Summary of Hudson Global Conference Call - September 17, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Hudson Global (NasdaqGS:HSON) - **Recent Merger**: Hudson Global merged with Star Equity Holdings, completed on August 21, 2025, with Hudson as the surviving entity due to its $240 million net operating loss (NOL) [4][3] Core Business Strategy - **Vision**: Aim to be the "Berkshire Hathaway of microcaps" by focusing on excellent businesses, management, and capital allocation [3] - **Revenue Projections for 2026**: Expected revenue of $250 million, adjusted EBITDA of $15 million, and adjusted earnings per share of approximately $1.50 [5][11] - **Long-term EBITDA Goal**: Anticipate reaching $40 million in EBITDA by the end of the decade, driven by organic growth and market share increase in growing industries [6] Acquisition Strategy - **Focus on Bolt-on Acquisitions**: Targeting acquisitions that enhance existing businesses, aiming for each to generate at least $10 million in EBITDA [6][20] - **Capital Allocation**: Plans to use cash, debt, and preferred stock for acquisitions, avoiding stock issuance due to perceived undervaluation [8][9] - **Asset Monetization**: Over $20 million in non-EBITDA generating assets expected to be monetized, which could significantly impact market cap [9] Financial Metrics and Valuation - **Current Valuation**: Stock is considered undervalued with a PE ratio of 6 and EV/EBITDA of 3 based on 2026 estimates [12][11] - **Preferred Stock**: Approximately $27 million in preferred stock, viewed as a flexible acquisition currency [12][30] - **Free Cash Flow Yield**: High free cash flow yield available for shareholder value creation through acquisitions or stock buybacks [34] Industry Dynamics - **Staffing Business Outlook**: Experienced a peak in 2022, followed by a decline, but is seeing a gradual return to normal hiring levels, particularly among Fortune 500 clients [31][33] - **Attrition Rates**: Noted a significant drop in attrition rates post-COVID, indicating a stabilization in the workforce [32] Key Business Segments - **Building Solutions**: Expected to grow at an average of 10% revenue growth over the next five years, with a focus on engineered wood products [22] - **Business Services**: Largest division, aiming to return to 2022 profitability levels with a focus on long-term contracts with Fortune 500 companies [23] - **Energy Services**: Looking for acquisitions in non-capital intensive, mission-critical products and services [24] Management and Team Structure - **Management Team**: Comprised of experienced individuals from both Hudson and Star, with a focus on operational efficiency and strategic growth [36] Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: Hudson Global is positioned for long-term value creation through strategic acquisitions, organic growth, and effective capital allocation, with a strong focus on enhancing shareholder value [5][9][34]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's revenue for Q1 2025 increased by 41.7% compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to the inclusion of revenues from Timber Technologies and Alliance Drilling Tools acquisitions [5] - Gross margin improved to 24.3% from 17.3% in the same quarter last year, attributed to higher revenues and the addition of Timber Technologies [5] - Net loss from continuing operations was $1,200,000 in Q1 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $2,200,000 in Q1 2024 [9] - Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was a loss of $800,000 in Q1 2025, compared to a loss of $1,100,000 in the same period last year [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Building Solutions segment revenues increased by 32.9% compared to Q1 2024, although it was below internal expectations due to delays in commercial projects [5] - The Building Solutions division backlog reached a record $27,900,000 at quarter end, up from $14,800,000 at the end of Q1 2024, indicating strong future demand [6] - The Energy Services division was established with the acquisition of Alliance Drilling Tools, and integration is proceeding smoothly [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant uptick in customer interest and activity over the past couple of quarters, indicating a positive market environment [6] - There were no signs of projects being put on hold due to tariff impacts, with a strong backlog supporting future growth [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The management team is focused on creating shareholder value through targeted business development initiatives and identifying additional accretive opportunities across all divisions [12] - The company is exploring organic growth opportunities within the Energy Services division and considering further acquisitions [6] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong backlog and ongoing projects, suggesting that the construction demand built up over time is now being realized [19] - The company is monitoring input costs, such as lumber prices, but does not foresee significant negative impacts on their operations [20] Other Important Information - Consolidated cash flow from operations for Q1 2025 was an inflow of $600,000, a significant improvement from an outflow of $2,400,000 in Q1 2024 [10] - The company's unrestricted cash balance at the end of Q1 2025 was $1,900,000, down from $4,000,000 at the end of 2024, primarily due to acquisition-related cash outflows [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about project delays due to tariffs - Management clarified that delays were specific to a large project at EdgeBuilder, which experienced a temporary pause but is expected to resume and recognize revenue in Q2 [16][17] Question: Signs of projects being put on hold - Management indicated that there are no signs of projects being put on hold, with a strong backlog supporting ongoing construction activities [19] Question: Gross profit margin changes in Alliance Drilling - Management explained that the gross profit margin fluctuations are a function of quarterly activity levels and reaffirmed the high-margin nature of the Alliance Drilling business [26][27] Question: Equipment rental revenue structure - Management described the rental terms as project-based, with high rental rates due to the nature of the equipment used in drilling operations [30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's revenue for Q1 2025 increased by 41.7% compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to the inclusion of revenues from Timber Technologies and Alliance Drilling Tools acquisitions [5] - Gross margin improved to 24.3% from 17.3% in the same quarter last year, attributed to higher revenues and the addition of Timber Technologies [5] - Gross profit was $3,100,000, up 99.2% versus Q1 2024, driven by increased revenue at KBS and the addition of TT and ADT [8] - The net loss from continuing operations was $1,200,000 in Q1 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $2,200,000 in Q1 2024 [10] - Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was a loss of $800,000, compared to a loss of $1,100,000 in the same period last year [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Building Solutions segment revenues increased by 32.9% compared to Q1 2024, although still below internal expectations due to delays in commercial projects [5] - The Building Solutions division backlog reached a record $27,900,000 at quarter end, compared to $14,800,000 at the end of Q1 2024, indicating strong future demand [6] - The establishment of the Energy Services division was highlighted by the acquisition of Alliance Drilling Tools, with a focus on organic growth and potential additional acquisitions [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant uptick in customer interest and activity over the past couple of quarters, indicating a positive market environment [6] - There were no signs of projects being put on hold due to tariff impacts, with a strong backlog supporting confidence in future quarters [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The management team is focused on creating shareholder value through targeted business development initiatives and identifying additional accretive opportunities across all divisions [13] - The company is monitoring input costs like lumber and OSB, but does not see significant exposure to new home construction, which has slowed down [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the backlog and the momentum in the Building Solutions division, with no signs of a temporary situation regarding project delays [19] - The company is optimistic about the integration of Alliance Drilling Tools and the growth opportunities within the Energy Services division [6] Other Important Information - Consolidated cash flow from operations for Q1 2025 was an inflow of $600,000, a significant improvement from an outflow of $2,400,000 in Q1 2024 [11] - The unrestricted cash balance at the end of the quarter was $1,900,000, down from $4,000,000 at the end of 2024, primarily due to cash used for the acquisition of ADT [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Dynamics between Edge Builder and Building Solutions regarding project delays - Management clarified that delays were specific to a large project at EdgeBuilder, which paused for two months but is back on track for revenue recognition in Q2 [16] Question: Early signs of projects being put on hold due to pricing - Management indicated that there are no signs of projects being put on hold, with a strong backlog supporting ongoing construction demand [18] Question: Gross profit margin changes in Alliance Drilling - Management explained that the gross profit margin fluctuation is a function of intra-quarter activity and that Alliance Drilling maintains high gross margins [25][27] Question: Equipment rental revenue terms in Alliance - Management described the rental terms as project-based, with high rental rates due to the nature of the equipment used in drilling operations [30]

Core Insights - The company reported a significant increase in consolidated revenues for Q1 2025, rising by 41.7% to $12.9 million compared to $9.1 million in Q1 2024, primarily driven by acquisitions and improved performance in its Building Solutions division [4][7][3] - The acquisition of Alliance Drilling Tools marks the company's entry into the Energy Services sector, complementing its existing operations [3] - The Building Solutions backlog reached a record $27.9 million at the end of the quarter, indicating strong future demand [3][4] Financial Performance - Q1 2025 revenues increased to $12.9 million from $9.1 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a 41.7% growth [4][7] - Building Solutions revenue grew by 32.9% year-over-year, attributed to the inclusion of Timber Technologies Solutions and improved results at KBS [5][6] - Gross profit for Q1 2025 was $3.1 million, a 99.2% increase from $1.6 million in Q1 2024, with a gross margin improvement to 24.3% from 17.3% [6][8] Operational Highlights - The integration of Alliance Drilling Tools is progressing smoothly, with a focus on future growth and potential acquisitions in both Building Solutions and Energy Services divisions [3] - The company experienced a net loss of $1.2 million in Q1 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $2.2 million in the same period last year [10][11] - Cash flow from operations improved significantly, with an inflow of $563 thousand compared to an outflow of $2.4 million in Q1 2024, driven by better operational results and strong accounts receivable collections [12] Backlog and Future Outlook - The Building Solutions division's backlog increased to $27.9 million, indicating strong demand for new projects despite some delays in commercial projects [3][5] - The company anticipates strong performance in the second quarter and full-year 2025 based on current backlog and sales pipeline [3][4] Dividends and Stock Information - The board declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share for Series A Preferred Stock, totaling approximately $0.5 million [14] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had remaining authorization to repurchase up to $721 thousand of its common stock under its stock repurchase program [17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, revenue increased by 21.1% to $17.1 million compared to $14.1 million in Q4 2023, while full year 2024 revenue rose 16.5% to $53.4 million from $45.8 million in 2023 [6] - Q4 2024 gross profit increased by 55.3% to $4.5 million from $2.9 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to the acquisition of Timber Technologies [7] - For the full year 2024, gross profit declined by 7.2% to $11.1 million from $11.9 million in 2023, attributed to a one-time purchase price accounting adjustment and lower revenues in certain businesses [7][15] - Q4 2024 net loss from continuing operations was $2.5 million compared to net income of $1.8 million in Q4 2023, while non-GAAP adjusted net income was $0.5 million or $0.15 per diluted share [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Building Solutions division faced demand softness in the first half of 2024 but saw momentum shift in the second half, with a signed backlog of $17.2 million at year-end [10] - Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the Building Solutions division increased to $2.3 million in Q4 2024 from $0.7 million in Q4 2023 [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is monitoring the impact of current fiscal policies, including tariffs on Canadian lumber, which could affect construction costs and demand [11] - The Energy Services division was established through the acquisition of Alliance Drilling Tools, which generated approximately $10.5 million in revenue for full year 2024 [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its Building Solutions division, leveraging structural tailwinds as factory-built construction gains market share [10] - The acquisition of Alliance Drilling Tools diversifies the operating portfolio and is expected to contribute significantly to consolidated results [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the sales pipeline and backlog, indicating substantial growth potential into 2025 [30] - The company is taking preemptive actions to mitigate risks associated with input costs and is optimistic about the long-term growth of its operating companies [11][12] Other Important Information - The company ended 2024 with an outstanding interest-bearing debt of $11.3 million, up from $2.0 million at the end of 2023, largely due to the Timber Technologies acquisition [21] - Cash balance decreased to $5.6 million from $18.9 million at the end of 2023, reflecting the financing related to acquisitions [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about Building Solutions and margin improvement - Management indicated that margin improvements in the Building Solutions division are driven by increased revenues and spreading fixed costs across more projects [28] Question: Clarification on other expenses in the quarter - The $1.7 million in other expenses was primarily due to a write-down on an investment related to Digirad, reclassified from SG&A to other income [34] Question: Impact of Enservco on Alliance Drilling - Management confirmed that the issues with Enservco do not impact Alliance Drilling [46] Question: Thoughts on selling the company or parts of it - Management stated that all options are on the table to maximize shareholder value, acknowledging the stock's undervaluation [66]