UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of November 2024

 

Commission File Number: 001-39415 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Av. Paulista, 901, 5th Floor

Bela Vista

São Paulo – SP, 01310-100

Brazil
+55 (11) 3047-2655

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

 

Form 20-F

X

  Form 40-F  

 

 

 

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ITEM  
99.1 Press release dated November 7, 2024 – Vasta Platform Limited announces today its financial and operating results for the third quarter of 2024.
99.2 Vasta Platform Limited Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2024, and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

 
 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    Vasta Platform Limited
     
     
      By: /s/ Guilherme Alves Mélega
        Name: Guilherme Alves Mélega
        Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: November 7, 2024

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

 

São Paulo, November 7, 2024 – 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.

 

1 

 

 

 

 

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 expected 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 into 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.

 

2 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

3 

 

 

 

 

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

 

4 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

5 

 

 

 

 

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).

 

6 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

7 

 

 

 

 

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 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.

 

8 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

9 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

10 

 

 

 

 

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%

11 

 

 

 

 

* 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

12 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

CONTACT

 

Investor Relations

ir@vastaplatform.com

 

13 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

14 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

15 

 

 

 

 

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).

 

16 

 

 

 

 

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

17 

 

 

 

 

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

18 

 

 

 

 

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  


 

19 

 

 

 

 

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

 

20 

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

 

 

 

VASTA Platform Limited

 

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

 

 

CONTENT 

 

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024 

  Page
Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023   F-3
Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of profit or loss and other Comprehensive Profit or Loss for the nine-months period ended September 30, 2024 and 2023   F-5
Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the nine-months period ended September 30, 2024 and 2023   F-6
Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine-months period ended September 30, 2024 and 2023   F-7
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements   F-8

 

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023

 

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated 

 

Assets  Note  September 30,  2024  December 31, 2023
Current assets               
Cash and cash equivalents   7    96,162    95,864 
Marketable securities   8    258,945    245,942 
Trade receivables   9    477,125    697,512 
Inventories   10    334,815    300,509 
Prepayments        84,801    71,870 
Taxes recoverable        20,122    19,041 
Income tax and social contribution recoverable        13,477    16,841 
Other receivables        1,528    2,085 
Other receivables - related parties   20    10,520    7,157 
Total current assets        1,297,495    1,456,821 
                
Non-current assets               
Judicial deposits   21.c   224,210    207,188 
Deferred income tax and social contribution  22.b   253,834    205,453 
Equity accounted investees   11    54,765    64,484 
Other investments and interests in entities        9,879    9,879 
Property, plant and equipment   12    155,406    151,492 
Intangible assets and goodwill   13    5,205,092    5,307,563 
Total non-current assets        5,903,186    5,946,059 
                
Total Assets        7,200,681    7,402,880 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 F-3

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023

 

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated

 

Liabilities  Note  September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Current liabilities               
Bonds   14    267,471    541,763 
Suppliers   15    141,840    221,291 
Reverse factoring   15    274,239    263,948 
Lease liabilities   16    19,145    17,078 
Income tax and social contribution payable        1,005    —   
Taxes payable        5,778    7,821 
Contractual obligations and deferred income   17    9,666    32,815 
Accounts payable for business combination and acquisition of associates   18    209,934    216,728 
Salaries and social contributions   19    93,006    104,406 
Other liabilities        26,296    26,382 
Other liabilities - related parties   20    24,174    15,060 
Total current liabilities        1,072,554    1,447,292 
                
Non-current liabilities               
Bonds   14    497,222    250,000 
Lease liabilities   16    92,809    79,579 
Accounts payable for business combination and acquisition of associates   18    420,333    397,392 
Provision for tax, civil and labor losses   21.a   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   23.1    4,820,815    4,820,815 
Capital reserve   23.3    90,079    89,627 
Treasury shares   23.4    (75,457)   (59,525)
Accumulated losses        (452,551)   (331,559)
         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 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 F-4

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Profit or Loss for the nine-months period ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

 

In thousands of R$, except for profit (loss) per share

 

   Note 

July to

September 30, 2024

 

July to

September 30, 2023

 

September 30, 2024

 

September 30, 2023

Net revenue from sales and services   24    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   25    (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   25    (120,689)   (124,500)   (383,500)   (369,872)
Commercial expenses   25    (63,652)   (63,044)   (210,490)   (178,968)
Impairment losses on trade receivables   25    (7,845)   (15,369)   (31,199)   (26,777)
Other operating income   25    379    7,534    2,381    18,015 
Other operating expenses   25    (116)   —      (617)   (32,968)
                          
Share of loss equity-accounted investees   11    (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   26    16,836    19,511    46,566    53,612 
Finance costs   26    (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   22.a   415    (4,762)   (1,375)   (2,299)
Deferred   22.a   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 
                          
Loss per share                         
Basic   23.2              (1.45)   (1.71)
Diluted   23.2              (1.45)   (1.71)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 F-5

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the nine-months period ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

 

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated

 

   Share Capital  Capital Reserve               
   Share Capital  Share issuance costs  Share-based compensation reserve (granted)  Share-based
compensation
reserve (vested)
  Treasury shares  Accumulated losses  Total Shareholders'
Equity
  Non-controlling shareholders  Total Shareholders'
Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2022   4,961,988    (141,173)   46,245    34,286    (23,880)   (247,787)   4,629,679    —      4,629,679 
Loss for the period   —           —      —           (143,896)   (143,896)   950    (142,946)
Share based compensations granted and issued   —      —      14,335    —      —      —      14,335    —      14,335 
Share based compensations vested   —      —      (3,644)   —      3,644    —      —      —      —   
(loss) gain on the sale of treasury shares             (1,227)   —      1,227    —      —      —      —   
Repurchase shares on treasury   —      —      —      —      (5,783)   —      (5,783)   —      (5,783)
Non-controlling shareholders   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      1,633    1,633 
Balance as of September 30, 2023   4,961,988    (141,173)   55,709    34,286    (24,792)   (391,683)   4,494,335    2,583    4,496,918 
                                              
Balance as of December 31, 2023   4,961,988    (141,173)   55,341    34,286    (59,525)   (331,559)   4,519,358    1,433    4,520,791 
Loss for the period   —      —      —      —      —      (120,992)   (120,992)   (377)   (121,369)
Share based compensations granted and issued   —      —      7,051    —      —      —      7,051    —      7,051 
Share based compensations vested   —      —      (6,599)   —      6,599    —      —      —      —   
Repurchase shares on treasury (note 23.4)   —      —      —      —      (22,531)   —      (22,531)   —      (22,531)
Non-controlling shareholders   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (129)   (129)
Balance as of September 30, 2024   4,961,988    (141,173)   55,793    34,286    (75,457)   (452,551)   4,382,886    927    4,383,813 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 F-6

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements for the nine-months period ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

 

In thousands of R$ unless otherwise stated

 

      September 30,
   Notes  2024  2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES               
 Loss before income tax and social contribution        (168,618)   (219,326)
Adjustments for:               
 Depreciation and amortization   12 and 13    217,857    205,948 
 Share of loss profit of equity-accounted investees   11    9,719    5,532 
 Impairment losses on trade receivables   9    31,199    26,777 
 Provision (reversal) for tax, civil and labor losses, net   21.a   222    (10,190)
 Provision on accounts payable for business combination   25    —      23,562 
 Interest on provision for tax, civil and labor losses   21.a   34,607    41,313 
 Interest on bonds   14    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   18    46,442    52,100 
 Interest on suppliers   26    32,331    26,196 
 Share-based payment expense        7,051    14,335 
 Interest on lease liabilities   16    8,467    10,144 
 Interest from financial investments and marketable securities   26    (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   12 and 13    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   16    (8,298)   (10,136)
 Payment of interest on bonds   14    (95,478)   (118,901)
 Payment of interest on business combinations   18    (3,145)   (8,096)
 Income tax and social contribution paid        —      (944)
 Payment of provision for tax, civil and labor losses   21.a   (1,265)   (1,247)
Net cash from operating activities        150,908    163,899 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES               
 Acquisition of property and equipment   12    (13,309)   (18,247)
 Additions of intangible assets   13    (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   23.4    (22,531)   (5,783)
 Payments of loans from related parties        —      (50,885)
 Lease liabilities paid   16    (14,093)   (22,541)
 Payments of bonds   14    (500,000)   —   
 Issuance of securities with related parties   14    495,627    —   
 Payments of accounts payable for business combination   18    (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   7    95,864    45,765 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   7    96,162    106,757 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS        298    60,992 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 F-7

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

(Amounts in thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated)

 

1. The Company and Basis of Presentation

 

1.1. The Company

 

Vasta Platform Limited, together with its subsidiaries (the Company or Group) is a publicly held company incorporated in the Cayman Islands on October 16, 2019, with headquarters in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The Company is a technology-powered education content providing end-to-end educational and digital solutions that cater to all needs of private schools operating in the K-12 educational segment. Vasta’s fiscal year begins on January 1 of each year and ends on December 31 of the same year. 

 

The Company is a subsidiary of Cogna Educação S.A. (Cogna Educação S.A. and its subsidiaries defined as “Cogna Group”), and since July 31, 2020, VASTA Platform Limited. has been a publicly-held company registered with SEC (“The US Securities and Exchange Commission) and its shares are traded on Nasdaq Global Select Market under ticker symbol “VSTA”.

 

2. Basis of accounting

 

These Interim Financial Statements for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, have been prepared in accordance with the IAS 34 – Interim Financial reporting – and should be read in conjunction with the Group’s last annual Consolidated Financial Statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2023 (‘last annual financial statements’). They do not include all the information required for a complete set of financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) standards. However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in the Company’s financial position and performance since the last annual financial statements.

 

The Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2024 are presented in thousands of Brazilian Reais (“R$”), which is the Company functional currency. All financial information presented in R$ has been rounded to the nearest thousands, except as otherwise indicated.

 

(a)Basis of consolidation and investments in other companies

 

   Interest
Company  September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Somos Sistemas de Ensino S.A. (“Somos Sistemas”)   100%   100%
A & R Comercio e Serviços de Informática Ltda. (“Pluri”)   100%   100%
Colégio Anglo São Paulo Ltda. (“Anglo São Paulo”)   100%   100%
Phidelis Tecnologia Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda. (“Phidelis”)   100%   100%
MVP Consultoria e Sistemas Ltda. (“MVP”)   100%   100%
Sociedade Educacional da Lagoa Ltda (“SEL”)   100%   100%
EMME – Produções de Materiais em Multimídia Ltda (“EMME”)   100%   100%
Escola Start Ltda. (“Start”)   51%   51%

 

These Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements were authorized for issue by the Executive Board on November 05, 2024.

 

 F-8

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

3. Use of estimates and judgements

 

In preparing the Interim Financial Statements, Management has made judgements and estimates that affect the application of Company´s accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

 

The significant judgments made by management in applying the Group’s accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those described in the last annual financial statements.

 

Those estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable and relevant under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates are recognized prospectively.

 

In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Company uses market-observable data to the extent it is available. All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole: 

 

Measurement of fair values

 

·Level 1 - Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

·Level 2 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable.

·Level 3 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable.

 

Where Level 1 inputs are not available, if needed, the Company engages third party qualified appraisers to perform the valuation using Level 2 and / or Level 3 inputs. The Company’s management establishes the appropriate valuation techniques and inputs to the model, working closely with the qualified external advisors when they are engaged in such activities. 

 

The valuations of identifiable assets and contingent liabilities in business combinations could be particularly sensitive to changes in one or more unobservable inputs considered in the valuation process.

 

4. Material accounting policies and new and not yet effective accounting standards

 

The accounting policies applied in these interim financial statements are the same as those applied in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2023. The accounting policies have been consistently applied to all consolidated companies. There are no new accounting policies that could be applicable since January 1, 2024, or early adopted in the Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5. Financial Risk Management

 

The Company has a risk management policy for monitoring and managing the nature and overall position of financial risks and to assess its financial results and impacts on its cash flows. Counterparty credit limits are also reviewed periodically or whenever the Company identifies significant changes in financial risk.

 

The economic and financial risks reflect the behavior of macroeconomic variables such as interest rates as well as other characteristics of the financial instruments maintained by the Company. These risks are managed through control and monitoring policies, specific strategies, and limits.

 

 F-9

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

a.Financial risk factors

 

The Company’s activities expose it to certain financial risks mainly related to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Management and the Group’s Board of Directors monitor such risks in line with their capital management policy objectives.

 

This note presents information on the Company’s exposure to each of the risks above, the objectives of the Company, measurement policies, and the Company’s risk and capital management process. The Company has no derivative transactions.

 

a.Market risk – cash flow interest rate risk

 

This risk arises from the possibility that the Company incurs losses because of interest rate fluctuations that increase finance costs related to bonds raised in the market and obligations for acquisitions from third parties payable in installments. The Company continuously monitors market interest rates in order to assess the need to contract financial instruments to hedge against volatility of these rates. Additionally, financial assets also indexed to CDI and IPCA (broad consumer price index) partially mitigate any interest rate exposures. Interest rates contracted are as follows:

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023  Interest rate
Bonds             
Private bonds – 9th Issuance – series 2   253,323    263,722   CDI + 2.40% p.a.
Private bonds – 10th Issuance – series 2   511,370    —     CDI + 1.35% p.a. and CDI + 1.60% p.a.
Bonds – 1st Issuance – single    —      528,040   CDI + 2.30% p.a.
Lease liabilities   111,954    96,657   IPCA
Accounts payable for business combination and acquisition of associates   630,267    614,120   CDI
    1,506,914    1,502,539    

 

b.Credit risk

 

Credit risk arises from the potential default of a counterparty on an agreement or financial instrument, resulting in financial loss. The Company is exposed to credit risk in its operating activities (mainly in connection with trade receivables), financial activities that include reverse factoring deposits with banks and other financial institutions, and other financial instruments contracted.

 

The Company mitigates its exposure to credit risks associated with financial instruments, deposits in banks and short-term investments by investing in prime financial institutions and in accordance with limits previously set in the Company’s policy. See notes 7 and 8.

 

To mitigate risks associated with trade receivables, the Company adopts a sales policy and an analysis of the financial and equity condition of its counterparties. The sales policy is directly associated with the level of credit risk the Company is willing to accept in the normal course of its business.

 

The diversification of its receivable’s portfolio, the selectivity of its customers, as well as the monitoring of sales financing terms and individual position limits are procedures adopted to minimize defaults or losses in the realization of trade receivables. Thus, the Company does not have significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty or any group of counterparties having similar characteristics.

 

Furthermore, the Company reviews the recoverable amount of its trade receivables at the end of each reporting period to ensure that expected credit losses have been recorded (note 9).

 

 F-10

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

c.Liquidity risk

 

To cover possible liquidity deficiencies or mismatches between cash and cash equivalents and short-term debt and financial obligations, the Company continues to operate with reverse factoring if this credit line is offered by banks and accepted by Company suppliers. This is the risk of the Company not having enough funds and or bank credit limits to meet its short-term financial commitments, due to mismatching terms in expected receipts and payments.

 

The Company continuously monitors its cash balance and indebtedness level and implemented measures to allow access to the capital markets, when necessary. It also endeavors to assure they remain within existing credit limits. Management also monitors projected and actual cash flows and the combination of the maturity profiles of the financial assets, liabilities and takes into consideration its debt financing plans, covenant compliance, internal liquidity targets and, if applicable, regulatory requirements.

 

Financial liabilities by maturity ranges

 

September 30, 2024  Less than one year  Between one and two years  Over two years  Total
Bonds (note 14)   267,471    273,222    224,000    764,693 
Lease liabilities (note 16)   19,145    19,852    72,957    111,954 
Accounts payable for business combination and acquisition of associates (note 18)   209,934    223,713    196,620    630,267 
Suppliers (note 15)   141,840    —      —      141,840 
Reverse factoring (note 15)   274,239    —      —      274,239 
Other liabilities - related parties (note 20)   24,174    —      —      24,174 
    936,803    516,787    493,577    1,947,167 

 

The table below reflects the estimated interest rate based on CDI and IPCA for 12 months (11.05% p.a. and 4.42% p.a., respectively), in according to contractual rates on September 30, 2024. Amounts payable refer to principal and interest based on undiscounted contractual amounts and, therefore, do not reflect the financial position presented as of September 30, 2024:

 

September 30, 2024  Less than one year  Between one and two years  Over two years  Total
Bonds   297,019    303,405    248,746    849,170 
Lease liabilities   19,992    20,730    76,185    116,907 
Accounts payable for business combination and acquisition of associates   233,126    248,427    218,341    699,894 
Suppliers   157,509    —      —      157,509 
Reverse Factoring   304,535    —      —      304,535 
Other liabilities - related parties   26,845    —      —      26,845 
    1,039,026    572,562    543,272    2,154,860 

 

Capital management

 

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

 

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure of the Company, management can make, or may propose to the shareholders when their approval is required, adjustments to the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce, for example, debt. 

 

 F-11

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

The Company monitors capital based on the gearing ratio. This ratio corresponds to the net debt expressed as a percentage of total capitalization. Net debt comprises financial liabilities less cash and cash equivalents. Total capitalization is calculated as shareholders’ equity as shown in the consolidated balance sheet plus net debt.

 

 The Company’s main capital management objectives are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, optimize returns, allow consistency of operations to other stakeholders, and maintain an optimal capital structure reducing financial costs and maximizing the returns. In addition, the Company monitors financial leverage adequacy, and mitigates risks that may affect the availability of capital for Company development.

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Net debt (i)   1,851,005    1,906,975 
Total shareholder’' equity   4,383,813    4,520,791 
Total capitalization (ii)   2,532,808    2,613,816 
Gearing ratio - % - (iii)   73%   73%

 

(i)Net debt comprises financial liabilities (note 6) net of cash and cash equivalents.

 

(ii)Refers to the difference between Shareholders’ Equity and Net debt.

 

(iii)The Gearing Ratio is calculated based on Net Debt/Total Capitalization

 

Sensitivity analysis

 

The following table presents the sensitivity analysis of potential losses from financial instruments, according to Management’s assessment of relevant market risks presented above. 

 

A probable scenario (base scenario) over a 12-month horizon was used, with a projected rate of 11.05% p.a. as per DI Interest Deposit rate (“CDI”), and 4.42% p.a. as per IPCA reference rates disclosed by B3 S.A. (Brazilian stock exchange). Two further scenarios are presented, respectively, a 15% interest rate drop in scenario I and 30% interest rate drop in scenario II, of the projected rates.

 

   Index - % per year  Balance as of September 30, 2024  Base scenario  Scenario I  Scenario II
Financial investments   107% of CDI     90,462    9,994    8,494    6,995 
Marketable securities   99% of CDI     258,945    28,606    24,315    20,024 
         349,407    38,600    32,809    27,019 
                          
Bonds   100% of CDI + 2,40%p.a.  1,35%p.a. and 1,60% p.a.    (764,693)   (84,477)   (71,806)   (59,134)
Lease liabilities   100% of IPCA    (111,954)   (4,954)   (4,211)   (3,468)
Accounts payable for business combination and acquisition of associates   100% of CDI    (630,267)   (69,627)   (59,183)   (48,739)
         (1,506,914)   (159,058)   (135,200)   (111,341)
Net exposure        (1,157,507)   (120,458)   (102,391)   (84,322)
Interest rate -% p.a. (CDI)   —      —      11.05%   9.39%   7.73%
Interest rate -% p.a. (IPCA)   —      —      4.42%   3.76%   3.10%

 

 F-12

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

6. Financial Instruments by Category

 

The Company holds the following financial instruments. The Company has not disclosed the fair values of the financial instruments, because their carrying amounts approximate fair value.

 

   Level  September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Assets - Amortized cost               
 Cash and cash equivalents        96,162    95,864 
 Trade receivables        477,125    697,512 
 Other receivables        1,528    2,085 
 Other receivables - related parties        10,520    7,157 
         585,335    802,618 
                
Assets - Fair value through profit or loss               
 Marketable securities   1    258,945    245,942 
 Other investments and interests in entities   3    9,879    9,879 
         268,824    255,821 
                
Liabilities - Amortized cost               
 Bonds        764,693    791,763 
 Lease liabilities        111,954    96,657 
 Reverse factoring        274,239    263,948 
 Suppliers        141,840    221,291 
 Accounts payable for business combination and acquisition of associates        623,310    587,917 
 Other liabilities - related parties        24,174    15,060 
         1,940,210    1,976,636 
Liabilities - Fair value through profit or loss               
Accounts payable for business combination and acquisition of associates (i)   3    6,957    26,203 
         6,957    26,203 

 

(i)Refers to an earn-out remeasured based on economic activity of the acquired entity (post-closing price adjustments). Valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs related to measurement are consistent with disclosures described in last annual financial statements.

 

Fair Value Measurements – Level 3

 

a.Reconciliation to the closing balances

 

The following table shows the changes during the period in measuring level 3 fair values:

 

Accounts payable for business combination- Level 3  December 31, 2023  Interest  Payment  September 30, 2024
Sociedade Educacional da Lagoa   17,920    153    (18,073)   —   
Phidelis   8,283    127    (1,453)   6,957 
    26,203    280    (19,526)   6,957 

 

 F-13

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

7. Cash and cash equivalents

 

a.Composition

 

The balance of this account comprises the following amounts:   

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Cash   1    2 
Bank account   5,699    3,407 
Financial investments (i)   90,462    92,455 
    96,162    95,864 

 

(i)The Company invests in short-term fixed income investment funds with daily liquidity and no material risk of change in value. Financial investments presented an average gross yield of 107% of the annual CDI rate on September 30, 2024 (104% on December 31, 2023). All investments are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value and correspond to the cash obligations for the period.

 

8. Marketable securities

 

a.Composition 

 

   Credit Risk  September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Private investment fund  AAA   258,945    245,942 

 

The average gross yield of private investments fund is based on 99% CDI on September 30, 2024 (102% CDI on December 31, 2023). 

 

9. Trade receivables

 

The balance of this account comprises the following amounts:

 

a.Composition

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Trade receivables   554,806    771,392 
Related parties (note 20)   12,533    18,137 
(-) Impairment losses on trade receivables   (90,214)   (92,017)
    477,125    697,512 

 

b.Maturities of trade receivables

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Not yet due   329,856    541,656 
Past due          
Up to 30 days   48,889    33,749 
From 31 to 60 days   39,422    22,933 
From 61 to 90 days   20,422    25,584 
From 91 to 180 days   32,750    52,404 
From 181 to 360 days   34,314    61,782 
Over 360 days   49,153    33,284 
Total past due   224,950    229,736 
Related parties (note 20)   12,533    18,137 
Impairment losses on trade receivables   (90,214)   (92,017)
    477,125    697,512 

 

 F-14

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

The gross carrying amount of trade receivables is written off when the Company has no reasonable expectations of recovering the financial asset in its entirety or a portion thereof. Collection efforts continue to be made, even for the receivables that have been written off, and amounts recoverable are recognized directly in Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income upon collection. 

 

c.Changes on provision

 

   September 30, 2024  September 30, 2023
Opening balance   92,017    69,481 
Additions   38,796    33,396 
Reversals   (7,597)   (6,619)
Write offs   (33,002)   (22,868)
Closing balance   90,214    73,390 

 

10. Inventories

 

The balance of this account comprises the following amounts:

 

a.Composition

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Finished products   224,431    218,600 
Work in process   81,403    59,659 
Raw materials   26,706    16,663 
Right to returned goods (i)   2,275    5,587 
    334,815    300,509 

 

(i)Represents the Company’s right to recover products from customers when customers exercise their right of return under the Company’s returns policies, where the Company estimates the volume of goods returned based on experience and foreseen expectations.

 

11. Equity accounted investees

 

a.Composition of investments

 

   Investment type  Interest %  Equity  Fair value  Goodwill  September 30, 2024
Educbank  Associate   43.1%   15,203    5,776    33,786    54,765 
            15,203    5,776    33,786    54,765 

 

   Investment type  Interest %  Equity  Fair value  Goodwill  December 31, 2023
Educbank  Associate   45%   24,026    6,672    33,786    64,484 
            24,026    6,672    33,786    64,484 

 

 F-15

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

b.Investments in associates

 

   Educbank
December 31, 2022   83,139 
Share of loss equity-accounted investees   (5,532)
September 30, 2023   77,607 
      

December 31, 2023

   64,484 
Share of loss equity-accounted investees   (9,719)
September 30, 2024   54,765 

 

12. Property, plant and equipment

 

The cost, weighted average depreciation rates and accumulated depreciation are as follows:

 

      September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
   Weighted average depreciation rate  Cost  Accumulated depreciation  Net book value  Cost  Accumulated depreciation  Net book value
                      
IT equipment   10%-33%    89,751    (78,465)   11,286    83,461    (61,849)   21,612 
Furniture, equipment and fittings   10%-33%    56,431    (38,441)   17,990    54,986    (32,739)   22,247 
Property, buildings and improvements   5%-20%    55,321    (44,260)   11,061    54,372    (43,555)   10,817 
In progress   —      18,666    —      18,666    16,765    —      16,765 
Right of use assets   12%   234,269    (137,909)   96,360    178,940    (98,932)   80,008 
Land   —      43    —      43    43    —      43 
Total        454,481    (299,075)   155,406    388,567    (237,075)   151,492 

 

Changes in property, plant and equipment are as follows:

 

   IT equipment  Furniture, equipment and fittings  Property, buildings and improvements  In progress  Right of use assets  Land  Total
As of December 31, 2022   36,968    24,102    12,646    4,495    119,086    391    197,688 
 Additions   2,076    1,066    —      15,105    21,408    —      39,655 
 Business combination   —      613    183    —      —      —      796 
 Disposals   —      (93)   (373)   —      (13,683)   —      (14,149)
 Depreciation   (13,459)   (2,176)   (4,277)   —      (24,013)   —      (43,925)
 Transfers   —      —      4,295    (4,295)   —      —      —   
As of September 30, 2023   25,585    23,512    12,474    15,305    102,798    391    180,065 
                                    
As of December 31, 2023   21,612    22,247    10,817    16,765    80,008    43    151,492 
 Additions   7,095    1,604    2,707    1,903    42,195    —      55,504 
 Disposals   (840)   (321)   (84)   (2)   (11,023)   —      (12,270)
 Depreciation   (16,649)   (5,534)   (2,317)   —      (14,820)   —      (39,320)
Transfers   68    (6)   (62)   —      —      —      —   
As of September 30, 2024   11,286    17,990    11,061    18,666    96,360    43    155,406 

 

 F-16

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

13. Intangible Assets and Goodwill

 

The cost, weighted average amortization rates and accumulated amortization of intangible assets and goodwill comprise the following amounts: 

 

      September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
   Weighted average depreciation rate  Cost  Accumulated depreciation  Net book value  Cost  Accumulated depreciation  Net book value
Software   20%   354,750    (247,318)   107,432    336,687    (221,986)   114,701 
Customer Portfolio   8%   1,198,556    (552,721)   645,835    1,198,455    (475,803)   722,652 
Trademarks   5%   633,103    (160,507)   472,596    633,154    (140,025)   493,129 
Trade Agreement   8%   243,113    (67,620)   175,493    243,114    (49,049)   194,065 
Platform content production   33%   209,869    (155,695)   54,174    178,033    (121,932)   56,101 
Other Intangible assets   33%   11,225    (4,950)   6,275    11,236    (5,029)   6,207 
In progress   0%   29,424    —      29,424    6,845    —      6,845 
Goodwill   0%   3,713,863    —      3,713,863    3,713,863    —      3,713,863 
         6,393,903    (1,188,811)   5,205,092    6,321,387    (1,013,824)   5,307,563 

 

 F-17

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

Changes in intangible assets and goodwill were as follows:

 

   Software  Customer Portfolio  Trademarks  Trade Agreement  Platform content production  Other Intangible assets  In progress  Goodwill  Total
As of December 31, 2022   80,721    823,183    518,615    218,827    48,370    7,281    18,958    3,711,721    5,427,676 
Additions   14,693    —      —      —      40,565    —      27,669    —      82,927 
Additions through business combinations   —      1,844    1,823    —      —      —      —      1,176    4,843 
Disposals   (172)   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (172)
Amortization   (24,703)   (76,653)   (20,482)   (18,572)   (30,579)   (2)   —      —      (170,991)
Transfers   41,642    —      —      —      —      —      (41,642)   —      —   
As of September 30, 2023   112,181    748,374    499,956    200,255    58,356    7,279    4,985    3,712,897    5,344,283 
                                              
As of December 31, 2023   114,701    722,652    493,129    194,065    56,101    6,207    6,845    3,713,863    5,307,563 
Additions   16,151    —      —      —      31,990    167    27,767    —      76,075 
Disposals   —      —      —      —      —      (9)   —      —      (9)
Amortization   (28,608)   (76,817)   (20,533)   (18,572)   (33,917)   (90)   —      —      (178,537)
Transfers   5,188    —      —      —      —      —      (5,188)   —      —   
As of September 30, 2024   107,432    645,835    472,596    175,493    54,174    6,275    29,424    3,713,863    5,205,092 

 

 F-18

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

Goodwill impairment test

 

The Company performs its annual impairment test in December and whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. The Company’s impairment test for goodwill is assessed by comparing it carrying amount with its recoverable amount. The key assumptions used to determine the recoverable amount for the different cash generating units were disclosed in the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

There were no indications of impairment for nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

14. Bonds

 

The balance of bonds comprises the following amounts:

 

   December 31, 2023 

Additions

(i)

  Payment of interest  Payment  Interest accrued  Transaction cost of bonds  Transfers  September 30, 2024
Bonds with related parties (note 20)   13,904    —      (34,770)   —      39,715    398    248,224    267,471 
Bonds   527,859    —      (60,708)   (500,000)   32,018    650    181    —   
Current liabilities   541,763    —      (95,478)   (500,000)   71,733    1,048    248,405    267,471 
Bonds with related parties (note 20)   250,000    495,627    —      —      —      —      (248,405)   497,222 
Non-current liabilities   250,000    495,726    —      —      —      —      (248,405)   497,222 
Total   791,763    495,726    (95,478)   (500,000)   71,733    1,048    —      764,693 

 

(i)On September 21, 2024, the Company issued simple debentures not convertible into shares, comprised of two series, subject to remunerative interest of 100% of the CDI, plus a spread of 1.35% for the first series, and 1.60% for the second series, per year, in the total amount of R$500,000. The debentures aim to strengthen the Company's capital structure and lengthen the maturity profile of the debt, with the final payment term now set at 59 months.

 

We present below the composition of interest and principal payments considering the issues made:

 

Issuance  Payments  Payment  Interest
SEDU21 – 9th. SOMOS 2nd. series  02/15/2024   —      (17,922)
GAGL11 - Somos Sistemas  02/05/2024   —      (35,501)
SEDU21 – 10th. SOMOS 1nd. series  06/27/2024   (490,000)   (24,573)
GAGL11 - Somos Sistemas  08/02/2024   (10,000)   (634)
SEDU21 – 9th. SOMOS 2nd. series  08/22/2024   —      (16,848)
   Total   (500,000)   (95,478)

 

   December 31, 2022  Payment of interest  Payment (ii)  Interest accrued  Transaction cost of bonds  Transfers  September 30, 2023
Bonds with related parties   63,325    (40,984)   (50,885)   33,505    —      206    5,167 
Bonds   30,454    (77,917)   —      57,856    779    499,011    510,183 
Current liabilities   93,779    (118,901)   (50,885)   91,361    779    499,217    515,350 
Bonds with related parties   250,206    —      —      —      —      (206)   250,000 
Bonds   499,011    —      —      —      —      (499,011)   —   
Non-current liabilities   749,217    —      —      —      —      (499,217)   250,000 
Total   842,996    (118,901)   (50,885)   91,361    779    —      765,350 

 

 F-19

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

a.Bonds’ description

 

See below the bonds outstanding on September 30, 2024:  

 

Subscriber  Related parties  Related parties
Issuance  9th  10th
Series  2nd Series  2nd Series
Date of issuance  09/28/2022  06/21/2024
Maturity date  09/28/2025  05/15/2029
First payment after  36 months  59 months
Remuneration payment  Semi-annual interest  Semi-annual interest
Financials charges  CDI + 2.40% p.a.  CDI + 1.50% p.a.
Principal amount (in millions of R$)  250  500

 

b.Bonds’ maturities

 

The maturities range of these accounts, considering related and third parties are as follow:

 

Maturity of installments  September 30, 2024  %  December 31, 2023  %
In up to one year   267,471    35.0    541,763    68.4 
Total current liabilities   267,471    35.0    541,763    68.4 
                     
One to two years   273,222    35.7    250,000    31.6 
Two to three years   —      0.0    —      —   
Three years on   224,000    29.3    —      —   
Total non-current liabilities   497,222    65.0    250,000    31.6 
                     
    764,693    100.0    791,763    100.0 

 

c.Debt commitments

 

The maintenance of the contractual maturity of debentures at their original maturities is subject to financial covenants, which are being complied with. The main assumptions adopted in this calculation are described in the Financial Statements as of December 31, 2023. Additionally, the Company complied with all debt commitments in the exercise applicable on December 31, 2023.

 

15. Suppliers

 

The balance of this account comprises the following amounts:

 

a.Composition

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Local suppliers   117,101    188,814 
Related parties (note 20)   10,813    11,247 
Copyright   13,926    21,230 
Suppliers   141,840    221,291 
           
Reverse factoring (i)   274,239    263,948 

 

(i)As of September 30, 2024, the balance of reverse factoring was R$ 274,239 (R$ 263,948 as of December 31, 2023), and the discount rates of assignment operations carried out by our suppliers with financial institutions had a weighted average of 1.00% per month (as of December 31, 2023, the weighted average was 1.05% per month) and a maximum payment term of 360 days. The balance is initially recognized in net of the present value adjustment, which is subsequently recognized as a financial expense.

 

 F-20

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

16. Lease liabilities

 

The lease agreements have an average term of 12 years and weighted average rate of 9.58% p.a.

 

   September 30, 2024  September 30, 2023
Opening balance   96,657    140,563 
Additions for new lease agreements   34,762    21,408 
Renegotiation   7,433    —   
Cancelled contracts   (12,974)   (16,162)
Interest   8,467    10,144 
Payment of interest   (8,298)   (10,136)
Payment of principal   (14,093)   (22,541)
    111,954    123,276 
Current liabilities   19,145    15,352 
Non-current liabilities   92,809    107,924 
    111,954    123,276 

 

Short-term leases (lease period of 12 months or less) and leases of low-value assets (such as personal computers and office furniture) are recognized on a straight-line basis in rent expenses for the period and are not included in lease liabilities. Fixed and variable lease payments, including those related to short-term contracts and to low-value assets, were the following for the period ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023:

 

   September 30, 2024  September 30, 2023
Fixed payments   22,391    32,677 
Payments related to short-term contracts and low value assets, variable price contracts (note 25)   14,915    18,613 
    37,306    51,290 

 

17. Contractual obligations and deferred income

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Refund liability (i)   8,942    32,613 
Contract of exclusivity for processing payroll   9    202 
Other contractual obligations   715    —   
Current liabilities   9,666    32,815 

 

(i)Refers to the customer’s right to return goods. The Company business cycle is from October of the last year to September.

 

 F-21

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

18. Accounts payable for business combination and acquisition of associates

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Meritt   300    300 
SEL   —      17,920 
Redação Nota 1000   2,680    4,610 
EMME   5,861    8,500 
Editora De Gouges   614,469    570,027 
Phidelis   6,957    12,763 
    630,267    614,120 
           
Current   209,934    216,728 
Non-current   420,333    397,392 
    630,267    614,120 

 

The changes in the balance are as follows:

 

   September 30, 2024  September 30, 2023
Opening balance   614,120    625,277 
Additions (i)   —      28,044 
Cash payment   —      (4,100)
Payments in installments   (27,150)   (84,171)
Interest payment   (3,145)   (7,768)
Interest adjustment   46,442    34,987 
Remeasurement   —      (649)
Closing balance   630,267    591,620 

 

(i)In 2023, composed of the purchase price of the company Start Anglo, in the amount of R$ 4,481, and the price adjustment in the acquisition of companies, in the amount of R$ 23,562 (as per note 25), as follows: (i) increase of R$33,190 in the purchase price of Mind Makers, due to the performance of the business, considering the number of students who used the products made available by the entity in April 2023, in accordance with the 4th contractual amendment, which defined the targets for the payment of earnout, and (ii) reduction of R$9,628 in the acquisition of the company Editora de Gouges (“Eleva”), as a result of the review of the net debt provided for in the shareholder’s agreement.

 

The maturity years of such balances as of September 30, 2024 are shown in the table below:

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Maturity of installments  Total  %  Total  %
In up to one year   209,934    27.7    216,728    35.3 
                     
One to two years   223,713    35.5    196,406    32.0 
Two to three years   196,620    36.8    200,986    32.7 
    420,333    72.3    397,392    64.7 
    630,267    100.0    614,120    100.0 

 

 F-22

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

19. Salaries and social contributions

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Salaries payable   17,697    28,108 
Social contribution payable   19,075    25,327 
Provision for vacation pay   38,651    22,379 
Provision for profit sharing (i)   17,583    28,592 
    93,006    104,406 

 

(i)The provision for profit sharing is based on qualitative and quantitative metrics determined by Board of Directors.

 

20. Related parties

 

As presented in note 1, the Company is a subsidiary of Cogna Educação S.A. and some of the Company’s transactions and arrangements involve entities that are subsidiaries of Cogna Group. The effect of these transactions is reflected in these Interim Statements, with these related parties segregated by nature of transaction measured on an arm’s length basis and determined by intercompany agreements and approved by the Company’s Management.

 

The balances and transactions between the Company and its associates have been eliminated in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The balances and transactions between related parties are shown below:

 

   September 30, 2024
    Other receivables (i)    Trade receivables (note 9)    Indemnification asset
(note 21c)
    Other payments (ii)    Suppliers
(note 15)
    Bonds
(note 14)
 
Cogna Educação S.A.   —      —      220,141    3,732    —      764,693 
Editora Ática S.A.   6,035    3,343    —      18,658    5,421    —   
Editora E Distribuidora Educacional S.A.   1,399    524    —      1,486    —      —   
Editora Scipione S.A.   24    795    —      —      70    —   
Maxiprint Editora Ltda.   3    3,291    —      —      —      —   
Saber Serviços Educacionais S.A.   —      541    —      —      —      —   
Saraiva Educação S.A.   2,820    1,874    —      262    4,536    —   
SGE Comercio De Material Didatico Ltda.   —      —      —      —      658    —   
Somos Idiomas S.A.   231    1,697    —      —      128    —   
Anhanguera Educacional Participações S.A.   6    468    —      36    —      —   
Others   2    —      —      —      —      —   
    10,520    12,533    220,141    24,174    10,813    764,693 

 

(i)Refers substantially to accounts receivable generated from sharing costs e.g IT services shared by the Company to Cogna Group.

 

(ii)Refers substantially to accounts payable by sharing expenses e.g property leasing, personnel and IT licenses shared with Cogna Group

 

 F-23

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

   December 31, 2023
    Other receivables    Trade receivables (note 9)    Indemnification asset
(note 21c)
    Other payments     Suppliers
(note 15)
    Bonds
(note 14)
 
Cogna Educação S.A.   —      —      203,942    2,696    —      263,904 
Editora Ática S.A.   4,424    6,536    —      12,334    6,286    —   
Editora E Distribuidora Educacional S.A.   1,256    477    —      —      —      —   
Editora Scipione S.A.   87    2,112    —      —      40    —   
Maxiprint Editora Ltda.   1    4,659    —      —      —      —   
Saraiva Educação S.A.   1,099    3,495    —      19    4,262    —   
Somos Idiomas S.A.   146    2    —      —      —      —   
Others   144    856    —      11    659    —   
    7,157    18,137    203,942    15,060    11,247    263,904 

 

 F-24

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

   September 30, 2024  September 30, 2023
Transactions held:  Revenues  Finance costs (note 14)  Cost Sharing  Sublease  Revenues  Finance costs (note 14)  Cost Sharing  Sublease
                         
 Cogna Educação S.A.   —      39,715    —      —      —      33,505    —      —   
 Editora Atica S.A.   12,674    —      42,161    6,287    8,127    —      26,963    6,926 
 Editora E Distribuidora Educacional SA.   496    —      —      —      665    —      —      —   
 Editora Scipione SA.   2,273    —      —      —      2,605    —      —      —   
 Maxiprint Editora Ltda.   14,927    —      —      —      6,213    —      —      —   
 Saraiva Educacao SA.   5,452    —      —      1,605    2,028    —      —      2,000 
 SSE Serviços Educacionais Ltda.   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      429 
 Others   84    —      —      —      938    —      —      —   
    35,906    39,715    42,161    7,892    20,576    33,505    26,963    9,355 

 

 F-25

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

a)Compensation of key management personnel

 

Key management personnel include the members of the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, the CEO and the vice-presidents, for which the nature of the tasks performed were related to the activities of the Company.

 

For the three-months period from July 01 to September 30, 2024, key management compensation, including charges and variable compensation amounted to R$ 3,218 (R$ 4,967 on September 30, 2023). The Audit Committee and Board of Directors were established in July 2020.

 

The Key management personnel compensation expenses comprised the following:

 

  

July 01, to

September 30, 2024

 

July 01, to

September 30, 2023

Short-term employee benefits   1,686    1,508 
Share-based compensation plan   1,532    3,459 
    3,218    4,967 

 

21. Provision for tax, civil and labor losses and Judicial deposits and escrow accounts

 

The Company classifies the likelihood of loss in judicial/administrative proceedings in which it is a defendant. Provisions are recorded for contingencies classified as probable loss in an amount that Management, in conjunction with its legal advisors, believes is enough to cover probable losses or when related to contingences resulting from business combinations.

 

The contingent liabilities are composed as follows: 

 

a.Composition 

 

The changes in provision for the periods ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

   December 31, 2023  Additions  Reversals  Interest  Payments  September 30, 2024
                   
Tax proceedings (i)   676,255    —      (918)   33,726    —      709,063 
Labor proceedings (ii)   21,615    1,766    (775)   953    (1,156)   22,403 
Civil proceedings   120    367    (218)   11    (109)   171 
Total   697,990    2,133    (1,911)   34,690    (1,265)   731,637 
                               
Finance costs (note 26)        —      —      (34,607)          
General and administrative expenses (note 25)        (2,130)   1,908    —             
Total        (2,130)   1,908    (34,607)          
                               
Indemnification asset - Former owner        (3)   3    (83)          
                               
Total        (2,133)   1,911    (34,690)          

 

(i)Primarily refers to income tax positions taken by Somos and the Company in connection with a corporate restructuring held by the predecessor in 2010, In 2018, given a tax assessment via an Infraction Notice received by the predecessor for certain periods opened for tax audit coupled with unfavorable case law on a similar tax case also reached in 2018, the Company reassessed this income tax position and recorded a liability, including interest and penalties.

 

 F-26

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

(ii)The Company is a party to labor demands, which mostly refer to proportional vacation, salary difference, night shift premium, overtime and social charges, among others. There are no individual labor demands with material amounts that require specific disclosure.

 

   December 31, 2022  Additions  Reversals  Interest  Payments  September 30, 2023
                   
Tax proceedings   623,189    —      (1,199)   37,716    —      659,706 
Labor proceedings   27,567    4,195    (13,369)   3,643    (1,244)   20,792 
Civil proceedings   496    106    (472)   24    (3)   151 
Total   651,252    4,301    (15,040)   41,383    (1,247)   680,649 
                               
Finance costs        —      —      (41,313)          
General and administrative expenses        (4,299)   14,489    —             
Income tax and social contribution        —      28    —             
Indemnification asset – Former owner        (2)   523    (70)          
Total        (4,301)   15,040    (41,383)          

 

b.Contingencies with possible losses  

 

As of September 30, 2024, the Company was party to lawsuits classified as possible losses totaling R$ 55,685 (R$41,015 as of December 31, 2023), as shown below:

 

   September 30,2024  December 31, 2023
Taxes   6,704    5,413 
Labor (i)   30,806    24,988 
Civil   18,175    10,614 
Total   55,685    41,015 

 

(i)The most relevant lawsuit involves a labor claim related to the payment of termination benefits and other labor charges amounting to R$19,951. The Company was included in the legal process by the Court, on the allegation that it was part of an Economic Group. There has never been any corporate, legal, or hierarchical relationship between the Company and the defendant.

 

c.Judicial Deposits

 

Judicial deposits and escrow accounts recorded as non-current assets are as follows:

 

   September 30, 2024  December 31, 2023
Tax proceedings   2,638    1,899 
Indemnification asset -Former owner   1,431    1,347 
Indemnification asset – Related parties (i)   220,141    203,942 
    224,210    207,188 

 

(i)Refers to an indemnification asset of the seller (Cogna) and recognized at the date of the business combination, of the acquisition of Somos, in order to indemnify the Company for all losses that may be incurred in connection with all contingencies or lawsuits, substantially tax proceedings related to business combinations up to the maximum amount of R$220,141 (R$ 203,942 on December 31, 2023). This asset is indexed to CDI (Certificates of Interbank Deposits).

 

 F-27

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

22. Current and Deferred Income Tax and Social Contribution

 

a.Reconciliation of income tax and social contribution 

 

The reconciliation of income tax and social contribution expense is as follows:

 

  

July to

September, 2024

 

July to

September, 2023

  September 30, 2024 

September 30, 2023  

Loss before income tax and social contribution for the period   (110,252)   (96,940)   (168,618)   (219,326)
Nominal statutory rate of income tax and social contribution   34%   34%   34%   34%
IRPJ and CSLL calculated at the nominal rates   37,486    32,960    57,330    74,571 
Share of loss equity-accounted investees   993    (979)   (1,396)   (1,881)
Permanent additions   (2,257)   5,283    (1,270)   8,816 
Difference in presumed (loss) profit rate of subsidiary   (257)   2,719    (1,241)   —   
Tax Contingencies IRPJ and CSLL   —      27    —      27 
Impairment write-off on tax loss carryforward   (2,853)   (5,181)   (6,174)   (5,153)
Total IRPJ and CSLL   33,112    34,829    47,249    76,380 
Current IRPJ and CSLL in the result   415    (4,762)   (1,375)   (2,299)
Deferred IRPJ and CSLL in the result   32,697    39,591    48,624    78,679 
    33,112    34,829    47,249    76,380 
Effective tax rate   (30%)   (36%)   (28%)   (35%)

 

b.Deferred income tax and social contribution

 

Changes in deferred income tax and social contribution assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

  

As of

December 31, 2023

 

Effect on

shareholder’s equity

  Effect on profit and loss 

As of

September 30, 2024

Income tax/social contribution:                    
Income tax and social contribution losses carryforwards (ii)   594,361    (243)   151,488    745,606 
Non-deductible provisions   —      —      —      —   
Impairment losses on trade receivables   28,012    —      (259)   27,753 
Provision for obsolete inventories   3,099    —      (2,778)   321 
Imputed interest on suppliers   (1,206)   —      —      (1,206)
Provision for risks of tax, civil and labor losses   (10,937)   —      12,541    1,604 
Refund liabilities and right to returned goods   8,421    —      (6,283)   2,138 
Right of use assets   31,301    —      4,760    36,061 
Lease liabilities   (25,684)   —      (5,167)   (30,851)
Fair value adjustments on business combination and goodwill amortization (i)   (470,342)   —      (99,666)   (570,008)
Other temporary difference   48,428    —      (6012)   42,416 
Deferred Assets, net   205,453    (243)   48,624    253,834 

 

(i)Goodwill and fair value adjustments on business combination comprise three components, being (i) goodwill and fair value adjustment of prior business combination by Somos; (ii) amortization of fair value adjustment related to acquisition of the company; and (iii) deductibility of the acquisition goodwill for tax purposes as allowed by tax law.

 

(ii)The Company’s income tax and social contribution loss carryforwards are primarily the result of tax amortization of goodwill and the amortization of certain intangibles recognized related to the business combination in 2018. In accordance with Brazilian tax regulation, tax loss carryforwards have a limitation for use of 30% of taxable profit generated in each year and do not expire. The tax benefit is expected to be realized over an estimated 8-year period beginning in 2027.

 

 F-28

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

23. Shareholder’s Equity

 

23.1. Share Capital

 

The Company holds Class A shares in addition to Class B shares (owned by Cogna).

 

On September 14, 2023, we announced a share repurchase program, approved by our board of directors considering that it was in the commercial interests of the Company to enter the Repurchase Plan. Under the repurchase program, we were entitled to repurchase up to R$ 62,500 (or US$12,500) in Class A common shares in the open market, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions, over a period that began on September 18, 2023, continuing until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase. On March 31, 2024, the program was concluded with the repurchase of all shares.

 

As a result, the Company's share capital outstanding on September 30, 2024, which excludes a total of 3,478,159 treasury shares, totals 80,171,728 shares, in amount of R$ 4,820,815, of which 64,436,093 Class B shares are owned by the Cogna Group and 15,735,635 are owned by third parties.

 

The Company’s Shareholders Agreement authorizes the Board of Directors to grant restricted share units to certain executives and employees and other service providers with respect to up to 3% (three per cent) of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. Thus, on September 30, 2024, the Company has the following position in Class A and B shares:

 

   Class A Shares (units)  Class B Shares (units)  Total
   Free float 

Treasury shares

(note 23.4)

      
December 31,2023   16,566,142    2,647,652    64,436,093    83,649,887 
ILP exercised   246,908    —      —      246,908 
Treasury shares   —      (246,908)   —      (246,908)
Treasury shares purchased   (1,077,415)   1,077,415    —      —   
September 30,2024   15,735,635    3,478,159    64,436,093    83,649,887 

 

The Company’s shareholders on September 30, 2024 are as follows:

 

    In units 
Company Shareholders   Class A     Class B     Total  
Cogna Group   —      64,436,093    64,436,093 
Free Float   15,735,635    —      15,735,635 
Treasury shares (Note 23.4)   3,478,159    —      3,478,159 
Total (%)  23%   77%   83,649,887 

 

23.2. Loss per share

 

The basic loss per share is measured by dividing the result attributable to the Company’s shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the year. The Company considers as diluted earnings per share, the number of common shares calculated added by the weighted average number of common shares that should be issued upon conversion of all potentially dilutive shares into common shares; potentially dilutive shares were deemed to have been converted into common shares at the beginning of the period.

 

 F-29

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

   September 30, 2024  September 30, 2023
Loss Attributable to Shareholder´s   (121,369)   (142,946)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (thousands)   83,649    83,651 
Total dilution effect   —      —   
Basic loss per share - R$   (1.45)   (1.71)
Diluted loss per share - R$   (1.45)   (1.71)

 

23.3. Capital reserve

 

The Company as of September 30, 2024 had one share-based compensation plans, being:

 

a.Long Term Investment – (“ILP”) – Refers to two tranches granted being the first issued on July 23, 2020 and November 10, 2020. The Company compensates part of its employees and management. This plan will grant up to 3% of the Company’s class A share units. The Company will grant the limit of five tranches approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The fair value of share units is measured at fair value quoted on the grant date. The plan has a vesting period corresponding to 5 years added by expected volatility of 30% and will be settled with Company’s shares. All taxes and contributions are paid by the Company without additional costs to employees and management. This program should be wholly settled with the delivery of the shares. The effect of events on share-based compensation in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss for the period ended September 30, 2024 was R$ 6,108, being R$ 6,196 in Shareholder’s the Equity and a debit of R$ 89 as labor charges in liabilities, due to share price fluctuation (R$ 17,635 being R$ 14,340 in Shareholder’s the Equity and a credit of R$ 3,295 as labor charges in liabilities for the period ended September 30, 2023).

 

b.Long Term Investment – (“ILP”) – Performance Shares Units (PSU) – On August, 2023, the Board of Directors has approved a new long-term incentive plan (ILP), based on meeting certain targets, with granting in 2023 and vesting in 2026, 2027 and 2028, that generated dilution of 1.75% in Vasta shares. The effect of events on share-based compensation in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss for the period ended September 30, 2024 was R$ 3,336, being R$ 2,681 in Shareholder’s the Equity and a credit of R$ 655 as labor charges in liabilities, due to share price fluctuation (R$ 2,383 being R$ 1,373 in Shareholder’s the Equity and a credit of R$ 1,008 as labor charges in liabilities for the period ended September 30, 2023).

 

23.4. Treasury Shares

 

In 2023 the Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program, or the Repurchase Program. Under the Repurchase Program, Vasta could repurchase up to R$ 62,500 (or US$12,500) in Class A common shares in the open market, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions, over a period started on September 18, 2023, continuing until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase. On March 31, 2024, the program concluded with the repurchase of 1,077,415 shares, corresponding to R$22,531.

 

Considering the above information, the amount of the treasury shares on September 30, 2024 total R$75,457 (R$59,525 on December 31, 2023), corresponding to 3,478,159 treasury shares (2,647,652 on December 31,2023).

 

 F-30

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

24. Net Revenue from sales and Services

 

The breakdown of net sales of the Company is shown below:

 

  

July 01, to

September 30, 2024

 

July 01, to

September 30, 2023

  September 30,2024  September 30,2023
             
Net revenue                    
Learning Systems   196,092    160,791    720,222    660,605 
Textbooks   3,170    17,175    63,148    73,887 
Complementary Solutions   6,612    4,235    59,650    64,886 
Other products and services (i)   14,319    75,732    132,241    132,786 
Total   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 
    220,193    257,933    975,261    932,164 

 

(i)Includes sales to public government customers, amounting to R$ 69,031 on September 30, 2024 (R$ 81,199 on September 30,2023).

 

a.Seasonality

 

The Company’s revenue is subject to seasonality since the main deliveries of printed materials and digital materials to 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 delivered in the fourth quarter are used by customers in the following school year and, therefore, fourth quarter results reflect the growth in the number of students from one school year to the next, leading to higher revenue in general in the fourth quarter compared with the preceding quarters in each year. Consequently, on aggregate, the seasonality of revenue generally produces higher revenue in the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year. In addition, the Company generally bills its 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 the Company’s expenses is also seasonal. Due to the nature of the business cycle, the Company needs significant working capital, typically in September or October of each year, in order to cover costs related to production and inventory accumulation, selling and marketing expenses, and delivery of the 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.

 

 F-31

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

25. Costs and Expenses by Nature

 

  

July 01, to

September 30, 2024

 

July 01, to

September 30, 2023

  September 30, 2024  September 30, 2023
Raw materials and productions costs   (21,795)   (43,501)   (189,287)   (196,116)
Salaries and payroll charges   (68,373)   (78,118)   (229,369)   (224,043)
Depreciation and amortization   (76,605)   (74,308)   (217,857)   (214,916)
Advertising and publicity   (22,128)   (21,211)   (72,913)   (65,633)
Copyright   (11,538)   (10,803)   (53,508)   (51,025)
General and administrative expenses - others   (8,997)   (7,282)   (38,004)   (27,713)
Impairment losses on trade receivables   (7,845)   (15,369)   (31,199)   (26,777)
Editorial costs   (7,745)   (7,852)   (26,471)   (37,474)
Rent and condominium fees   611    (908)   (14,915)   (18,613)
Travel   (11,203)   (8,569)   (26,302)   (21,425)
Consulting and advisory services   (6,308)   (7,171)   (21,254)   (21,302)
Third-party services   (11,063)   (7,280)   (25,806)   (21,694)
Utilities, cleaning and security   (3,027)   (4,555)   (9,732)   (12,751)
Provision for obsolete inventories   (18,044)   (12,264)   (22,624)   (19,504)
Taxes and contributions   (832)   (485)   (2,962)   (872)
Material   (898)   (1,019)   (2,690)   (2,159)
Other operating expenses   (116)   —      (617)   —   
Other operating income   379    —      2,381    —   
Income from lease and sublease agreements with related parties   2,184    3,130    7,892    9,355 
(Reversal) provision for tax, civil and labor losses   236    1,025    (222)   10,190 
Provision in accounts payable for business combination (note 18)   —      —      —      (23,562)
    (273,107)   (296,540)   (975,459)   (966,034)
                     
Cost of sales and services   (81,184)   (101,161)   (352,034)   (375,464)
Commercial expenses   (63,652)   (63,044)   (210,490)   (178,968)
General and administrative expenses   (120,689)   (124,500)   (383,500)   (369,872)
Impairment losses on trade receivable   (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)
    (273,107)   (296,540)   (975,459)   (966,034)

 

 F-32

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

26. Finance result

 

  

July 01, to

September 30,2024

 

July 01, to

September 30,2023

  September 30, 2024  September 30, 2023
Finance income                    
Income from financial investments and marketable securities (i)   7,780    11,432    19,924    31,065 
Finance income from indemnification assets and contingencies (ii)   5,742    6,323    17,258    18,067 
Other finance income   3,314    1,756    9,384    4,480 
    16,836    19,511    46,566    53,612 
Finance costs                    
Interest on bonds   (24,372)   (30,507)   (72,781)   (91,361)
Interest on account payables for business combinations   (15,970)   (17,113)   (46,442)   (52,100)
Interest on suppliers   (9,647)   (11,016)   (32,331)   (26,196)
Bank and collection fees   (304)   (855)   (1,462)   (6,053)
Interest on provision for tax, civil and labor losses   (11,904)   (10,199)   (34,607)   (41,313)
Interest on lease liabilities   (3,765)   (3,884)   (8,467)   (10,144)
Other finance costs   (5,521)   (1,392)   (9,177)   (6,369)
    (71,483)   (74,966)   (205,267)   (233,536)
Financial Result (net)   (54,647)   (55,455)   (158,701)   (179,924)

 

(i)Refers to income from marketable securities indexed at CDI.

 

(ii)Refers to finance income from indemnification asset in the amount of R$220,141 (presented in note 21.c), in connection with the acquisition of Somos (Vasta’s Predecessor) by Cogna Group (Vasta’s Parent Company).

 

27. Non-cash transactions

 

Non-cash transactions for the periods ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 are respectively:

 

(i)Additions for new lease agreements and renegotiation in the amount of R$ 42,195 and R$21,408 (note 12).

 

(ii)Disposals of contracts of right of use assets and lease liabilities in the amount of R$12,974 and R$16,162 (note 16).

 

(iii)Accounts payable assumed in the acquisition of Start, during year 2023, in the amount of R$1,608.

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Guilherme Melega

Chief Executive Officer

 

Cesar Augusto Silva

Chief Financial Officer

 

 F-33

 

 

Vasta Platform Limited

Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated

Financial Statements Nine-months period ended September 30, 2024

In thousands of R$, unless otherwise stated .

 

 

Marcelo Vieira Werneck

Accountant - CRC: RJ – 091570/0-1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 F-34

 


Vasta Platform (NASDAQ:VSTA)
Graphique Historique de l'Action
De Oct 2024 à Nov 2024 Plus de graphiques de la Bourse Vasta Platform
Vasta Platform (NASDAQ:VSTA)
Graphique Historique de l'Action
De Nov 2023 à Nov 2024 Plus de graphiques de la Bourse Vasta Platform