Vasta Platform Limited (NASDAQ: VSTA) – “Vasta” or the
“Company” announces today its financial and operating results for
the third quarter of 2023 (3Q23) ended September 30, 2023.
Financial results are expressed in Brazilian Reais and are
presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Vasta’s accumulated subscription revenue during the 2023 sales
cycle (from 4Q22 to 3Q23) totaled R$1,207 million, a 18% increase
compared to the previous year (or 22%, excluding textbook
subscription products (PAR)). In the third quarter, subscription
revenue totaled R$194 million, a 15% increase compared to the
previous year (or 20%, excluding PAR).
- In the 2023 sales cycle (4Q22 and 3Q23) net revenue increased
24% to R$1,437 million, mostly due to the conversion of 2023 ACV
into revenue and due to the performance of the Non-subscription
products and B2G. In the third quarter, net revenue totaled R$258
million, a 36.7% increase compared to the previous year.
- 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$40.7 million in
revenues in the third quarter of 2023 and R$ 81.2 million in
revenues in the 2023 sales cycle.
- In the 2023 sales cycle Adjusted EBITDA grew by 23%, reaching
R$411 million. EBITDA margin remained stable compared to the same
period in the previous year, with a slight decrease of 40 bps, from
29.0% to 28.6%, mainly due to higher inventory cost caused by
rising inflation on paper and production cost and a provision for
doubtful accounts (PDA) made in the 4Q22 in connection with a large
retailer that entered into bankruptcy proceeding in Brazil. Those
increases were offset by operating efficiency gains, cost savings
and better mix due to subscription products growth.
- Adjusted Net Profit in the 2023 sales cycle totaled R$36
million, an 83% increase compared to Adjusted Net Profit of R$20
million for the 2022 sales cycle.
- In the 2023 sales cycle, Free cash flow (FCF) totaled R$145
million, a 167% increase from R$55 million in the 2022 sales cycle.
In 3Q23 FCF totaled R$58 million, a 242% increase from R$17 million
in 3Q22. The last twelve-month (LTM) FCF/Adjusted EBITDA conversion
rate improved from 16% (4Q21-3Q22) to 35% (4Q22-3Q23) as a result
of company growth and constant efficiency pursuance.
MESSAGE FROM MANAGEMENT
In the third quarter, we concluded the 2023 sales cycle (4Q22 to
3Q23) and subscription revenue has reached R$1,207 million, a 18%
increase over the 2022 sales cycle (from 4Q21 to 3Q22) or 22%,
excluding textbook subscription products (PAR). Our ACV conversion
was 98.1% for 2023, in comparison to an ACV conversion of 102.4%
for 2022. For context, in the dynamic landscape of ACV-to-Revenue
conversion, fluctuations around 2p.p. in either direction are
considered normal by us. Such fluctuations are usually driven by
slight differences in number of students per school and product
mix.
In the 2023 sales cycle, our net revenue grew 24%, to R$1,437
million. Notably, our Complementary Solutions continues to stand
out as the highest growth rate among our business segments, with a
42% increase in the current cycle compared to the 2022 sales
cycle.
Moreover, the company’s cash flow generation was one of the main
highlights of the 2023 sales cycle. In the 2023 sales cycle, FCF
totaled R$145 million an 167% increase from R$55 million in the
2022 sales cycle. In 3Q23 Free cash flow (FCF) totaled R$58
million, a 242% increase from R$17 million in 3Q22. The last
twelve-month (LTM) FCF/Adjusted EBITDA conversion rate improved
from 16% (4Q21-3Q22) to 35% (4Q22-3Q23). This progress is the
result of our company's growth and commitment to operational
efficiency.
The normalization of the company’s profitability was another
highlight of the 2023 sales cycle. Adjusted EBITDA was R$39 million
in 3Q23 compared to R$23 million in the same quarter of the
previous year and in the 2023 sales cycle Adjusted EBITDA grew by
23%, reaching R$411 million. Despite the higher inventory costs in
2023, caused by rising global inflation and production costs,
combined with the provision for doubtful accounts (PDA) made in the
4Q22 in connection with the bankruptcy proceedings of a large
retailer in Brazil, such cost increases were offset by operating
efficiency gains, other cost savings and a better mix owing to
subscription products growth, which led to a stable EBITDA margin
compared to the same period in the previous year, with a slight
decrease of 40 bps, from 29.0% to 28.6%.
During the year, we have announced that Vasta made a significant
stride by extending its product and service offerings to the
Brazilian public sector (B2G). Our diverse portfolio, which
includes core content solutions, a digital platform, and
complementary products, along with proven custom learning solutions
previously tested in the private sector, are now accessible to K-12
public schools. With the B2G sector, we generated R$40.7 million in
revenues in the third quarter of 2023 and R$ 81.2 million in
revenues in the 2023 sales cycle. This expansion into the public
sector marks a momentous opportunity for Vasta, allowing us to
contribute to advance education in Brazil while creating new
revenue streams. We are excited about the possibilities this
development presents and are committed to delivering high-quality
educational solutions that meet the unique needs of the public
sector.
In relation to the bottom line, Adjusted Net Profit in the 2023
sales cycle totaled R$36 million, an increase of 83% compared to
the 2022 sales cycle when Adjusted Net Profit totaled R$20 million.
We remain focused on optimizing our operations and pursuing
strategic opportunities to enhance our financial performance. Our
commitment to delivering value to our customers and shareholders
remains unwavering.
Finally, since 2022, we have dedicated a section of our earnings
release for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters,
including a panel of key indicators that has been updated on a
quarterly basis, reinforcing our commitment to the highest ESG
standards.
OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Student base – subscription
models
2023
2022
% Y/Y
2021
% Y/Y
Partner schools - Core
content
5,032
5,274
(4.6%)
4,508
17.0%
Partner schools – Complementary
solutions
1,383
1,304
6.1%
1,114
17.1%
Students - Core content
1,539,024
1,589,224
(3.2%)
1,335,152
19.0%
Students - Complementary
content
453,552
372,559
21.7%
307,941
21.0%
Note: Students enrolled in partner
schools
In the 2023 sales cycle, Vasta served nearly 1.5 million
students with core content solutions. Aligned with the company´s
strategy to focus on improving our client base in 2023 through a
more diversified mix of schools and growth in premium education
systems (Anglo, PH and Fibonacci), brands with a higher average
ticket, lower defaults, greater adoption of complementary solutions
and longer-term relationships. On the other hand, the reduction of
our client base was concentrated on the low-end segment and PAR
(paper-based), which have higher number of students on average, and
a lower margin. Average ticket price of schools that remain in our
client base in 2023 is 11% higher than that of schools that are no
longer our clients.
The partners-school base that uses our complementary solutions
increased by 79 new schools, growing 6% in the number of students
served compared to the previous cycle.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Net revenue
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q23
3Q22
% Y/Y
2023 sales cycle
2022 sales cycle
% Y/Y
Subscription
194,841
169,609
14.9%
1,207,155
1,024,051
17.9%
Subscription ex-PAR
184,278
153,574
20.0%
1,095,141
897,986
22.0%
Traditional learning systems
180,044
148,843
21.0%
937,344
787,217
19.1%
Complementary solutions
4,234
4,731
(10.5%)
157,797
110,769
42.46%
PAR
10,563
16,035
(34.1%)
112,014
126,065
(11.1%)
B2G
40,747
-
0.0%
81,199
-
0.0%
Non-subscription
22,346
19,115
16.9%
148,829
133,469
11.5%
Total net revenue
257,933
188,724
36.7%
1,437,183
1,157,520
24.2%
% ACV
15.8%
17.0%
(1.1 p.p.)
98.1%
102.4%
(4.3 p.p.)
% Subscription
75.5%
89.9%
(14.3 p.p.)
84.0%
88.5%
(4.5 p.p.)
Note: n.m.: not meaningful
In the 2023 sales cycle, net revenue increased 24.2% to R$1,437
million, mostly due to the conversion of 2023 ACV into revenue and
due to the performance of the Non-subscription products and B2G. In
the third quarter, net revenue totaled R$258 million, a 36.7%
increase compared to the prior year. In the third quarter of 2023
we generated R$40.7 million in revenues with the B2G sector.
In the third quarter, we concluded the 2023 sales cycle (4Q22 to
3Q23) and Vasta’s accumulated subscription revenue during the 2023
sales cycle totaled R$1,207 million, a 18% increase compared to the
previous year (or 22%, excluding textbook subscription products
(PAR)).
Our ACV conversion was 98.1% for 2023, in comparison to an ACV
conversion of 102.4% for 2022. For context, in the dynamic
landscape of ACV-to-Revenue conversion, fluctuations around 2p.p.
in either direction are considered normal by us. Such fluctuations
are usually driven by slight differences in number of students per
school and product mix. In the third quarter, subscription revenue
totaled R$194 million, a 15% increase compared to the previous year
(or 20%, excluding PAR).
EBITDA
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q23
3Q22
% Y/Y
2023 sales cycle
2022 sales cycle
% Y/Y
Net revenue
257,933
188,724
36.7%
1,437,183
1,157,521
24.2%
Cost of goods sold and services
(101,161)
(91,855)
10.1%
(547,541)
(436,977)
25.3%
General and administrative expenses
(124,500)
(98,511)
26.4%
(489,760)
(477,809)
2.5%
Commercial expenses
(63,044)
(48,917)
28.9%
(229,173)
(189,238)
21.1%
Other operating (expenses) income
7,534
1,301
479.1%
(16,874)
6,293
(368.1%)
Share of loss equity-accounted
investees
(2,878)
(2,150)
33.9%
(7,894)
(2,150)
267.2%
Impairment losses on trade receivables
(15,369)
(4,692)
227.6%
(55,550)
(27,859)
99.4%
Profit before financial income and
taxes
(41,485)
(56,100)
(26.1%)
90,391
29,782
203.5%
(+) Depreciation and amortization
70,587
66,953
5.4%
275,791
260,498
5.9%
EBITDA
29,102
10,853
168.1%
366,182
290,280
26.1%
EBITDA Margin
11.3%
5.8%
5.5 p.p.
25.5%
25.1%
0.4 p.p.
(+) Layoff related to internal
restructuring
115
869
(86.8%)
1,297
12,126
(89.3%)
(+) Share-based compensation plan
9,755
11,172
(12.7%)
20,369
33,376
(39.0%)
(+) M&A adjusting expenses
-
-
n.m.
23,562
-
n.m.
Adjusted EBITDA
38,972
22,894
70.2%
411,411
335,782
22.5%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
15.1%
12.1%
3.0 p.p.
28.6%
29.0%
(0.4 p.p.)
Note: n.m.: not meaningful
In the 2023 sales cycle Adjusted EBITDA grew by 23%, reaching
R$411 million. EBITDA margin remained stable compared to the same
period in the previous year, with a slight decrease of 40 bps, from
29.0% to 28.6%, mainly due to higher inventory cost caused by
rising inflation and production costs, combined with the provision
for doubtful accounts (PDA) made in the 4Q22 in connection with the
bankruptcy proceedings of a large retailer in Brazil. Those
increases were offset by operating efficiency gains, cost savings
and better mix due to subscription products growth.
In 2Q22, Vasta acquired a 45% minority stake in Educbank Gestão
de Pagamentos Educacionais S.A. (“Educbank”), which registered a
loss in equity-accounted investees in the amount of R$7.9 million
in the 2023 sales cycle, mainly due to the performance of our
equity-accounted investee in its early stage of operation.
The M&A adjusting expenses in the 2023 sales cycle were
impacted by the one-off effect of a price adjustment calculation
based on earn-outs and net debt.
(%) Net Revenue
3Q23
3Q22
Y/Y (p.p.)
2023 sales cycle
2022 sales cycle
Y/Y (p.p.)
Gross margin
60.8%
51.3%
9.5 p.p.
61.9%
62.2%
(0.3 p.p.)
Adjusted cash G&A expenses(1)
(15.3%)
(10.8%)
(4.5 p.p.)
(13.5%)
(14.5%)
1.0 p.p.
Commercial expenses
(24.4%)
(25.9%)
1.5 p.p.
(15.9%)
(16.3%)
0.4 p.p.
Impairment on trade receivables
(6.0%)
(2.5%)
(3.5 p.p.)
(3.9%)
(2.4%)
(1.5 p.p.)
Adjusted EBITDA margin
15.1%
12.1%
3.0 p.p.
28.6%
29.0%
(0.4 p.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 dropped 30 bps in the
2023 sales cycle (from 62.2% to 61.9%) mainly due to higher
inventory cost caused by rising inflation on paper and production
costs while Adjusted cash G&A expenses and Commercial expenses
reduced by 100 bps and 40 bps respectively, due to gains in
operating efficiency, workforce optimization, cost savings and a
sales mix that benefited from the growth of subscription
products.
Reported provisions for doubtful accounts (PDA) grew 150 bps
between the compared sales cycles. This increase in PDA is impacted
due to the provisioning of 100% of accounts receivable from a large
Brazilian retail company undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, in the
amount of R$9 million in the 2023 sales cycle. Furthermore, this
change in PDA is also influenced by the credit landscape, primarily
among schools outside the premium brands segment. This has demanded
a conservative approach to risk management and credit allocation,
aligning our financial strategy with the prevailing market
conditions and potential credit challenges. All factors considered,
the participation of PDA in relation to Vasta's Net Revenue
increased to 3.9% in the 2023 sales cycle compared to 2.4% in 2022
sales cycle.
Finance Results
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q23
3Q22
% Y/Y
2023 sales cycle
2022 sales cycle
% Y/Y
Finance income
19,511
19,174
1.8%
85,831
70,186
22.3%
Finance costs
(74,966)
(68,426)
9.6%
(307,569)
(247,300)
24.4%
Total
(55,455)
(49,252)
12.6%
(221,738)
(177,114)
25.2%
In the third quarter of 2023, finance income totaled R$19.5
million, compared to R$19.2 million in 3Q22, representing a slight
increase of 1.8% mainly due to interest on accounts receivable
partially offset by lower interest on market securities. During the
2023 sales cycle, finance income has increased by 22% to R$85
million, mainly due to the impact of higher interest rates on
financial investments and marketable securities. Additionally,
finance income in the 2023 sales cycle includes a gain of R$10
million recorded in 4Q22, resulting from the reversal of interest
on tax contingencies.
Finance costs increased by 9.6% (quarter-on-quarter) in 3Q23,
amounting to R$75 million. In the 2023 sales cycle, finance costs
have risen by 24.4% to reach R$307.6 million. This increase is
driven by higher interest rates applicable to bonds and financings,
accounts payable on business combinations, and provisions for tax,
civil, and labor losses.
Net profit (loss)
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q23
3Q22
% Y/Y
2023 sales cycle
2022 sales cycle
% Y/Y
Net (loss) profit
(62,111)
(75,994)
(18.3%)
(67,053)
(110,684)
(39.4%)
(+) Layoffs related to internal
restructuring
115
869
(86.8%)
1,297
12,126
(89.3%)
(+) Share-based compensation
plan
9,755
11,172
(12.7%)
20,369
33,376
(39.0%)
(+) Amortization of intangible
assets(1)
38,940
38,778
0.4%
156,313
152,205
2.7%
(-) Income tax contingencies
reversal
-
-
n.m.
(29,715)
-
n.m.
(+) M&A adjusting
expenses
-
-
n.m.
23,562
-
n.m.
(-) Tax shield(2)
(16,595)
(17,278)
(4.0%)
(68,524)
(67,220)
1.9%
Adjusted net (loss) profit
(29,896)
(42,454)
(29.6%)
36,249
19,803
83.0%
Adjusted net margin
(11.6%)
(22.5%)
10.9 p.p.
2.5%
1.7%
0.8 p.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 third quarter of 2023, adjusted net loss totaled R$29
million, a 29.6% increase compared to adjusted net loss of R$42
million in 3Q22. As for the 2023 sales cycle, adjusted net profit
totaled R$36 million, reflecting an 83% increase from an adjusted
net profit of R$19 million in the 2022 sales cycle.
The gain related to the reversal of tax contingencies was
recorded in 4Q22 impacting corporate tax and finance results. On
the other hand, the M&A adjusting expenses occurred in 2Q23 was
adjusted as it relates to a one-off effect of a price adjustment
calculation based on earn-outs and net debt.
Accounts receivable and
PDA
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q23
3Q22
% Y/Y
2Q23
% Q/Q
Gross accounts receivable
545,972
378,587
44.2%
632,151
(13.6%)
Provision for doubtful accounts (PDA)
(73,390)
(49,250)
49.0%
(64,870)
13.1%
Coverage index
13.4%
13.0%
0.4 p.p.
10.3%
3.2 p.p.
Net accounts receivable
472,582
329,337
43.5%
567,281
(16.7%)
Average days of accounts receivable(1)
118
102
16
149
(31)
(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 118 days in the 3Q23 which represents 31 days lower
than the second quarter of 2023 and 16 days higher than the third
quarter of the previous year.
Free cash flow
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q23
3Q22
% Y/Y
2023 sales cycle
2022 sales cycle
% Y/Y
Cash from operating activities(1)
102,532
61,814
65.9%
330,989
247,762
33.6%
(-) Income tax and social contribution
paid
(279)
(1,247)
(77.6%)
(5,361)
(2,736)
95.9%
(-) Payment of provision for tax, civil
and labor losses
(508)
52
(1077%)
(1,302)
(1,421)
(8.3%)
(-) Interest lease liabilities paid
(3,050)
(3,655)
(16.6%)
(14,264)
(13,941)
2.3%
(-) Acquisition of property, plant, and
equipment
(8,899)
(2,374)
274.9%
(28,788)
(62,060)
(53.6%)
(-) Additions of intangible assets
(22,913)
(30,892)
(25.8%)
(106,696)
(85,934)
24.2%
(-) Lease liabilities paid
(8,623)
(6,682)
29.0%
(29,135)
(27,099)
7.5%
Free cash flow (FCF)
58,260
17,016
242.4%
145,444
54,573
166.5%
FCF/Adjusted EBITDA
149.5%
74.3%
75.2 p.p.
35.4%
16.3%
19.1 p.p.
LTM FCF/Adjusted EBITDA
35.4%
16.3%
19.1 p.p.
35.4%
16.3%
19.1 p.p.
(1) Net (loss) profit less non-cash items
less and changes in working capital. Note: n.m.: not meaningful
In the 2023 sales cycle, FCF totaled R$145 million an 167%
increase from R$55 million in the 2022 sales cycle. In 3Q23 Free
cash flow (FCF) totaled R$58 million, a 242% increase from R$17
million in 3Q22. The last twelve-month (LTM) FCF/Adjusted EBITDA
conversion rate improved from 16% (4Q21-3Q22) to 35%
(4Q22-3Q23).
Financial leverage
Values in R$ ‘000
3Q23
2Q23
1Q23
4Q22
3Q22
Financial debt
765,350
846,443
815,927
842,996
811,612
Accounts payable from business
combinations
601,171
591,620
599,713
625,277
647,466
Total debt
1,366,521
1,438,063
1,415,640
1,468,273
1,459,078
Cash and cash equivalents
106,757
38,268
42,680
45,765
44,343
Marketable securities
261,264
385,002
331,110
380,516
433,803
Net debt
998,500
1,014,793
1,041,850
1,041,992
980,932
Net debt/LTM adjusted EBITDA(1)
2.43
2.57
2.85
2.78
2.92
(1) LTM adjusted EBITDA includes Eleva.
Eleva’s LTM adjusted EBITDA prior to November 2021 may not reflect
Vasta’s accounting standards.
As of the end of 3Q23, Vasta recorded net debt in the amount of
R$998 million, a reduction of R$16 million to the net debt position
of 2Q23. The positive cash flow generated in the period helped
surpass the negative impacts of interest rates and payments
relating to our share buyback program. The net debt/LTM adjusted
EBITDA of 2.43x as of 3Q23 is 0.14x lower than 2Q23 and 0.49x lower
than 3Q22.
In comparison to 3Q22, the net debt position increased by R$18
million, due to the impact of higher interest rates and investments
made in the minority-stake acquisitions of Educbank (in July 2022)
both of which were partially offset our positive cash flow
generated in the period.
ESG
Sustainability Report
In the third quarter, 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/
In line with the topics identified in the materiality process,
every quarter we present Vasta's most material indicators:
Key Indicators
ENVIRONMENT
Water withdrawal2
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2023
3Q20223
% Y/Y
2Q2023
% Q/Q
3, 11, 12
303-3
Total water withdrawal
m³
5,290
3,565
48%
4,654
13.7%
Municipal water supply1
%
100%
4%
96 p.p.
100%
0 p.p.
Groundwater
%
0%
96%
(96 p.p.)
0%
0 p.p.
Energy consumption within the
organization2
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2023
3Q20223
% Y/Y
2Q2023
% Q/Q
12, 13
302-1
Total energy consumption
GJ
1,845
1,523
21%
2,909
-36.6%
Energy from renewable
sources2
%
59%
98%
(39 p.p.)
62%
(3 p.p.)
The decrease in groundwater consumption is due to the closure of
our Distribution Center's well located in São José dos Campos,
prompted by possible contamination from adjacent land which housed
a factory. In the third quarter, the operations of the Anglo
Tamandaré unit were closed in view of the inauguration of the Anglo
Paulista unit, which was under construction during the first
semester. The building features modernized facilities and provides
greater mobility for the students.
SOCIAL
Diversity in workforce by employee
category
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2023
3Q2022
% Y/Y
2Q2023
% Q/Q
5
405-1
C-level – Women
%
29%
25%
4 p.p.
29%
0 p.p.
C-level – Men
%
71%
75%
(4 p.p.)
71%
0 p.p.
C-level- total4
no.
7
4
75%
7
0.0%
Leadership (≥ managers) –
Women
%
45%
48%
(3 p.p.)
47%
(2 p.p.)
Total - Leadership (≥ managers) –
Men
%
55%
52%
3 p.p.
53%
2 p.p.
Leadership (≥ managers) 5 –
total
no.
144
134
7%
139
3.6%
Academic staff – Women
%
18%
20%
(2 p.p.)
18%
0 p.p.
Academic staff – Men
%
83%
80%
3 p.p.
82%
1 p.p.
Academic staff 6 - total
no.
80
84
-5%
82
-2.4%
Administrative/Operational –
Women
%
55%
57%
(2 p.p.)
56%
(1 p.p.)
Administrative/Operational –
Male
%
45%
43%
2 p.p.
44%
1 p.p.
Administrative/Operational 7 -
total
no.
1,564
1,539
2%
1,524
2.6%
Employees – Women
%
53%
54%
(1 p.p.)
53%
0 p.p.
Employees – Men
%
47%
46%
1 p.p.
47%
0 p.p.
Employees - total
no.
1,795
1,761
2%
1,752
2.5%
Social impact* 8
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
1S2023
1S2022
2S2022
4, 10
-
Scholars of the Somos Futuro
Program
no.
236
371
247
* 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 the second quarter,
236 young people were studying through the program receiving
didactic and teaching 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.
The difference between the figures for 2022 and 2023 is due to
the number of students who graduated in 2022 being greater than the
number of students who entered the cycle in 2023.
Health and Safety
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2023
3Q2022
% Y/Y
2Q2023
% Q/Q
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.
781
346
126%
729
7.1%
Average hours of training per
employee 9
no.
1.25
1.08
16%
1
64%
Injury frequency 10
rate
4.58
4.06
13%
1.88
144%
High-consequence injuries
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
Recordable work-related injuries
11
rate
-
3.04
-100%
0.94
-100%
Fatalities resulted from
work-related injuries
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
Fatalities 12
rate
-
-
0%
-
0%
The main causes of work-related injuries were impacts suffered
in internal and external circulation areas causing abrasions,
contusions, and sprains.
The increase in the volume of health and safety training hours
per participant in the quarter is related to the increase in fire
brigade training during that period, which has a longer duration in
compliance with municipal regulations.
GOVERNANCE
Diversity in the Board of Directors
(gender)
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2023
3Q2022
% Y/Y
2Q2023
% Q/Q
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
3Q2023
3Q2022
% Y/Y
2Q2023
% Q/Q
16
2-25
Cases recorded in our
Confidential Ethics Hotline 13
no.
20
ND
n.m
14
43%
10
406-1
Grievances regarding
discrimination received through our Confidential Ethics Hotline
13
no.
1
ND
n.m
-
0%
Confirmed incidents of
discrimination 13
no.
-
ND
n.m
-
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%
In the third quarter, we continued the Company leadership
literacy and engagement program by conducting a workshop on
discrimination, workplace harassment, and sexual harassment, which
was initiated in the second quarter. The workshop presents the
topic through concepts and practical examples and reinforces the
existence of the Confidential Channel for reporting any situation
related to discrimination, harassment, and violations of the Code
of Conduct. It also emphasizes the guarantee of confidentiality and
provides detailed information about the investigation process for
received complaints.
Compliance*
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2023
3Q2022
% Y/Y
2Q2023
% Q/Q
16
307-1, 419-1
Fines for social and economic
noncompliance
R$ thousand
-
-
0%
-
0%
Non-financial sanctions for
social and economic non-compliance
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
Fines for environmental
noncompliance
R$ thousand
-
-
0%
-
0%
Non-financial sanctions for
environmental non-compliance
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
* Only cases deemed material, i.e., cases
that harm Vasta's image, that lead to a halt in operations, or
where the amounts involved are over R$1 million.
We did not record significant sanctions or fines related to
economic and social issues, except for the normal course of
business.
Customer data privacy
SDGs
GRI
Disclosure
Unit
3Q2023
3Q2022
% Y/Y
2Q2023
% Q/Q
16
418-1
External complaints substantiated
by the organization
no.
4
20
-80%
6
-33%
Complaints received from
regulatory agencies or similar official bodies
no.
-
-
0%
0
0%
Cases identified of leakage,
theft, or loss of customer data
no.
-
-
0%
-
0%
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
The amounts referring to 1Q2022, 2Q2022
and 3Q2022 were equalized in 4Q2022 considering the total amount of
invoices from concessionaires received in the respective quarters –
considering the different closing deadlines for each location
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 2023 results on November 8,
2023, 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.
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.
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 Operating cash flow (OCF) 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 Operating cash flow (OCF) 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
Operating cash flow (OCF) 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
ACV Bookings 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 Bookings 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 Bookings 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 Bookings 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 Bookings. ACV Bookings are 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 Bookings for the respective
sales cycle. Our reported ACV Bookings are 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, 2023
December 31, 2022
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
106,757
45,765
Marketable securities
261,264
380,514
Trade receivables
472,582
649,135
Inventories
313,452
266,450
Taxes recoverable
20,808
19,120
Income tax and social contribution
recoverable
18,904
17,746
Prepayments
84,258
56,645
Other receivables
2,093
972
Related parties – other receivables
-
1,759
Total current assets
1,280,118
1,438,106
Non-current assets
Judicial deposits and escrow accounts
201,433
194,859
Deferred income tax and social
contribution
248,990
170,851
Equity accounted investees
77,607
83,139
Other investments and interests in
entities
9,879
8,272
Property, plant and equipment
180,065
197,688
Intangible assets and goodwill
5,344,283
5,427,676
Total non-current assets
6,062,257
6,082,485
Total Assets
7,342,375
7,520,591
Consolidated Statements of Financial
Position (continued)
Liabilities
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Current liabilities
Bonds
515,350
93,779
Suppliers
239,198
250,647
Reverse factoring
272,609
155,469
Lease liabilities
15,352
23,151
Income tax and social contribution
payable
5,830
5,564
Salaries and social contributions
109,090
100,057
Contractual obligations and deferred
income
8,302
57,852
Accounts payable for business combination
and acquisition of associates
29,932
73,007
Other liabilities
24,802
29,630
Other liabilities - related parties
-
54
Total current liabilities
1,220,465
789,210
Non-current liabilities
Bonds
250,000
749,217
Lease liabilities
107,924
117,412
Accounts payable for business combination
and acquisition of associates
571,239
552,270
Provision for tax, civil and labor
losses
680,649
651,252
Other liabilities
15,180
31,551
Total non-current liabilities
1,624,992
2,101,702
Total current and non-current
liabilities
2,845,457
2,890,912
Shareholder's Equity
Share capital
4,820,815
4,820,815
Capital reserve
89,995
80,531
Treasury shares
(24,792)
(23,880)
Accumulated losses
(391,683)
(247,787)
Total Shareholder's Equity
4,494,335
4,629,679
Interest of non-controlling
shareholders
2,583
-
Total Shareholder's Equity
4,496,918
4,629,679
Total Liabilities and Shareholder's
Equity
7,342,375
7,520,591
Consolidated Income Statement
July 01 to September 30,
2023
September 30, 2023
July 01 to September 30,
2022
September 30, 2022
Net revenue from sales and
services
257,933
932,164
188,724
759,261
Sales
242,242
896,135
180,422
732,647
Services
15,691
36,029
8,302
26,614
Cost of goods sold and services
(101,161)
(375,464)
(91,855)
(301,058)
Gross profit
156,772
556,700
96,869
458,203
Operating income (expenses)
(195,379)
(590,570)
(150,819)
(509,766)
General and administrative expenses
(124,500)
(369,872)
(98,511)
(351,738)
Commercial expenses
(63,044)
(178,968)
(48,917)
(143,838)
Other operating income
7,534
18,015
1,301
2,941
Other operating expenses
-
(32,968)
-
-
Impairment losses on trade receivables
(15,369)
(26,777)
(4,692)
(17,131)
Share of loss equity-accounted
investees
(2,878)
(5,532)
(2,150)
(2,150)
(Loss) before finance result and
taxes
(41,485)
(39,402)
(56,100)
(53,713)
Finance result
(55,455)
(179,924)
(49,252)
(139,952)
Finance income
19,511
53,612
19,174
56,339
Finance costs
(74,966)
(233,536)
(68,426)
(196,291)
Loss before income tax and social
contribution
(96,940)
(219,326)
(105,352)
(193,665)
Income tax and social
contribution
34,829
76,380
29,358
63,200
Current
(4,762)
(2,299)
1,946
(11,697)
Deferred
39,591
78,679
27,412
74,897
Loss for the period
(62,111)
(142,946)
(75,994)
(130,465)
Allocated to:
Controlling shareholders
(62,389)
(143,896)
(75,994)
(130,465)
Non-controlling shareholders
278
950
-
-
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the period ended September
30,
2023
2022
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
Loss before income tax and social
contribution
(219,326)
(193,665)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortization
205,948
198,841
Share of loss profit of equity-accounted
investees
5,532
2,150
Impairment losses on trade receivables
26,777
17,131
Reversal for tax, civil and labor losses,
net
(10,190)
(9,151)
Provision on accounts payable for business
combination
23,562
-
Interest on provision for tax, civil and
labor losses
41,313
39,639
Provision for obsolete inventories
19,504
27,896
Interest on bonds
91,361
77,636
Contractual obligations and right to
returned goods
(38,080)
(12,875)
Interest on accounts payable for business
combination
52,100
47,511
Imputed interest on suppliers
26,196
13,730
Bank and collection expense
-
6,056
Other financial expenses and net
interest
-
(15,710)
Share-based payment expense
14,335
16,436
Interest on lease liabilities
10,144
10,799
Interest on marketable securities
(31,065)
(39,709)
Cancellations of right-of-use
contracts
(2,480)
3,393
Write-off disposals of property and
equipment and intangible assets
639
3,718
216,270
193,826
Changes in
Trade receivables
150,983
159,242
Inventories
(78,690)
(31,994)
Prepayments
(27,551)
(14,174)
Taxes recoverable
(4,505)
(20,329)
Judicial deposits and escrow accounts
(7,025)
(9,275)
Other receivables
(1,072)
1,381
Related parties – other receivables
1,759
(509)
Suppliers
78,271
(14,090)
Salaries and social charges
8,556
43,563
Tax payable
969
6,502
Contractual obligations and deferred
income
(14,236)
7,387
Other liabilities
(20,452)
(22,494)
Other liabilities - related parties
(54)
(13,901)
Cash from operating activities
303,223
285,135
Payment of interest on leases
(10,136)
(10,813)
Payment of interest on bonds
(118,901)
(92,722)
Payment of interest on business
combinations
(8,096)
-
Income tax and social contribution
paid
(944)
(2,736)
Payment of provision for tax, civil and
labor losses
(1,247)
(1,308)
Net cash from operating
activities
163,899
177,556
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of property and equipment
(18,247)
(50,602)
Additions of intangible assets
(61,425)
(66,819)
Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash
acquired
(3,212)
(53,686)
Purchase of investment in marketable
securities
(937,409)
(1,087,910)
Proceeds from investment in marketable
securities
1,087,724
860,165
Net cash from (applied in) investing
activities
67,431
(398,852)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
Repurchase shares on treasury
(5,783)
-
Payments of loans from related parties
(50,885)
(254,885)
Lease liabilities paid
(22,541)
(20,409)
Payments of bonds and financing
-
(759)
Issuance of bonds net off issuance
costs
-
250,000
Payments of accounts payable for business
combination
(91,129)
(18,201)
Net cash applied in financing
activities
(170,338)
(44,254)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents
60,992
(265,550)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
45,765
309,893
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period
106,757
44,343
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents
60,992
(265,550)
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231108889630/en/
Investor Relations ir@vastaplatform.com
Vasta Platform (NASDAQ:VSTA)
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