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]