Vasta Platform Limited (NASDAQ: VSTA) – “Vasta” or the
“Company” announces today its financial and operating results for
the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24) ended September 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 totaled R$1,358 million, a 12.5% increase compared to the
same period of the 2023 sales cycle. In 3Q24, subscription revenue
totaled R$206 million, a 5.7% increase compared to 3Q23. The Annual
Contract Value (“ACV”) bookings delivered in the 2024 sales cycle
was slightly higher than previously disclosed estimates. Compound
Annual Growth Rate (“CAGR”) of the last 5 cycles was a positive
18.4%, which demonstrates our resilience and capacity to keep our
growth in higher double digits for several years.
- In the 2024 sales cycle (which commenced 4Q23 through 3Q24),
net revenue increased 6.4% to R$1,529 million compared to the same
period of the 2023 sales cycle, mostly due to higher conversion of
ACV into revenue, being partially offset by lower revenue in the
non-subscription segment. In 3Q24, net revenue totaled R$220
million, a 14.6% decrease compared to the previous year, due to
lack of new revenues from our public-school sector (“B2G”) segment
in this quarter, caused largely by prioritization of municipal
elections by the public sector.
- Adjusted EBITDA in the 2024 sales cycle grew by 9.2% to R$449
million compared to R$411 million in previous sales cycle, and
Adjusted EBITDA Margin grew to 29.4%, from 28.6% in the same period
of the last year, which represents an increase of 0.8p.p. compared
to the 2023 sales cycle. This increase was mainly driven by gains
in operating efficiency, cost savings and a better product mix that
benefited from premium products expansion. In 3Q24, Adjusted EBITDA
totaled R$21 million, a 45.3% decrease compared to R$39 million in
3Q23, mainly due to lower net revenues in the quarter.
- Vasta recorded an Adjusted Net Profit of R$62 million in the
2024 sales cycle, a 71.4% increase compared to R$36 million in the
previous sales cycle, and an adjusted net margin increased 1.6p.p.
compared to previous sales cycle, from 2.5% in 2023 to 4.1% in
2024. In 3Q24, Adjusted Net Loss totaled R$48 million, a 58.9%
increase compared to Adjusted Net Loss of R$30 million in
3Q23.
- Free cash flow (FCF) totaled R$146 million in the 2024 sales
cycle, slightly higher than R$145 million FCF in the 2023 sales
cycle. In 3Q24 FCF totaled R$55 million, a 4.8% decrease from R$58
million in 3Q23. The last twelve-month (LTM) FCF/Adjusted EBITDA
conversion rate decreased from 35.4% to 32.5% due to higher
investments in marketing for business expansion, and a higher
volume of payments related to paper purchases.
- The Start Anglo bilingual school kept its growth with 2 new
contracts, totaling 32 contracts signed as of this date, and 2
operating units. This growth reaffirms our quest for a bilingual
education alongside academic excellence, which reinforces our
strategic expansion into new revenue streams. Additionally, last
month we held the reinauguration of the Liceu Complex in São Paulo,
preserving its entire historical architectural design, which
launched our flagship operations in São Paulo, to begin operations
in 2025.
MESSAGE FROM MANAGEMENT
In the third quarter of 2024, we concluded the 2024 sales cycle
(4Q23 to 3Q24). Our net revenue during the 2024 cycle has reached
R$1,529 million, representing a 6.4% increase compared to the
previous sales cycle, mostly due to the conversion of ACV into
revenue. Additionally, our complementary solutions have seen an
important growth of 20.9% compared to the 2023 sales cycle, with an
accelerated increase in both student base and market
penetration.
Vasta’s accumulated subscription revenue in the 2024 sales cycle
totaled R$1,358 million, a 12.5% increase compared to the previous
sales cycle. The Annual Contract Value (“ACV”) bookings expected
for the 2024 sales cycle were delivered as expect and slightly
higher than previous disclosed. Additionally, this line of revenue
represents 88.8% of the total net revenue, a 4.8p.p. increase
compared to the 2023 sales cycle, 84.0%. Subscription revenue
continues to gain importance in the total revenue of the Company,
in line with our strategy. CAGR for the last 5 cycles was a
positive 18.4%, showing our resilience and the power of our brands
and products.
Another highlight of the 2024 sales cycle has been that Adjusted
EBITDA grew by 9.2%, to R$449 million compared to R$411 million in
the previous sales cycle, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin increased by
0.8 p.p. to 29.4%. In proportion to net revenue, gross margin
increased 230 bps in the 2024 sales cycle (from 61.9% to 64.2%)
mainly due to synergy gains, cost efficiency and a better product
mix that benefited from premium products expansion. Adjusted
G&A expenses were reduced by 80 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$146
million, a 0.3% increase from R$145 million for the same period in
2023. The last twelve-month (LTM) FCF/Adjusted EBITDA conversion
rate decreased from 35.4% to 32.5%, due to higher investments in
marketing for business expansion, and increased expenses relating
to the 2023 production owing to a seasonal effect of paper and
printing costs. However, we foresee a lower volume of
production-related expenses in the following quarters and expect to
maintain the improvement in FCF for the year-end.
Moreover, the net debt/LTM adjusted EBITDA was 2.32x as of 3Q24,
which represents a decrease of 0.11x from 2.43x, in the same
quarter of 2023. In comparison to 2Q24 the net debt/LTM adjusted
EBITDA increased slightly from 2.28x in 2Q24. The Company continues
to focus on deleveraging and cash generation, which is highlighted
by this indicator. In 2024, we implemented some liquidity
management actions, which allowed us to extend the maturity profile
of our indebtedness and reduce applicable interest rates.
In the B2G segment, one of our main growing avenues, Vasta
generated R$ 69 million in revenues in this sales cycle, compared
to R$81 million in the previous sales cycle. This is the second
year since Vasta started offering its products and services to the
public sector, and we remain confident in our strategy. We have
renewed the contract signed in the previous year in the State of
Pará and the SAEB scores were released showing a significant
improvement in the students’ results in that state, moving from the
second-to-last place in the National Ranking for High School to
sixth place, with more than a 40% improvement in high school
students’ scores. This is a remarkable result for us, the State of
Pará and mainly for the students who benefited from the best
products for recompositing learning and core-skill
developments.
Given municipal elections in Brazilian cities in 2024, the
signing of new contracts was hindered, but Vasta still has a strong
pipeline and remains confident that this line of business will bear
fruit in the coming quarters for the Company.
Start-Anglo bilingual school, which is part of our growth
strategy, remains in continued expansion. In 3Q24, we entered 2 new
contracts, totaling 32 contracts as of this date, and 2 operating
units. Furthermore, we have over 260 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.
Our revenue growth is directly related to the delivery of
high-quality solutions that meet the needs of students, parents,
educators and partner schools. Great evidence of the evolution of
our company and brands is demonstrated in the customer satisfaction
assessment index (NPS), which in the last 12 months has grown by
more than 30 points.
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 1.4 million students with
core content solutions and close to 500,000 students with
complementary solutions. This is aligned with the company’s
strategy to focus on improving its client base 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 has a
higher number of students on average, and a lower margin.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Net
revenue
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q24
3Q23
% Y/Y
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
% Y/Y
Subscription
205,874
194,841
5.7%
1,357,880
1,207,155
12.5%
Core content
199,262
190,607
4.5%
1,167,082
1,049,358
11.2%
Complementary solutions
6,612
4,234
56.2%
190,798
157,797
20.9%
B2G
-
40,747
(100.0%)
69,031
81,199
(15.0%)
Non-subscription
14,319
22,346
(35.9%)
102,458
148,829
(31.2%)
Total net revenue
220,193
257,933
(14.6%)
1,529,369
1,437,183
6.4%
% ACV
15.2%
15.8%
(0.6p.p.)
100.6%
98.1%
2.5p.p.
% Subscription
93.5%
75.5%
18.0p.p.
88.8%
84.0%
4.8p.p.
Note: n.m.: not meaningful
In 3Q24, Vasta’s net revenue totaled R$220 million, a 14.6%
decrease compared to 3Q23, mainly due to the lack of new revenues
in the B2G segment in this quarter. Subscription revenue totaled R$
206 million, a 5.7% increase compared to 3Q23, due to the higher
conversion of ACV into revenue.
In the 2024 sales cycle (4Q23 to 3Q24), Vasta’s net revenue
totaled R$1,529 million, a 6.4% increase compared to the same
period in the prior sales cycle. Subscription revenue grew 12.5% in
the 2024 sales cycle. The subscription revenue reached 100.6% of
Annual Contract Value (“ACV”) bookings for the 2024 sales
cycle.
EBITDA
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q24
3Q23
% Y/Y
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
% Y/Y
Net revenue
220,193
257,933
(14.6%)
1,529,369
1,437,183
6.4%
Cost of goods sold and services
(81,184)
(101,161)
(19.7%)
(547,477)
(547,541)
(0.0%)
General and administrative expenses
(120,689)
(124,500)
(3.1%)
(479,151)
(489,760)
(2.2%)
Commercial expenses
(63,652)
(63,044)
1.0%
(277,618)
(229,173)
21.1%
Other operating (expenses) income
263
7,534
(96.5%)
2,331
(16,874)
(113.8%)
Share of loss equity-accounted
investees
(2,691)
(2,878)
(6.5%)
(22,842)
(7,894)
189.3%
Impairment losses on trade receivables
(7,845)
(15,369)
(49.0%)
(60,193)
(55,550)
8.4%
Profit before financial income and
taxes
(55,605)
(41,485)
34.0%
144,420
90,391
59.8%
(+) Depreciation and amortization
72,443
70,587
2.6%
276,833
275,791
0.4%
EBITDA
16,838
29,102
(42.1%)
421,253
366,182
15.0%
EBITDA Margin
7.6%
11.3%
(3.6p.p.)
27.5%
25.5%
2.1p.p.
(+) Layoff related to internal
restructuring
1,165
115
913.0%
4,775
1,297
268.2%
(+) Share-based compensation plan
3,305
9,755
(66.1%)
9,302
20,369
(54.3%)
(+) M&A adjusting expenses
-
-
0.0%
13,776
23,562
(41.5%)
Adjusted EBITDA
21,308
38,972
(45.3%)
449,106
411,411
9.2%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
9.7%
15.1%
(5.4p.p.)
29.4%
28.6%
0.8p.p.
Note: n.m.: not meaningful
In the 2024 sales cycle, Adjusted EBITDA grew 9.2% to R$449
million with a margin of 29.4%, representing an increase of 0.8
p.p. in comparison to the prior sales cycle. In 3Q24, Adjusted
EBITDA totaled R$21 million, a 45.3% decrease compared to R$39
million in 3Q23, mainly due to a lower net revenue in this quarter.
In the 2024 sales cycle, 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 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$20 million in the 2024 sales cycle
that was mainly due to write-off costs relating to a potential
M&A target of Educbank, which ultimately did not
materialize.
(%) Net Revenue
3Q24
3Q23
Y/Y (p.p.)
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
Y/Y (p.p.)
Gross margin
63.1%
60.8%
2.4p.p.
64.2%
61.9%
2.3p.p.
Adjusted cash G&A expenses (1)
(21.0%)
(15.3%)
(5.7p.p.)
(12.7%)
(13.5%)
0.8p.p.
Commercial expenses
(28.9%)
(24.4%)
(4.5p.p.)
(18.2%)
(15.9%)
(2.3p.p.)
Impairment on trade receivables
(3.6%)
(6.0%)
2.3p.p.
(3.9%)
(3.9%)
0.0p.p.
Adjusted EBITDA margin
9.7%
15.1%
(5.4p.p.)
29.4%
28.6%
0.8p.p.
(1) Sum of general and administrative
expenses, other operating income and profit (loss) of
equity-accounted investees, less: depreciation and amortization,
layoffs related to internal restructuring, share-based compensation
plan and M&A one-off adjusting expenses.
In proportion to net revenue, gross margin increased 230 bps in
the 2024 sales cycle (from 62% to 64%) mainly due to synergy gains,
costs efficiency and a better product mix that benefited from
premium products expansion. Adjusted cash G&A expenses reduced
by 80 bps driven by workforce optimization and budgetary
discipline, and Commercial expenses increased by 230 bps driven by
higher expenses related to business expansion and marketing
investments while impairment on trade receivable (PDA) remained
stable, even considering a more restrictive credit landscape.
Finance
Results
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q24
3Q23
% Y/Y
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
% Y/Y
Finance income
16,836
19,511
(13.7%)
63,241
85,831
(26.3%)
Finance costs
(71,483)
(74,966)
(4.6%)
(276,659)
(307,569)
(10.0%)
Total
(54,647)
(55,455)
(1.5%)
(213,418)
(221,738)
(3.8%)
In 3Q24, finance income totaled R$16.8 million, from R$19.5
million in 3Q23, due to the impact of lower interest rates on
financial investments and marketable securities. In the 2024 sales
cycle, finance income decreased 26.3% to R$63.2 million from R$
85.8 million in the prior sales cycle, due to the same reason as
noted above and a non-recurring gain of R$10 million resulting from
the reversal of interest on tax contingencies.
Finance costs in 3Q24 decreased 4.6% to R$71,5 million, from
R$75,0 million in 3Q23, due to the impact of lower interest rates
on financial liabilities (mainly bonds, accounts payable on
acquisition and contingencies), as noted above. In the 2024 sales
cycle finance cost decreased 10% driven mainly by lower interest
rates.
Net profit
(loss)
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q24
3Q23
% Y/Y
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
% Y/Y
Net (loss) profit
(77,140)
(62,111)
24.2%
(61,401)
(67,053)
(8.4%)
(+) Layoffs related to internal
restructuring
1,165
115
n.m.
4,775
1,297
268.2%
(+) Share-based compensation
plan
3,305
9,755
(66.1%)
9,302
20,369
(54.3%)
(+) Amortization of intangible
assets (1)
40,424
38,940
3.8%
159,326
156,313
1.9%
(-) Income tax contingencies
reversal
-
-
n.m.
-
(29,715)
n.m.
(+) M&A adjusting
expenses
-
-
n.m.
13,776
23,562
(41.5%)
(-) Tax shield (2)
(15,264)
(16,595)
(8.0%)
(63,641)
(68,524)
(7.1%)
Adjusted net (loss) profit
(47,510)
(29,896)
58.9%
62,137
36,249
71.4%
Adjusted net margin
(21.6%)
(11.6%)
(10.0p.p.)
4.1%
2.5%
1.6p.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 3Q24, adjusted net loss totaled R$47 million, a 58.9%
increase compared to a net loss of R$30 million in 3Q23. 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, adjusted net
profit reached R$62 million, a 71.4% increase from an adjusted net
profit of R$36 million for the 2023 sales cycle.
The 2023 sales cycle was positively impacted by a gain related
to the reversal of tax contingencies recorded in 4Q22, which
impacted corporate tax and finance results, but negatively impacted
by M&A expenses in the amount of R$ 24 million. The 2024 sales
cycle 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
3Q24
3Q23
% Y/Y
2Q24
% Q/Q
Gross accounts receivable
567,339
545,972
3.9%
755,133
(24.9%)
Provision for doubtful accounts (PDA)
(90,214)
(73,390)
22.9%
(93,543)
(3.6%)
Coverage index
15.9%
13.4%
2.5p.p.
12.4%
3.5p.p.
Net accounts receivable
477,125
472,582
1.0%
661,590
(27.9%)
Average days of accounts receivable
(1)
112
118
(6)
152
(40)
(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 112 days in the 3Q24, a reduction of 6 days in
comparison to 3Q23 (118 days), and a reduction of 40 days in
comparison to 2Q24 (152 days).
Free cash
flow
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q24
3Q23
% Y/Y
2024 cycle
2023 cycle
% Y/Y
Cash from operating activities (1)
87,881
81,030
8.5%
316,463
309,487
2.3%
(-) Income tax and social contribution
paid
-
(279)
n.m.
(672)
(5,361)
(87.5%)
(-) Payment of provision for tax, civil
and labor losses
(1,067)
(508)
110%
(1,507)
(1,302)
15.7%
(-) Interest lease liabilities paid
(3,690)
(3,050)
21.0%
(9,799)
(14,264)
(31.3%)
(-) Acquisition of property, plant, and
equipment
(2,416)
(8,899)
(72.9%)
(16,599)
(28,788)
(42.3%)
(-) Additions of intangible assets
(19,219)
(1,411)
n.m.
(119,942)
(85,194)
40.8%
(-) Lease liabilities paid
(6,006)
(8,623)
(30.3%)
(22,023)
(29,135)
(24.4%)
Free cash flow (FCF)
55,483
58,260
(4.8%)
145,921
145,444
0.3%
FCF/Adjusted EBITDA
260.4%
149.5%
110.9p.p.
32.5%
35.4%
(2.9p.p.)
LTM FCF/Adjusted EBITDA
32.5%
35.4%
(2.9p.p.)
32.5%
35.4%
(2.9p.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$55 million 3Q24, a 4.8% decrease
from an FCF of R$58 million in 3Q23. In the 2024 sales cycle, FCF
totaled R$146 million, a R$1 million increase from R$145 million in
2023 sales cycle. The FCF generated in the sales cycle was offset
by the impacts of financial interest cost and Vasta’s second share
repurchase program. The last twelve-month (LTM) FCF/Adjusted EBITDA
conversion decreased from 35.4% to 32.5%, mainly driven by negative
impacts of anticipation of marketing expenses, and increased
expenses related to the 2023 production owing to a seasonal effect
of paper and printing costs. However, we foresee a lower volume of
production-related expenses in the following quarters and expect to
maintain improvement in FCF for the year-end.
Financial leverage
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q24
2Q24
1Q24
4Q23
3Q23
Financial debt
764,693
768,459
762,985
791,763
765,350
Accounts payable from business
combinations
630,267
618,830
616,247
614,120
601,171
Total debt
1,394,960
1,387,289
1,379,232
1,405,883
1,366,521
Cash and cash equivalents
96,162
50,868
67,214
95,864
106,757
Marketable securities
258,945
272,991
242,799
245,942
261,264
Net debt
1,039,853
1,063,430
1,069,219
1,064,076
998,500
Net debt/LTM adjusted EBITDA
2.32
2.28
2.22
2.36
2.43
As of the end of 3Q24, Vasta had a net debt position of R$1,040
million, a R$23 million decrease compared to 2Q24. The net debt/LTM
adjusted EBITDA was 2.32x as of 3Q24, having increased slightly
from 2.28x in 2Q24, and decreased from 2.43x in 3Q23.
ESG
Sustainability Report
Last August we disclosed Vasta´s third sustainability report
regarding the year of 2023 and it was prepared in accordance with
international standards and the implementation of our corporate
strategy, challenges, and achievements, while also reaffirming our
commitment to transparency and sustainability. These include the
publication of its second Greenhouse Gas Inventory, the company's
adherence to the UN Global Compact, the dedication of 1,991
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 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
3Q2024
3Q2023
% Y/Y
2Q2024
% Q/Q
3, 11, 12
303-3
Total water withdrawal
m³
3,205
5,290
(39%)
3,039
5%
Municipal water supply1
%
100%
100%
0 p.p.
100%
0 p.p.
Groundwater
%
0%
0%
0 p.p.
0%
0 p.p.
Energy consumption within the
organization2
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2024
3Q2023
% Y/Y
2Q2024
% Q/Q
12, 13
302-1
Total energy consumption
GJ
3,699
1,845
100%
3,856
(4%)
Energy from renewable
sources2
%
46%
59%
(13 p.p.)
52%
(6 p.p.)
In the 3Q24, we observed a lower water consumption compared to
the same period in 2023 due to the reduced demand for operations at
the São José dos Campos Distribution Center and remained stable
compared to 2Q24. 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
3Q2024
3Q2023
% HA
2Q2024
% HA
5
405-1
C-level – Women
%
22%
29%
(7 p.p.)
29%
(7 p.p.)
C-level – Men
%
78%
71%
7 p.p.
71%
7 p.p.
C-level- total4
no.
9
7
29%
7
29%
Leadership (≥ managers) –
Women
%
44%
45%
(1 p.p.)
43%
1 p.p.
Total - Leadership (≥ managers) –
Men
%
56%
55%
1 p.p.
57%
(1 p.p.)
Leadership (≥ managers) 5 –
total
no.
120
144
(17%)
124
(3%)
Academic staff – Women
%
17%
18%
(1 p.p.)
15%
2 p.p.
Academic staff – Men
%
83%
83%
0 p.p.
85%
(2 p.p.)
Academic staff 6 - total
no.
78
80
(3%)
75
4%
Administrative/Operational –
Women
%
53%
55%
(2 p.p.)
54%
(1 p.p.)
Administrative/Operational –
Male
%
47%
45%
2 p.p.
46%
1 p.p.
Administrative/Operational 7 -
total
no.
1,226
1,564
(22%)
1,229
(0%)
Employees – Women
%
50%
53%
(3 p.p.)
51%
(1 p.p.)
Employees – Men
%
50%
47%
3 p.p.
49%
1 p.p.
Employees - total
no.
1,433
1,795
(20%)
1,435
(0%)
Continuing our Diversity and Inclusion actions, in July we held
a dialogue with our LGBTQIAPN+ people to discuss their experiences
in the job market and in the company. In addition, we published
communications encouraging self-declaration of sexual orientation
and gender identity, so that more people may feel encouraged to
self-identify. This month, we also promoted and encouraged our
professionals to take the Ethnic-Racial Diversity course at the
Corporate University.
In September 2024, we celebrated the Month of People with
Disabilities with a live event involving our professionals with
disabilities. This initiative also promoted the UniCo course on
Inclusion of People with Disabilities and reinforced the
self-declaration campaign.
Another important highlight of September 2024 is that we became
signatories of the Movement for Racial Equity (MOVER), a non-profit
association made up of more than 50 companies that together employ
more than 1.3 million workers. The movement works collaboratively
to ensure that Black people have access to more opportunities in
the job market.
Social impact* 8
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
2S2024
2S2023
1S2024
4, 10
-
Scholars of the Somos Futuro
Program
no.
213
232
195
* 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, 213
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
3Q2024
3Q2023
% HA
2Q2024
% HA
3
403-5, 403-9
Units covered by the Risk
Management Program (PGR)
%
100%
100%
0 p.p.
100%
0 p.p.
Trained employees
no.
214
781
(73%)
221
(3%)
Average hours of training per
employee 9
no.
2.07
1.25
66%
3.00
(31%)
Injury frequency 10
rate
1.16
4.58
(75%)
1.09
6%
High-consequence injuries
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
Recordable work-related injuries
11
rate
-
-
0%
-
0%
Fatalities resulted from
work-related injuries
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
Fatalities 12
rate
-
-
0%
-
0%
The difference in employees trained between 3Q24 and 3Q23 is due
to the fact that in May 2023 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.
During the period, the main accidents involving employees
occurred in internal circulation areas, resulting in falls on
staircases, as well as accidents in administrative areas and
laboratories involving furniture. Workplace inspections were
carried out to identify risk situations and implement preventive
plans.
In 3Q24, we promoted health actions, events, and lives,
including the "Momento Espaço Saúde" in the offices and blood
donation campaigns. We sent out a notice advising employees and
students on how to act in emergency situations. We also publicized
the procedure for the Mental Health Day and made Mental Health
training available at the Corporate University for all employees.
Additionally, we held SIPAT (Internal Week for the Prevention of
Accidents at Work) at the Distribution Center in São José dos
Campos.
GOVERNANCE
Diversity in the Board of Directors
(gender)
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2024
3Q2023
% HA
2Q2024
% HA
5
405-1
Members
no.
7
7
0%
7
0%
Women
%
29%
29%
0 p.p.
29%
0 p.p.
Ethical conduct
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2024
3Q2023
% HA
2Q2024
% HA
16
2-25
Cases recorded in our
Confidential Ethics Hotline 13
no.
5
20
(75%)
21
(76%)
10
406-1
Grievances regarding
discrimination received through our Confidential Ethics Hotline
13
no.
-
1
(100%)
2
(100%)
Confirmed incidents of
discrimination 13
no.
-
-
0%
-
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.
This quarter, the number of cases recorded in our Confidential
Channel was lower than in 3Q23 and 2Q24, due to the vacation period
for our students. In addition, we continue to work hard to increase
awareness around the Cogna Confidential Channel, encouraging the
reporting of any situation related to discrimination, harassment,
and deviations from the Code of Conduct.
Compliance*
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2024
3Q2023
% HA
2Q2024
% 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
3Q2024
3Q2023
% HA
2Q2024
% HA
16
418-1
External complaints substantiated
by the organization
no.
4
4
0%
3
33%
Complaints received from
regulatory agencies or similar official bodies
no.
-
-
(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.
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 third quarter 2024 results on November 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 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
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
96,162
95,864
Marketable securities
258,945
245,942
Trade receivables
477,125
697,512
Inventories
334,815
300,509
Taxes recoverable
20,122
19,041
Income tax and social contribution
recoverable
13,477
16,841
Prepayments
84,801
71,870
Other receivables
1,528
2,085
Related parties – other receivables
10,520
7,157
Total current assets
1,297,495
1,456,821
Non-current assets
Judicial deposits
224,210
207,188
Deferred income tax and social
contribution
253,834
205,453
Equity accounted investees
54,765
64,484
Other investments and interests in
entities
9,879
9,879
Property, plant and equipment
155,406
151,492
Intangible assets and goodwill
5,205,092
5,307,563
Total non-current assets
5,903,186
5,946,059
Total Assets
7,200,681
7,402,880
Consolidated Statements of
Financial Position (continued)
Liabilities
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Current liabilities
Bonds
267,471
541,763
Suppliers
141,840
221,291
Reverse factoring
274,239
263,948
Lease liabilities
19,145
17,078
Income tax and social contribution
payable
1,005
-
Salaries and social contributions
93,006
104,406
Taxes payable
5,778
7,821
Contractual obligations and deferred
income
9,666
32,815
Accounts payable for business combination
and acquisition of associates
209,934
216,728
Other liabilities
26,296
26,382
Other liabilities - related parties
24,174
15,060
Total current liabilities
1,072,554
1,447,292
Non-current liabilities
Bonds
497,222
250,000
Lease liabilities
92,809
79,579
Accounts payable for business combination
and acquisition of associates
420,333
397,392
Provision for tax, civil and labor
losses
731,637
697,990
Other liabilities
2,313
9,836
Total non-current liabilities
1,744,314
1,434,797
Total current and non-current
liabilities
2,816,868
2,882,089
Shareholder's Equity
Share capital
4,820,815
4,820,815
Capital reserve
90,079
89,627
Treasury shares
(75,457)
(59,525)
Accumulated losses
(452,551)
(331,559)
Total Shareholder's Equity
4,382,886
4,519,358
Interest of non-controlling
shareholders
927
1,433
Total Shareholder's Equity
4,383,813
4,520,791
Total Liabilities and Shareholder's
Equity
7,200,681
7,402,880
Consolidated Income
Statement
July 01 to September
30,
2024
July 01 to September
30,
2023
September 30,
2024
September 30,
2023
Net revenue from sales and
services
220,193
257,933
975,261
932,164
Sales
200,832
242,242
915,810
896,135
Services
19,361
15,691
59,451
36,029
Cost of goods sold and services
(81,184)
(101,161)
(352,034)
(375,464)
Gross profit
139,009
156,772
623,227
556,700
Operating income (expenses)
(191,923)
(195,379)
(623,425)
(590,570)
General and administrative expenses
(120,689)
(124,500)
(383,500)
(369,872)
Commercial expenses
(63,652)
(63,044)
(210,490)
(178,968)
Impairment losses on trade receivables
(7,845)
(15,369)
(31,199)
(26,777)
Other operating income
379
7,534
2,381
18,015
Other operating expenses
(116)
-
(617)
(32,968)
Share of loss equity-accounted
investees
(2,691)
(2,878)
(9,719)
(5,532)
Loss before finance result and
taxes
(55,605)
(41,485)
(9,917)
(39,402)
Finance result
Finance income
16,836
19,511
46,566
53,612
Finance costs
(71,483)
(74,966)
(205,267)
(233,536)
Loss before income tax and social
contribution
(110,252)
(96,940)
(168,618)
(219,326)
Income tax and social
contribution
Current
415
(4,762)
(1,375)
(2,299)
Deferred
32,697
39,591
48,624
78,679
33,112
34,829
47,249
76,380
Loss for the period
(77,140)
(62,111)
(121,369)
(142,946)
Allocated to:
Controlling shareholders
(77,142)
(62,389)
(120,992)
(143,896)
Non-controlling shareholders
2
278
(377)
950
Consolidated Statement of Cash
Flows
September 30,
2024
2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
Loss before income tax and social
contribution
(168,618)
(219,326)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortization
217,857
205,948
Share of loss profit of equity-accounted
investees
9,719
5,532
Impairment losses on trade receivables
31,199
26,777
Provision (reversal) for tax, civil and
labor losses, net
222
(10,190)
Provision on accounts payable for business
combination
-
23,562
Interest on provision for tax, civil and
labor losses
34,607
41,313
Interest on bonds
72,781
91,361
Contractual obligations and right to
returned goods
(18,480)
(38,080)
Interest on accounts payable for business
combination and acquisition of associates
46,442
52,100
Interest on suppliers
32,331
26,196
Share-based payment expense
7,051
14,335
Interest on lease liabilities
8,467
10,144
Interest from financial investments and
marketable securities
(19,924)
(31,065)
Cancellations of right-of-use
contracts
(1,951)
(2,480)
Residual value of disposals of property
and equipment and intangible assets
1,256
639
252,959
196,766
Changes in
Trade receivables
189,188
150,983
Inventories
(34,306)
(59,186)
Prepayments
(12,931)
(27,551)
Taxes recoverable
1,151
(4,505)
Judicial deposits and escrow accounts
(16,938)
(7,025)
Other receivables
557
(1,072)
Related parties – other receivables
(3,363)
1,759
Suppliers
(101,491)
78,271
Salaries and social charges
(11,400)
8,556
Tax payable
(1,039)
969
Contractual obligations and deferred
income
(4,669)
(14,236)
Other liabilities
(7,739)
(20,452)
Other liabilities - related parties
9,115
(54)
Cash from operating activities
259,094
303,223
Payment of interest on leases
(8,298)
(10,136)
Payment of interest on bonds
(95,478)
(118,901)
Payment of interest on business
combinations
(3,145)
(8,096)
Income tax and social contribution
paid
-
(944)
Payment of provision for tax, civil and
labor losses
(1,265)
(1,247)
Net cash from operating
activities
150,908
163,899
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of property and equipment
(13,309)
(18,247)
Additions of intangible assets
(76,075)
(61,425)
Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash
acquired
-
(3,212)
Proceeds from investment in marketable
securities
(729,560)
(937,409)
Purchase of investment in marketable
securities
736,481
1,087,724
Net cash used in investing
activities
(82,463)
67,431
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
Repurchase shares on treasury
(22,531)
(5,783)
Payments of loans from related parties
-
(50,885)
Lease liabilities paid
(14,093)
(22,541)
Payments of bonds
(500,000)
-
Issuance of securities with related
parties
495,627
-
Payments of accounts payable for business
combination
(27,150)
(91,129)
Net cash used in financing
activities
(68,147)
(170,338)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS
298
60,992
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
95,864
45,765
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period
96,162
106,757
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS
298
60,992
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241107130407/en/
Investor Relations ir@vastaplatform.com
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