Arco Reports Third Quarter 2022 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Arco Platform Limited (NASDAQ: ARCE) reported a strong financial performance for the third quarter of 2022, concluding the cycle with R$1,561 million in net revenue, a 34% organic growth compared to 2021. Key achievements include:

• Adjusted EBITDA of R$526 million, up 58.3% YoY.
• Cash gross margin increased to 80%.
• Free cash flow surged by 253.5% YoY to R$55.7 million.
• Projected 2023 ACV guidance of R$1,930 million, indicating a potential 24% organic growth.

Despite challenges like rising selling expenses and adjustments in administrative costs, the company showed significant operational efficiency improvements.

Positive

• Net revenue of R$1,561 million, a 34% organic growth YoY.
• Adjusted EBITDA up 58.3% YoY to R$526 million.
• Free cash flow increased 253.5% YoY to R$55.7 million.
• Projected 2023 ACV guidance of R$1,930 million, a 24% increase.
• Cash gross margin improved to 80%.

Negative

• Adjusted net loss of R$(61.9) million in 3Q22.
• Higher selling expenses of R$128.5 million in 3Q22, a 42.1% YoY increase.

Arco concluded the 2022 cycle with organic net revenue growth of 34% over the 2021 cycle at R$1,561 million (100% ACV recognition) and improved profitability

SÃO PAULO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arco Platform Limited, or Arco or Company (Nasdaq: ARCE), today reported financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30^th, 2022.

"We are concluding the 2022 cycle with 100% ACV bookings recognition, leading to a 48% top line growth and an increase in profitability. Initiatives put in place this year were a great first step in a long path towards improving efficiency and integration, reducing redundancy, and making Arco a more agile company to better service our partner schools and generate greater value to our shareholders. In this context free cash flow is a key success metric for our management team, together with growth, which, with a now comprehensive portfolio that includes pedagogical, financial and software solutions, will be powered by a more mature cross-selling strategy."

Ari de Sá Neto, CEO and founder

		Net revenue		Cash Gross profit		Adj. EBITDA
2022 cycle		R$1,561M		R$1,249M		R$526M
		+47.7% YoY		+49.0% YoY		+58.3% YoY

3Q22					9M22
Net revenue		Cash gross profit			Net revenue		Cash gross profit
R$253.9M		R$206.7M			R$1,096.1M		R$858.3M
Adj. EBITDA		Adj. Net income			Adj. EBITDA		Adj. Net income
R$37.2M		R$(61.9)M			R$294.5M		R$(51.8)M
Note: Please see Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation on page 17 and Adjusted Net Income Reconciliation on pages 17 and 18.

Cycle Highlights

Arco concluded the 2022 cycle with net revenue of R$1,561 million (100% recognition of the 2022 ACV bookings provided at the beginning of the year), a 47.7% increase year-over-year (or 33.8% organic top line growth YoY). Net revenue for Core solutions totaled R$1.237 million (+46.9% YoY), while net revenue for Supplemental solutions totaled R$325 million (+50.7% YoY).

Cash gross profit was R$1,249 million (+49.0% YoY), leading to an 80.0% cash gross margin (versus 79.3% for the 2021 cycle).

Integration and efficiency initiatives contributed to an adjusted EBITDA of R$526 million for the 2022 cycle, translating into a 230-basis point expansion in adjusted EBITDA margin to 33.7%.

3Q22 and 9M22 Highlights

Net revenue for the third quarter was R$253.9 million, a 38.6% YoY increase, with Core solutions totaling R$207.1 million (+38.1% YoY) and Supplemental solutions totaling R$46.8 million (+40.5% YoY). For the first nine months of 2022, net revenue increased 42.1% YoY to R$1,096.1 million, with Core solutions increasing 49.8% to R$920.6 million and Supplemental solutions increasing 12.1% to R$175.5 million. Excluding recent M&A¹, net revenue increased 19.5% YoY in 3Q22 and 28.6% YoY in 9M22 YoY.

Cash gross margin (gross margin excluding depreciation and amortization) was 81.4% in 3Q22 (vs. 79.7% in 3Q21). For the first nine months of 2022, cash gross margin was 78.3% (vs. 78.7% in 9M21). The positive results from our integration and efficiency initiatives were key to partially offset non-recurring costs resulting from late additional orders of pedagogical materials by our partner schools in the second quarter, as rush printing costs are on average 25% higher than regular printing costs and books were shipped using express tariffs and through more expensive shipping methods (air, dedicated trucks). In the first nine months of 2022, Arco delivered R$33 million in cost savings, above the total amount expected in cost savings for the full year.

Higher selling expenses excluding depreciation and amortization at R$128.5 million in 3Q22 (+42.1% YoY) and R$413.8 million (+47.7% YoY) in the first nine months of 2022 reflect (i) higher investments in commercial activities (identifying and developing leads and cross sell opportunities, intensifying pedagogical support to partner schools, resumption of in-person interactions and events, among others), which are key to fostering strong growth potential opportunities and capturing more market share over time in both Core and Supplemental segments, and (ii) higher inflation for the period (mainly impacting travel expenses). Excluding recent M&A¹, selling expenses increased 35.5% in 3Q22 and 41.3% in 9M22. As a result of the diligent cash collection process and its close relationship with partner schools, Arco was able to improve the quality of its receivables, resulting in a consistent decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts.

1 Recent M&As refer to businesses acquired in 2021 (Me Salva, Eduqo, Edupass, COC, Dom Bosco) and 2022 (PGS, Mentes).

Allowance for doubtful accounts (R$M)

3Q22

3Q21

YoY

2Q22

QoQ

9M22

9M21

YoY

Allowance for doubtful accounts

(1.9)

6.0

N/A

0.4

N/A

(8.5)

16.5

N/A

% of net revenue

- 0.8%

3.3%

-4.1 p.p.

-0.1%

0.7p.p.

-0.8%

2.1%

-2.9 p.p.

General and administrative expenses (G&A) continue to show the trend of a more integrated back-office strategy. In 3Q22, G&A expenses excluding depreciation and amortization were R$70.5 million (-29.1% YoY) and represented 27.8% of net revenue (versus 54.2% in 3Q21). Excluding recent M&A¹, G&A expenses decreased to R$67.7 million (-31.7% YoY) in 3Q22. Share-based compensation plan expenses increased 47.4% YoY in 3Q22 (excluding Geekie’s SOP² in 2021), representing 8.5% of 3Q22 revenue (vs. 8.0% of revenue in 3Q21). For the first nine months of 2022, G&A expenses excluding depreciation and amortization were R$209.1 million (-4.6% YoY) and represented 19.1% of net revenue (versus 28.4% in 9M21). Excluding the effects of recent M&A¹, G&A expenses decreased 10.7% YoY in 9M22 to R$194.2 million. Share-based compensation plan expenses increased 24.3% YoY in 9M22, representing 3.7% of 9M22 revenue (vs. 4.3% of revenue in 9M21). From a cost savings perspective, Arco surpassed its initial goal for the year, delivering G&A savings of R$59 million in 9M22, above the R$47 million goal for the full year.

Adjusted EBITDA was R$37.2 million in 3Q22 (+135.1% YoY), with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.6% (versus 8.6% in 3Q21). As for the first nine months of 2022, adjusted EBITDA increased 42.6% YoY to R$294.5 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin was 26.9% (versus 26.8% in 9M21). We expect the 2022 full year adjusted EBITDA margin to be around the bottom of the 36.5% and 38.5% guidance range we provided at the beginning of the year.

Adjusted net income (loss) in 3Q22 was R$(61.9) million, with an adjusted net margin of -24.4% (versus -11.9% in 3Q21), impacted by higher finance expenses and depreciation and amortization. For the nine-month period ended September 30^th, 2022, adjusted net income was R$(51.8) million, with an adjusted net margin of -4.7% (versus 7.0% in 9M21).

A solid cash collection process in the quarter led to an important improvement in the quality of accounts receivable, with a reduction in days of sales outstanding (DSO) to 98 days in 3Q22 from 141 days in 2Q22 and 104 days in 3Q21, and a 2.1 p.p. reduction in delinquency levels to 4.0% in 3Q22 from 5.6% in 2Q22 and 6.1% in 3Q21.

Days of sales outstanding		Sep. 30, 2022		Sep. 30, 2021		YoY		June 30, 2022		QoQ
Trade receivables (R$M)		510.9		382.3		34%		687.6		-26%
(-) Allowance for doubtful accounts		77.4		77.1		0%		79.7		-3%
Trade receivables, net (R$M)		433.5		305.1		42%		607.8		-29%
Net revenue LTM pro-forma¹		1,614.5		1,073.2		50%		1,568.9		3%
Adjusted DSO		98		104		-6%		141		-30%
1) Calculated as net revenue for the last twelve months added to the pro forma revenues from businesses acquired in the period to accurately reflect the Company’s operations.

Arco’s corporate restructuring is ongoing. In October Arco concluded the incorporation of Geekie into CBE (Companhia Brasileira de Educação e Sistemas de Ensino, Arco’s wholly-owned entity which incorporates acquired businesses), leading to estimated future annual income tax savings of approximately R$17million. Future incorporations include Pleno (2023), Escola da Inteligência (2023) and SAE Digital (2024). As we keep incorporating other businesses into CBE, we expect to capture additional tax benefits and therefore further reduce our effective tax rate, currently at 8.7% in 9M22 (versus 17.3% in 9M21).

2 As part of Geekie’s acquisition, Arco acquired management future stake in Geekie, resulting from the exercise of their existing SOP. The fair value of SOP was calculated using the same valuation method as the accounts payable to selling shareholders for the acquisition of the remaining interest, resulting in the final transaction price, which were updated quarterly for Geekie’s most recent fair value, until was settled in June/2022.

Intangible assets - net balances (R$M)		Sep. 30, 2022		Sep. 30, 2021		YoY		June 30, 2022		QoQ
Business Combination		2,922.5		2,334.6		25%		2,949.9		-1%
Trademarks		479.6		437.3		10%		488.8		-2%
Customer relationships		246.4		261.4		-6%		255.8		-4%
Educational system		215.7		209.6		3%		224.6		-4%
Softwares		9.8		11.4		-14%		8.6		14%
Educational platform		4.7		5.7		-18%		4.4		7%
Others¹		15.4		16.4		-6%		16.8		-8%
Goodwill		1,950.9		1,392.8		40%		1,950.9		0%
Operational		279.8		206.5		35%		288.1		-3%
Educational platform²		178.1		141.7		26%		200.1		-11%
Softwares		77.1		53.0		45%		77.1		0%
Copyrights		24.6		11.8		108%		10.8		127%
Customer relationships		0.1		0.1		-35%		0.1		-35%
TOTAL		3,202.2		2,541.2		26%		3,238.0		-1%
1) Non-compete agreements and rights on contracts. 2) Includes content development in progress.

Amortization of intangible assets (R$M)		3Q22		3Q21		YoY		2Q22		QoQ		9M22		9M21		YoY
Business Combination		(79.2)		(55.9)		42%		(73.5)		8%		(213.0)		(165.9)		28%
Trademarks		(8)		(6.5)		20%		(8.0)		-3%		(23.5)		(19.3)		22%
Customer relationships		(9.7)		(8.6)		13%		(9.4)		3%		(28.2)		(25.6)		10%
Educational system		(8.9)		(8.1)		9%		(9.4)		-6%		(27.6)		(24.2)		14%
Softwares		(0.7)		(0.9)		-22%		(0.7)		1%		(2.1)		(2.1)		0%
Educational platform		(0.2)		(0.3)		-17%		(0.2)		24%		(0.6)		(0.7)		-7%
Others¹		(1.4)		(1.3)		4%		(1.5)		-10%		(4.3)		(3.6)		18%
Goodwill		(50.6)		(30.1)		68%		(44.3)		14%		(126.8)		(90.3)		40%
Operational		(34.2)		(22.8)		50%		(29.1)		17%		(92.8)		(61.6)		51%
Educational platform²		(26.8)		(16.3)		64%		(21.7)		24%		(70.8)		(45.3)		56%
Softwares		(5.6)		(4.5)		24%		(5.4)		4%		(16.2)		(10.1)		60%
Copyrights		(1.6)		(2.0)		-20%		(1.8)		-11%		(5.3)		(6.1)		-13%
Customer relationships		(0.2)		-		NA		(0.2)		-10%		(0.5)		(0.1)		380%
TOTAL		(113.4)		(78.7)		44%		(102.6)		11%		(305.9)		(227.5)		34%
1) Non-compete agreements and rights on contracts. 2) Includes content development in progress.

Amortization of intangible assets (R$M)		Impacts P&L		Originates tax benefit		Amortization with tax benefit in 3Q22²
						Amortization		Tax benefit		Impact on net income
Business Combination						(58.8)		20.0		(38.8)
Trademarks		Yes		Yes²		(2.0)		0.7		(1.3)
Customer relationships		Yes		Yes²		(2.9)		1.0		(1.9)
Educational system		Yes		Yes²		(3.3)		1.1		(2.2)
Educational platform		Yes		Yes²		0.5		(0.2)		0.4
Others¹		Yes		Yes²		(0.5)		0.2		(0.4)
Goodwill		No		Yes²		(50.6)		17.2		(33.4)
Operational		Yes		Yes		(34.2)		11.6		(22.6)
TOTAL						(93.0)		31.6		(61.4)
1) Non-compete agreements and rights on contracts. 2) Amortizations are tax deductible only after the incorporation of the acquired business.

Amortization of intangible assets from business combination that generate tax benefit – breakdown by type (R$M)		Businesses with current tax benefit										Undefined²
		2022¹		2023		2024		2025		2026+
Trademarks		21		27		27		27		318		66
Customer relationships		21		25		25		25		59		111
Educational system		25		27		27		27		106		32
Software license		-		-		-		-		-		11
Rights on contracts		1		1		1		1		3		1
Others		2		2		2		1		1		10
Goodwill		183		237		231		227		761		355
Total		253		319		313		308		1.247		587
Maximum tax benefit		86		108		106		105		424		199
1) Considers the maximum tax benefit for full year 2022. In 3Q22 we have benefited from R$17.6 million (totalizing R$44.6 million in 9M22). 2) Businesses with future tax benefit (not yet incorporated).

Amortization of intangible assets from business combination that generate tax benefit – breakdown by solutions (R$M)		Businesses with current tax benefit										Undefined²
		2022¹		2023		2024		2025		2026+
Geekie		7		42		42		42		279		-
NAVE		9		9		9		9		11		-
P2D3		57		89		89		89		364		-
Positivo, Conquista, PES English		170		170		170		169		593		-
Other Companies		10		10		4		-		-		-
Acquired companies not yet incorporated		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		587
Total		253		319		313		308		1.247		587
Maximum tax benefit		86		108		106		105		424		199
1) Considers the maximum tax benefit for full year 2022. In 3Q22 we have benefited from R$17.6 million (totalizing R$44.6 in 9M22). 2) Businesses with future tax benefit (not yet incorporated). 3) Refer to COC and Dom Bosco solutions acquired in 2021.

CAPEX in 3Q22 was R$30.9 million, representing 12.2% of net revenue (versus 21.4% of net revenue in 3Q21). For 9M22, CAPEX totaled R$121.1 million, or 11.1% of net revenue (versus 14.8% of net revenue in 9M21), and within the guidance range of 10.0% to 12.0% of net revenue for 2022 full year we provided in 3Q21.

CAPEX (R$M)		3Q22		3Q21		YoY		2Q22		QoQ		9M22		9M21		YoY
Acquisition of intangible assets¹		27.0		35.0		-23%		41.5		-35%		108.8		104.8		4%
Educational platform - content development		0.9		13.4		-93%		4.5		-80%		9.3		31.7		-71%
Educational platform - platforms & tech		15.2		8.5		79%		17.9		-15%		57.7		35.7		62%
Software		7.7		10.5		-27%		16.5		-54%		34.5		30.2		14%
Copyrights and others		3.2		2.5		29%		2.6		22%		7.3		7.2		2%
Acquisition of PP&E		3.9		4.0		-2%		1.7		128%		12.3		9.5		30%
TOTAL¹		30.9		39.0		-21%		43.2		-29%		121.1		114.3		6%
1) For 9M22 excludes R$14.2 million related to M&A payments (PGS’ and Mentes’ acquisition, being R$5.5 million in 1Q22 and R$8.7 million in 2Q22) from the accounting CAPEX of R$135.4 million.

Cash from operations for 3Q22 and 9M22 were R$89.7 million (from R$74.1 million in 3Q21) and R$384.1 million (from R$276.5 million in 9M21), respectively. Free cash flow to firm³ in 3Q22 increased 253.5% YoY to R$55.7 million, representing 22.0% of net revenues (vs. 8.6% of net revenue in 3Q21). For the nine-month period ended September 30^th, 2022, free cash flow to firm also presented a significant improvement, increasing 131.9% YoY to R$212.4 million, or 19.4% of net revenue (vs. 11.9% in 9M21).

3 Please reference page 19 (reconciliation of free cash flow) for additional details.

Free cash flow to firm (managerial)		9M21		% of net revenue		9M22		% of net revenue		YoY
Adjusted EBITDA		206.5		26.8%		294.5		26.9%		+43%
(+/-) Noncash adjustments		(2.4)		-0.3%		(12.6)		-1.2%		+430%
(+/-) Working capital		72.5		9.4%		102.2		9.3%		+41%
(-) Income taxes paid		(70.7)		-9.2%		(50.6)		-4.6%		-28%
(-) CAPEX¹		(114.3)		-14.8%		(121.1)		-11.1%		+6%
Free cash flow to firm (managerial)		91.6		11.9%		212.4		19.4%		+132%
1) Excludes R$14.2 million related to M&A payments (PGS’ and Mentes’ acquisition, being R$5.5 million in 1Q22 and R$8.7 million in 2Q22) from the accounting CAPEX of R$135.4 million for 9M22

Arco’s cash and cash equivalents plus financial investments position as of September 30^th, 2022, was R$1,015 million, while financial debt and accounts payable to selling shareholders were R$2,797 million, leading to a net debt of R$1,782 million. As part of Arco’s balance sheet management strategy, on August 5^th, 2022, we announced the closing of a new Debentures issuance amounting to R$1,200 million. Net proceeds were partially used to prepay the Debentures issued in August 2021, and the balance was used to strengthen Arco’s cash position while extending its debt maturity profile. The new Debentures mature on August 3^rd, 2027, with principal to be amortized in three equal installments payable on August 3^rd, 2025, August 3^rd, 2026, and August 3^rd, 2027, and bear interest at CDI +2.30% per annum, payable semi-annually on February 3^rd and August 3^rd.

We had another strong commercial cycle for the 2023 school year, with a new student intake and upsell for both Core and Supplemental solutions indicating healthy organic growth YoY. Retention rates remained consistent with historical trends and average price increase was 2-3 p.p. above inflation (considers expected inflation – IPCA – of 5.88% for 2022 and 5.01% for 2023, as per Brazilian Central Bank Focus Report as of November 18th, 2022). Cross-sell initiatives were again a key driver to our go-to-market strategy, leading to a ~2 p.p. increase in the number of schools in our core base with at least one Supplemental solution to ~17% (from ~15% in 2022 school year). We are providing a 2023 ACV guidance for our pedagogical solutions of approximately R$1,930 million, which represents approximately 24% organic growth versus 2022 cycle net revenues of R$1,561 million.

COC, one of our recently acquired Core solutions had positive results for its first commercial cycle post acquisition, with a 17-point increase in the NPS to 66 leading to a 15 p.p. improvement in retention rate for the 2023 school year to 95%. We were able to implement significant price increases for the 2023 cycle (~4 p.p. above expected inflation). Finally, the year-over-year ACV growth was over 30%.

We are also providing an adjusted EBITDA margin guidance range for 2023 fiscal year for our pedagogical solutions of 36.5% to 38.5%, in line with the range provided for 2022 fiscal year, and a CAPEX as a percentage of revenue guidance range for 2023 fiscal year of 8.0% to 10.0%, below the 10.0% to 12.0% range provided for 2022 fiscal year. The expansion of our adjusted EBITDA – CAPEX as a percentage of revenue metric reflects Arco’s integration initiatives and corporate restructuring in place as Arco paves the way to become a portfolio hub of education solutions and a more efficient company, including (i) strategic sourcing, (ii) supply chain: printing costs & freight, (iii) IT systems optimization, (iv) corporate reorganization, (v) supplemental synergies, (vi) sales & operations planning, (vii) increased cooperation among core units, and (viii) technology integration.

Arco initiated its efficiency and integration agenda in 2021, with the goal of improving our operations, internal processes, and capital allocation strategy, leading to enhanced cash generation and generating more value to our shareholders. Accordingly, free cash flow became a key success metric to management, with three main drivers: (i) continuous margin expansion; (ii) return of capex to pre-covid levels as a percentage of revenue (at high single-digit rates), and (iii) normalization of working capital.

Finally, the Brazilian antitrust agency (CADE) approved the isaac acquisition on November 16^th. The transaction is expected to close on January 2^nd, 2023.

Conference Call Information

Arco will discuss its third quarter 2022 results today, December 1^st, 2022, via a conference call at 5 p.m. Eastern Time (6 p.m. Brasilia Time). To access the call, please dial: +1 (412) 717-9627, +1 (844) 204-8942 or +55 (11) 4090-1621. For enhanced audio connection investors may connect through Web Phone (access code: 7636515).

An audio replay of the call will be available through December 7^th, 2022, by dialing +55 (11) 3193-1012 and entering access code 1608874#. A live and archived Webcast of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://investor.arcoplatform.com/.

About Arco Platform Limited (Nasdaq: ARCE)

Arco has empowered hundreds of thousands of students to rewrite their futures through education. Our data-driven learning methodology, proprietary adaptable curriculum, interactive hybrid content, and high-quality pedagogical services allow students to personalize their learning experience while enabling schools to thrive.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as pertains to Arco Platform Limited (the “Company”) within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, the Company’s expectations or predictions of future financial or business performance conditions. The achievement or success of the matters covered by statements herein involves substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements we make. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward looking statements are made based on the Company’s current expectations and projections relating to its financial conditions, result of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business, and these statements are not guarantees of future performance.

Statements which herein address activities, events, conditions or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “explore,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “view,” or “will,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact could be deemed forward looking, including risks and uncertainties related to statements about our competition; our ability to attract, upsell and retain customers; our ability to increase the price of our solutions; our ability to expand our sales and marketing capabilities; general market, political, economic, and business conditions in Brazil or abroad; and our financial targets which include revenue, share count and other IFRS measures, as well as non-GAAP financial measures including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Margin, Taxable Income Reconciliation and Free Cash Flow.

Forward-looking statements represent the Company management’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date such statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

Further information on these and other factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included in filings the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Forms 20-F and 6-K. These documents are available on the SEC Filings section of the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at: https://investor.arcoplatform.com/

Key Business Metrics

ACV Bookings: we define ACV Bookings as the revenue we would contractually expect to recognize from a partner school in each school year pursuant to the terms of our contract with such partner school, assuming no further additions or reductions in the number of enrolled students that will access our content at such partner school in such school year (we define “school year” for purposes of calculation of ACV Bookings as the twelve-month period starting in October of the previous year to September of the mentioned current year). We calculate ACV Bookings by multiplying the number of enrolled students at each partner 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 partner school.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board—IASB, we use Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income Margin and Managerial Free Cash Flow and which are non-GAAP financial measures.

We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as profit (loss) for the year (or period) plus/minus income taxes, plus/minus finance result, plus depreciation and amortization, plus/minus share of (profit) loss of equity-accounted investees, plus share-based compensation plan and restricted stock units, plus provision for payroll taxes (restricted stock units), plus/minus M&A related (gains) losses and expenses, plus non-recurring expenses and plus effects related to COVID-19 pandemic. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Net Revenue.

We calculate Adjusted Net Income as profit (loss) for the year, plus amortization of intangible assets from business combinations (which refers to the amortization of the following intangible assets from business combinations: (i) rights on contracts, (ii) customer relationships, (iii) educational system, (iv) trademarks, (v) non-compete agreement and (vi) software resulting from acquisitions), plus/minus changes in accounts payable to selling shareholders (which refers to changes in fair value of contingent consideration and accounts payable to selling shareholders—finance costs), plus interest income (expenses), net (which refers to interest expenses related to accounts payable to selling shareholders from business combinations adjusted by fair value), plus share-based compensation plan, restricted stock units and related payroll taxes (restricted stock units), plus/minus non-cash adjustments related to Derivatives and Convertible Notes, plus M&A expenses (expenses related to acquisitions, and legal services mainly due to International School arbitration), minus other changes to equity accounted on investees, plus non-recurring expenses, which are related to consulting expenses for Sarbanes-Oxley implementation, plus effects related to COVID-19 pandemic, which includes the revision of the Company’s estimated credit losses from its trade receivables based on expected increases in financial default and in unemployment rates in Brazil for the year and plus/minus changes in current and deferred tax recognized in statements of income applied to all adjustments to net income (which refers to tax effects of changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in profit or loss corresponding to financial instruments from acquisition of interests, tax benefit from tax deductible goodwill, share-based compensation and amortization of intangible assets).

For purposes of the calculation of Adjusted Net Income for the year ended December 31, 2021, we have excluded the following adjustments that we applied to the calculation of Adjusted Net Income for prior periods: (i) Interest income (expenses) linked to a fixed rate (we will maintain the adjustment for Interest income (expenses) that refers to adjustments by fair value); (ii) Foreign exchange effects on cash and cash equivalents and (iii) share of loss of equity accounted investees and. These adjustments will not be applied to the calculation of Adjusted Net Income going forward. We believe that eliminating these adjustments from our calculation of Adjusted Net Income for the year ended December 31, 2021 and going forward does not impact our investors’ ability to assess our results of operations. We have not retroactively restated Net Adjusted Income for the periods prior to 2021.

We calculate Managerial Free Cash Flow as Net Cash Flows from Operating activities, less acquisition of property and equipment, less acquisition of intangible assets, less M&A-related payments. We consider Free Cash Flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by operating activities and cash used for investments in property and equipment required to maintain and grow our business.

We understand that, although Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income Margin and Managerial Free Cash Flow 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 EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income Margin and Managerial Free Cash Flow 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.

Arco Platform Limited
Interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position
		September 30,		December 31,
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)		2022		2021
Assets		(unaudited)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		314,015		211,143
Financial investments		661,465		973,294
Trade receivables		433,491		593,263
Inventories		231,470		158,582
Recoverable taxes		65,069		38,811
Derivative financial instruments		-		301
Related parties		3,838		4,571
Other assets		87,948		66,962
Total current assets		1,797,296		2,046,927
Non-current assets
Financial investments		39,057		40,762
Derivative financial instruments		-		560
Related parties		-		6,819
Recoverable taxes		12,657		22,216
Deferred income tax		367,340		321,223
Other assets		73,916		57,534
Investments and interests in other entities		121,787		126,873
Property and equipment		64,558		73,885
Right-of-use assets		25,229		35,960
Intangible assets		3,202,214		3,257,360
Total non-current assets		3,906,758		3,943,192
Total assets		5,704,054		5,990,119

		September 30,		December 31,
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)		2022		2021
Liabilities		(unaudited)
Current liabilities
Trade payables		152,336		103,292
Labor and social obligations		108,087		157,601
Lease liabilities		20,688		20,122
Loans and financing		58,772		228,448
Derivative financial instruments		2,671		-
Taxes and contributions payable		5,384		7,953
Income taxes payable		13,468		37,775
Advances from customers		5,731		35,291
Accounts payable to selling shareholders		879,418		799,553
Other liabilities		5,188		3,176
Total current liabilities		1,251,743		1,393,211
Non-current liabilities
Labor and social obligations		1,179		661
Lease liabilities		10,611		22,996
Loans and financing		1,853,495		1,602,879
Derivative financial instruments		63,947		223,561
Provision for legal proceedings		2,821		1,398
Accounts payable to selling shareholders		653,917		869,233
Other liabilities		365		946
Total non-current liabilities		2,586,335		2,721,674
Equity
Share capital		11		11
Capital reserve		2,103,699		2,203,857
Treasury shares		(114,701)		(180,775)
Share-based compensation reserve		98,785		90,813
Accumulated losses		(221,818)		(238,672)
Total equity		1,865,976		1,875,234
Total liabilities and equity		5,704,054		5,990,119

Arco Platform Limited
Interim condensed consolidated statements of income
	Three-month period ended September 30,				Nine-month period ended September 30,
(In thousands of Brazilian reais, except earnings per share)	2022		2021		2022		2021
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Revenue	253,922		183,267		1,096,096		771,240
Cost of sales	(62,820)		(44,766)		(312,452)		(199,994)
Gross profit	191,102		138,501		783,644		571,246
Operating expenses:
Selling expenses	(153,549)		(114,982)		(492,341)		(353,367)
General and administrative expenses	(85,518)		(109,867)		(251,655)		(246,161)
Other income, net	(1,714)		413		17,356		2,913
Operating profit	(49,679)		(85,935)		57,004		(25,369)
Finance income	105,629		20,353		479,244		42,407
Finance costs	(159,511)		(124,947)		(523,097)		(209,239)
Finance result	(53,882)		(104,594)		(43,853)		(166,832)
Share of loss of equity-accounted investees	(4,284)		(5,575)		(24,220)		(8,326)
(Loss) profit before income taxes	(107,845)		(196,104)		(11,069)		(200,527)
Income taxes - income (expense)
Current	(4,385)		(1,246)		(18,194)		(37,143)
Deferred	39,766		53,290		46,117		85,402
Total income taxes – income (expense)	35,381		52,044		27,923		48,259
Net (loss) profit for the period	(72,464)		(144,060)		16,854		(152,268)
Basic earnings per share – in Brazilian reais
Class A	(1.30)		(2,53)		0.30		(2.67)
Class B	(1.30)		(2,53)		0.30		(2.67)
Diluted earnings per share – in Brazilian reais
Class A	(1.30)		(2,53)		0.30		(2.67)
Class B	(1.30)		(2,53)		0.30		(2.67)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net (loss) profit per share:
Basic	55,807		56,902		55,940		57,109
Diluted	55,807		57,122		61,228		57,329

Arco Platform Limited
Interim condensed consolidated statements of cash flows
	Three-month period ended September 30,				Nine-month period ended September 30,
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)	2022		2021		2022		2021
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Operating activities
Loss before income taxes	(107,845)		(196,104)		(11,069)		(200,527)
Adjustments to reconcile loss before income taxes to cash from operations
Depreciation and amortization	55,617		42,605		195,700		136,080
Inventory reserves	9,264		5,579		22,603		12,965
Provision (reversal) for expected credit losses	(1,919)		5,987		(8,522)		16,486
Loss (profit) on sale/disposal of property and equipment and intangible	2		87		(190)		222
Fair value change in financial derivative	(58,589)		-		(154,562)		-
Fair value adjustment in accounts payable to selling shareholders	-		74,664		(26,320)		75,153
Share of loss of equity-accounted investees	4,284		5,575		24,220		8,326
Share-based compensation plan	17,706		41,760		26,752		57,315
Accrued interest on loans and financing	72,549		11,705		178,093		20,610
Interest accretion on accounts payable to selling shareholders	47,268		30,802		136,942		84,826
Interest from financial investment	(24,763)		(6,421)		(63,116)		(14,916)
Interest on lease liabilities	1,001		1,204		3,288		3,361
Provision for legal proceedings	1,317		248		1,423		37
Provision for payroll taxes (restricted stock units)	3,871		1,259		788		2,686
Foreign exchange (income) expenses, net	21,316		(1,945)		(22,346)		2,147
Gain on changes of interest of investment	46		-		(17,712)		-
Other financial expense (income), net	(987)		1,792		(4,115)		(706)
	40,138		18,797		281,857		204,065
Changes in assets and liabilities
Trade receivables	170,531		95,594		166,187		95,979
Inventories	(47,514)		(6,372)		(75,185)		(18,339)
Recoverable taxes	(16,421)		(5,463)		(7,973)		(2,996)
Other assets	9,867		(12,776)		(25,210)		(21,231)
Trade payables	(2,593)		21,809		49,044		29,034
Labor and social obligations	324		1,069		26,069		11,325
Taxes and contributions payable	(1,671)		(1,388)		(2,649)		(6,471)
Advances from customers	(55,201)		(36,559)		(29,560)		(16,574)
Other liabilities	(7,713)		(574)		1,515		1,730
Cash from operations	89,747		74,137		384,095		276,522
Income taxes paid	(3,101)		(19,167)		(50,575)		(70,684)
Interest paid on lease liabilities	(1,250)		(918)		(3,596)		(2,521)
Interest paid on accounts payable to selling shareholders	(1,702)		(1,031)		(38,616)		(5,254)
Interest paid on loans and financing	(115,856)		(5,461)		(147,848)		(13,406)
Payments for contingent consideration	(146)		-		(70,687)		(332)
Payments for stock options	-		-		(75,578)		-
Net cash flows from operating activities	(32,308)		47,560		(2,805)		184,325
Investing activities
Acquisition of property and equipment	(3,925)		(4,010)		(12,323)		(9,542)
Payment of investments and interests in other entities	(14)		(53,538)		(32)		(126,760)
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired	-		(15,839)		-		(31,056)
Payments of accounts payable to selling shareholders	(1,270)		(8,449)		(1,270)		(101,285)
Acquisition of intangible assets	(26,976)		(35,190)		(123,029)		(104,733)
Maturity of financial investments	(264,243)		213,374		376,650		366,309
Loans to related parties	1		-		(4,811)		-
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	(296,427)		96,348		235,185		(7,067)
Financing activities
Purchase of treasury shares	(1,523)		(25,069)		(53,139)		(134,806)
Payment of lease liabilities	(3,774)		(4,245)		(15,779)		(10,599)
Payment of accounts payable to selling shareholders	(10,884)		(13)		(132,154)		(19,455)
Loans and financings - additions	1,189,058		891,116		1,189,058		887,673
Loans and financings – payment	(905,582)		-		(1,116,911)		-
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	267,295		861,789		(128,925)		722,813
Foreign exchange effects on cash and cash equivalents	(298)		1,945		(583)		(2,147)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	(61,738)		1,007,642		102,872		897,924
Cash and cash equivalents
At the beginning of the period	375,753		314,692		211,143		424,410
At the end of the period	314,015		1,322,334		314,015		1,322,334
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	(61,738)		1,007,642		102,872		897,924

Arco Platform Limited
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures   Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
		Three-month period ended September 30,				Nine-month period ended September 30,
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)		2022		2021		2022		2021
		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Net (loss) profit for the period		(72,464)		(144,060)		16,854		(152,268)
(+/-) Income taxes		(35,381)		(52,044)		(27,923)		(48,259)
(+/-) Finance result		53,882		104,594		43,853		166,832
(+) Depreciation and amortization		55,617		42,605		195,700		136,080
(+) Share of loss of equity-accounted investees		4,284		5,575		24,220		8,326
EBITDA		5,938		(43,330)		252,704		110,711
(+) Share-based compensation plan		21,596		42,993		40,745		64,041
(+) Share-based compensation plan and restricted stock units		16,922		41,630		26,752		57,315
(+) Provision for payroll taxes (restricted stock units)		4,674		1,363		13,993		6,726
(+) M&A expenses		1,490		15,299		10,676		29,055
(+/-) Other changes to equity accounted investees3		46		-		(17,712)		-
(+) Non-recurring expenses		8,083		296		8,083		948
(+) Effects related to Covid-19 pandemic		-		544		-		1,696
Adjusted EBITDA		37,153		15,802		294,496		206,451
Revenue		253,922		183,267		1,096,096		771,240
EBITDA Margin		2.3%		-23.6%		23.1%		14.4%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin		14.6%		8.6%		26.9%		26.8%

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income
		Three-month period ended September 30,
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)		2022		2021 pro forma1		2021 reported
		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Net loss for the period		(72,464)		(144,060)		(144,060)
(+) Share-based compensation plan		21,596		42,993		42,993
(+) Share-based compensation plan and restricted stock units		16,922		41,630		41,630
(+) Provision for payroll taxes (restricted stock units)		4,674		1,363		1,363
(+) M&A expenses		1,490		15,299		14,353
(+/-) Other changes to equity accounted investees3		46		-		-
(+) Non-recurring expenses		8,083		296		1,242
(+) Effects related to Covid-19 pandemic		-		544		544
(+/-) Adjustments related to business combination		31,435		114,669		131,064
(+) Amortization of intangible assets from business combinations		23,911		25,598		25,598
(+/-) Changes in accounts payable to selling shareholders		-		74,664		74,664
(+) Interest expenses, net (adjusted by fair value)		7,524		14,407		14,407
(+) Interest on acquisition of investments, net (linked to a fixed rate)1		-		-		16,395
(+/-) Non-cash adjustments related to derivative instruments and convertible notes		(32,690)		-		-
(+/-) Foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents1		-		-		(1,945)
(+) Share of loss of equity-accounted investees1		-		-		5,575
(+/-) Tax effects		(19,441)		(51,579)		(61,738)
Adjusted Net Income		(61,945)		(21,838)		(11,972)
Net Revenue		253,922		183,267		183,267
Adjusted Net Income Margin		-24.4%		-11.9%		-6.5%
Weighted average shares		55,807		56,902		56,902
Adjusted EPS		(1.11)		(0.38)		(0.21)

		Nine-month period ended September 30,
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)		2022		2021 pro forma1		2021 Reported
		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Net (loss) profit for the period		16,854		(152,268)		(152,268)
(+) Share-based compensation plan		40,745		64,041		64,041
(+) Share-based compensation plan and restricted stock units		26,752		57,315		57,315
(+) Provision for payroll taxes (restricted stock units)		13,993		6,726		6,726
(+) M&A expenses		10,676		29,055		22,203
(+/-) Other changes to equity accounted investees3		(17,712)		-		-
(+) Non-recurring expenses		8,083		948		7,800
(+) Effects related to Covid-19 pandemic		-		1,696		1,696
(+/-) Adjustments related to business combination		89,472		204,482		235,329
(+) Amortization of intangible assets from business combinations		81,510		75,350		75,350
(+/-) Changes in accounts payable to selling shareholders		(26,320)		75,153		75,153
(+) Interest expenses, net (adjusted by fair value)		34,282		53,979		53,979
(+) Interest on acquisition of investments, net (linked to a fixed rate)1		-		-		30,847
(+/-) Non-cash adjustments related to derivative instruments and convertible notes2		(157,910)		-		-
(+/-) Foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents1		-		-		2,147
(+) Share of loss of equity-accounted investees1		-		-		8,326
(+/-) Tax effects		(41,963)		(93,634)		(103,793)
Adjusted Net Income		(51,755)		54,320		85,481
Net Revenue		1,096,096		771,240		771,240
Adjusted Net Income Margin		-4.7%		7.0%		11.1%
Weighted average shares		55,940		57,109		57,109
Adjusted EPS		(0.93)		0.95		1.50

1)		Adjusted net income for previous periods presented in this column excludes the following adjustments: (i) Interest on acquisition of investments, net (linked to a fixed rate); (ii) Foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents; and (iii) Share of loss of equity-accounted investees. Such adjustments will be no longer consider in the net income reconciliation from 4Q21 onwards and are presented for comparison purposes only in the “Reported” column.
2)		Such adjustment was previously named “(+/−) Changes in fair value of derivative instruments”.
3)		Refers to (gains) losses related to capital contribution from others on investees leading to an increase in equity of the investee.

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow
		Three-month period ended September 30,				Nine-month period ended September 30,
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)		2022		2021		2022		2021
		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Loss profit before income taxes		(107,845)		(196,104)		(11,069)		(200,527)
(+/-) Non-cash adjustments to reconcile Adj. EBITDA to cash from operations		147,983		214,901		292,926		404,592
(+/-) Working capital (Changes in assets and liabilities)		49,609		55,340		102,238		72,457
Cash from operations		89,747		74,137		384,095		276,522
(-) Income tax paid		(3,101)		(19,167)		(50,575)		(70,684)
(-) CAPEX		(30,901)		(39,200)		(135,352)		(114,275)
Free cash flow to firm		55,745		15,770		198,168		91,563
(-) Interest paid on loans and financings & lease liabilities		(117,106)		(6,379)		(151,444)		(15,927)
(-) Interest paid on accounts payable to selling shareholders		(1,702)		(1,031)		(38,616)		(5,254)
(-) Payments for contingent consideration		(146)		-		(70,687)		(332)
(-) Payments of stock options¹		-		-		(75,578)		-
Free cash flow		(63,209)		8,360		(138,157)		70,050
(-) M&A classified as Payments of stock options¹		-		-		75,578		-
(-) M&A classified as CAPEX²		-		-		14,208		-
(-) M&A classified as payments for contingent consideration³		146		-		70,687		332
Free cash flow (managerial)		(63,063)		8,360		22,316		70,382

1)		For 9M22 considers R$75 million related to M&A payment booked as stock option plan expense (Geekie employees’ SOP).
2)		For 9M22, considers R$14.2 million related to M&A payments (PGS’ and Mentes’ acquisition, being R$5.5 million in 1Q22 and R$8.7 million in 2Q22) from the accounting CAPEX of R$135.4 million.
3)		For 9M22, considers R$70 million of contingent consideration related to M&A payment (difference between amount in the PPA and the final transaction amount calculated by the earn-out multiple.

		Three-month period ended September 30,				Nine-month period ended September 30,
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)		2022		2021		2022		2021
		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Free cash flow to firm		55,745		15,770		198,168		91,563
(+) M&A classified as CAPEX¹		-		-		14,208		-
Free cash flow to firm (managerial)		55,745		15,770		212,376		91,563

1)	For 9M22, considers R$14.2 million related to M&A payments (PGS’ and Mentes’ acquisition, being R$5.5 million in 1Q22 and R$8.7 million in 2Q22) from the accounting CAPEX of R$135.4 million.

Reconciliation of Taxable Income
		Three months period ended September 30,				Nine months period ended September 30,
(In thousands of Brazilian reais)		2022		2021		2022		2021
		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Loss before income taxes		(107,845)		(196,104)		(11,069)		(200,527)
(+) Share-based compensation plan, RSU and provision for payroll taxes¹		26,215		44,929		7,401		53,965
(+) Amortization of intangible assets from business combinations before incorporation¹		7,477		725		21,323		10,485
(+/-) Changes in accounts payable to selling shareholders¹		17,751		92,173		41,355		131,584
(+/-) Share of loss of equity‑accounted investees		4,284		(1,896)		24,220		(2,831)
(+) Net income from Arco Platform (Cayman)		(7,719)		2,971		(112,227)		16,771
(+) Fiscal loss without deferred		3,487		4,168		15,333		8,935
(+/-) Provisions booked in the period		(14,706)		(3,546)		29,413		9,781
(+) Tax loss carryforward		131,869		77,673		168,892		169,039
(+) Others		13,471		9,349		23,643		17,868
Taxable income		74,284		30,442		208,284		215,070
Current income tax under actual profit method		(25,257)		(10,350)		(70,817)		(73,123)
% Tax rate under actual profit method		34.0%		34.0%		34.0%		34.0%
(+) Effect of presumed profit benefit		-		-		-		3,266
Effective current income tax		(25,257)		(10,350)		(70,817)		(69,857)
% Effective tax rate		34.0%		34.0%		34.0%		32.5%
(+) Recognition of tax-deductible amortization of goodwill and added value²		17,692		10,867		44,560		32,802
(+/-) Other additions (exclusions)		3,181		(1,763)		8,063		(88)
Effective current income tax accounted for goodwill benefit		(4,385)		(1,246)		(18,194)		(37,143)
% Effective tax rate accounting for goodwill benefit		5.9%		4.1%		8.7%		17.3%

1)		Temporary differences between the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the balance sheet and its tax base that will yield amounts that can be deducted in the future when determining taxable profit or loss.
2)		Added value refers to the fair value of intangible assets from business combinations.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221201005928/en/

Carina Carreira (carinacarreira@arcoeducacacao.com.br)

Investor Relations Contact

Arco Platform Limited

IR@arcoeducacao.com.br

https://investor.arcoplatform.com/

Source: Arco Platform Limited

FAQ

What were Arco's Q3 2022 financial highlights?

Arco reported net revenue of R$253.9 million, up 38.6% YoY, and an adjusted EBITDA of R$37.2 million.

What is Arco's guidance for 2023 ACV?

Arco projects a 2023 ACV of approximately R$1,930 million, representing a 24% organic growth.

How much did free cash flow increase for Arco in 2022?

Free cash flow surged by 253.5% YoY to R$55.7 million in Q3 2022.

What are the challenges faced by Arco in 2022?

Arco faced challenges including higher selling expenses and an adjusted net loss of R$(61.9) million in Q3.

What was Arco's cash gross margin in 2022?

Arco achieved a cash gross margin of 80% in the 2022 cycle.