OLD GREENWICH, Conn., Oct. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Star Equity Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: STRR and STRRP), formerly Hudson Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSON and HSONP) (“Star” or the “Company”), a diversified holding company, announced today that its management team will be presenting at the LD Micro Conference scheduled to take place from October 19-21, 2025, at Hotel Del Coronado, in San Diego, CA. Star’s main presentation is scheduled for Monday, October 20th at 11:30 am PT / 2:30 pm ET. Additionally, Investo ...

Pro Medicus Ltd (PME) - The share price of Pro Medicus Ltd has increased by 22.5% since the beginning of 2025 [1] - Pro Medicus specializes in radiology software, providing solutions such as Radiology Information Systems (RIS), Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), and advanced visualization tools [2] - The flagship product, Visage software, enables radiologists to remotely view large image files on mobile devices, facilitating on-the-go diagnostic decisions [3] - Currently, Pro Medicus Ltd has a price-sales ratio of 200.05x, significantly higher than its 5-year average of 82.69x, indicating that shares are trading above historical averages despite revenue growth over the last three years [6] James Hardie Industries plc (JHX) - James Hardie Industries is the largest global producer of fiber cement and gypsum products, operating in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand with over 5,200 employees [4] - The main advantages of fiber cement products include fire resistance, water and termite damage resistance, durability, and low maintenance requirements [4] - JHX shares currently trade at a price-sales ratio of 1.79x, which is lower than its 5-year average of 4.14x, suggesting that shares are undervalued compared to historical performance [7]

Group 1: James Hardie Industries - James Hardie Industries is a building solutions company and the world's largest producer of fibre cement and gypsum products, operating across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand with over 5,200 employees [1] - The share price of James Hardie Industries (ASX:JHX) has decreased by approximately 41.8% since the beginning of 2025 [1] - Currently, James Hardie Industries plc shares have a price-sales ratio of 2.77x, which is lower than its 5-year average of 4.14x, indicating that the shares are trading below historical averages despite revenue growth over the last three years [7] Group 2: CSL Limited - CSL is a global biotechnology company focused on creating and delivering life-saving medicines, with a mission to protect public health and improve the quality of life for individuals with life-threatening conditions [3] - The company operates through three main divisions: CSL Behring, which manufactures blood plasma products; CSL Seqirus, which develops flu-related products; and CSL Vifor, specializing in iron deficiency and nephrology [4] - CSL has established a strong reputation among Australian investors for reliability and consistent dividend payouts, making it a favored choice for those seeking exposure to the growing healthcare sector [5] - CSL is currently paying a trailing dividend yield of around 1.95%, which is higher than its 5-year average of 1.50%, indicating stability and the ability to provide income [8]

Core Viewpoint - Star Equity Holdings, Inc. is actively engaging with investors through a presentation at the Sidoti Small Cap Virtual Conference, highlighting its strategic focus on building long-term shareholder value through diversified business operations [1][2][3]. Company Overview - Star Equity Holdings, Inc. is a diversified holding company that aims to build long-term shareholder value by acquiring, managing, and growing businesses with strong fundamentals and market opportunities [3]. - The company operates through four divisions: Building Solutions, Business Services, Energy Services, and Investments [3]. Recent Developments - On August 22, 2025, the company completed the acquisition of Star Operating Companies, Inc., which was previously known as Star Equity Holdings, Inc. This merger resulted in the company changing its name and trading symbols on Nasdaq to STRR and STRRP effective September 5, 2025 [4]. Division Summaries - **Building Solutions**: This division operates in three niches: modular building manufacturing, structural wall panel and wood foundation manufacturing, and glue-laminated timber (glulam) manufacturing [5]. - **Business Services**: This division provides flexible and scalable recruitment solutions to a global clientele, focusing on mid-market and enterprise organizations [6]. - **Energy Services**: This division is involved in the rental, sale, and repair of downhole tools used in various industries including oil and gas, geothermal, mining, and water-well [7]. - **Investments**: This division manages and finances the company's real estate assets and investment positions in both private and public companies [8].

Core Viewpoint - Star Equity Holdings, Inc. has authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $3 million following the completion of a previous $5 million program, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value and confidence in its long-term growth prospects [1][2]. Share Repurchase Program - The new share repurchase program allows the company to repurchase up to $3 million of its outstanding common stock, following the completion of a $5 million program initiated in August 2023 [1][2]. - Repurchases may occur through various methods, including open market transactions and privately negotiated transactions, with the timing and amount dependent on stock price and market conditions [2]. Company Overview - Star Equity Holdings, Inc. is a diversified holding company focused on building long-term shareholder value through the acquisition and management of businesses with strong fundamentals [3]. - The company operates through four divisions: Building Solutions, Business Services, Energy Services, and Investments [3]. Recent Merger - On August 22, 2025, the company completed the acquisition of Star Operating Companies, Inc., which is now a wholly owned subsidiary, following a merger agreement dated May 21, 2025 [4]. - The company changed its name to Star Equity Holdings, Inc. and its trading symbol on Nasdaq to STRR and STRRP effective September 5, 2025 [4]. Division Summaries - **Building Solutions**: Engages in modular building manufacturing, structural wall panel manufacturing, and glue-laminated timber manufacturing [5]. - **Business Services**: Provides recruitment solutions to global clients, focusing on mid-market and enterprise organizations [6]. - **Energy Services**: Involves the rental, sale, and repair of downhole tools for various industries including oil and gas [7]. - **Investments**: Manages the company's real estate assets and investment positions in both private and public companies [8].

Core Points - Star Equity Holdings, Inc. declared a partial cash dividend of $0.225 per share for its 10% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, with a record date of August 21, 2025, and a payment date of September 10, 2025 [1] - A merger agreement has been established between Hudson Global, Inc. and Star Equity Holdings, where Star stockholders will receive 0.23 shares of Hudson common stock for each share of Star common stock and one share of Hudson 10.0% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock for each share of Star Preferred Stock [2] - The dividend will cover the period through August 21, 2025, with expectations for future dividends either from the company or from Hudson Preferred Stock post-merger [3] Company Overview - Star Equity Holdings, Inc. operates as a diversified holding company with three business divisions: Building Solutions, Energy Services, and Investments [4] Business Divisions - The Building Solutions division includes modular building manufacturing, structural wall panel and wood foundation manufacturing, and glue-laminated timber manufacturing [5] - The Energy Services division focuses on the rental, sale, and repair of downhole tools for various industries including oil and gas, geothermal, mining, and water-well [6] - The Investments division manages and finances the company's real estate assets and investment positions in both private and public companies [7]

Group 1: Dividend Announcement - Star Equity Holdings, Inc. declared a partial cash dividend of $0.225 per share for its 10% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, with a record date of August 21, 2025, and a payment date of September 10, 2025 [1][3] Group 2: Merger Agreement - On May 21, 2025, Star Equity Holdings entered into a Merger Agreement with Hudson Global, Inc., where Merger Sub will merge with Star, making Star a wholly owned subsidiary of Hudson [2] - Star stockholders will receive 0.23 shares of Hudson common stock for each share of Star common stock and one share of Hudson 10.0% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock for each share of Star Preferred Stock [2] Group 3: Company Overview - Star Equity Holdings, Inc. is a diversified holding company with three business divisions: Building Solutions, Energy Services, and Investments [4] - The Building Solutions division includes modular building manufacturing, structural wall panel and wood foundation manufacturing, and glue-laminated timber manufacturing [5] - The Energy Services division focuses on the rental, sale, and repair of downhole tools for various industries including oil and gas, geothermal, mining, and water-well [6] - The Investments division manages and finances the company's real estate assets and investment positions in private and public companies [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew by 21% in the quarter, with adjusted earnings per share increasing by 41% to $2.69 and adjusted EBITDA rising by 35% to $126 million [7][8] - Gross profit margin expanded by 400 basis points to 23.3%, and operating cash flow was strong at $85 million [8] - Backlog at the end of the quarter totaled $2 billion, a 24% year-over-year increase [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure Solutions revenue grew by 29% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income increasing by 57% and operating margins reaching 28% [11][12] - Transportation Solutions revenue increased by 24%, with adjusted operating profit growing by 78% [13] - Building Solutions segment revenue declined by 1%, and adjusted operating income fell by 28% due to challenges in the housing market [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The data center market was a primary growth driver, with revenue from this market more than doubling year-over-year [12] - E-commerce distribution backlog saw a significant increase of nearly 700% in the quarter [36] - Transportation Solutions backlog was $715 million, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase but a 17% sequential decline [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its geographic footprint and enhancing service offerings through the acquisition of CEC Facilities Group [10][27] - The strategy emphasizes building upon existing strengths in high-margin markets and pursuing attractive growth opportunities [8][24] - The company aims to capture more value across the full life cycle of facilities by integrating services [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains positive about the future, citing strong demand in e-infrastructure and transportation markets [8][22] - The company anticipates continued growth in e-infrastructure revenue of 18% to 20% and adjusted operating profit margins in the mid to high 20% range [24] - Building Solutions is expected to face challenges, with a forecasted mid to high single-digit decline in revenue [26] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with $699.4 million in cash and a net debt balance of $401.2 million [19] - The guidance for 2025 has been increased, projecting revenue of $2.1 billion to $2.15 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $438 million to $453 million [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will significant data center projects land in core markets? - Management believes they are well-positioned for a large percentage of the data center capital coming out, with data centers now representing 62% of total backlog in e-infrastructure [34][35] Question: Will additional acquisitions be needed for expansion into Texas and the Northwest? - The company plans to pursue both organic growth and potential acquisitions to establish a presence in these markets [37][38] Question: How are mission-critical projects evolving? - Management is confident that margins will continue to expand due to the complexity and size of upcoming projects [44] Question: What is the status of e-commerce opportunities? - Several e-commerce projects are expected to start in the back half of the year, with larger warehouse projects anticipated to provide significant revenue [50] Question: What is the outlook for Building Solutions? - The segment is expected to face a low to mid-teens decline in the second half of the year, but management remains optimistic about maintaining margins [55]

Core Insights - VINCI has reached an agreement to acquire Zimmer & Hälbig, a German company specializing in HVAC-R solutions, pending approval from German competition authorities [2][3]. Company Overview - Zimmer & Hälbig, founded in 1974, generated revenue of €96 million in 2024 and employs 310 people across seven locations in Germany [3][7]. - VINCI Energies operates in four business lines in Germany: Infrastructure, Industry, Building Solutions, and ICT, employing 16,600 people in 385 locations [4]. Financial Performance - In 2024, VINCI Group generated nearly €5.6 billion in total revenue in Germany, making it the second-largest international market for the company [5]. - The revenue breakdown includes €4.1 billion in energy solutions and €1.4 billion for VINCI Construction [5]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition will enhance VINCI Energies' multi-technical solutions for buildings and expand its offerings to customers [3][2]. - The integration of Zimmer & Hälbig into VINCI Energies Building Solutions' network will strengthen its position in high-tech building solutions [7].

Core Insights - VINCI Energies has signed an agreement to acquire the R+S Group, a German company specializing in electrical installation, automation, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in the building sector, pending approval from German competition authorities [2][3] - The acquisition will enhance VINCI Energies' range of electrical and multi-technical solutions for buildings and expand its customer offerings [3][4] - In 2024, the R+S Group generated revenue of €191 million and employs 1,200 people [2][7] Company Overview - VINCI is a global leader in concessions, energy solutions, and construction, employing 285,000 people across more than 120 countries [5] - In Germany, VINCI generated nearly €5.6 billion in total revenue in 2024, making it the company's second-largest international market [4] - VINCI Energies operates in four business lines in Germany: Infrastructure, Industry, Building Solutions, and ICT, with a workforce of 16,600 across 385 sites [3][4]