Investment in securities issued by the Company involves exposure to certain risks. Before making any investment decision on any of the Company’s securities, potential investors must carefully review all information in the 2024 Reference Form, the risks mentioned below, as well as the Company’s financial statements, quarterly earnings release and notes. The Company’s business, financial condition, operating results, cash flow, liquidity and/or its future business may be adversely affected by any of the risk factors detailed below. The market price of its securities may decrease due to the occurrence of any of these and/or other risk factors, in which case potential investors may lose all or a substantial part of their investment in the Company’s securities.
The risks detailed below are those we know and believe that, on the date of filing the 2024 Reference Form with the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), may materially and adversely affect the Company. In addition, additional risks not currently known or considered irrelevant may also adversely affect the Company.
For purposes of section “4.1 Risk Factors” and section “4.3 Market Risks” of the 2024 Reference Form, unless expressly stated otherwise or if the context so requires, the mention of the fact that a risk, uncertainty or problem may cause or have or will cause or will have an “adverse effect” or “negative effect” for the Company, or similar expressions, means that such risk, uncertainty or issue could or could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results, cash flow, liquidity and/or future business and its subsidiaries, as well as the price of the securities issued by the Company. Similar expressions included in this section “4. Risk Factors” and in the section “5. Risk Management Policy and Internal Controls” should be understood in this context.
Notwithstanding the subdivision of this section “4.1 Risk Factors” and section “4.3 Market Risks”, certain risk factors that are in an item may also apply to other items in this section “4.1 Risk Factors” and section “4.3 Market Risk”.
a. To the issuer
The Company depends on members of its management and it may not be able to retain or replace them with people with the same experience and qualifications.
Part of the Company’s success depends on the skills and efforts of its management. However, its senior managers and employees may step aside in the future. If senior managers or employees no longer wish to be part of the management of the Company’s business, it may not be able to hire equally qualified professionals. The loss of members of its Management and its inability to hire professionals with the same experience and qualification may have a detrimental effect on its business, given that the quality of the product and/or services offered by the Company would be impaired. For more information about the Company’s management, see item 7.3 and 7.4 of the 2024 Reference Form.
Part of the properties that the Company occupies is in the process of obtaining or renewing city and fire department permits.
To occupy and use a building the Company must obtain the license proving the regularity of the construction work, represented by the Permit of Conclusion (Habite-se) or equivalent certificate, issued by the City in which the property is located. In addition, non-residential properties must have the following licenses to operate regularly: (i) Permit and License of Use and Operation, issued by the due Municipal Government; and (ii) Inspection Order of the Fire Department, issued by the Fire Department.
The lack of such permits may lead to penalties ranging from fines to, as the case may be, the need to demolish the area built irregularly or, worst case scenario, the closure of the respective unit. The possible imposition of penalties in relation to the Company’s units, especially the closure of a unit, could have a detrimental effect on our activities. In addition, in case of an accident, the absence of these licenses may lead to civil and criminal liability, as well as the cancellation of any insurance policy of the properties in question, as well as possible damages to the Company‘s image.
The Company’s success is linked to its ability to follow and adapt to technological changes in the educational segment and to the proper and uninterrupted operation of its technological infrastructure.
The Company’s information technology systems and tools may become obsolete or insufficient. In addition, the Company may find it difficult to monitor and adapt to the technological changes that may occur, especially in the distance learning segment, which is affected by the fast-changing technologies, as well as changes in the technological needs and expectations of its students and market standards.
The Company’s competitors may introduce new products or service platforms that are superior to those it offer, and the Company’s success depends on its ability and efficiency to improve its current products and develop new services to keep a competitive position in the market.
In addition, the Company’s technological infrastructure may be affected by unauthorized access, hacking and other security breaches. A user who circumvents security measures may misappropriate proprietary information or lead to disruptions or malfunctions in operations. As a result, the Company may need to incur substantial expenses to protect itself against the threat of such security breaches or to solve the issues caused by such failures.
Finally, the Company’s business depends on the due and uninterrupted operation of its information technology infrastructure. Several issues related to its information technology structure, such as viruses, hackers and disruptions in its systems, and technical difficulties related to its satellite transmissions may adversely affect the Company’s business.
Failures in the Company’s security system regarding to protecting confidential information, including personal data, and its network could cause loss of revenue and damage to its reputation, harming its operations or resulting in the unauthorized disclosure of information.
Any failure on the Company’s part to prevent breaches of information security, in the transmission and data storage, electronic or otherwise, affecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of stored information, may harm the Company’s reputation and also substantially affect its business and operating results. This may result in: (i) cyber attacks, which may include invasion of information technology platforms and systems, which aim to access, alter, steal, corrupt or destroy systems and platforms used by the Company, computer networks and information stored or transmitted by it or its business partners; and (ii) breach of privacy and personal data, unauthorized access or disclosure of confidential and/or private customer data by people inside or outside the Company.
The above factors may be due to malware (such as computer viruses), ransomware, worm, phishing, social engineering, exploitation of environmental and system weaknesses, contamination (whether intentional or accidental) of networks and systems by third parties with which the data exchange, as well as other types of attacks.
Any successful cyber attacks can result in impacts on the organization‘s image and reputation, system downtime or unavailability of services, causing business losses, contamination, corruption or loss of customer data and other stored sensitive information, in breach of security data, unauthorized disclosure of information, or loss of significant levels of liquid assets (including monetary values).
Cyber attack attempts continue to evolve in scale and sophistication, and the Company may incur significant costs in attempting to modify or improve protection measures, or to investigate or remediate any vulnerabilities or breaches, or to report cyber attacks to its customers.
If the Company is not able to efficiently protect its systems and platforms against cyber attacks, this could lead to: breaches of privacy, personal data and customer confidentiality; losses arising from damage to network security and breach of customer data; conflicts with customers; damage to the Company’s image and reputation; media liability and related costs; lawsuits, regulatory fines, sanctions, intervention, reimbursements and other compensation costs; costs arising from crisis management for data identification and preservation, legal advice, contracting third parties, emergency defenses and indemnities; costs necessary to restore environments (costs related to using the backup structure to restore our information or systems); and costs related to indemnity arising from lawsuits.
All of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, reputation and results of operations. Furthermore, the Company may not be able to update itself at the same speed, or the Company may have to devote more financial resources than it had originally planned to combat such attacks.
In addition, the Company manages, retains and maintains partnerships with third parties for the archiving, processing, maintenance and availability, via internet, of electronic data containing confidential personal information of customers in the regular course of their operations, which can be accessed and unauthorized disclosures.
Any misuse or unauthorized use of customer information, or any public perception of the Company disclosing its customers‘ information without their prior authorization, may subject the Company to legal action and administrative sanctions, which could materially and detrimentally affect its reputation and financial condition.
These risks were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, including as a result of the Company’s employees have started working from home.
In addition, security failures that lead to the loss of data and information can prevent the proper development of the Company’s activities and interfere with the fulfillment of its legal obligations, such as, for example, the retention of records of access to the application required by Law No. 12.965 /2014. Any failures in data storage for accessing and using the platform by the Company may make it difficult or prevent the defense of its interests in any legal or administrative actions, such as, for example, for the investigation of fraud and recovery of amounts.
Due to the greater exposure to the Federal Government from the participation in programs such as FIES, PRONATEC and PROUNI, as detailed below, any delay or suspension of onlending, as well as changes in the rules, could adversely affect our cash flow and, therefore, the Company’s business.
Due to the increased penetration of the Higher Education Student Fund (“FIES”), a program created by MEC, operated by the Brazilian Education Development Fund (“FNDE”), to finance low-income students in undergraduate and technological courses in private institutions of higher education, as a financing option to students, the Company’s exposure to the transfer of FIES’ monthly tuitions by the Federal Government became significant as of 2012, and as of December 2014, due to the measures adopted by the Federal Government, it started to lose representation, so that in 2011 the FIES student base represented 8.6% of the blended education undergraduate student base, in 2012, 32.7%, in 2015 43.0%, and in 2021 FIES students started to represent 12.3% of this same comparison basis. In addition, Ser Educacional joined the “University for All” Program (“PROUNI”), with the Federal Government granting financing policies and tax benefits. PROUNI, institutionalized by Law 11096/05, has the purpose of granting full and partial scholarships to low-income students, in undergraduate and technological courses, in private institutions of higher education, offering, on the other hand, exemption of some federal taxes from institutions that join PROUNI.
If the Federal Government decides to extinguish or reduce the benefits of PROUNI and FIES, or if the Company is unable to meet PROUNI’s requirements and, in FIES’ case, students are unable to meet the program’s requirements or the Government extends the deadlines of reimbursements or changes the rule adversely, the Company operating results may be affected and it may be compelled to pay taxes which it are currently exempted from and this would reduce the Company’s revenue with the lower funding of students coming from FIES.
Finally, recent changes in the rules to renew FIES’ agreements, as well as the end of the system for students to contract new loans and changes in PROUNI’s legislation may negatively affect the number of students in the Company’s courses, leading to a decrease in its revenues, as occurred with the changes observed during 2015 in PRONATEC and FIES.
As of December 2014, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, reduced its investments in FIES and PRONATEC, reducing the number of vacancies available for both programs.
As of 2018, the Company joined the new model of student loans from the Federal Government entitled “New FIES”. Such as the old program, the new loan also grants several financing limits throughout Brazil, focusing on the North, Northeast and Midwest regions. The new program is divided between Public FIES, which is under the control and responsibility of the Federal Government, and ‘Private FIES’ (P-FIES), which is controlled by public and private financial institutions. In relation to Public FIES, when joining the program, the HEIs are required to join the FIES Guarantee Fund (“FG-FIES”), which replaces FGEDUC. In addition to joining FG-FIES, institutions will have an increased risk exposure in the new program. For loans granted as of 1H18, the HEIs maintainers who joined FIES will assume the risk of the loan, as solidary debtors, and must commit themselves to make contributions to FG-FIES by using the following percentages (a) 13% (thirteen percent) in the first year, (b) between 10% (ten percent) and 25% (twenty five percent) from the second to fifth year, (c) as of the sixth year of the maintainer in FG-FIES, the percentage of participation may not be less than 10% (ten percent). The offer of FIES vacancies for the private higher education sector by the Federal Government went from approximately 700 thousand vacancies in 2014 to approximately 300 thousand vacancies between the years 2015 to 2017 and, as of 2018, it was again reduced to less than 100 thousand vacancies.
The increase in the levels of non-payment of the Company’s monthly tuitions fees may jeopardize its revenues and its cash flow.
The Company relys on the full and timely payment of the monthly tuition fees it charge its students for the continuity of its business. Therefore, the increase in the non-payment levels of the Company’s students in the payment of the monthly tuitions fees or in rebuilding the debts may compromise the Company’s cash flow and its ability to meet its obligations. The increase in the non-payment levels may negatively affect the Company’s cash flow and, therefore, may harm our business. Due to the high unemployment rates and the consequent increase in default rates, the allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net revenue, on December 31, 2021, was 8.4%, in 2022, 6.8%, and on December 31 of 2023 was 8.8% of net revenue.
The Company may be harmed if it cannot identify, open, install and manage new units and courses under economically efficient conditions or obtain the necessary regulatory acts for authorizations or accreditation of such units and courses in a timely manner. If the Company is not able to execute its expansion plan by opening new units in the planned manner, its business may be adversely affected.
The Company’s strategy includes the organic expansion through opening new units and integrating them in its teaching network. Thus, the Company’s expansion plan creates significant challenges to the maintenance of its educational quality and culture, due to the degree of complexity and difficulty in efficiently managing many units and courses. In this sense, the Company may not be able to maintain its current quality standards, which would mean reducing the Company’s market share and, therefore, reducing its efficiency and profitability.
In addition, opening new units leads to major challenges and requires large investments in infrastructure, marketing, personnel and other pre-operating expenses, specially identifying new facilities (units), both for rental and acquisition. In this sense, the Company prioritizes the identification of strategic locations, the negotiation of the acquisition or lease of properties, the evaluation of the need to build or renovate of all facilities, especially libraries, laboratories and classrooms, as well as obtaining operating licenses, hiring and training of teachers and employees and investing in administration and support.
In addition, before opening or operating the new units, the Company is required to accredit such units in MEC, as well as to approve and authorize its new courses to be able to operate, recruit students and issue degrees and certificates. Therefore, if the Company is not able to make the necessary investments to open new units to comply with all specifications of MEC, or if MEC imposes to this processes requirements, restrictions, goals or impediments to the approval of the Company’s requests that result in the delay of authorization, accreditation or recognition of such units, the Company’s business may be impaired.
The Company may not succeed in its strategy to expan its activities in the Distance Learning segment (“DL” or “Digital Learning”).
DL market is constantly changing, especially after the new regulatory framework for distance learning published in 2017 and with the change in behavior by students due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Company may have difficulties in operating courses in the distance learning model, as well as in promoting the changes and technological investments that such teaching model requires. Online product technology, including for the DL segment, evolves rapidly and therefore the Company will have to modify and update its products and services quickly to adapt to the new market practices and standards expected by the students. In this sense, the Company’s strategy may be jeopardized if its competitors, current or future, introduce products or service platforms that are superior to those offered by the Company and its funds availability is not enough to develop and implement the technological changes required to maintain the Company’s competitive position.
In addition to keeping up the technological innovations, the success of DL also depends on the population’s easy access to Internet at an affordable cost, as well as on technological factors beyond the Company’s control. If the internet access is made difficult or available at a higher cost than the current, or if the number of people interested in educational services via Internet does not increase, the Company may not be able to implement its growth strategy in DL services and, therefore, it will not be able to satisfactorily implement Ser Educacional’s growth strategy.
The Company may not be successful in its strategy of expanding its operations in the free courses segment and new businesses related to its higher education activities.
The Company has certain expansion strategies, with the aim of increasing revenue sources, such as: the Company invest in the acquisition of Edtechs and in the creation of new companies that offer free courses, content production and test assessments for teaching companies superior, basic and medium; the Company acquired Veterinary Hospitals that it believe could generate new sources of revenue with pet care, as well as increase the Institution’s recognition in its Veterinary Medicine courses; and the Company also created a fintech and professional social network aimed at creating an ecosystem aimed at better meeting the demands of the continuing education market. The Company may not succeed in these expansion strategies and may not be able to satisfactorily implement these new segments for its growth. As a result, the Company may suffer an impact on its future revenues and on the costs incurred for the implementation of these new projects.
The Company faces a significant competition in each course it offers and in each region in which it operates, therefore, if it is not efficient, it may lose market share and profitability.
The Company competes with colleges, universities, public and private university centers, distance learning institutions, as well as with alternatives to private higher education, such as philanthropic entities, which are exempted from collection of certain taxes. According to the ‘Sinopse Educação Superior 2022’, published by the Brazilian Institute of Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (INEP), there were 2,595 institutions of higher education in Brazil, 312 public and 2,283 private.
Ser Educacional’s competitors may offer similar or better courses, have more resources, have more prestige in the academic community, have more conveniently located units and better infrastructure, charge lower tuition fees, or do not charge tuition fees, when a public higher education. The Company may be required to reduce its monthly fees or increase its operating expenses to retain or attract students or seek new market opportunities. The Company cannot ensure that it will be able to successfully compete with its current and future competitors. If the Company cannot keep its competitive position or answer efficiently to the competitive pressures, the Company’s revenues may decline, its profitability may be compromised, and it may lose its market share.
The Company may not be able to identify and acquire new higher education institutions or meet its strategic and financial purposes for any intended acquisition.
The Company intends to acquire higher education institutions as part of the expansion strategy of its operations, including acquisitions that may be significant in size and/or strategic relevance. The Company may not be able to continue to identify higher education institutions that offer adequate and/or favorable acquisition opportunities when it wish to carry them out. In addition, past and present acquisitions involve several risks and challenges that may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, especially because, among others:
- the acquisition may not contribute to the Company’s commercial strategy or the image of its institution;
- the acquisition may be subject to the authorization of competition authorities, which may refuse to accept or impose restrictions;
- the Company can face a material contingent liability due to the legal proceedings of the units acquired, as well as regulatory issues related to MEC;
- the acquisition process may be time consuming and consume more resources and/or require additional time and effort from the Company’s management, diverting the focus of the management from its operations;
- investments in acquisitions may not generate the expected returns;
- the business model of the acquired institutions may be different from that of the Company, and the Company may not be able to adapt these models to its own or to do so efficiently;
- acquisitions may generate goodwill, the amortization of which will result in the reduction of the Company’s net income and dividends; and
- the transfer of the maintenance resulting from the sale of control or corporate restructuring must be later ratified by the MEC.
The Company may need additional resources to continue its expansion strategy. Therefore, if it cannot obtain the due financing to complete any potential acquisition and implement its expansion plans, the Company will not be able to fully implement its growth strategy.
The Company may not be able to satisfactorily integrate and manage the institutions and/or units purchased.
In the process of integrating the acquired institutions and/or units with existing ones, the Company can face significant challenges, such as managing a larger number of geographically dispersed employees and efficiently creating and implementing uniform controls, procedures and policies, as well as additional integration costs. If the integration of the institutions and/or units acquired in its operations and the management, disclosure and application of the Company’s business strategy in such new units, the Company may not achieve the benefits it expects to obtain from the acquisitions. The Company may also not be able to integrate the faculty and staff with different professional backgrounds and corporate cultures, and its relationship with current and new faculty and staff may be jeopardized. In addition, the integration of new units acquired may be affected due to the collective bargaining in each region, including pressure from unions. If Ser Educacional is not able to efficiently manage its growth through acquisitions, its business could be significantly jeopardized.
The Company may not be able to update and improve its learning project and continue to offer a good cost-benefit ratio to its students.
The Company’s curricula and teaching programs are focused on the academic training to empower students to access the job market, providing better employability conditions. Thus, to set it apart from the competition, the Company regularly update its curricula, as well as develop new teaching programs, including the adoption of new technological tools. If Ser Educacional is unable to adjust to the demands of its students and the market, these aspects may make its courses no longer acceptable in the future. In addition, the Company may not succeed in introducing new teaching programs at the same speed as its competitors or as quickly as employers’ demand. If the Company do not adequately respond to changes in market demands due to financial constraints, fast technological changes, or other factors, its ability to attract and retain students may be undermined, given that the cost-benefit ratio of its costs may be questioned.
An increase in the dropout rate of the Company’s students may adversely affect its operating results.
The Company believes that dropout rates are mainly related to personal reasons, the country’s socioeconomic conditions, and the financial condition of the Company’s current and potential students. Significant deviations in the Company’s estimates of the dropout rates of its students may affect its efforts to attract new students and these efforts may not enough to make it possible for it to achieve the revenues expected by it. Thus, a possible increase in the dropout rate and/or non-renewal of enrollment may reduce the Company’s revenues, impairing its operating results.
The Company may be disadvantaged in certain unfavorable negotiations in collective bargaining agreements signed between the unions representing its teachers and employees and the trade unions of the economic categories that represent the Company’s teaching institutions.
The Company’s expenses with personnel and social charges represent most of its cost of products and services rendered, and, for the full year ended December 31, 2023, these expenses accounted for 53.6% of its costs. The Company’s teachers and administrative staff are represented by trade unions. The collective bargaining agreements regulate the duration of the class, the minimum remuneration, vacation and direct benefits for teachers and administrative staff and are subject to annual renegotiation and may substantially change in the future. Thus, the Company may be jeopardized in case of negotiations unfavorable to it with respect to said collective agreements. The Company may also be affected if it do not have a good relationship with the unions of teachers or administrative staff or if it faces strikes, work stoppages or other labor contingencies on the part of its teachers or employees.
Finally, the Company may not be able to pass onlend to the tuitions of its students an increase in costs resulting from the renegotiation of collective agreements, which could have an adverse effect on its business.
The Company may be held accountable for certain events that occur in its units, which may have a detrimental effect on its image, its results and, therefore, on its business.
The Company may be held accountable for acts by directors, teachers and employees. In case of accidents, injuries or other damages to students in the Company’s units, it may face claims on the grounds of negligence, for example, not having the due supervision of its facilities, or that the Company have been in any way, responsible for such accidents, injuries or damages, as well as for the noncompliance by directors or employees with specific laws of MEC and/or regulatory acts of its courses. The Company may also face allegations that teachers or other employees have committed moral or sexual harassment or other unlawful acts against other employees or against students. In these cases, the Company’s insurance coverage may (i) not provide the Company with protection against these types of claims; (ii) not be enough to cover any indemnities that may be due or (iii) be non-existent for a certain act or fact. The Company also can’t guarantee that in the future it will be able to renew its coverage under the same conditions. Liability lawsuits can affect the Company’s reputation and adversely affect its business and its financial results. Finally, the Company may be subject to lawsuits brought by students and/or former students, alleging possible damages to rights provided for in the Consumer Protection Code (Law 8078, of September 11, 1990). The mere existence or disclosure of such lawsuits, even prior to the substantiation of the related facts, may damage the Company’s image, decrease the enrollment rates, increase the student’s dropout rates, involve substantial expenses, and divert the time and attention of its management, which may adversely affect the Company’s operating results and its financial condition.
If the Company cannot keep the quality of teaching and infrastructure in its network or if it does not get positive grades for its units and its students, it may be adversely affected.
The faculty is key to maintain the quality of the Company’s courses and its reputation. There is a shortage of qualified teachers in the market, which leads to a fierce dispute to hire these professionals. The Company cannot guarantee that it will be able to retain its current teachers or recruit new teachers who meet its quality standards, especially as the Company’s continue to expand itsç operations geographically.
In addition, the quality of the learning projects of ~Ser Educcional’s courses and the infrastructure of its units are also key for its teaching quality.
Likewise, the Company cannot guarantee that (i) the Company will find new properties with the proper infrastructure; (ii) the Company will be able to install the proper infrastructure in properties acquired in the future; (iii) the Company will have enough resources to do so in its expansion process; or (iv) the Company will be able to develop learning projects with the same level of those it currently have for new courses. In this sense, the Company may be adversely affected due to the lack of (i) qualified teachers; (ii) proper infrastructure; or (iii) learning projects for new courses that are in accordance with the Company’s business model and with the parameters established by MEC. In addition, the Company’s business may also be affected if it is perceived, in one or more of the markets in which the Company operates, that there has been a decline in the quality of its education in one or more of its markets.
In addition, the Company and its students are often evaluated and scored by MEC. If Ser Educacional’s units and courses or its students receive from MEC lower grades than those of previous years, in any of its evaluations, there may be a reduction in its number of enrollments due to the perception of the decrease in the quality of the education that it offer. Therefore, any decrease in the result of the Company’s evaluation in the General Index of Courses or ENADE could damage the image of its brand, which may negatively affect Ser Educacional’s operating results and its financial condition.
Finally, if any of the Company’s courses are rated as unsatisfactory, it may enter into a commitment agreement between the higher education institution and MEC, including goals, measures and deadlines to correct the unsatisfactory conditions. The full or partial non-compliance with the conditions prescribed in the commitment term may result in penalties applied by MEC, which include the temporary suspension of the admission process of undergraduate courses to the annulment of the accreditation or re-accreditation of the institution and operating authorization of the Company’s courses, which may adversely affect its operating results and its financial condition.
The Company is subject to supervision activities of the Ministry of Education (“MEC”), and, therefore, it may suffer the applicable sanctions, as listed below, due to any non-compliance of regulatory requirements.
The supervision activity of institutions of higher education and undergraduate and sequential courses in the federal education system was instituted by Law 10861, of April 14, 2004, and regulated by Decree 5773, of May 9, 2006. They are responsible for supervising activities related, respectively, undergraduate and sequential courses, higher education courses of technology and distance learning courses. The Offices of Higher Education, Professional and Technological Education and Distance Learning are the bodies of the Ministry of Education responsible for supervising activities related elated, respectively, undergraduate and sequential courses, higher education courses of technology and distance learning courses. The Office of Higher Education has wo types of supervision: common and special.
Common supervision originates from reports and complaints from students, parents and teachers, as well as from government agencies and the press, involving isolated cases of institutions and courses with indications of irregularities or deficiencies. It is worth noting that the Company is subject to these reports and complaints.
Special supervision, in turn, is initiated by MEC itself, based on its indicators of regularity and quality of higher education, and includes more than one course or institution, grouped according to the criteria chosen for the supervision. These criteria may include unsatisfactory results in the Brazilian Student Performance Exam and the Difference Indicator of Observed and Expected Performance, the background of course evaluations by the Brazilian Institute for Educational Studies and Research, as well as the compliance with specific legal requirements, such as the minimum percentage of masters and doctors in universities and university centers.
The Company’s success depends on its ability to operate in strategically located properties and with easy access to public transportation for its students.
The Company understands that the location of its units is an important factor in the choice of the teaching institution by the students, due to the difficulty of urban mobility in many Brazilian cities and the commute expenses being relevant in the students’ family budget. In this way, identifying, renting and/or buying well-located properties is considered a strategic factor of the Company’s business. In this sense, the Company cannot guarantee that in the future it will be able to retain its current properties or acquire new properties that are well located. In the same way, it is possible that the costs related to the acquisition of new properties (improvements, renovations, etc.) and the rental prices of these properties will increase, which could negatively affect our profitability. The Company also cannot assure that the locations of its units will keep the potential of attractiveness and convenience due to eventual demographic and socioeconomic changes in the regions where the Company already operates.
Unfavorable decisions in judicial, administrative or arbitration proceedings may adversely affect the Company.
The Company is and may be a party to judicial, administrative and/or arbitration proceedings in civil, tax and labor matters, including its suppliers, students, faculty and/or environment, competition and tax authorities, among others, arising from the Company’s business in general as non-recurring events of a corporate nature, tax nature, regulatory nature, among others. The Company cannot guarantee that the results of these proceedings will be favorable to its interests or that it will have provision, partial or total, for all liabilities that may arise from these lawsuits.
Decisions contrary to the Company’s interests that eventually reach substantial amounts may adversely affect its results and the price of its shares.
Part of the properties that the Company occupies have lease agreements or amendments under registration at the due enrollments and part of the lease agreements entered by the Company do not have a lifetime clause.
Part of the properties occupied by the Company are under registration of their lease contracts in the due enrollments. In addition, part of the lease agreements entered by the Company does not have a lifetime clause.
The registration and filing of lease agreements on enrollments may take longer than expected or even not occur due to any requirement or impediment unknown to us. Such registration or filing is important given that, if the leased property is sold to third parties, the buyer is required to respect the lease for the entire period of lifetime provided in the agreement, provided that the agreement has: (i) a fixed period; (ii) a lifetime clause; and (iii) is registered with the due Properties Notary Office. In addition, in case of the sale of leased properties, the lessee has the preference to purchase the property on equal terms with third parties. However, a tenant who does not have his/her preemptive right respected can cancel the sale of the property only if the lease is registered at the due Property Notary Office. Finally, if the property sold has no lifetime clause in the lease agreement, we may have to relinquish the property in up to 90 days if the purchaser of the property reports this lease agreement.
Therefore, the lack of lease agreements filed or the termination, at any time, of the agreements for an indefinite period may result in the loss of the right to such properties used by us and, therefore, undermine the development of our activities and our results.
Part of the lease agreements of the properties where the Company’s units are located were entered for less than five (5) years or have an indefinite term.
According to Law 8245, of October 18, 1991, the lessee is entitled to the renewal action that assures the right to renew the lease for equal subsequent periods. Generally, to propose this proceeding, it is necessary that: (i) the non-residential lease agreement has a fixed term equal to or greater than five (5) consecutive years or, if there is more than one agreement or amendment with the same property, whose aggregate terms results in a minimum term of 5 consecutive years; (ii) the lessee is developing the same activity in the property for a minimum period of 03 (three years); and (iii) the renewal proceeding is proposed from 01 (one) year to 06 (six) months from the date of termination of the term of the lease. In case of properties whose lease agreement has a term of less than five (5) years, it would not be possible to propose the renewal proceeding, so that at the end of the term of the agreement the lessor could refuse to renew the lease.
In addition, in the cases of units operating in properties whose lease is in force for an indefinite period, the lessor may terminate the agreement by notifying the lessee thirty (30) days in advance. The discontinuance of the activity in a certain unit, due to the termination of the lease of the said property could lead to negative effects in our activities, as well as the Company’s results.
The Company’s indebtedness may adversely affect its business.
On December 31, 2023, the Company’s total consolidated gross debt was of R$1,152.1 million, considering loans, financing and debentures payable and financial commitments related to the acquisitions. The Company’s consolidated indebtedness may:
- limit the Company’s ability to obtain new financing;
- require the Company to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow to serve its debt, which may impair its ability to use its cash flow to finance working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements, as well as compliance of the Company’s obligations;
- limit the Company’s flexibility to plan and react to changes in its business and the industry in which it operate;
- put the Company at a competitive disadvantage against some of its competitors who have less debt than it do; and
- increase the Company’s vulnerability to negative economic and industrial conditions, including changes in interest rate or a decline in its business or economy.
In addition, the Company have loan agreements with restrictive covenants that, in general, require the maintenance of economic and financial rates at certain levels (covenants). The non-compliance with these restrictions may lead to early maturity of the debt.
The applicable law establishes that acquisition operations that comply with certain legal requirements must be submitted to the approval of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (“CADE”).
According to Article 88 of Law 12529, of 2011, concentration acts must be submitted to CADE for prior approval in which, cumulatively: (i) at least one of the groups involved in the operation had, in the last balance, gross annual revenues in the country, in the year prior to the operation, in the amount of R$750 million and at least one other group involved in the operation had in the last balance, gross annual revenues in the country, in the year prior to the operation, in the amount of R$75 million.
Thus, CADE may not approve our future acquisitions or may impose costly obligations as a condition for the approval of such acquisitions, such as the sale of part of its operations or restrictions on how it operates or markets in which it operates, which may adversely affect the Company’s operating results and its financial condition
Due to this strategy of expansion through acquisitions of new institutions, we may need additional resources to continue our expansion strategy. Therefore, if the Company cannot obtain the due financing to complete any potential acquisition and implement the Company’s expansion plans, its growth strategy will be jeopardized.
Disability or failure to protect the Company’s intellectual property or infringement of the intellectual property of others, including attacks on the infrastructure necessary to maintain Ser Educacional’s IT systems, may result in damage to its reputation and financial damages.
The Company’s success depends, in part, on the Company’s ability to protect and preserve its assets subject to protection by intellectual property institutes provided for by Brazilian law (including trademarks, patents and software).
The Company believes that its brands are valuable assets that are important to its success and that issues related to intellectual property can significantly affect the Company. Events such as the definitive rejection of the Company’s trademark registration applications before the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), the unauthorized use or other misappropriation of its trademarks may diminish the value of its brands or its reputation, so that the Company may negatively impact its operating results. If the Company is not successful in obtaining the pending registrations, as well as adequately protecting its intangible assets, such an event could have material adverse impacts on the Company’s business, its financial situation, its operating results, its cash flow, its liquidity, its reputation and/or the Company’s future business.
Any loss of intellectual property, trade secrets or other sensitive business information or interruption of the Company’s operations could negatively affect its financial results.
In addition, interruptions or failures in the Company’s information technology systems, such as in the calculation and accounting of billing, caused by accidents, malfunctions or malicious acts, can impact its corporate, commercial and operational functioning, which it may adversely affect the Company’s business and operating results, in addition to adversely affecting its image and reliability in the market.
Additionally, such interruptions or failures may not be covered by the insurance policies that the Company have taken out for its assets. Losses not covered by these insurances could result in losses, which could negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and operating results.
Finally, third parties may claim that products or services provided by the Company infringe their intellectual property rights. Any dispute or litigation related to intellectual property assets can be costly and time-consuming due to the uncertainty of litigation on the matter.
b. To its Shareholders, especially to controlling shareholders
The Company has a direct controlling shareholder, with approximately 59% of the voting capital, whose interests may conflict with the interests of its investors.
The Company has a direct shareholder holding an absolute majority of the voting capital. This controlling shareholder has the power to, among other things, elect a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors and establish the outcome of resolutions that require the shareholders’ approval, including related party transactions, corporate reorganizations, sale of asset, partnerships and payment of any future dividends, subject to the mandatory dividend payment requirements imposed by the Brazilian Corporation Law. The Company’s controlling shareholder may have an interest in making acquisitions, selling assets, partnerships, seeking financing or similar transactions that may conflict with the interests of the Company’s other investors and lead to a material adverse effect on its activities, financial condition and operating results.
Part of the properties occupied by the Company is owned by a company belonging to its controlling shareholder. Thus, the Company is exposed to conflicts of interest, since the management of such properties may conflict with the interests of the Company, of its controlling shareholder and of its investors.
Some properties in which the Company’s units are located are owned by a company controlled by the Company’s controlling shareholder, so the interests of the Company’s controlling shareholder in the management of such properties may conflict with its interests, as well as with the interests of its investors. In addition, the historical expenses and costs of the use of these units by the Company may not represent future costs and expenses with the rents of such properties paid to the Company’s Controlling Shareholder.
c. Risks Related to its Subsidiaries and Affiliates
In addition to the risk below, the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates are subject to the same risks described in items 4.1(a) above.
The Company depends on the distribution of the results of its subsidiaries and it may be adversely affected if its subsidiaries have their performance impaired.
The Company is a parent company of several other companies that carry out specific activities. The ability to meet the Company’s financial obligations and pay dividends to its shareholders is related to the cash flow and profits of its subsidiaries. There is no guarantee that the cash flow and profits of the Company’s subsidiaries will be positive or that they will be sufficient to meet its financial obligations and pay dividends to Ser Educacional’s shareholders.
d. Risks Related to its Management
Not applicable, as management is not aware of additional risks related to the Company’s shareholders beyond those already mentioned in item 4.1 (a) and 4.1 (b) above.
e. Risks Related to its Suppliers
The Company and its subsidiaries may be the main or several liability of labor debts of service providers.
The Company enters into several service provision contracts such as cleaning, construction, renovation and buildings security and surveillance, among others.
If the third-party companies that provide services to Ser Educacional and its subsidiaries do not meet the requirements of labor legislation, the Company and its subsidiaries may be held jointly or severally liable for the labor debts of these companies, and may, therefore, be fined and/or required to carry out the payment of fines imposed by the competent authorities. In the hypothesis of being held responsible for all these demands, Ser Educacional’s activities may be adversely affected.
f. Risks Related to its Customers
The Company may not be able to readjust the monthly tuition fees charged to pass through the increases in its costs.
The Company’s main source of income is the receipt of tuition fees charged to its students. Of the Company’s total costs, as of December 31, 2023, 53.6% (54.1% in 2022) were related from personnel costs and social charges and 4.9% (4.4% in 2022) were related to water, electricity and telephone services. In 2021, with the cooling of the effects of the pandemic and the resumption of face-to-face administrative activities and practical classes, rental contracts returned to their normal course, from the second quarter of 2021, with rental costs having reached, on 31 December December 2021, 2.0% of total costs. At the end of 2022, rental costs represented 1.8% of total costs and were impacted by: (a) expected readjustments of contracts in line with inflation, due to the cooling-off of the impacts of COVID-19; (b) increase in the base of leased properties and the rental return on several UNINORTE properties, brought forward in May 2017 and classified as “Advantageous Rental Contract”, which were recognized as amortization until May 2022; and (c) measurement of rents that were treated as expenses and were calculated in accordance with IFRS-16 accounting standards, with their effects being reclassified to the depreciation and interest on lease accounts. In 2023, the cost of services totaled R$887.3 million, representing 48.6% of net revenue in 2023, an increase of 5.3% compared to 2022, when these costs reached R$842.8 million. The main increases in operating costs for the year refer to (i) the integration of UNIFAEL operations; (ii) the full resumption of face-to-face administrative activities and practical classes, in addition to the acquisition of UNI7; and (iii) the impact of the increase in the inflation rate on costs throughout 2023. Rental costs reached R$21.2 million in 2023, due to (i) effects related to the remeasurement of rents following IFRS 16 standards and that reclassified costs to the line of minimum rents paid in 2022; (ii) increase in the volume of rental contracts that do not comply with the IFRS 16 standards; and (iii) non-recurring effect of R$1.5 million referring to fines for returns of properties leased in line with the ongoing real estate readjustment plan. The impact on adjusted EBITDA can be observed when the Company add rental costs and the line of minimum rents paid, which represented a 3.8% growth in total rents paid between the two periods, mainly due to the pass-through of inflation and inclusion of the UNI7 property, partially offset by the decrease in the rental property stock that occurred during the first half of the year.
Both personnel costs and rents and energy are normally adjusted by indexes that reflect inflationary fluctuations. If we are unable to pass on our cost increases to students through the increase in tuition fees, our operating results may be adversely affected.
If the Company is unable to attract and retain students, or if it is unable to do that without reducing monthly tuition fees, its revenues may be reduced and it may be harmed.
The success of the Company’s business essentially depends on the number of students enrolled in its courses and the tuition fees that are paid. The Company’s ability to attract and retain students depends mainly on the tuition fees it charge, the convenience of location, the infrastructure of the Company’s units and the quality of its courses perceived by its current and potential students. Such ability may be affected by a number of factors, such as the Company’s ability to: (i) respond to increasing competitive pressures; (ii) develop its education systems to respond to changing market trends and the demands of schools and students; (iii) develop new courses and improve existing ones in order to respond to changing market trends and student demands; (iv) adequately prepare its students to pursue careers in their respective professional occupations; (v) successfully implement its expansion strategy; (vi) manage the Company’s growth and, at the same time, maintain its teaching quality; and (vii) efficiently deliver the Company’s courses to a broader base of potential students. If the Company is unable to continue to attract students to enroll in its courses and if the Company is unable to retain its current students without significantly reducing tuition fees, the Company’s revenues and business could decline and the Company could be harmed.
The Company offers consigned credit to employees and discounts on receivables for free courses producers.
As part of the strategy of offering increasingly complete services in a continuing education ecosystem model, as of 2022, the Company began to offer discounts on receivables to producers of open courses through the free course platform GoKursos and fintech B.Uni. If we are not able to adequately analyze the discounted receivables, as well as the employees’ credit profile, the Company may incur losses that may reduce its financial results.
g. Risks Related to the sectors of the economy in which the Issuer operates
Private higher education institutions could be harmed if the government changes its education investment strategy.
According to Law No. 9,394, of December 20, 1996 (“Law of Guidelines and Bases of Education”), education is a duty of the State and of the family, being the education services allowed to the private sector, in compliance with the conditions of the Law of Guidelines and Basics of Education. Historically, direct government financial support for Higher Education has been concentrated in certain public universities that act as centers of excellence and research. The limited number of vacancies and highly competitive admissions processes significantly restrict access to these universities. The Federal Government can change this policy and increase the competition we face through: (i) the increase in the level of public investment in Basic and Higher Education in general and a greater offer of vacancies and improvement in the quality of education offered; and (ii) the transfer of incentive resources from universities that act as centers of excellence and research to public higher education institutions accessible to working adults from the middle and lower classes, our potential students. The creation and expansion, by federal and state universities, of quota policies for public higher education institutions using income or ethnicity as socioeconomic criteria may also increase the competition we face. In addition, the Federal Government can reduce the level of public investment in basic education, resulting in a decrease in the number of new students seeking entry into higher education institutions after completing basic education, thus restricting the demand for the Company’s courses. Additionally, any changes in government policy on education could eventually have an adverse impact on the Company’s activities and its business.
h. Risks Related to the Regulation of Sectors in which the Issuer operates
The Company operates in a sector that is highly regulated by government agencies, in particular the Ministry of Education (“MEC“), which draw up laws and regulations, the non-compliance of which may lead to inspections, administrative procedures or legal actions against higher education institutions, which may have adverse effects on their business.
The higher education sector is subject to federal laws and extensive government regulation imposed, among others, by the MEC and its agencies, such as the National Council of Education (“CNE”), INEP and the National Commission for the Evaluation of Higher Education (“CONAES”).
Educational regulations in Brazil define 3 (three) types of higher education institutions, namely: (i) colleges; (ii) university centers; and (iii) universities. The three types mentioned above depend on prior accreditation by the MEC in order to operate.
Regarding the offer of courses, the faculties differ from other types, as they depend on prior authorization by the MEC to implement a new course, which is not the case in other types of higher education institutions. University centers and universities are not subject to this requirement, and must only inform the Secretariat for Regulation and Supervision of Higher Education (“SERES”) about new courses created for the purposes of supervision, evaluation and subsequent recognition by the MEC, with the exception of courses in law, medicine, psychology, nursing and dentistry, which require prior approval from the MEC.
Regarding the creation of campuses outside the headquarters, it should be mentioned that this is the only prerogative of the universities.
Likewise, it is important to highlight that all higher education courses are subject to recognition by the MEC, as a necessary condition together with registration (accreditation) for the national validity of the respective diplomas. Thus, any non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements by our higher education institutions may lead to sanctions by the MEC, as well as a deterioration of the Company’s image with clients.
Distance learning, as well as the on-campus teaching modality, is also subject to a series of requirements imposed by the legislation for its operation, which we must fully comply, in order to obtain and renew the authorizing acts of the courses and the institution.
The maintenance of the Company’s authorization acts valid in the future is subject to compliance with regulatory requirements. Otherwise, the MEC may impose restrictions on operations, including the termination of courses, reduction in the number of places, cancellation of the Company’s prerogative to issue diplomas and certificates and revocation of its accreditation, which could harm the Company’s operating results and financial condition.
Furthermore, the Company cannot guarantee that obtaining accreditation or re-accreditation from its higher education institutions, as well as knowledge and recognition of its courses will occur within the expected timetable or that they will have all the required accreditations, re-accreditations, knowledge and recognition. The lack of such authorizing acts or the denial of obtaining them may have an adverse effect on the Company’s operating results.
The laws and regulations governing education service providers in Brazil may be revised and amended in the future. We may be significantly harmed by any change in laws and regulations applicable to higher education institutions, especially by changes relating to (i) accreditation and de-accreditation of private educational institutions; (ii) imposition of tuition controls or restrictions on profitability levels; (iii) qualification requirements for faculty members; (iv) academic requirements for courses and curricula; and (v) infrastructure requirements of the units, such as libraries, laboratories and administrative support, among others.
Furthermore, the Company seeks to approve new medical course vacancies with the Ministry of Education (“MEC”), under the terms of Law No. 10,861/2004, which establishes SINAES. Due to the lack of progress in the authorization process for new seats by the MEC, the Company took certain legal measures, and obtained provisional provisions (injunctions) that authorized the opening of new seats.
The procedure for approving new medical course seats with the MEC was subject of judgment of Direct Action for the Declaration of Constitutionality No. 81/DF (“ADC 81“), filed by the National Association of Private Universities (“ANUP“) at the Federal Supreme Court (“STF“). The aforementioned action discusses the constitutionality of article 3 of “Mais Médicos” Law (Law No. 12,871/2013), which regulates the procedure to be adopted with regard to authorization for the operation of medical courses within the scope of the Mais Médicos Program.
On August 7, 2023, the Justice of the Supreme Federal Court, Gilmar Mendes, rapporteur of ADC 81, partially granted the precautionary measure requested by the petitioners, subject to approval ad referendum by the plenary of the Supreme Federal Court, recognizing, on a provisional basis, the constitutionality of art. 3rd of Law 12,871/2013. As a consequence, it was decided that it is unfeasible for supporters of Higher Education Institutions (“IES“) to request authorization for new courses or expansion of seats in existing courses without these being subject to a prior bidding process (public call). On the other hand, the continuity of the operation of the courses authorized in accordance with the court decisions currently in force was admitted, and the completion of the processing of all administrative processes that have as their object such decisions and that are at a more advanced stage was also authorized, as long as a series of conditions are met.
On May 24, 2024, the STF resumed the judgment, the vote of Justice Gilmar Mendes was accompanied by six other Justices, forming a majority in said court: Luiz Fux, Dias Toffoli, Alexandre de Moraes, Cristiano Zanin, Luís Roberto Barroso and Cármen Lúcia. The judgment was virtual and concluded on June 4, with the understanding expressed in the vote of the rapporteur, Justice Gilmar Mendes, prevailing, under the terms, as summarized below:
(i) That Article 3 of the “Mais Médicos” Law (Law No. 12.871/2013) is constitutional and, therefore, the exclusive way to open new medical courses, and that the authorization of new seats in existing courses is through a public call for proposals published by the Ministry of Education (MEC);
(ii) The maintenance of the new medical courses that have already been established, included in MEC Authorization Ordinance, due to court decisions; and
(iii) That the processing of administrative processes initiated by court decision for the accreditation of new medical courses shall continue, as long as they have already passed the initial stage of documentary analysis.
On that date, Ser Educacional had thirteen (13) administrative processes for the accreditation of new medical courses in the final stages of analysis by the Ministry of Education. Twelve (12) of these have already been visited by an evaluation commission, of which ten (10) have been rated 5 (five) and two (2) have been rated 4 (four) (maximum of 5), with the potential to become authorizations for new courses.
It should be noted that the number of seats and the effectiveness of the authorization depend on the analysis of the proposals by MEC, which recently published MEC Ordinance No. 531/2023, establishing a new decision-making standard for the processing of these requests for authorization of new medical courses and for the increase of seats in existing medical courses, established by court decision.
Government agencies, the MEC and third parties may conduct inspections, initiate administrative proceedings or initiate litigation against the Company.
Because a higher education institution operates in a highly regulated sector, government agencies, the MEC and third parties may conduct inspections, propose administrative procedures and file legal actions against it or against institutions acquired by the Company for non-compliance with regulatory standards. If the results of these proceedings or lawsuits are unfavorable to higher education institutions or if a higher education institution cannot successfully defend itself, it may be required to pay significant pecuniary convictions or be subject to fines, restrictions, or other penalties.
Even if the higher education institution presents adequate defense to the issues raised by the inspection of a certain agency or defends itself from an administrative procedure or a legal action, it may have to reserve significant financial and administrative resources to resolve issues raised by these procedures or to defend itself administrative proceedings or lawsuits. In addition, administrative proceedings and lawsuits filed against the higher education institution can damage its reputation, regardless of the outcome.
If the Company loses the benefits of the federal tax exemptions offered by PROUNI, its business, financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected.
Some of the Company’s students are part of PROUNI. This Federal Government program aims to provide entry to students who cannot afford academic costs in higher education, through the granting of scholarships by the Federal Government. Through PROUNI, higher education institutions, such as Ser Educacional, are benefited by certain federal tax exemptions from corporate income tax (“IRPJ”), social integration program (“PIS”), contribution to the financing of social security (“COFINS”) and social contribution on net income (“CSLL”) referring to income from undergraduate and technological undergraduate courses. In case of non-compliance with the rules established in the PROUNI Law, the Company’s educational institutions may lose such tax exemptions.
If the Company do not comply with certain requirements, such as offering full or partial scholarships for a certain percentage of paying students in the previous year, granting partial scholarships, semiannual presentation to the MEC of mandatory attendance control for scholarship holders, course use and student dropout control of courses and shifts, its higher education institutions may be disaccredited from PROUNI, which would result in the loss of the Company’s tax exemptions. If the Company’s higher education institutions lose their tax exemptions or fail to comply with other stricter requirements that may be introduced in the future, its business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.
Furthermore, there is a risk that a tax reform will prevent, interrupt or modify the use of tax incentives granted. The Company cannot guarantee that the incentives related to PROUNI will be fully maintained and the term for which they will be maintained. Any suspension, modification, cancellation or non-renewal of tax incentives with the same characteristics could have an adverse effect on our operating results. In this sense, on September 12, 2013, the Federal Revenue Service of Brazil (“RFB”) issued Normative Instruction RFB No. 1,394 (“IN. 1,394”), which was later amended by Normative Instruction RFB No. 1,417, of 6 of December 2013, which, in turn, revoked certain previous rules and introduced, among others, new provisions in relation to the tax exemptions instituted by PROUNI, in particular regarding the form of calculation of said benefit. According to IN. 1,394, in addition to the tax exemption obtained by private higher education institutions signatory to PROUNI being calculated based on the Proportion of Effective Occupation of Scholarships (“POEB”), the exemption related to IRPJ would be calculated with an additional 10%, in addition to the CSLL rate. This calculated amount constitutes the amount of the exemption from IRPJ and CSLL, respectively, which may be deducted from the IRPJ and CSLL due in relation to the totality of our activities. In this sense, the impact of IN. 1394, the exemption granted to us consists of the form of calculation of the exemption that takes into account the POEB and the inclusion of the additional IRPJ.
Currently, there are proposals in the National Congress for the implementation of the Brazilian Tax Reform. Among the proposals under discussion, there is the possibility of a complete change in the consumption taxation system, which would extinguish three federal taxes – IPI, PIS and COFINS as well as the state tax ICMS and the municipal tax ISS for the creation of a single new Tax on Transactions with Goods and Services (“IBS”) that would be levied on consumption. Also, the Federal Government presented, through Bill No. 3887/2020, a new proposal for the Brazilian Tax Reform for the creation of the Social Contribution on Operations with Goods and Services (“CBS”), replacing the PIS and COFINS, providing for a single rate of 12%. If there is a tax reform or any changes in applicable legislation and regulations, which change applicable taxes or tax incentives/special regimes during or after their term, it may directly or indirectly affect the Company’s business and results.
More recently, the Federal Government presented Bill No. 2337/2021, entitled the “second phase” of the Brazilian Tax Reform, which deals with changes in income taxation, including several provisions on the subject, including those already approved by the Chamber of Deputies, such as the reduction of the IRPJ and CSLL rate, the forecast of taxation of dividends, the extinction of interest on equity, the extension of the minimum term for amortization of intangibles, changes to the rules related to gains related to investments in the market of Brazilian capital (i.e.: taxation of financial assets, investment funds, etc.), among others. Currently, Bill No. 2337/2021 is in progress and awaits a vote in the Federal Senate.
The implementation of the Brazilian Tax Reform is subject to the legislative process, which includes evaluation, voting, veto and amendments, all carried out by the Legislative Power, through the National Congress, and by the Executive Power, in the figure of the President of the Republic. Therefore, it is not possible to determine, from the outset, which proposed changes will be effectively implemented and how they may directly or indirectly affect the Company’s business and results.
If the Brazilian Tax Reform becomes effective, or if there are any changes in the applicable tax legislation and regulations, which alter our applicable taxes, tax benefits or special regimes, during or after its term, the Company’s business and results may be directly or indirectly affected, which could significantly affect its results.
The approval of Bill 4.372/2012 is in process, which proposes the creation of the National Institute for Supervision and Evaluation of Higher Education (“INSAES”), which will be an autarchy linked to the MEC and will be responsible for supervising and evaluating institutions and courses higher education and certify charitable entities that work in the area of basic and higher education. INSAES will create new obligations for education service providers in Brazil, which may lead to an increase in operating costs and, consequently, harm the Company’s results.
If the Bill 4372/2012 is sanctioned in its original form, we believe that (i) the sector‘s operating costs will increase due to supervision and inspection fees, with consequent transfer to the price of monthly fees; (ii) the in loco evaluation processes of educational institutions may be delayed if INEP is replaced or if its staff are not used; (iii) the prior approval of acquisitions, mergers, spin-offs, transfer of ownership, unification of maintained or voluntary de-accreditation of higher education institutions that are part of the federal education system, may harm or delay the Company’s operations; and (iv) the number of disputes against the MEC involving educational institutions may increase. Such changes could harm the Company’s results.
The Company is subject to risks associated with non-compliance with the General Data Protection Law and may be adversely affected by the application of fines and other types of sanctions.
In 2018, Law No. 13709, of August 14, 2018, called the General Data Protection Law (“LGPD”), was enacted, which regulates practices related to the processing of personal data in a general and no longer sparse way and sectorial, as until then the right to privacy and data protection was regulated in Brazil. On September 18, 2020, the LGPD came into force, with the exception of the articles dealing with administrative sanctions, which came into force on August 1, 2021, pursuant to Law No. 14010/2020.
The LGPD changes the way in which the protection of personal data in Brazil is regulated and treated, creating a micro-system of rules that impacts all sectors of the economy. The LGPD established a new legal framework to be observed in the processing of personal data, amending certain provisions of the Marco Civil da Internet, in addition to providing, among others, the rights of the holders of personal data, the legal bases that allow the processing of personal data, obligations and requirements related to information security incidents, personal data leaks and transfers of personal data, including international transfers, as well as the sanctions to be applied in case of non-compliance.
Furthermore, the LGPD created the National Data Protection Authority (“ANPD”), responsible for drawing up guidelines and applying administrative sanctions in case of non-compliance with the LGPD.
We collect, use, process, store and manage personal data in the normal course of our business. Such personal data may be processed in violation of the law and are subject to security incidents, in particular intrusion, breach, blocking, hijacking or leaks.
From time to time, we may process personal data in the form of controllers or data operators and, when acting as controllers, we may contract third parties to act as operators on our behalf. Whenever we act as operators of personal data, we can be jointly and severally liable for damages caused in case of non-compliance with legislation or the instructions we receive from the data controller.
If the Company do not comply with the LGPD, we may be subject to sanctions, individually or cumulatively, of (i) warning, indicating a deadline for adopting corrective measures; (ii) incident disclosure obligation; (iii) partial suspension of the operation of the database to which the infraction refers for a maximum period of 6 (six) months, extendable for an equal period, until the treatment activity is regularized by the controller, in case of recurrence; (iv) suspension of the exercise of the activity of processing the personal data to which the infraction refers for a maximum period of 6 (six) months, extendable for an equal period, in case of recurrence; (v) temporary blocking and/or deletion of personal data to which the infringement refers; (vi) partial or total prohibition of activities related to data processing; and (vii) a fine of up to 2% of the revenue of the company, group or conglomerate in Brazil in its last fiscal year, excluding taxes, up to the global amount of R$50,000,000 per infraction. In addition, we can be held liable for material, moral, individual or collective damages that may be caused and be held jointly and severally liable for material, moral, individual or collective damages that may be caused by us, due to non-compliance with the obligations established by the LGPD.
Any disruption to our systems could have a material adverse effect on our business or generate financial losses, including harming our reputation and causing us to lose existing and potential customers; subject us to penalties provided by law; and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In this way, failures in the protection of personal data processed by us, as well as inadequacy with applicable legislation, can lead to high fines, disclosure of the incident to the market, deletion of personal data from the database, and even the suspension of our activities, implying costs, which could have a negative adverse effect on our reputation and on our results and, consequently, affect the value of our shares.
i. Risks Related to Foreign Countries Where the Issuer Acts
Not applicable, as the Company does not operate in foreign countries.
j. Risks Related to social issues
The Company is subject to obligations relating to the fulfillment of social goals and respecting the human rights of all stakeholders, which may cause it to incur additional costs, as well as significant contingencies relating to social issues.
Social risks arise from possible adverse impacts of its activities regarding the human rights of all stakeholders involved in its operation, including its own employees, consumers, suppliers, investors and the local community where Ser Educacional operates.
The Company may not take well-structured initiatives that are integrated into long-term planning to evolve its diversity, equity and inclusion, both in its workforce and in the composition of statutory and leadership bodies, and, as a result, it may be subject to questions, regulatory and judicial. There is no guarantee that the Company will be able to adequately manage the social risks mentioned above, complying with all national and international parameters and guidelines, which, consequently, may eventually harm Ser Educacional’s operating results and reputation.
k. Risks Related to environmental issues
The Company is subject to various environmental laws and regulations that may become more stringent in the future and result in greater obligations and greater capital investments
The Company is subject to comprehensive federal, state and local legislation relating to the protection of the environment. Compliance with this legislation is monitored by government agencies and agencies, which may impose administrative sanctions for any failure to comply with the legislation. Such sanctions may include, among others, the imposition of fines, the revocation of licenses and even the temporary or permanent suspension of activities carried out by the Company. The enactment of stricter environmental laws and regulations may force the Company to allocate greater capital investments in this field and, as a result, alter the allocation of resources from already planned investments. If the Company do not comply with the legislation relating to the protection of the environment, it may be subject to administrative and criminal sanctions, without prejudice to the obligation to repair any damage that may have been caused and, also, penalties such as fines (ranging from R$50 to R$50 million). There is no limit to the amount the courts can impose to cover repair costs in the case of civil liability or, if the environmental damage cannot be repaired, the payment of compensation. Furthermore, an indemnity claim for environmental damage is not subject to a statute of limitations. In addition, the delay or denial by the licensing environmental agencies in the issuance or renewal of licenses, as well as the eventual impossibility of meeting the requirements established by such environmental agencies in the process of environmental licensing, may harm or even prevent, as the case may be, the implementation of the refurbishments and improvements intended by the Company. Additional environmental requirements that may be imposed in the future as a result of changes in environmental legislation, as well as our inability to obtain necessary environmental licenses, may impose significant additional costs on the Company. The occurrence of the hypotheses foreseen above may adversely impact the Company’s image, business and results.
l. Risks related to climate issues, including physical and transitional risks.
The Company may have its physical facilities affected by extreme weather events.
As a result of the effects of climate change, there is and is expected to be an increase in extreme weather events that could significantly affect the Company’s physical facilities, causing the Company to incur costs for restoration and/or adaptation of its facilities, which may negatively affect the Company’s results.
The Company is subject to legislative, regulatory or market changes related to climate change, which may negatively affect its business and results.
As a result of the growing concern about the adverse impacts caused by emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as the increase in global temperatures, it is possible that new legal or regulatory measures may be established that subject the Company to new obligations and goals, such as the reduction of these gases.
Such obligations may result in increased energy and transportation costs and may require the Company to make additional investments in facilities and equipment. As a result, in order to comply with possible legal and regulatory requirements, the effects of climate change could cause material adverse long-term impacts on the Company’s business and results of operations.
m. Risks related to other issues not covered in the previous items.
Macroeconomic Risks
Economic and political conditions in Brazil and the perception of these conditions in the international market have a direct impact on the Company’s business and its access to international capital and debt markets, which could negatively affect the Company’s results and financial condition.
The Federal Government frequently intervenes in the Brazilian economy and occasionally makes significant changes in policies and regulations. The Brazilian government‘s measures to control inflation and its other policies and regulations have involved, among other measures, increases in interest rates, changes in tax policies, price controls, exchange rate controls, currency devaluations, capital controls and restrictions on imports. The Company has no control over and cannot predict the actions or policies that the Brazilian government may take in the future. Ser Educacional and the market price of its securities may be adversely affected by changes in Brazilian government policies, as well as general economic factors, including, but not limited to:
- growth or recession of the Brazilian economy;
- interest rates and monetary policies;
- exchange rates and currency fluctuations;
- inflation;
- liquidity of domestic capital and credit markets;
- import and export controls;
- exchange controls and restrictions on remittances abroad;
- changes to laws and regulations according to political, social and economic interests;
- tax policy and changes to tax laws;
- social, political and economic instability;
- labor regulations;
- rationing and shortages of energy and water;
- the intervention, modification or termination of existing concessions by the Brazilian government;
- Brazilian government control of, or influence over the control of, certain oil producing companies and refineries; and
- other political, social and economic events in Brazil, or that affect it.
In addition, Brazil is currently going through a still adverse economic cycle, with low GDP growth, which in turn generates an environment of high and prolonged unemployment. These weak macroeconomic conditions in Brazil are expected to continue throughout 2024. The Company cannot predict what actions will be taken by the Brazilian government in the face of mounting macroeconomic pressures or otherwise.
There is still uncertainty regarding the implementation by the Brazilian federal government of changes in policies or regulations that affect these or other factors in the future. Such changes could affect economic performance and contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil, as well as increasing volatility in the Brazilian capital market and securities issued by Brazilian companies.
Inflation and the Brazilian government‘s measures to combat it could significantly contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil, and could have adverse effects on the Company’s business and operating results.
Brazil has historically presented high rates of inflation. Inflation, as well as the government‘s efforts to combat it, had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy, particularly before 1995. Inflation rates, measured by the Broad National Consumer Price Index (“IPCA”), for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, were 10.16%, 5.79% and 4.62%, respectively.
The Company’s operating costs and expenses are substantially denominated in Reais and tend to increase with Brazilian inflation because its suppliers generally increase prices to reflect currency depreciation. In addition, high inflation generally leads to a higher domestic interest rate and, as a result, the costs of debt denominated in Reais may increase.
Inflation and its effect on interest rates may also lead to reduced liquidity in the capital markets and credit markets, which could affect our ability to refinance our debt. Additionally, inflationary pressures may also affect our ability to access foreign financial markets, which could lead to a deterioration of our financial condition and, consequently, negatively affect the price of our shares.
The Federal Government‘s measures to control inflation have often included maintaining a conservative monetary policy, with high interest rates, thus restricting the availability of credit and reducing economic growth. Actions to combat inflation and public speculation about possible additional measures could also substantially contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil and, consequently, could weaken investor confidence in Brazil, influencing our ability to access international capital markets.
High interest rates have adversely affected the Brazilian economy and could adversely affect our business. The Brazilian government has been managing the interest rate in accordance with the impacts caused by crises or instability in global economies or Brazilian economic partners, in addition to political and economic uncertainties generated internally.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had loan and financing agreements with charges linked to the CDI and a fixed interest rate per year (spread). Volatility in the Brazilian interest rate may adversely impact its ability to obtain financing in the future at attractive amounts, increasing the cost of debt and reducing the expected return on future investments. In addition, interest rates set by the Central Bank may negatively affect economic growth and, consequently, demand for its services.
Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and its market share prices.
Developments and perceptions of risks in other countries, including other emerging markets, the United States and Europe, may adversely affect the Brazilian economy and the price of Brazilian securities, including the price of the Company’s shares.
The market for securities issued by Brazilian companies is influenced by economic and market conditions in Brazil and, to different degrees, by market conditions in other countries in Latin America and other emerging markets, as well as in the United States, Europe and In other countries. As global market or economic conditions deteriorate, Brazilian companies may have their businesses adversely affected. Historically, weakness in the global economy has been marked by, among other adverse factors, lower levels of consumption and corporate confidence, decreased investment and consumer spending, increased unemployment, decreased income and asset values in many areas, slowing China‘s growth rate, currency volatility and limited availability of credit and access to capital. Developments or economic conditions in other emerging market countries have at times significantly affected the availability of credit to Brazilian companies and have resulted in considerable withdrawals of funds from Brazil, thus decreasing the value of foreign investments in Brazil.
Any crisis, as well as political instability in other emerging market countries, in the United States, Europe or in other countries, could reduce investor demand for Brazilian securities, such as our shares. In June 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which the majority of the population opted to withdraw from the European Union. The Company has no control over and cannot predict the effects of the UK‘s exit from the European Union, nor over whether any other Member States will decide to leave the European Union in the future. On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden became the President of the United States and, in mid-2021, with the increase in tensions between Russia and Ukraine, there was also a worsening of the crisis between the United States and Russia, due to political disputes on the borders between Russia and Ukraine, in addition to disputes over the gas supply market, that resulted in an armed conflict in 2022, which has generated instability in the perception of the future of the economy by market agents. In 2023, the conflict between Israel and Hamas began, following Hamas’ invasion of Israeli territory by land, sea and air, on October 7, 2023. The Company has no control over and cannot predict the effect of Joe Biden‘s administration or policies, as well as conflicts that arise. This, as well as other crises and forms of political instability, may adversely affect the Company, as well as the price of its shares.
The activities and trading of shares issued by the Company are subject to risks inherent to the Brazilian securities market, such as market volatility and lack of liquidity.
Emerging securities markets such as Brazil often involve higher risk investments when compared to other world markets, and such investments are generally considered to be more speculative in nature.
Regarding economic and political risks, investors may have their ability to obtain returns, in whole or in part, from their investments affected by changes in the regulatory, fiscal, economic and political environment. Specifically regarding to foreign investors, there is a risk that they may face restrictions related to the repatriation of invested capital or the creation or increase of existing tax rates on foreign investment.
As it is a substantially smaller, less liquid, more concentrated and potentially more volatile market than the main global securities markets, the Brazilian securities market may substantially limit the ability of investors to sell their Ser Educacional shares on their terms desired.
The comparison between some data from the Brazilian securities market and some international markets, such as the United States, allows illustrating the characteristics described above. As an example, in may 2024, B3 had a market capitalization of approximately US$0.9 trillion, and in the same month, the market value of US companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange was US$25.56 trillion.
Therefore, the size, liquidity, concentration and potential volatility of the Brazilian capital market may turn into obstacles for investors of our shares who wish to sell their shares at the desired price and at the desired time, which may have a material adverse effect on the market of our shares. In the event that our trading shares do not transform and remain an active and liquid trading market, the trading price of the Company’s shares could be negatively impacted.
The current economic and political crisis in Brazil may adversely affect the Company’s business, operations and financial condition.
The recent economic instability in Brazil caused by the increase in inflation observed in recent years, the slowdown in GDP growth and the uncertainty about whether the Brazilian government will be able to enact the economic reforms necessary to improve the deterioration of public accounts and the economy have led to a declining market confidence in the Brazilian economy and a government crisis.
With Brazil in the midst of an economic crisis scenario, due to the increase in inflation and fuel prices, as well as the increase in unemployment rates, amplified by the perception of widespread corruption, as well as other factors, in October 2018, President Jair Bolsonaro was elected, after a fierce election campaign for the presidency. In this same scenario of polarization, President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva took office in January 2023, after the end of Jair Bolsonaro’s term. The polarization presented during the electoral process, reflected in the dissatisfaction of certain segments of the population, can create difficulties in the formation of a support base for the government in Congress, which can impact the current government‘s ability to govern and, consequently, approve projects classified as essential for the recovery of the economy, such as the pension reform and the tax reform, and, as a consequence, hinder the resumption of growth of the Brazilian economy. The country‘s president has the power to determine government policies and actions relating to the Brazilian economy and, consequently, affect the operations and financial performance of companies, including ours, and as a result, may adversely affect the Brazilian markets and trading prices of securities issued by Brazilian companies, including Ser Educacional. The Company is not able to fully estimate the impact of global and Brazilian political and macroeconomic developments on its business. In addition, given the current political instability, arising from the divergences presented between the government’s allies and the opposition, the Company cannot predict which policies will be adopted by the Brazilian government and whether these policies negatively affect the economy, the Company’s business or financial condition. Any recurring economic instability and political uncertainties could adversely affect the Company’s business and its shares.
Pandemics or outbreaks of communicable diseases around the world, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19), can impact the world economy and attribute greater volatility and losses to the stock trading market.
Pandemics or outbreaks of communicable diseases may adversely impact various sectors of the world economy, causing volatility and losses in global equity markets, and in an amplified manner in emerging markets, which comprise the Brazilian capital market in which our shares are traded. As a result, we cannot guarantee that the price of our shares will not suffer declines as a result of the possibility of material changes in the global financial markets or in the Brazilian economy that cause a decrease in investors‘ interest in Brazilian assets.
The declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO) led to the adoption of a series of restrictive measures by government authorities in Brazil and worldwide, aimed at limiting the movement of people to contain the outbreak. Among these measures, quarantines and lockdowns were adopted, with the closure of activities in sectors of the economy not considered essential, and strict measures to restrict circulation and social isolation. Additionally, the scenario attributes uncertainties regarding the possibility of maintaining the population‘s consumption habits, as well as permanent changes. In this way, our business may be impacted by macroeconomic aspects that include a significant increase in the level of unemployment and consequent reduction in the population‘s income and consumption power, a significant contraction in economic activity and a reduction in GDP, a worsening of the deficit situation public accounts in relation to GDP with the expansion of fiscal policy promoted by the government; the downgrade of Brazil‘s credit ratings by risk assessment agencies; the volatility in the fluctuation of exchange rates; as well as social and political instabilities and other economic-financial consequences. Additionally, we cannot predict the extent of the mentioned impacts, as well as the duration of the mentioned adverse effects.
Finally, macroeconomic studies link the speed of recovery of the Brazilian economy to the success in carrying out vaccination campaigns against COVID-19. Although these campaigns have already started in the national territory, the speed in the acquisition of vaccines and supplies by the Federal Government, as well as the conduction of vaccination campaigns by the competent authorities, have been strongly criticized in Brazil and internationally. In this sense, it is not possible to predict at what moment the rates of economic recovery and increase in investor confidence in the Brazilian market will reach or re-establish themselves at levels higher than the current ones as a result of the implemented public health policies.
Any material change in the financial markets or in the Brazilian economy as a result of these world events may decrease the interest of domestic and foreign investors in securities of Brazilian issuers, including securities issued by us, which may adversely affect the market price of such securities. securities and may also make it difficult for us to access the capital markets and finance our operations in the future on acceptable terms.
Market Risks
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including cash flow or fair value risk linked to interest rates), credit risk, liquidity risk and regulatory risk. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize any potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge risk exposure.
Risk management is carried out by the Group’s central treasury department, which identifies, assesses, and hedges financial risks in close cooperation with the Group’s operating units. The Board of Directors approves and reviews risk management policies, and also monitors controls with the specific areas.
The Group‘s financial instruments are represented by cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, escrow deposits, commitments payable, debentures and loans and financing, and are recorded at cost, plus income or charges incurred, which as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are close to market values. The risks linked to the Group‘s operations are linked to the variation in the CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate) rate.
With respect to loans, they refer to operations whose recorded value is close to the market value of these financial instruments. Investments with CDI are registered at market value, according to quotations published by the respective financial institutions and the others refer, mostly, to bank deposit certificates, repurchase agreements and investment funds, therefore, the registered value of these securities does not present difference to the market value.
Interest rates and inflation
With the purpose of determining the sensitivity of the indexers to which the Group was exposed as of December 31, 2023, different scenarios were defined, using the last interest rates accrued in the last twelve months (Base Scenario), and based on this, changes of 25% (Scenario I) and 50% (Scenario II) were calculated, sensitizing the increase and decrease of the indexers. We have calculated the net position (financial income less financial expenses) for each scenario, excluding the tax effect. CDI indexer sensitivity was tested for each scenario using the portfolio base-date of December 31, 2023, projecting for one year.
Below are the tables with the analysis of the respective scenarios:
Considering the economic forecasts released by the Central Bank of Brazil’s Focus Report on February 23, 2024, validated by financial market economists, it is estimated that the inflation rate measured by IPCA will be closer to the base scenario and the interest rates measured by CDI will be closer to Scenario I, with a drop in the indexes.
Exchange rate
On December 31, 2023, if the Brazilian real had changed by around 4% against the euro, with all other variables held constant, the net income for the year would have changed, up or down, as shown in the table below, mainly as a result exchange gains/losses on the translation of foreign currency loans held in euros, financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss and exchange gains/losses on the translation of loans into euros.
Market risk
Interest rate
The Group’s cash flow or fair value risk related to interest rate arises from short- and long-term loans, debentures, lease liabilities, and short-term investments substantially linked to interbank deposit certificate (CDI) floating rates. The Group analyzes its interest rate exposure on a dynamic basis, simulating various scenarios and considering the refinancing and the renewal of existing positions. Based on this assessment, the Group monitors the risk of significant changes in interest rates and calculates the impact on income (Note 4.3 to the 2023 financial statements).
Exchange rate
The Group uses swap transactions for hedging against exposure to currency risk.
Management has established a policy that requires Group companies to manage their currency risk relative to their functional currency. Group companies, whose operations are exposed to currency risk, are required to protect their positions through hedging operations, carried out under the guidance of the Group Treasury.
Currency risk occurs when future financial transactions, assets or liabilities recorded are held in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency.
The Group’s financial risk management policy is to protect 100% of its financial assets for the term of the agreement or at least for the subsequent 12 months, depending on the asset class.
The Group uses foreign exchange transactions with fixed rates to hedge against exposure to currency risk. Under the Group’s policy, the key terms of agreements and options must be aligned with hedged items.
Credit risk
Credit risk is managed at a Group level and arises from cash and cash equivalents, financial instruments, and deposits with banks and credits with other financial institutions, as well as from exposure to student credit, including outstanding accounts receivable. The Group’s sales policy is directly related to the level of credit exposure it is willing to be subject to in the course of its business. Enrollment for the next semester is not permitted if a student is in default with the institution. In order to minimize the effects of defaults on its accounts receivable, the Company has diversified its receivables portfolio, has selection procedures in place for its students, and monitors due dates. In on-campus segment, a portion of the Group’s credits is guaranteed by the Higher Education Student Financing Program (Programa de Financiamento ao Estudante de Ensino Superior or FIES), which is decreasing each semester due to the reduced offer of scholarships by the Federal Government and the graduation of former students. The Group sets up provision for expected credit losses on doubtful accounts to cover credit risk, including the possible risk of default on the unguaranteed portion of the debt of the students who benefit from FIES. This credit analysis considers student creditworthiness based on their payment history, the length of their relationship with the institution, and their credit rating (SPC and Serasa).
Management monitors specific credit risks and does not expect any losses due to defaults by counterparties additional to the amounts already provided for in Note 9(e) to the 2023 financial statements, which reflect the changes in the provision for expected credit losses in the period.
Concerning credit risk related to financial institutions, the Group invests cash, cash equivalents, and tradable securities with financial institutions and investment funds with institutional credit ratings of at least brBBB, by Standard & Poor’s; BBB(br), by Fitch Ratings; and Baa1.br, by Moody’s.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk of the Company not having sufficient funds to meet its financial commitments, on account of mismatches in maturities or volumes between expected revenue and payments.
Assumptions regarding future disbursements and receipts are made in order to manage cash liquidity and are monitored daily by the treasury department.
The following table provides a breakdown of financial liabilities, grouped according to their due dates, for the remaining period from the Statement of Financial Position date to their contractual maturities. The amounts shown in the table represent the contractual undiscounted cash flows at the contracted rates.
The control of liquidity and cash flow for the Company and its subsidiaries are monitored daily by the Company’s management areas, in order to ensure that the operating cash generation and the prior raising of funds, when necessary, are sufficient to maintain our schedule of financial commitments, not generating liquidity risks for us and our subsidiaries.
The table below analyzes the Company’s financial leverage and its indebtedness indicator as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Indebtedness Indicator(1)
(1) This measure is not an accounting measure according to Accounting Practices Adopted in Brazil or IFRS, nor should it be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income, as an operating measure or alternative to operating cash flows, or as a measure of liquidity and should not be considered as a basis for the distribution of dividends. Other companies may calculate this measure differently than we do. See additional information regarding its use in table 2.5 (a) of 2024 Reference Form.
Financial Leverage(2) (in thousands of reais):
(2) Financial leverage means net debt divided by total equity added to net debt.
(3) This measure is not an accounting measure under Accounting Practices Adopted in Brazil or IFRS, nor should it be considered in isolation, or as an alternative to net income, as an operating measure, or an alternative to operating cash flows, or as a measure of liquidity and should not be considered as a basis for the distribution of dividends. Other companies may calculate this measure differently than we do. See additional information regarding its use in table 2.5 “a” of 2024 Reference Form.