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Hudson Global(HSON) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company reported revenue of 33.6million,down233.6 million, down 2% year over year in constant currency, while adjusted net revenue was 17.6 million, up 5.7% year over year in constant currency [7] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was 0.9million,anincreasefrom0.9 million, an increase from 0.1 million a year ago [7] - The company reported a net loss of 0.6million,or0.6 million, or 0.20 per diluted share, compared to net income of 0.7million,or0.7 million, or 0.23 per diluted share in the same period last year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the Americas business increased 18%, with adjusted net revenue increasing 5% year over year in constant currency, and adjusted EBITDA rose to 0.5millionfrom0.5 million from 0.2 million a year ago [10] - Asia Pacific revenue decreased 10%, while adjusted net revenue increased 6% year over year in constant currency, with adjusted EBITDA remaining flat at 0.9million[11]EMEArevenueincreased70.9 million [11] - EMEA revenue increased 7% versus the prior quarter in constant currency, with adjusted net revenue up 5%, but adjusted EBITDA decreased to 0.2 million from 0.6millionayearago[12]MarketDataandKeyMetricsChangesThecompanygenerated0.6 million a year ago [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated 2.0 million of cash flow from operations in Q4 2024, down from 3.3millioninQ42023[13]Theworkingcapital,excludingcash,was3.3 million in Q4 2023 [13] - The working capital, excluding cash, was 11.9 million compared to 12.0millionatDecember31,2023[13]CompanyStrategyandDevelopmentDirectionThecompanyfocusedonrestructuringandrepositioningforgrowthin2024,investing12.0 million at December 31, 2023 [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focused on restructuring and repositioning for growth in 2024, investing 3.4 million in sales, marketing, and technology to enhance future growth [6][15] - A digital division was launched, and a Chief Digital Officer was hired to improve digital capabilities and deliver innovative talent solutions [17] - The company aims to expand its geographical reach and service offerings, with a focus on organic growth and enhancing market share with existing partners [27][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a modest improvement in the demand environment, with some hesitation and uncertainty affecting hiring initiatives [24] - The sales pipeline is encouraging, and management believes they are well-positioned to convert this pipeline into actual sales once market conditions improve [20] - The company anticipates that as attrition rates normalize, hiring lines will pick up, positively impacting overall business [60] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with 17.7millionincash,including17.7 million in cash, including 0.7 million of restricted cash [13] - The company has a goal to reach 60,000 annual hires over the next three years and to grow RPO clients by 50% [62] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand environment post-election - Management observed an uptick in client behavior and hiring activity, though uncertainty remains in the market affecting hiring volumes [24] Question: Investments for future growth in 2025 - The growth strategy includes M&A for geographical and product portfolio expansion, as well as enhancing the sales team [27][29] Question: Cash usage and acquisition pipeline - Internal growth projects are prioritized, with a focus on high ROI investments over acquisitions [35][38] Question: Lead time trends with RPO - The sales cycle remains consistent, with expectations for more decisions in 2025 as previous initiatives were put on hold [44] Question: Growth targets in America and EMEA - Both markets are seen as significant growth opportunities, with heavy investments being made [51] Question: New logo wins and renewals - Management is optimistic about increasing new logo wins as the market picks up, alongside strong renewals and expansions [56] Question: Attrition rates and hiring lines - The company is beginning to see attrition normalize, which is expected to lead to increased hiring [60] Question: Share repurchase goals for 2025 - The company aims for a soft goal of significant stock buybacks, contingent on market conditions and opportunities [70][72]