the seats on the Board of Directors are occupied by women.
The report complies with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
2021 version and also considers other standards recognized in
Brazil and abroad, such as the Sustainability Accounting Standards
Board (SASB) guidelines for the education sector, the guidelines of
the IBC Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics from the World Economic
Forum, and the principles of the International Integrated Reporting
Council (IIRC).
The document is available at: https://ir.vastaplatform.com/esg/.
Information contained in, or accessible through, our website is not
incorporated by reference in, and does not constitute a part of,
this press release.
In line with the topics identified in the materiality process,
every quarter we present Vasta's most material indicators:
Key Indicators
ENVIRONMENT
Water withdrawal¹
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
2Q2024
2Q2023
% Y/Y
1Q2024
% Q/Q
3, 11, 12
303-3
Total water withdrawal
m³
3,039
4,654
(35%)
5,088
(40%)
Municipal water supply1
%
100%
100%
0 p.p.
0%
100 p.p.
Groundwater
%
0%
0%
0 p.p.
100%
(100 p.p.)
Energy consumption within the
organization2
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
2Q2024
2Q2023
% Y/Y
1Q2024
% Q/Q
12, 13
302-1
Total energy consumption
GJ
3,856
2,909
33%
2,393
61%
Energy from renewable
sources2
%
52%
62%
(9 p.p.)
95%
(43 p.p.)
In the 2Q24, we observed a lower water consumption compared to
the same period in 2023 and 1Q24 due to the reduced demand for
operations at the São José dos Campos Distribution Center. There
was also an increase in energy consumption compared to the same
period in 2023, due to greater use of air conditioning resulting
from the temperature increase that affected much of the
country.
SOCIAL
Diversity in workforce by employee
category
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
2Q2024
2Q2023
% HA
1Q2024
% HA
5
405-1
C-level – Women
%
29%
40%
(11 p.p.)
29%
(0 p.p.)
C-level – Men
%
71%
60%
11 p.p.
71%
0 p.p.
C-level- total4
no.
7
5
40%
7
0%
Leadership (≥ managers) –
Women
%
43%
47%
(4 p.p.)
45%
(2 p.p.)
Total - Leadership (≥ managers) –
Men
%
57%
53%
4 p.p.
55%
2 p.p.
Leadership (≥ managers) 5 –
total
no.
124
139
(11%)
149
(17%)
Academic staff – Women
%
15%
18%
(3 p.p.)
18%
(3 p.p.)
Academic staff – Men
%
85%
82%
3 p.p.
83%
2 p.p.
Academic staff 6 - total
no.
75
82
(9%)
80
(6%)
Administrative/Operational –
Women
%
54%
56%
(2 p.p.)
56%
(2 p.p.)
Administrative/Operational –
Male
%
46%
44%
2 p.p.
44%
2 p.p.
Administrative/Operational 7 -
total
no.
1,229
1,524
(19%)
1,595
(23%)
Employees – Women
%
51%
53%
(2 p.p.)
54%
(3 p.p.)
Employees – Men
%
49%
47%
2 p.p.
46%
3 p.p.
Employees - total
no.
1,435
1,752
(18%)
1,831
(22%)
In continuation of the diverse talent bank plan, specific banks
for people with disabilities and black individuals were created,
both of which had over a thousand registrations by the end of Q2
2024. During this period, we hired 26 black employees, 1 person
with a disability, and 1 woman for a managerial position and above.
Additionally, to support leadership and ensure appropriate,
inclusive, and non-discriminatory interview processes, we created a
Manager's Guide, which includes a module on Diversity and
Inclusion.
In May, we held a live session together with the Compliance
department to talk about the fight against LGBTphobia and to
reinforce our Code of Ethics and Whistleblower Channel. During
LGBTQIAPN+ Pride Month in June, we brought the company together for
another live session with two employees representing the interest
group to share their experiences and discuss a respectful and
welcoming environment, as well as to reinforce our commitment to
the inclusion of community members within the Company.
Social impact* 8
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
1S2024
1S2023
2S2023
4, 10
-
Scholars of the Somos Futuro
Program
no.
195
236
232
* Indicators presented progressively, referring to the total
accumulated since the beginning of the year, which is why we are
not presenting the variations compared to previous semesters.
We continue to maintain the Somos Futuro Program via Instituto
SOMOS. The initiative enables public school students to attend high
school at one of Vasta's partner schools. In this quarter, 195
young people were studying through the program receiving didactic
and paradidactic material, online school tutoring, mentoring and
access to the entire support network of the program, which includes
psychological monitoring, in addition to the scholarship offered by
the school.
Health and Safety
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
2Q2024
2Q2023
% HA
1Q2024
% HA
3
403-5, 403-9
Units covered by the Risk
Management Program (PGR)
%
100%
100%
0.0 p.p.
100%
0.0 p.p.
Trained employees
no.
221
729
(70%)
361
(39%)
Average hours of training per
employee 9
no.
3.00
1.30
131%
1.33
126%
Injury frequency 10
rate
1.09
1.88
(42%)
0.90
21%
High-consequence injuries
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
Recordable work-related injuries
11
rate
-
0.94
(100%)
-
0%
Fatalities resulted from
work-related injuries
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
Fatalities 12
rate
-
-
0%
-
0%
The difference in the number of employees trained between 2Q24
and 2Q23 is due to the fact that in May/23 we implemented an
automatic process to send reminders to employees who had not taken
the mandatory courses on occupational health and safety available
at our corporate university.
This quarter, we held the Green April Workshop, where we talked
to stakeholders about procedures for hiring and managing third
parties, care with high-risk activities and good practices. Another
initiative in 2Q24 was the Cogna group's 2nd Mega SIPAT, during
which we covered strategic topics for the business, such as: Health
and Safety Policy and Near Miss Reporting; Mental Health in the
Digital Age; Spine Care; Harassment and Forms of Violence; and the
Art of Identifying Hidden Risks in Everyday Situations. The event
was held online with the participation of professionals specialized
in each topic.
GOVERNANCE
Diversity in the Board of Directors
(gender)
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
2Q2024
2Q2023
% HA
1Q2024
% HA
5
405-1
Members
no.
7
7
0%
7
0%
Women
%
29%
29%
0.0 p.p
29%
0 p.p
Ethical conduct
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
2Q2024
2Q2023
% HA
1Q2024
% HA
16
2-25
Cases recorded in our
Confidential Ethics Hotline 13
no.
21
14
50%
9
133%
10
406-1
Grievances regarding
discrimination received through our Confidential Ethics Hotline
13
no.
2
-
0%
-
0%
Confirmed incidents of
discrimination 13
no.
-
-
0.0 p.p.
-
0%
5
405-1
Employees who have received
training on anti-corruption policies and procedures
%
100%
100%
0.0 p.p.
100%
0 p.p.
Operations assessed for risks
related to corruption
%
100%
100%
0.0 p.p.
100%
0 p.p.
Confirmed incidents of
corruption
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
NA: Not available: quarterly disclosure began in the second
quarter of 2023. It used to be reported annually in Sustainability
Reports.
The increase in the number of cases registered with the
Confidential Channel is due to our work to publicize the Cogna
Confidential Channel for reporting any situation related to
discrimination, harassment and deviations from the Code of Conduct,
as well as highlighting the guarantee of confidentiality.
Compliance*
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
2Q2024
2Q2023
% HA
1Q2024
% HA
16
307-1, 419-1
Fines for social and economic
noncompliance
R$ thousand
0
0
0%
0
0%
Non-financial sanctions for
social and economic non-compliance
no.
0
0
0%
0
0%
Fines for environmental
noncompliance
R$ thousand
0
0
0%
0
0%
Non-financial sanctions for
environmental non-compliance
no.
0
0
0%
0
0%
* Only cases deemed material, i.e., cases that harm Vasta's
image, which lead to a halt in operations, or where the amounts
involved are over R$1 million.
Customer data privacy
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
2Q2024
2Q2023
% HA
1Q2024
% HA
16
418-1
External complaints substantiated
by the organization
no.
3
6
(50%)
7
(57%)
Complaints received from
regulatory agencies or similar official bodies
no.
-
1
(100%)
-
0%
Cases identified of leakage,
theft, or loss of customer data
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
We have added the reclassification of requests opened by the
data subject internally on the Privacy Portal. In this way, it is
possible, after analyzing the case, to identify and classify
whether the request does in fact refer to the rights of data
subjects under the LGPD. Therefore, there was a reduction in
requests/complaints compared to 1Q24 and 2Q23.
FOOTNOTES:
SDG
Sustainable Development Goal. Indicates
goal to which the actions monitored contribute.
GRI
Global Reporting Initiative. Lists the GRI
standard indicators related to the data monitored.
ND
Indicator discontinued or not measured in
the quarter.
NM
Not meaningful
1
Based on invoices from sanitation
concessionaires.
2
Acquired from the free energy market.
3
n.a.
4
Takes into the account the positions of
CEO, vice presidents and director reporting directly to the CEO
5
Management, senior management and
leadership positions not reporting directly to the CEO
6
Course coordinators, teachers, and
tutors.
7
Corporate coordination, specialists,
adjuncts, assistants and analysts.
8
Indicators reported on semi-annual basis
(2Q and 4Q).
9
Total hours of training/employees
trained.
10
Total accidents (with and without leave)/
Total man/hours worked (MHW) x 1,000,000
11
Work-related injury (excluding fatalities)
from which the worker cannot recover fully to pre-injury health
status within 6 months. Formula: Number of injuries/MHW x
1.000.000.
12
Fatalities/ MHW x 1,000,000.
13
Indicators measured from the first quarter
of 2023. It used to be reported annually in Sustainability
Reports
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
Vasta will discuss its second quarter 2024 results on August 7,
2024, via a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To access
the call (ID: 3871721), please dial: +1 (888) 660-6819 or +1 (929)
203-1989. A live and archived webcast of the call will be available
on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at
https://ir.vastaplatform.com. Information contained in, or
accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference
in, and does not constitute a part of, this press release.
ABOUT VASTA
Vasta is a leading, high-growth education company in Brazil
powered by technology, providing end-to-end educational and digital
solutions that cater to all needs of private schools operating in
the K-12 educational segment, ultimately benefiting all of Vasta’s
stakeholders, including students, parents, educators,
administrators, and private school owners. Vasta’s mission is to
help private K-12 schools to be better and more profitable,
supporting their digital transformation. Vasta believes it is
uniquely positioned to help schools in Brazil undergo the process
of digital transformation and bring their education skill set to
the 21st century. Vasta promotes the unified use of technology in
K-12 education with enhanced data and actionable insight for
educators, increased collaboration among support staff and
improvements in production, efficiency and quality. For more
information, please visit ir.vastaplatform.com. Information
contained in, or accessible through, our website is not
incorporated by reference in, and does not constitute a part of,
this press release.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements that can
be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as
“anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,”
“intend,” “estimate” and “potential,” among others. Forward-looking
statements appear in a number of places in this press release and
include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent,
belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are
based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on
information currently available to our management. Such statements
are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may
differ materially from those expressed or implied in the
forward-looking statements due to of various factors, including (i)
general economic, financial, political, demographic and business
conditions in Brazil, as well as any other countries we may serve
in the future and their impact on our business; (ii) fluctuations
in interest, inflation and exchange rates in Brazil and any other
countries we may serve in the future; (iii) our ability to
implement our business strategy and expand our portfolio of
products and services; (iv) our ability to adapt to technological
changes in the educational sector; (v) the availability of
government authorizations on terms and conditions and within
periods acceptable to us; (vi) our ability to continue attracting
and retaining new partner schools and students; (vii) our ability
to maintain the academic quality of our programs; (viii) the
availability of qualified personnel and the ability to retain such
personnel; (ix) changes in the financial condition of the students
enrolling in our programs in general and in the competitive
conditions in the education industry; (x) our capitalization and
level of indebtedness; (xi) the interests of our controlling
shareholder; (xii) changes in government regulations applicable to
the education industry in Brazil; (xiii) government interventions
in education industry programs, that affect the economic or tax
regime, the collection of tuition fees or the regulatory framework
applicable to educational institutions; (xiv) cancellations of
contracts within the solutions we characterize as subscription
arrangements or limitations on our ability to increase the rates we
charge for the services we characterize as subscription
arrangements; (xv) our ability to compete and conduct our business
in the future; (xvi) our ability to anticipate changes in the
business, changes in regulation or the materialization of existing
and potential new risks; (xvii) the success of operating
initiatives, including advertising and promotional efforts and new
product, service and concept development by us and our competitors;
(xviii) changes in consumer demands and preferences and
technological advances, and our ability to innovate to respond to
such changes; (xix) changes in labor, distribution and other
operating costs; our compliance with, and changes to, government
laws, regulations and tax matters that currently apply to us; (xx)
the effectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures,
including our internal control over financial reporting; (xxi)
health crises, including due to pandemics such as the COVID-19
pandemic and government measures taken in response thereto; (xxii)
other factors that may affect our financial condition, liquidity
and results of operations; and (xxiii) other risk factors discussed
under “Risk Factors”. Forward-looking statements speak only as of
the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to
update them in light of new information or future developments or
to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to
reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence
of unanticipated events.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
This press release presents our EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and
Adjusted net (loss) profit and Free cash flow (FCF), which is
information provided for the convenience of investors. EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA are among the key performance indicators used by us
to measure financial operating performance. Our management believes
that these Non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information
to investors and shareholders. We also use these measures
internally to establish budgets and operational goals to manage and
monitor our business, evaluate our underlying historical
performance and business strategies and to report our results to
the board of directors.
We calculate EBITDA as net (loss) profit for the period/year
plus income taxes and social contribution plus/minus net finance
result plus depreciation and amortization. The EBITDA measure
provides useful information to assess our operational
performance.
We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus/minus: (a) income
tax and social contribution; (b) net finance result; (c)
depreciation and amortization; (d) share-based compensation
expenses, mainly due to the grant of additional shares to Somos’
employees in connection with the change of control of Somos to
Cogna (for further information refer to note 23 to the audited
consolidated financial statements) ; (e) provision for risks of
tax, civil and labor losses regarding penalties, related to income
tax positions taken by the Predecessor Somos – Anglo and Vasta in
connection with a corporate reorganization carried out by the
Predecessor Somos – Anglo; (f) Bonus IPO, which refers to bonus
paid to certain executives and employees based on restricted share
units; and (g) expenses with contractual termination of employees
due to organizational restructuring. We understand that such
adjustments are relevant and should be considered when calculating
our Adjusted EBITDA, which is a practical measure to assess our
operational performance that allows us to compare it with other
companies that operates in the same segment.
We calculate Adjusted net (loss) profit as the (loss) profit for
the period/year as presented in Statement of Profit or Loss and
Other Comprehensive Income adjusted by the same Adjusted EBITDA
items, however, added by (a) Amortization of intangible assets from
Business Combination and (b) Tax shield of 34% generated by the
aforementioned adjustments.
We calculate Free cash flow (FCF) as the cash from operating
activities as presented in the Statement of Cash Flows less (a)
income tax and social contribution paid; (b) tax, civil and labor
proceedings paid; (c) interest lease liabilities paid; (d)
acquisition of property, plant and equipment; (e) additions to
intangible assets; and (f) lease liabilities paid.
We understand that, although Adjusted net (loss) profit, EBITDA,
Adjusted EBITDA, and Free cash flow (FCF) are used by investors and
securities analysts in their evaluation of companies, these
measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not
consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our
results of operations as reported under IFRS. Additionally, our
calculations of Adjusted net (loss) profit, Adjusted EBITDA, and
Free cash flow (FCF) may be different from the calculation used by
other companies, including our competitors in the education
services industry, and therefore, our measures may not be
comparable to those of other companies.
REVENUE RECOGNITION AND SEASONALITY
Our main deliveries of printed and digital materials to our
customers occur in the last quarter of each year (typically in
November and December), and in the first quarter of each subsequent
year (typically in February and March), and revenue is recognized
when the customers obtain control over the materials. In addition,
the printed and digital materials we provide in the fourth quarter
are used by our customers in the following school year and,
therefore, our fourth quarter results reflect the growth in the
number of our students from one school year to the next, leading to
higher revenue in general in our fourth quarter compared with the
preceding quarters in each year. Consequently, in aggregate, the
seasonality of our revenues generally produces higher revenues in
the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year. Thus, the numbers
for the second quarter and third quarter are usually less relevant.
In addition, we generally bill our customers during the first half
of each school year (which starts in January), which generally
results in a higher cash position in the first half of each year
compared to the second half.
A significant part of our expenses is also seasonal. Due to the
nature of our business cycle, we need significant working capital,
typically in September or October of each year, to cover costs
related to production and inventory accumulation, selling and
marketing expenses, and delivery of our teaching materials at the
end of each year in preparation for the beginning of each school
year. As a result, these operating expenses are generally incurred
between September and December of each year.
Purchases through our Livro Fácil e-commerce platform are also
very intense during the back-to-school period, between November,
when school enrollment takes place and families plan to anticipate
the purchase of products and services, and February of the
following year, when classes are about to start. Thus, e-commerce
revenue is mainly concentrated in the first and fourth quarters of
the year.
KEY BUSINESS METRICS
Annual Contract Value, or ACV, is a non-accounting managerial
metric and represents our partner schools’ commitment to pay for
our solutions offerings. We believe it is a meaningful indicator of
demand for our solutions. We consider ACV is a helpful metric
because it is designed to show amounts that we expect to be
recognized as revenue from subscription services for the 12-month
period between October 1 of one fiscal year through September 30 of
the following fiscal year. We define ACV as the revenue we would
expect to recognize from a partner school in each school year,
based on the number of students who have contracted our services,
or “enrolled students,” that will access our content at such
partner school in such school year. We calculate ACV by multiplying
the number of enrolled students at each school with the average
ticket per student per year; the related number of enrolled
students and average ticket per student per year are each
calculated in accordance with the terms of each contract with the
related school. Although our contracts with our schools are
typically for 4-year terms, we record one year of revenue under
such contracts as ACV. ACV is calculated based on the sum of actual
contracts signed during the sales period and assumes the historical
rates of returned goods from customers for the preceding 24-month
period. Since the actual rates of returned goods from sales during
the period may be different from the historical average rates and
the actual volume of merchandise ordered by our customers may be
different from the contracted amount, the actual revenue recognized
during each period of a sales cycle may be different from the ACV
for the respective sales cycle. Our reported ACV is subject to
risks associated with, among other things, economic conditions and
the markets in which we operate, including risks that our contracts
may be canceled or adjusted (including as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic).
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Statements of
Financial Position
Assets
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
50,868
95,864
Marketable securities
272,991
245,942
Trade receivables
661,590
697,512
Inventories
289,421
300,509
Taxes recoverable
19,743
19,041
Income tax and social contribution
recoverable
12,026
16,841
Prepayments
82,228
71,870
Other receivables
1,516
2,085
Related parties – other receivables
10,989
7,157
Total current assets
1,401,372
1,456,821
Non-current assets
Judicial deposits
218,736
207,188
Deferred income tax and social
contribution
221,098
205,453
Equity accounted investees
57,456
64,484
Other investments and interests in
entities
9,879
9,879
Property, plant and equipment
144,046
151,492
Intangible assets and goodwill
5,246,584
5,307,563
Total non-current assets
5,897,799
5,946,059
Total Assets
7,299,171
7,402,880
Consolidated Statements of
Financial Position (continued)
Liabilities
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Current liabilities
Bonds
21,536
541,763
Suppliers
206,893
221,291
Reverse factoring
257,536
263,948
Lease liabilities
14,544
17,078
Income tax and social contribution
payable
2,314
-
Salaries and social contributions
99,738
104,406
Taxes payable
4,961
7,821
Contractual obligations and deferred
income
30,564
32,815
Accounts payable for business combination
and acquisition of associates
206,261
216,728
Other liabilities
16,634
26,382
Other liabilities - related parties
13,343
15,060
Total current liabilities
874,324
1,447,292
Non-current liabilities
Bonds
746,923
250,000
Lease liabilities
78,434
79,579
Accounts payable for business combination
and acquisition of associates
412,569
397,392
Provision for tax, civil and labor
losses
721,166
697,990
Other liabilities
7,124
9,836
Total non-current liabilities
1,966,216
1,434,797
Total current and non-current
liabilities
2,840,540
2,882,089
Shareholder's Equity
Share capital
4,820,815
4,820,815
Capital reserve
90,211
89,627
Treasury shares
(77,911)
(59,525)
Accumulated losses
(375,409)
(331,559)
Total Shareholder's Equity
4,457,706
4,519,358
Interest of non-controlling
shareholders
925
1,433
Total Shareholder's Equity
4,458,631
4,520,791
Total Liabilities and Shareholder's
Equity
7,299,171
7,402,880
Consolidated Income
Statement
April 01 to June 30,
2024
April 01 to June 30,
2023
June 30, 2024
June 30, 2023
Net revenue from sales and
services
294,352
271,396
755,068
674,231
Sales
272,433
246,960
714,978
628,315
Services
21,919
24,436
40,090
45,916
Cost of goods sold and services
(130,767)
(119,177)
(270,850)
(274,303)
Gross profit
163,585
152,219
484,218
399,928
Operating income (expenses)
(206,920)
(207,463)
(431,502)
(395,191)
General and administrative expenses
(122,909)
(118,091)
(262,811)
(245,372)
Commercial expenses
(73,578)
(64,863)
(146,838)
(115,924)
Impairment losses on trade receivables
(10,149)
(1,028)
(23,354)
(11,408)
Other operating income
22
9,487
2,002
10,481
Other operating expenses
(306)
(32,968)
(501)
(32,968)
Share of loss equity-accounted
investees
(3,968)
(2,126)
(7,028)
(2,654)
(Loss) profit before finance result and
taxes
(47,303)
(57,370)
45,688
2,083
Finance result
Finance income
16,187
17,470
29,730
34,101
Finance costs
(63,974)
(82,754)
(133,784)
(158,570)
Loss before income tax and social
contribution
(95,090)
(122,654)
(58,366)
(122,386)
Income tax and social
contribution
Current
5,183
3,917
(1,790)
2,463
Deferred
23,736
40,126
15,927
39,088
28,919
44,043
14,137
41,551
Loss for the period
(66,171)
(78,611)
(44,229)
(80,835)
Allocated to:
Controlling shareholders
(66,022)
(79,230)
(43,850)
(81,508)
Non-controlling shareholders
(149)
619
(379)
673
Consolidated Statement of Cash
Flows
For the period ended June
30,
2024
2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
Loss before income tax and social
contribution
(58,366)
(122,386)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortization
141,252
140,608
Share of loss profit of equity-accounted
investees
7,028
2,654
Impairment losses on trade receivables
23,354
11,408
Provision (reversal) for tax, civil and
labor losses, net
458
(9,165)
Provision on accounts payable for business
combination
-
23,562
Interest on provision for tax, civil and
labor losses
22,859
31,114
Interest on bonds
48,409
60,853
Contractual obligations and right to
returned goods
(1,551)
17,823
Interest on accounts payable for business
combination and acquisition of associates
30,472
34,987
Interest on suppliers
22,684
15,180
Share-based payment expense
4,729
8,226
Interest on lease liabilities
4,702
6,260
Interest from financial investments and
marketable securities
(12,144)
(19,633)
Cancellations of right-of-use
contracts
(1,951)
-
Residual value of disposals of property
and equipment and intangible assets
1,187
(231)
233,122
201,260
Changes in
Trade receivables
12,568
71,653
Inventories
11,088
(13,104)
Prepayments
(10,358)
(21,562)
Taxes recoverable
2,605
4,838
Judicial deposits and escrow accounts
(11,491)
(665)
Other receivables
569
105
Related parties – other receivables
(3,832)
1,729
Suppliers
(43,494)
21,366
Salaries and social charges
(4,668)
(843)
Tax payable
(546)
(5,140)
Contractual obligations and deferred
income
(700)
(31,707)
Other liabilities
(11,933)
(5,682)
Other liabilities - related parties
(1,717)
(55)
Cash from operating activities
171,213
222,193
Payment of interest on leases
(4,608)
(7,086)
Payment of interest on bonds
(77,996)
(57,915)
Payment of interest on business
combinations
(5,815)
(7,768)
Income tax and social contribution
paid
-
(665)
Payment of provision for tax, civil and
labor losses
(198)
(739)
Net cash from operating
activities
82,596
148,020
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of property and equipment
(10,893)
(9,348)
Additions of intangible assets
(56,856)
(60,013)
Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash
acquired
-
(3,212)
Proceeds from investment in marketable
securities
(513,579)
(625,621)
Purchase of investment in marketable
securities
498,674
640,766
Net cash used in investing
activities
(82,654)
(57,428)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
Repurchase shares on treasury
(22,531)
-
Lease liabilities paid
(8,087)
(13,918)
Payments of bonds
(490,000)
-
Issuance of securities with related
parties
495,627
-
Payments of accounts payable for business
combination
(19,947)
(84,171)
Net cash used in financing
activities
(44,938)
(98,089)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS
(44,996)
(7,497)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
95,864
45,765
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period
50,868
38,268
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS
(44,996)
(7,497)
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240807558734/en/
Investor Relations ir@vastaplatform.com
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