UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

Form 8-K

 

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 1, 2012

  

 

Hudson Global, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

  

 

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

 

000-50129   59-3547281
(Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

560 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10022

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 351-7300

  

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (16 CFR 230.425)

 

¨Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (16 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (16 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (16 CFR 240.13e-4(c)

 

 
 

 

ITEM 2.02.RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

 

On May 1, 2012, Hudson Global, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2012. A copy of such press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report.

 

Included in each of these exhibits are references to “liquidity.” The company believes that this non-GAAP measure provides investors useful information about its combined available cash and borrowing capacity.

 

ITEM 9.01.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

 

(a) Financial Statements.

None.

 

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

None.

 

(c) Shell Company Transactions

None.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

99.1   Press Release of Hudson Global, Inc. issued on May 1, 2012.

 

2
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

HUDSON GLOBAL, INC.
(Registrant)
   
By: /s/ Mary Jane Raymond
  Mary Jane Raymond
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
  Dated: May 1, 2012

 

3
 

 

Hudson Global, Inc.

Current Report on Form 8-K

 

Exhibit Index

  

Exhibit

Number

 
Description
99.1   Press Release of Hudson Global, Inc. issued on May 1, 2012.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

For Immediate Release Contact: David F. Kirby
    Hudson
    212-351-7216
    david.kirby@hudson.com

 

Hudson Global Reports 2012 First Quarter Results,
Announces Strategic Restructuring Charge

NEW YORK, NY – May 1, 2012 – Hudson Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSON), a leading global provider of professional recruitment and related talent solutions, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

 

2012 First Quarter Summary

 

·Revenue of $200.6 million, a decrease of 8.2 percent from the first quarter of 2011, or 8.9 percent in constant currency

 

·Gross margin of $73.2 million, or 36.5 percent of revenue, representing a 9.8 percent decrease from the same period last year, or 10.1 percent in constant currency

 

·Adjusted EBITDA* loss of $0.9 million, compared with adjusted EBITDA of $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2011

 

·EBITDA* loss of $2.2 million, compared with EBITDA of $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2011

 

·Net loss of $3.2 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, compared with net loss of $0.0 million, or $0.00 per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of 2011

 

* EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are defined in the segment tables at the end of this release.

 

“Challenging market conditions persisted throughout the first quarter and drove our results to the low end of our expectations. After making significant progress in 2011 towards our long-term goals, we have initiated the next phase of our strategic transition,” said Manuel Marquez, chairman and chief executive officer at Hudson. “We will take action to accelerate investment in our growth businesses, optimize the Hudson service delivery model, and extract synergies from our back office and business processes. We believe that by taking these actions, we will make 2012 a foundational year in our progress towards achieving our long-term financial and strategic goals.”

 

Commenting on the company’s plans, chief financial officer Mary Jane Raymond said, “Our action plan is designed to address some of the more imbedded aspects of our operating model that have caused our earnings progress to be too slow. We have taken the initial steps to move to a leaner regional structure and more consistent global operations. Our 2011 efforts to build greater global coordination have prepared the organization to undertake this work.”

 

Strategic Transformation

 

The company launched its strategic transformation program in 2011 and now moves to accelerate the changes through the following actions:

 

·Redirect resources to, and drive sustainable growth from, high potential strategic businesses, RPO and eDiscovery, and focus on the growth markets of the world.

 

·Optimize its operations in underperforming sectors and markets to deliver improved performance. The company will re-engineer the delivery model and consolidate operations globally.

 

·Streamline its back office support areas and business processes, and establish a shared services operation and global centers of excellence, to gain significant efficiencies of operation.

 

The above actions will be supported by a restructuring charge of $8 - $10 million during 2012, including $4 - $6 million in the second quarter. Annualized cost savings are expected to be twice the charge. In 2012, savings from the program are expected to offset 50 percent of the charge. First quarter actions related to the restructuring, primarily severance expenses in Europe, and other charges, totaled $1.3 million.

 

Regional Highlights

 

Americas

 

In the first quarter, Hudson Americas’ gross margin increased 14 percent compared with the prior year period, driven by 100 percent gross margin growth in permanent recruitment, primarily from strength in RPO. Temporary contracting was down 3 percent from prior year as Legal eDiscovery declined due to gaps in large project workflow. Adjusted EBITDA was $0.3 million for the first quarter, up slightly from $0.2 million a year ago.

 

 
 

 

Asia Pacific

 

During the first quarter, European economic conditions and a slowdown in financial services continued to impact Asia Pacific as some multi-national clients delayed hiring decisions. Gross margin was down 12 percent in constant currency in the first quarter from the prior year period, as a 31 percent increase in talent management could not offset reductions in permanent recruitment and temporary contracting. China’s gross margin was up 6 percent while all other countries in the region declined in the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA declined 36 percent to $2.1 million, or 2.9 percent of revenue from $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2011.

 

Europe

 

Gross margin in Europe was down 15 percent in constant currency in the first quarter compared with the first quarter of 2011, as a slowdown in financial services demand impacted the U.K. business. In continental Europe, growth in the Netherlands contracting business and steady results in Belgium were not enough to offset declines in France. Adjusted EBITDA of $1.4 million, or 1.7 percent of revenue, was down from $4.1 million a year ago.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The company ended the first quarter of 2012 with $81.0 million in liquidity, composed of $24.9 million in cash and $56.1 million in availability under its credit facilities. The company used $7.2 million in cash flow from operations during the quarter and had no outstanding borrowings at the end of the first quarter, compared with $3.4 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

Business Outlook

 

Given the current economic environment, the slowdown in the financial services sector, and the actions being taken to reposition the business, the company expects sequential second quarter 2012 revenue growth to range from down slightly to up 5 percent. Against prior year, revenue may decline by around 20 percent at prevailing exchange rates. The company expects second quarter 2012 adjusted EBITDA between $0 and $3 million before restructuring charges and expects the charge in the quarter will range from $4 to $6 million. This compares with revenue of $247.4 million and EBITDA of $7.7 million in the second quarter of 2011.

 

Conference Call/Webcast

Hudson will conduct a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss this announcement. Individuals wishing to listen can access the webcast on the investor information section of the company's web site at www.hudson.com.

 

The archived call will be available on the investor information section of the company's web site at www.hudson.com.

 

About Hudson


Hudson is a leading provider of permanent recruitment, contract professionals and talent management services worldwide.  From single placements to total outsourced solutions, Hudson helps clients achieve greater organizational performance by assessing, recruiting, developing and engaging the best and brightest people for their businesses.  The company employs more than 2,000 professionals serving clients and candidates in approximately 20 countries. More information is available at www.hudson.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains statements that the company believes to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including statements regarding the company’s future financial condition, results of operations, business operations and business prospects, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict,” “believe” and similar words, expressions and variations of these words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including industry and economic conditions’ that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, global economic fluctuations; risks related to fluctuations in the company’s operating results from quarter to quarter; the ability of clients to terminate their relationship with the company at any time; competition in the company’s markets; risks associated with the company’s investment strategy; risks related to international operations, including foreign currency fluctuations; the company’s ability to implement cost reduction initiatives effectively, including the recently announced restructuring program; the company’s dependence on key management personnel; the company’s ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals; risks in collecting the company’s accounts receivable; the company’s history of negative cash flows and operating losses may continue; restrictions on the company’s operating flexibility due to the terms of its credit facilities; the company’s heavy reliance on information systems and the impact of potentially losing or failing to develop technology; risks related to our dependence on uninterrupted service to clients; the company’s exposure to employment-related claims from both clients and employers and limits on related insurance coverage; volatility of the company’s stock price; the impact of government regulations; and restrictions imposed by blocking arrangements. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. The company assumes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

###

Financial Tables Follow

 

 
 

 

HUDSON GLOBAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Revenue  $200,590   $218,539 
Direct costs   127,382    137,341 
Gross margin   73,208    81,198 
Operating expenses:          
Selling, general and administrative expenses   74,465    78,808 
Depreciation and amortization   1,505    1,576 
Business reorganization and integration expenses   940    351 
Total operating expenses   76,910    80,735 
Operating income (loss)   (3,702)   463 
Other income (expense):          
Interest income (expense), net   (161)   (206)
Other income (expense), net   (4)   487 
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes   (3,867)   744 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   (646)   750 
Net income (loss)  $(3,221)  $(6)
Earnings (loss) per share:          
Basic  $(0.10)  $(0.00)
Diluted  $(0.10)  $(0.00)
           
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic   31,765    31,325 
Diluted   31,765    31,325 

 

 
 

 

HUDSON GLOBAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $24,930   $37,302 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,680 and $1,772, respectively   132,567    131,489 
Prepaid and other   13,850    13,132 
Total current assets   171,347    181,923 
Property and equipment, net   18,000    17,838 
Deferred tax assets, non-current   10,408    8,628 
Other assets   6,022    8,157 
Total assets  $205,777   $216,546 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $11,734   $12,025 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   70,698    74,248 
Short-term borrowings   -    3,384 
Accrued business reorganization expenses   759    858 
Total current liabilities   83,191    90,515 
Other non-current liabilities   10,593    10,867 
Income tax payable, non-current   4,869    7,807 
Total liabilities   98,653    109,189 
Stockholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding   -    - 
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; issued 33,283 and 32,776 shares, respectively   33    33 
Additional paid-in capital   471,719    470,786 
Accumulated deficit   (400,511)   (397,290)
Accumulated other comprehensive income—translation adjustments   36,045    34,255 
Treasury stock, 34 and 79 shares, respectively, at cost   (162)   (427)
Total stockholders’ equity   107,124    107,357 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $205,777   $216,546 

 

 
 

 

HUDSON GLOBAL, INC.

SEGMENT ANALYSIS - QUARTER TO DATE

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2012  Hudson
Americas
   Hudson
Asia Pacific
   Hudson
Europe
  

 

Corporate

  

 

Total

 
Revenue, from external customers  $45,170   $74,263   $81,157   $-   $200,590 
Gross margin, from external customers  $11,831   $29,313   $32,064   $-   $73,208 
Adjusted EBITDA (loss) (1)  $275   $2,124   $1,415   $(4,754)  $(940)
Business reorganization expenses (recovery)  $20   $67   $720   $133   $940 
Office integration expense   -    316    -    -    316 
Non-operating expense (income),  including corporate administration charges   746    1,731    1,782    (4,255)   4 
EBITDA (loss) (1)  $(491)  $8   $(1,087)  $(631)  $(2,201)
Depreciation and amortization expenses                       1,505 
Interest expense (income), net                       161 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes                       (646)
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of taxes                       - 
Net income (loss)                      $(3,221)

 

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2011  Hudson
Americas
   Hudson
Asia Pacific
   Hudson
Europe
  

 

Corporate

  

 

Total

 
Revenue, from external customers  $45,812   $79,017   $93,710   $-   $218,539 
Gross margin, from external customers  $10,357   $31,903   $38,938   $-   $81,198 
Adjusted EBITDA (loss) (1)  $204   $3,151   $4,136   $(5,100)   2,390 
Business reorganization expenses (recovery)  $-   $-   $351   $-   $351 
Office integration expense   -    -    -    -    - 
Non-operating expense (income),  including corporate administration charges   583    1,137    1,610    (3,816)   (486)
EBITDA (loss) (1)  $(379)  $2,014   $2,175   $(1,284)  $2,526 
Depreciation and amortization expenses                       1,576 
Interest expense (income), net                       206 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes                       750 
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of taxes                       - 
Net income (loss)                      $(6)

 

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2011  Hudson
Americas
   Hudson
Asia Pacific
   Hudson
Europe
  

 

Corporate

  

 

Total

 
Revenue, from external customers  $47,802   $83,185   $91,751   $-   $222,738 
Gross margin, from external customers  $13,738   $33,598   $37,312   $-   $84,648 
Adjusted EBITDA (loss) (1)  $2,445   $4,988   $2,967   $(4,131)  $6,269 
Business reorganization expenses (recovery)  $-   $-   $(27)  $-   $(27)
Office integration expense   -    -    -    -    - 
Non-operating expense (income),  including corporate administration charges   1,204    1,847    1,854    (4,615)   290 
EBITDA (loss) (1)  $1,241   $3,141   $1,140   $484   $6,006 
Depreciation and amortization expenses                       1,501 
Interest expense (income), net                       234 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes                       962 
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of taxes                       - 
Net income (loss)                      $3,309 

 

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011  Hudson
Americas
   Hudson
Asia Pacific
   Hudson
Europe
   Corporate   Total 
Revenue, from external customers  $50,912   $96,275   $100,191   $-   $247,378 
Gross margin, from external customers  $13,021   $40,218   $42,228   $-   $95,467 
Adjusted EBITDA (loss) (1)  $1,838   $6,099   $5,521   $(5,402)  $8,056 
Business reorganization expenses (recovery)  $-   $-   $396   $-   $396 
Office integration expense   -    -    -    -    - 
Non-operating expense (income),  including corporate administration charges   678    2,295    2,390    (5,358)   5 
EBITDA (loss) (1)  $1,160   $3,808   $2,735   $(44)  $7,661 
Depreciation and amortization expenses                       1,636 
Interest expense (income), net                       375 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes                       1,426 
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of taxes                       - 
Net income (loss)                      $4,224 

 

(1) Non-GAAP earnings before interest, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and non-GAAP earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-operating income, goodwill and other impairment charges, business reorganization expenses and other expenses (“Adjusted EBITDA”) are presented to provide additional information about the company’s operations on a basis consistent with the measures which the company uses to manage its operations and evaluate its performance. Management also uses these measurements to evaluate capital needs and working capital requirements. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, cash flows from operating activities, and other income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of the company’s profitability or liquidity. Furthermore, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as presented above may not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 

 
 

 

HUDSON GLOBAL, INC.

Reconciliation for Constant Currency

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

The company operates on a global basis, with the majority of our gross margin generated outside of the United States. Accordingly, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can affect our results of operations. Constant currency information compares financial results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period. The company currently defines the term “constant currency” to mean that financial data for a previously reported period are translated into U.S. dollars using the same foreign currency exchange rates that were used to translate financial data for the current period.

 

Changes in revenue, gross margin, selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A"), business reorganization expenses and other non-operating income (expense), operating income (loss) and EBITDA (loss) include the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Variance analysis usually describes period-to-period variances that are calculated using constant currency as a percentage. The company’s management reviews and analyzes business results in constant currency and believes these results better represent the company’s underlying business trends.

 

The company believes that these calculations are a useful measure, indicating the actual change in operations. There are no significant gains or losses on foreign currency transactions between subsidiaries. Therefore, changes in foreign currency exchange rates generally impact only reported earnings.

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
           Currency   Constant 
   As reported   As reported   translation   currency 
Revenue:                    
Hudson Americas  $45,170   $45,812   $(7)  $45,805 
Hudson Asia Pacific   74,263    79,017    4,053    83,070 
Hudson Europe   81,157    93,710    (2,472)   91,238 
Total  $200,590   $218,539   $1,574   $220,113 
Gross margin:                    
Hudson Americas  $11,831   $10,356   $(6)  $10,350 
Hudson Asia Pacific   29,313    31,905    1,472    33,377 
Hudson Europe   32,064    38,937    (1,208)   37,729 
Total  $73,208   $81,198   $258   $81,456 
SG&A and other non-operating income (expense)  (1):                    
Hudson Americas  $12,299   $10,733   $(7)  $10,726 
Hudson Asia Pacific   29,233    29,888    1,413    31,301 
Hudson Europe   32,438    36,415    (1,144)   35,271 
Corporate   499    1,285    -    1,285 
Total  $74,469   $78,321   $262   $78,583 
Business reorganization expenses:                    
Hudson Americas  $20   $-   $-   $- 
Hudson Asia Pacific   67    -    -    - 
Hudson Europe   720    351    (8)   343 
Corporate   133    -    -    - 
Total  $940   $351   $(8)  $343 
Operating income (loss):                    
Hudson Americas  $(64)  $(118)  $-   $(118)
Hudson Asia Pacific   1,045    2,432    108    2,540 
Hudson Europe   333    3,319    (113)   3,206 
Corporate   (5,016)   (5,170)   -    (5,170)
Total  $(3,702)  $463   $(5)  $458 
EBITDA (loss):                    
Hudson Americas  $(491)  $(379)  $(1)  $(380)
Hudson Asia Pacific   8    2,014    59    2,073 
Hudson Europe   (1,087)   2,175    (55)   2,120 
Corporate   (631)   (1,284)   -    (1,284)
Total  $(2,201)  $2,526   $3   $2,529 

 

(1) SG&A and other non-operating income (expense) is a measure that management uses to evaluate the segments’ expenses, which include the following captions on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations: Selling, general and administrative expenses and other income (expense), net. Corporate management service allocations are included in the segments’ other income (expense).