Summary of Hudson Global and STAR Equity Holdings Merger Announcement Conference Call Industry and Companies Involved - **Companies**: Hudson Global (HSON) and STAR Equity Holdings (STRR) - **Industry**: Mergers and Acquisitions, Staffing and Recruitment Services Core Points and Arguments 1. **Merger Announcement**: Hudson and STAR signed a definitive merger agreement, marking a significant milestone for both companies [4] 2. **Transaction Structure**: STAR will merge into a wholly owned subsidiary of Hudson, with STAR shareholders receiving 0.23 shares of HSON for each STAR share held [5] 3. **Ownership Post-Merger**: Upon completion, Hudson shareholders will own approximately 79% of the new company (NewCo), while STAR shareholders will own about 21% [5] 4. **Financial Projections**: The merger is expected to create a larger holding company with pro forma annualized revenue exceeding $200 million and anticipated annualized cost savings of at least $2 million within 12 months [6] 5. **Growth Goals**: NewCo aims to reach $40 million in adjusted EBITDA by February 2030, based solely on organic growth [7] 6. **Operational Segments**: NewCo will consist of four reporting segments: Building Solutions, Business Services, Energy Services, and Investments [7] 7. **Strategic Advantages**: The merger is expected to enhance stock trading liquidity, market capitalization, and provide better financing terms for acquisitions [6][9] 8. **Management Structure**: The management team from both companies will lead NewCo, maintaining a decentralized operating model and a value-oriented acquisition strategy [10] Additional Important Information 1. **Regulatory Approval**: The merger is pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, anticipated to close in the second half of 2025 [6] 2. **Cost Savings Details**: Identified cost savings will come from eliminating duplicative functions, such as audits and public company costs [14][15] 3. **NOL Utilization**: NewCo will benefit from Hudson's substantial net operating losses (NOL), which will be utilized to offset taxable income [17] 4. **Market Positioning**: The merger aims to break out of "microcap purgatory," enhancing the visibility and liquidity of both companies in the market [55] 5. **Shareholder Vote**: A majority vote from both companies' shareholders is required for the merger to proceed [22][28] 6. **Dividends**: STAR's preferred stock will continue to pay dividends post-merger, with no changes to the terms [60] 7. **Future Growth Strategy**: Both companies plan to pursue organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions to enhance their market positions [37][39] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call regarding the merger between Hudson Global and STAR Equity Holdings, highlighting the strategic rationale, expected benefits, and operational plans for the newly formed entity.

Core Viewpoint - MDWerks, Inc. is focused on sustainable technology and has made significant progress in its business model, particularly with the launch of its "Whiskey-as-a-Service" (WaaS) initiative, which is expected to generate recurring revenue streams and enhance shareholder value [1][2][3][12]. Business Developments - The company successfully launched its WaaS business model, signing contracts for the construction and deployment of proprietary Spirits Rapid Aging Systems (SRAS) [2][3]. - Construction of SRAS units began in March 2025, with completion expected in the third quarter of 2025, leading to new recurring cash flow streams [4]. - MDWerks has entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire 680 barrels of aged whiskey, which will be matured using its SRAS unit, enhancing its raw material inventory [7]. Strategic Partnerships - A new agreement with an international spirits investment fund grants limited exclusivity for deploying SRAS units in three countries, contingent on the annual deployment of at least one unit in each country [6]. - The company anticipates additional SRAS deployments from both existing customers and new third parties within the next twelve months [5]. Product Launches - The subsidiary, Two Trees Beverage Company, launched a new product line called Uplifting Spirits, with a portion of sales from a limited-edition bourbon whiskey dedicated to Hurricane Helene relief efforts [8]. Operational Updates - The company is nearing completion of a molecular sawdust drying machine for a major lumber mill customer, with deployment expected in the third quarter of 2025 [9]. - David Stephens has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer, bringing nearly two decades of experience in financial reporting and accounting [11]. Financial Outlook - MDWerks expects revenue to trend upward in the second quarter of 2025 and significantly increase in subsequent periods compared to the first quarter [12].

Financial Performance - Western Forest Products Inc. reported a net income of $13.8 million in Q1 2025, a significant improvement from a net loss of $8.0 million in Q1 2024 and a net loss of $1.2 million in Q4 2024 [1][3] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $3.5 million, compared to a negative $4.2 million in Q1 2024 and $14.4 million in Q4 2024, indicating a recovery in operational performance [1][3] - Revenue increased to $262.5 million in Q1 2025 from $239.5 million in Q1 2024, although it decreased from $273.2 million in Q4 2024 [3] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - Net debt decreased significantly to $21.2 million at the end of Q1 2025 from $83.6 million at the end of Q4 2024, and from $77.6 million at the end of Q1 2024 [2][3] - The net debt to capitalization ratio improved to 4% at the end of Q1 2025, down from 12% at the end of Q4 2024 and 13% at the end of Q1 2024 [2][3] - Liquidity at the end of Q1 2025 was $195.4 million, compared to $144.6 million at the end of Q4 2024 [3] Operational Highlights - Lumber production was 134 million board feet in Q1 2025, down from 145 million board feet in Q1 2024, while lumber shipments increased to 137 million board feet from 131 million board feet in Q1 2024 [7] - The average lumber selling price rose to $1,533 per thousand board feet in Q1 2025, compared to $1,351 per thousand board feet in Q1 2024, driven by improvements in lumber markets and a stronger USD to CAD exchange rate [7] - The company is advancing two continuous dry kilns, expected to be completed in early 2026, and has received a milestone payment of $1.4 million related to these projects [7] Market Conditions - The US Department of Commerce announced a preliminary combined countervailing and anti-dumping rate of 34.45% for softwood lumber, up from the previous rate of 14.40%, which may impact future financial results [8][9] - North American markets are anticipated to be volatile due to potential US tariffs, while demand for industrial lumber products in North America is expected to strengthen as supply remains tight [10][12] - In Japan, spring housing demand is stronger than expected, although a decline in housing starts is anticipated later in the year [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $47 million, a significant decrease from $99 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to 22 days of planned maintenance downtime at the Celgar mill, which adversely impacted EBITDA by approximately $30 million [3][11] - The consolidated net loss for Q1 2025 was $22 million, or $0.33 per share, compared to a net income of $17 million, or $0.25 per share in Q4 2024 [11] - Cash consumption in Q1 was about $3 million, a decrease from $54 million in Q4 2024, with a net working capital increase of roughly $23 million due to seasonal movements [11][12] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp segment contributed an EBITDA of $50 million in Q1 2025, while the solid wood segment's EBITDA was essentially breakeven [4] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 26,000 tonnes to 478,000 tonnes in Q1, attributed to the timing of sales despite the planned downtime [6] - Lumber production reached a near-record 128 million board feet in Q1, up 12% from Q4, with sales volumes also hitting a new record at 131 million board feet, up about 6% from Q4 [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - MBSK prices in Europe averaged $15.50 per ton in Q1, an increase of $50 from Q4, while North American MBSK prices averaged $17.53 per ton, up $66 from Q4 [4][5] - In China, the MBSK net price was $793 per tonne, an increase of $26 from Q4, while hardwood sales realizations were flat due to offsetting price changes in North America [5] - The North American MBHT average price was $12.68, down $30 from Q4, indicating mixed pricing trends across different markets [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is targeting a $100 million improvement in operational efficiency and cost savings by the end of 2026 compared to 2024, alongside a $20 million reduction in inventories and capital expenditures in 2025 [17] - The company is focusing on maximizing mill operating rates and generating cash to reduce debt, with a strong emphasis on improving asset reliability across all businesses [24][25] - The mass timber operations are expected to grow, with the company confident in its ability to capture market growth due to its significant production capacity and broad product offerings [30][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the weakening U.S. dollar could enhance purchasing power for U.S.-sourced fiber, while also indicating potential modest fiber cost inflation and lower energy sales prices in Q2 [20][21] - The company anticipates stable demand for softwood pulp in the mid-term, with upward pricing pressure expected due to reduced supply [22][23] - Management expressed concerns about global economic uncertainty impacting buying patterns and pricing, particularly in China, but remains optimistic about the long-term outlook for softwood pulp [20][23] Other Important Information - The company plans for major maintenance shutdowns throughout the year, with a total of 79 days of planned downtime compared to 57 in 2024 [34] - A quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share has been approved for shareholders of record on June 26, 2025 [12] - The company is committed to its 2030 carbon reduction targets and believes its products will play a significant role in addressing climate change [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the secondary effects related to tariffs? - Management explained that secondary effects include the weakening U.S. dollar impacting costs and a slowdown in demand in China, which has put pressure on prices, particularly hardwood [44] Question: What is the outlook for pulp prices in Q2? - Management indicated that they expect more positive than negative impacts on pulp prices in Q2 compared to Q1, despite some recent softness in lumber prices [47] Question: Can you provide context on the $100 million cost savings objectives? - Management detailed that the cost reduction program targets various operational aspects, with expectations to capture $40 to $50 million in savings by 2025 [52] Question: How would meaningful Section 232 tariffs impact lumber markets? - Management noted that Canadian lumber would become less competitive due to countervailing duties, which would favor their products from Germany [64] Question: Are there any changes in order patterns from pulp customers? - Management reported no significant changes in order patterns in Europe or North America, although there is some caution in China [106]

Core Viewpoint - The global financial markets are closely monitoring the potential impacts of President Trump's trade tariffs, which could affect stocks across various countries and sectors. Two scenarios are presented for retail investors to consider regarding their portfolio strategies [1][2]. Group 1: Trade Environment Scenarios - A challenging trade environment could lead to sustained global GDP growth slowdown, but this scenario is deemed less likely as effective de-globalization would require significant cuts to the world economy [2]. - A more probable scenario involves a resolution of trade issues between the United States and its trading partners, alleviating fears related to tariffs [2]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Three stocks are highlighted as strong investment opportunities once tariff fears subside: Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), West Fraser Timber Co. (NYSE: WFG), and Canadian National Railway (NYSE: CNI) [3]. - Alibaba Group is noted for its strong market position despite recent negative sentiment surrounding China's stock market, with a current price of $119.16 and a potential price target of $150.36, indicating a possible upside of 26% [4][7]. - West Fraser Timber, a major Canadian lumber exporter, is expected to recover as clarity returns to the market, with a current price of $72.75 and a price target of $100.40, suggesting a potential increase of 38% [8][11]. - Canadian National Railway is positioned to benefit from increased lumber production and exports, with a current price of $97.58 and a price target of $120.36, indicating a potential upside of 23% [13][15].