Star Equity Holdings, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 20, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Mar 20, 2026
STRR$9.12-4.0%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-14.
0001210708-25-000013
Item 1A. RISK FACTORSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-03-20.
0001210708-26-000038
Item 1A. RISK FACTORSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 108 previous paragraphs and 155 current paragraphs.
34 unchanged; 32 reworded; 87 added; 16 removed; 26 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (87)
Current report
Our business is sensitive to global economic conditions and fluctuations, including inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty, which may reduce demand for our services and adversely affect our costs, profitability, and liquidity.
Current report
Our operations and results of operations are affected by global economic conditions in the markets in which we operate. Clients’ demand for our Building Solutions, Business Services, and Energy Services may fluctuate widely in response to changes in economic conditions, including slower employment growth, reductions in hiring, reduced labor demand, reduced demand for construction products and materials, reduced demand for oil producing equipment, and overall economic uncertainty. In particular, demand for our RPO and contracting services is closely tied to labor market conditions and workforce expansion by our clients. Periods of slower employment growth, hiring freezes, or workforce reductions may directly reduce demand for these services.
Current report
Geopolitical events, including political divisions, the war in Ukraine, the war in Iran, other conflicts in the Middle East, U.S./China trade tensions, and the use or threatened use of tariffs, have contributed to economic, market, political, and regulatory uncertainty in certain of our markets. Global concerns such as pandemics, wars, or other sources of instability may
Current report
5 - also result in social, economic, and labor disruption, negatively impacting customer demand, supply chains, labor markets, and financial markets.
Current report
In recent periods, global economic conditions have included elevated inflation, rising or sustained high interest rates, currency volatility, and increased economic uncertainty. Inflationary pressures have increased our costs for labor, raw materials, transportation, and other inputs, and have also contributed to wage inflation and increased operating costs across our business. In an inflationary environment, we may be unable to increase prices at a rate sufficient to offset these higher costs, which could adversely affect our margins, profitability, and cash flows. Higher interest rates may also increase our borrowing costs, reduce client spending, and limit access to capital markets, which could further reduce demand for our products and services.
Current report
Because certain of our operating costs are fixed or semi-fixed in the short term, adverse economic conditions may have a disproportionate impact on our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot predict the timing, duration, or severity of adverse economic conditions, and any sustained deterioration in global economic conditions or labor markets could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Current report
Our operating results may be adversely affected by changes in the cost and availability of commodities, materials, and equipment, including as a result of trade tariffs, supply‑chain disruptions, and market conditions, which could increase costs and reduce demand for our products and services.
Current report
Our operating results, particularly within our Building Solutions and Energy Services segments, depend on the cost and availability of raw materials, commodities, and equipment used in the manufacture, sale, or leasing of our products. Many of the commodities and materials we use are imported or exported, and their prices and availability may fluctuate significantly due to changes in global supply and demand, transportation costs, energy prices, and conditions in the financial and housing markets.
Current report
Trade policies, including the use or threatened use of tariffs, import duties, quotas, or other trade restrictions, may disrupt global trade and supply chains. To the extent the commodities and materials we use become subject to tariffs or similar measures, our procurement costs could increase and market availability could be constrained. We may be unable to recover such increased costs from customers without adversely affecting demand, which could materially adversely affect our margins, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, disruptions in global trade may negatively impact our customers, which could reduce demand for our products and services.
Current report
Certain of our operating companies rely heavily on specific materials, including dimensional lumber and wood sheet products such as plywood and oriented strand board, the prices of which are subject to significant market volatility. Limited availability of raw materials or manufactured products that we lease or sell, whether due to supply‑chain disruptions, market conditions, or regulatory factors, may require us to seek alternative suppliers at higher costs or may constrain our production and delivery capabilities.
Current report
If we are unable to pass increased material, commodity, transportation, or equipment costs through to customers, or if reduced availability of materials limits our ability to meet customer demand, our revenues, earnings, and cash flows could be adversely affected. These risks may be exacerbated during periods of economic uncertainty or volatility in global trade and commodity markets.
Current report
We are subject to particular risks associated with real estate ownership, which could result in unanticipated losses or expenses.
Current report
Our business is subject to many risks that are associated with the ownership of real estate. Risks that are associated with real estate acquisition and ownership include, without limitation, the following: general liability, property and casualty losses, some of which may be uninsured; the inability to purchase or sell our assets rapidly due to the illiquid nature of real estate and the real estate market; leases which are not renewed or are renewed at lower rental amounts at expiration; the default by a tenant or guarantor under any lease; costs relating to maintenance and repair of our facilities and the need to make expenditures due to changes in governmental regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act or remediation of unknown environmental hazards; and acts of God and acts of terrorism affecting our properties.
Current report
We have historically experienced seasonality in all of our businesses and downturns based on the changing U.S. economy.
Current report
The revenues from our Building Solutions segment fluctuate quarter to quarter primarily due to weather conditions which in the 4 th and 1 st quarter may effect demand but also our ability to promptly and efficiently transport products.
Current report
The revenues from our Energy Services segment may fluctuate primarily due to sensitivity in the drilling industry where changes in economic conditions, especially those that effect oil prices, and the availability of financing may affect the demand for our products.
Current report
Adverse changes in any of these conditions could decrease demand and pricing for new projects in the areas in which we operate or result in customer cancellations of pending contracts, and decrease demand for future contracts, which could result in a decrease in our revenues in particular periods.
Current report
We cannot predict with certainty the overall trajectory of the industries we work in or the duration of trends due to changes in conditions that are beyond our control. These conditions include, but are not limited to rising interest rates; economic recession or downturn; changes in demographics and population migration that impair the demand for new housing; changes in oil prices that effect demand for drilling equipment and transportation costs across all our businesses; labor issues such as shortages and rising costs of labor; and; tax law changes.
Current report
Our growth strategy includes acquisitions and dispositions, but we may not realize the anticipated benefits of these transactions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
As part of our growth strategy, we may pursue acquisitions of businesses that we believe can complement or expand our current operations, and we may also sell businesses from time to time. Acquisition and disposition activities involve numerous risks and uncertainties. We may incur unforeseen liabilities, costs, or asset impairments in connection with acquired or divested businesses, and with respect to any businesses we sell, we would no longer benefit from the cash flows they generated. There can be no assurance that proceeds from dispositions, if any, will be reinvested in a manner that generates anticipated returns.
Current report
Acquisitions involve significant complexities, including risks associated with the acquired businesses’ past operations, loss of customers, unanticipated regulatory or compliance requirements, integration of personnel, human resource programs, information systems and ERP platforms, internal controls, and the potential impact of compliance with the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002. We may also experience general underperformance of acquired businesses relative to expectations, as well as unanticipated expenses or liabilities.
Current report
The benefits we expect to achieve from acquisitions depend largely on our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses in an efficient and timely manner and to realize anticipated synergies. We may not be able to integrate acquired businesses smoothly or successfully, integration efforts may take longer or cost more than expected, and anticipated synergies or other benefits may be delayed, reduced, or not realized at all. Failure to achieve expected benefits could result in diminished operating performance and could require us to record impairment charges related to goodwill or other acquired assets.
Current report
In addition, the process of evaluating, negotiating, and integrating acquisitions or executing dispositions may divert management’s attention from our existing operations and disrupt our business. We cannot provide assurance that we will identify suitable acquisition or disposition opportunities, successfully complete any transactions, or realize the expected benefits of any strategic transactions. Any of these risks could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
We may make financial investments in other businesses that may lose value.
Current report
As we look for the best ways to deploy our capital and maximize our returns for our businesses and stockholders, we may make financial investments in other businesses or processes for purposes of enhancing our supply chain, creating financial returns, strategic developments, or other purposes. These investments may be speculative in nature, and there is no guarantee that we will experience a financial return and we may lose our entire principal balance if not successful.
Current report
Our long-term results depend upon our ability to improve existing products and services and develop, introduce, and market new products and services successfully.
Current report
Our business is dependent on the continued improvement of our existing products and services and our development of new products and services utilizing our current or other potential future technology. As we introduce new products and services or refine, improve, or upgrade versions of existing products and services, we cannot predict the level of market acceptance or the amount of market share these products and services will achieve, if any. We cannot be certain that we will not experience material delays in the introduction of new products or services in the future.
Current report
We generally sell our products and services in industries that are characterized by rapid technological changes, frequent new product introductions, and changing industry standards. If we do not develop new products and services and product enhancements based on technological innovation on a timely basis, our products and services may become obsolete over time and our revenues, cash flow, profitability, and competitive position may suffer. Even if we successfully innovate and develop new products, services and product enhancements, we may incur substantial costs in doing so, and our profitability may suffer.
Current report
Our business is highly dependent on a limited number of significant customers and distribution relationships, and the loss, reduction, or non‑renewal of these relationships, could materially adversely affect our revenues, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from a limited number of customers. In addition, a limited number of customers have represented a significant portion of our accounts receivable. Our business depends on the continuation of these customer relationships, as well as our ability to replace or expand revenues through new customer development. The loss of any significant customer, a material reduction in business from such customers, or a deterioration in the financial condition of these customers could materially adversely affect our revenues, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
Our customer relationships generally do not provide long‑term volume commitments. In our Business Services segment, clients’ demand for our services is significantly influenced by their hiring needs and their views of future business prospects. Clients may terminate, reduce, or postpone engagements on short notice and often with limited or no penalty. In addition, many of our larger Business Services clients regularly conduct competitive bid processes for staffing and related services, requiring us to compete for renewals and new engagements even where existing relationships remain strong. If we are unable to successfully compete in these bid processes or meet evolving client requirements, our revenues and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Current report
Our Building Solutions and Energy Services segments are similarly dependent on customer demand for products, equipment, and machinery, which may fluctuate based on market conditions. In addition, certain of our operating companies rely on independent dealers and contractors to distribute and sell products. These dealers and contractors may also sell competing products, may terminate their relationships with us on short notice, or may experience financial or operational difficulties due to industry, economic, demographic, or seasonal factors. If we are unable to maintain existing dealer and contractor relationships or establish relationships with new, financially stable partners, demand for our products could decline.
Current report
If we are unable to replace lost or reduced business from existing customers, successfully compete for renewals and new engagements, or maintain effective distribution relationships, our revenues, cash flows, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected, and the market price of our common stock could decline.
Current report
Due to the nature of our businesses, many of our expenses are fixed costs and if there are decreases in demand for products, it may adversely affect operating results.
Current report
Many of our expenses, particularly those relating to properties, capital equipment, and certain manufacturing overhead items, and labor costs are fixed in the short term. Within the Building Solutions and Energy Solutions segments Reduced demand for products and services causes fixed production costs to be allocated across reduced production volumes, which may adversely affect gross margins and profitability.
Current report
The impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the US-Iran war, on the global economy, energy supplies and raw materials is uncertain, but may prove to negatively impact our business and operations.
Current report
The short and long-term implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the war between the US and Iran are difficult to predict at this time. We continue to monitor any adverse impact that the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the subsequent institution of sanctions against Russia by the U.S. and several European and Asian countries; along with the war in Iran, may have on the global economy in general, on our business and operations and on the businesses and operations of our suppliers and customers. Such risks include, but are not limited to, adverse effects on macro-economic conditions, including inflation; disruptions to our global technology infrastructure, including through cyberattack, ransom attack, or cyber-intrusion; adverse changes in international trade policies and relations; our ability to maintain or increase our product prices; disruptions in global supply chains; our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations; and constraints, volatility, or disruption in the capital markets, any of which could negatively affect our business and financial condition.
Current report
All our businesses in the Building Solutions and Energy Solutions segments are supported by credited facilities. See Note 9 – Debt to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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Removed paragraphs (16)
Previous report
Our operations will be affected by global economic fluctuations.
Previous report
Clients’ demand for our services may fluctuate widely with changes in economic conditions in the markets in which we operate. Those conditions include slower employment growth or reductions in employment, which directly impact our service offerings. Geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and the U.S./China trade tensions, have caused significant economic, market, political, and regulatory uncertainty in some of the Company’s markets. In addition, the use or threatened use of tariffs by the Trump administration may cause disruptions in global trade, which could negatively impact clients that we serve and reduce demand for our services. We have limited flexibility to combat these uncertainties and reduce expenses during economic downturns due to some overhead costs that are fixed in the short-term. As a result, we may face increased pricing pressures during these periods.
Previous report
Our clients’ demands for RPO and contracting services largely depend on the market conditions and the strength of the labor markets in the countries where we operate. In the second half of 2024, the market conditions were more challenging than anticipated due to persistent inflation and elevated interest rates, and decreased demand for labor in certain markets. In addition, in connection with the challenging business environment, some of our customers have reduced demand, and certain other customers have eliminated our services on a temporary or permanent basis. While we believe that market conditions will continue to be challenging in 2025, we cannot predict market conditions with any certainty.
Previous report
The pricing pressures and global economic fluctuations are not limited to the periods of geopolitical events. Higher than expected inflation in most markets and elevated interest rates, have led to significant market disruption, including further wage inflation, increased operating costs, staffing challenges, reduced consumer confidence, and limited capital market accessibility that impact our business. The inflationary environment and related interest rate impacts continue to have a significant adverse impact on the economy and market conditions. These factors may impact labor markets and the demand for workforce, available borrowing capacity, cash flow protection, and more. As a result, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be negatively affected.
Previous report
We may face risks related to potential or current acquisitions or dispositions of businesses.
Previous report
As part of our growth strategy, we may pursue acquisition opportunities that we believe can complement or expand our current business activities or sell other businesses. Acquisition and disposition activity exposes us to a number of risks. There could be unforeseen liabilities or asset impairments that arise in connection with the businesses that we may sell or the businesses that we may acquire in the future. With respect to businesses that we may sell, we would also no longer be able to rely on any cash flow they generated, and there is no assurance that when or if we reinvested any proceeds from a sale it would be in an acquisition that generates the anticipated benefits. We also may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, or potential future strategic transactions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to achieve certain benefits from acquisitions of businesses will depend in large part upon our ability to successfully integrate such businesses in an efficient and effective manner. We may not be able to integrate any such businesses smoothly or successfully, and the process may take longer than expected. We can provide no assurances that we will enter into any agreements in connection with potential acquisitions or dispositions or as to the timing of any potential strategic transactions. The strategic transaction process may disrupt our business including diverting management’s attention from ongoing business concerns.
Previous report
Our business is highly dependent upon our largest customers, and the loss of any of those customers, or any material reduction in our business with those customers, could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Previous report
For each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, over 85% of the Company’s revenue was generated by its top 25 clients. Three clients accounted for an aggregate of 46% of revenue in 2024, and two clients accounted for an aggregate of 50% of revenue in 2023. One client accounted for 20% or greater of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Our business is dependent upon the continuation of these business relationships as well as new client development. The loss of these customers or any material reduction in the amount of business we conduct with these customers, or any material adverse change in the financial condition of such customers, could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to replace such revenue from existing or new customers, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, and the market price of our common stock could decline significantly.
Previous report
The Company’s Australian subsidiary (“Australian Borrower”) entered into an invoice finance credit facility agreement (the “NAB Facility Agreement”) with National Australia Bank Limited (“NAB”). The ability to borrow under the NAB Facility Agreement is limited to a percentage of eligible trade receivables up to a maximum of 4 million Australian dollars. Borrowings under this facility are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Australian Borrower. As of December 31, 2024, there were no amounts outstanding under the NAB Facility Agreement.
Previous report
On May 25, 2022, Hudson Global Resources (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (“Singapore Borrower”), which the Company acquired on October 31, 2023, and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (“HSBC”), entered into an invoice finance credit facility agreement (the “HSBC Facility Agreement”). The HSBC Facility Agreement allowed the Singapore Borrower to borrow funds up to a maximum of 1 million Singapore dollars, based on a percentage of eligible trade receivables. The Company terminated the HSBC Facility Agreement in May 2024. As of December 31, 2024, there were no amounts outstanding under the HSBC Facility Agreement.
Previous report
The Company has U.S. net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”). The losses generated prior to 2018 expire through 2037 and the losses generated in 2018 and later years do not expire. Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code imposes an annual limitation on a corporation’s ability to utilize NOLs if it experiences an “ownership change.” In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions increasing the ownership of certain stockholders in the stock of a corporation by greater than 50% over a three-year period. The Company has experienced ownership changes in the past. Ownership changes in our stock, some of which are outside of our control, could result in a limitation in our ability to use our NOLs to offset future taxable income, could cause U.S. federal income taxes to be paid earlier than otherwise would be paid if such limitation were not in effect, and could cause such NOLs to expire unused, reducing or eliminating the benefit of such NOLs.
Previous report
The market price for our common stock has fluctuated in the past and could fluctuate substantially in the future. For example, during 2024, the market price of our common stock reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ranged from a high of $19.70 to a low of $11.73. Factors such as general macroeconomic conditions adverse to workforce expansion, the announcement of variations in our quarterly financial results or changes in our expected financial results could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly. Further, due to the volatility of the stock market, our relatively low daily trading volume or actions by significant stockholders, the price of our common stock could fluctuate for reasons unrelated to our operating performance.
Previous report
•requiring that stockholders provide advance notice of any stockholder nomination of directors or any new business to be considered at any meeting of stockholders; and
Previous report
In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law generally provides that a corporation may not engage in any business combination with any interested stockholder during the three-year period following the time that the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless a majority of the directors then in office approve either the business combination or the transaction that results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder or specified stockholder approval requirements are met.
Previous report
Although our businesses have not incurred material losses or liabilities to date as a result of any breaches, unauthorized disclosure, loss or corruption of their data or inability of their clients to access their systems, such events could result in intellectual property or other confidential information being lost or stolen, including client, employee or business data, disrupt their operations, subject them to substantial regulatory and legal proceedings and potential liability and fines, result in a material loss of business and/or significantly harm their reputation. If they are unable to efficiently manage the vulnerability of their systems and effectively maintain and upgrade their system safeguards, they may incur unexpected costs and certain of their systems may become more vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Reworded paragraphs (32)
Previous wording
Our operations depend on our ability to protect our facilities, computer and telecommunication equipment, and software systems against damage or interruption from fire, power loss, cyber-attacks, sabotage, telecommunications interruption, weather conditions, natural disasters, and other similar events. Additionally, severe weather can cause our employees or contractors to miss work and interrupt delivery of our service, potentially resulting in a loss of revenue. While interruptions of these types that have occurred in the past have not caused material disruption, it is not possible to predict the type, severity, or frequency of interruptions in the future or their impact on our business.
Current wording
Our operations depend on our ability to protect our facilities, inventory, materials, machinery, transportation, computer and telecommunication equipment, and software systems against damage or interruption from fire, power loss, cyber-attacks, sabotage, telecommunications interruption, weather conditions, natural disasters, and other similar events. Additionally, severe weather can cause our employees or contractors to miss work and interrupt delivery of our service and products, potentially resulting in a loss of revenue. While interruptions of these types that have occurred in the past have not caused material disruption, it is not possible to predict the type, severity, or frequency of interruptions in the future or their impact on our business.
Previous wording
Our revenue can vary because our clients often run bid processes for RPO functions and can terminate their relationship with us at any time with limited or no penalty.
Current wording
Our Business Services revenue can vary because our clients often run bid processes for RPO functions and can terminate their relationship with us at any time with limited or no penalty.
Previous wording
Our RPO business is significantly affected by our clients’ hiring needs and their views of their future prospects. Clients may, on very short notice, terminate, reduce, or postpone their recruiting assignments with us and, therefore, affect demand for our services. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current wording
Our RPO business is significantly affected by our clients’ hiring needs and their views of their future prospects. Clients may, on very short notice, terminate, reduce, or postpone their recruiting assignments with us and, therefore, affect
Previous wording
Our revenues fluctuate from quarter to quarter; no single quarter is predictive of future periods’ results.
Current wording
Our quarterly and annual financial results and revenue are difficult to predict and are likely to fluctuate from period to period; no single quarter is predictive of future periods’ results.
Previous wording
Our revenues fluctuate quarter to quarter primarily due to the vacation periods during the first quarter in the Asia Pacific region and the third quarter in the Americas and EMEA regions. Demand for our services is typically lower during traditional vacation periods when clients and candidates are on vacation.
Current wording
The revenues from our Business Services segment fluctuate quarter to quarter primarily due to the vacation periods during the first quarter in the Asia Pacific region and the third quarter in the Americas and EMEA regions. Demand for our services is typically lower during traditional vacation periods when clients and candidates are on vacation.
Previous wording
Our profitability and growth depend on the success of our global RPO business, which is subject to a variety of business risks and uncertainties.
Current wording
Our profitability and growth may depend on the success of our operating businesses which include Buildings Solutions and construction related products, global Business Services, and drilling products and other Energy Services, which businesses are subject to a variety of business risks and uncertainties.
Previous wording
We are focused on our global RPO business. Any evaluation of our RPO business and our prospects must be considered in light of the risks and uncertainties stated above, as well as the following:
Current wording
Any evaluation of our operating businesses and our prospects must be considered in light of the risks and uncertainties stated above, as well as the following: the ability to maintain our relationships with our existing clients; the ability to attract new clients; and the ability to maintain or generate the amount of cash required to operate the operating businesses. If we are unable to address these risks, our business, results of operations, and prospects could suffer.
Previous wording
The markets for our services are highly competitive. Our markets are characterized by pressures to provide high levels of service, incorporate new capabilities and technologies, accelerate job completion schedules, and reduce prices. Furthermore, we face competition from a number of sources. These sources include other executive search firms and professional search, staffing, and consulting firms. Several of our competitors have greater financial and marketing resources than we do. Due to competition, we may experience reduced margins on our services, loss of market share and loss of customers. If we are not able to compete effectively with current or future competitors as a result of these and other factors, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Current wording
The markets for our services are highly competitive. Our markets are characterized by pressures to provide high levels of service, incorporate new capabilities and technologies, accelerate job completion schedules, and reduce prices. Furthermore, we face competition from a number of sources. These sources include, with respect to our segments, as follows: (i) For our Business Services segment, other executive search firms and professional search, staffing, and consulting firms; (ii) For our Buildings Solutions segment, other modular builders, stick builders, and lumber and material suppliers; and (iii) For our Energy Services segment, other drilling and machinery providers. Several of our competitors have greater financial and marketing resources than we do. Due to competition, we may experience reduced margins on our services, loss of market share and loss of customers. If we are not able to compete effectively with current or future competitors as a result of these and other factors, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Previous wording
6 - recruitment outsourcing market. We cannot provide assurance that existing or future competitors will not develop or offer services that provide significant performance, price, creative, or other advantages over our services. In addition, we believe that, with continuing development of information technology, the industries in which we compete may attract new competitors. Specifically, the increased use of web-based and mobile technology may attract technology-oriented companies to the recruitment industry. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to continue to compete effectively against existing or future competitors. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current wording
Other than our AI services, within our Building Solutions, Business Services, and Energy Services segments we have little to no significant proprietary technology that would preclude or inhibit competitors from entering the markets in which we engage. We cannot provide assurance that existing or future competitors will not develop or offer services that provide significant performance, price, creative, or other advantages over our services. In addition, we believe that, with continuing development of information technology, the industries in which we compete may attract new competitors. Specifically, the increased use of web-based and mobile technology may attract technology-oriented companies to the recruitment industry. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to continue to compete effectively against existing or future competitors. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Previous wording
We may enter into additional credit facilities in the future that contain various restrictions and covenants that restrict our operating flexibility including:
Current wording
We may enter into additional credit facilities in the future that contain various restrictions and covenants that restrict our operating flexibility including borrowings limited to eligible receivables; lenders’ ability to impose restrictions, such as payroll or other reserves; limitations on payments of dividends by our subsidiaries to us, which may restrict our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders; restrictions on our ability to make additional borrowings, or to consolidate, merge, or otherwise fundamentally change our ownership; limitations on capital expenditures, investments, dispositions of assets, guarantees of indebtedness, permitted acquisitions, and repurchases of stock; and limitations on certain intercompany payments of expenses, interest, and dividends.
Previous wording
In addition, a default, amendment, or waiver to our NAB Facility Agreement or a future agreement to avoid a default may result in higher rates of interest and could impact our ability to obtain additional borrowings. Finally, debt incurred under the NAB Facility Agreement bears interest at the variable receivable finance indicator rate, plus a margin of 1.60% per annum. Any increase in interest expense could reduce the funds available for operations.
Current wording
In addition, a default, amendment, or waiver in any of our debt facilities or lending arrangements or a future agreement to avoid a default may result in higher rates of interest and could impact our ability to obtain additional borrowings. Finally, debt incurred under some of our debt facilitates have a variable rate, which may fluctuate upward. Any increase in interest expense could reduce the funds available for operations.
Previous wording
Our ability to implement our business objectives and serve our customers depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, management and advisors who possess the skills and experience necessary to operate our business, as well as personnel who meet the staffing requirements of our clients. In addition, our ability to execute our strategy requires that we retain and recruit personnel, management and advisors with experience in our RPO business.
Current wording
Our ability to implement our business objectives and serve our customers depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, management and advisors who possess the skills and experience necessary to operate our business, as well as personnel who meet the staffing requirements of our clients. In addition, our ability to execute our strategy requires that we retain and recruit personnel, management and advisors with experience in our businesses.
Previous wording
In virtually all of our businesses, we invoice customers after providing services, which creates accounts receivable. Delays or defaults in payments owed to us could have a significant adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Factors that could cause a delay or default include, but are not limited to, global economic conditions, business failures, and turmoil in the financial and credit markets.
Current wording
In virtually all of our businesses, we invoice customers after providing services and products, which creates accounts receivable. Delays or defaults in payments owed to us could have a significant adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Factors that could cause a delay or default include, but are not limited to, global economic conditions, business failures, and turmoil in the financial and credit markets.
Previous wording
In certain situations, we provide our services to clients under a contractual relationship with a third-party vendor manager, rather than directly to the client. In those circumstances, the third-party vendor manager is typically responsible for aggregating billing information, collecting receivables from the client, and paying staffing suppliers once funds are received from the client. In the event that the client has paid the vendor manager for our services and we are unable to collect from the vendor manager, we may be exposed to financial losses.
Current wording
In certain situations, we provide our services to clients under a contractual relationship with a third-party, rather than directly to the client. In those circumstances, the third-party is typically responsible for aggregating billing information, collecting receivables from the client, and paying suppliers or subcontractors once funds are received from the client. In the event that the client has paid the third-party for our services and products and we are unable to collect from the third-party, we may be exposed to financial losses.
Current wording
Our common stock historically has had a low trading volume. Any significant sales of our common stock may cause volatility in our stock price. We also have registered shares of common stock that we may issue under our employee benefit plans or from our treasury stock. Accordingly, these shares can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to restrictions under the securities laws. If any of these stockholders, or other selling stockholders, cause a large number of securities to be sold in the public market without a corresponding demand, the sales could reduce the trading price of our common stock. One or more stockholders holding a significant amount of our common stock might be able to significantly influence matters requiring approval by our stockholders, possibly including the election of directors and the approval of mergers or other business combination transactions.
Previous wording
We conduct direct operations in sixteen countries and face both translation and transaction risks related to foreign currency exchange. For the year ended December 31, 2024, approximately 81% of our revenue was earned outside of the U.S. Our financial results could be materially affected by a number of factors particular to international operations. These include, but are not limited to, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, operational issues such as longer customer payment cycles and greater difficulties in collecting accounts receivable, changes in tax laws or other regulatory requirements, issues relating to uncertainties of laws and enforcement relating to the regulation and protection of intellectual property, and currency fluctuation. If we are forced to discontinue any of our international operations, we could incur material costs to close down such operations.
Current wording
Our Business Services segment conducts direct operations in sixteen countries and face both translation and transaction risks related to foreign currency exchange. For the year ended December 31, 2025, approximately 80% of our Business Services segment revenue was earned outside of the U.S. Our financial results could be materially affected by a number of factors particular to international operations. These include, but are not limited to, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, operational issues such as longer customer payment cycles and greater difficulties in collecting accounts receivable, changes in tax laws or other regulatory requirements, issues relating to uncertainties of laws and enforcement relating to the regulation and protection of intellectual property, and currency fluctuation. If we are forced, or determine, to discontinue or restructure any of our international operations, we could incur material costs to close down such operations, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
Regarding the foreign currency risk inherent in international operations, the results of our local operations are reported in the applicable foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable foreign currency exchange rates for inclusion in our financial statements. In addition, we generally pay operating expenses in the corresponding local currency. Because of devaluations and fluctuations in currency exchange rates or the imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, we are subject to currency translation exposure on the revenue and income of our operations in addition to economic exposure. Our consolidated U.S. dollar cash balance could be lower because a significant amount of cash is generated outside of the U.S. This risk could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current wording
Regarding the foreign currency risk inherent in international operations, the results of our local operations are reported in the applicable foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable foreign currency exchange rates for inclusion in our financial statements. In addition, we generally pay operating expenses in the corresponding local currency. Because of devaluations and fluctuations in currency exchange rates or the imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, we are subject to currency translation exposure on the revenue and income of our operations in addition to economic exposure. Our consolidated U.S. dollar cash balance could be lower because a significant amount of cash
Previous wording
We are in the business of employing people and placing them in the workplaces of other businesses. Risks relating to these activities include:
Current wording
We are in the business of employing people and placing them in the workplaces of our businesses and other businesses. Risks relating to these activities include claims of misconduct or negligence on the part of our employees; claims by our employees of discrimination or harassment directed at them, including claims relating to actions of our clients; claims related to the employment of illegal aliens or unlicensed personnel; claims for payment of workers’ compensation and other similar claims; claims for violations of wage and hour requirements; claims for entitlement to employee benefits; claims of errors and omissions of our temporary employees; claims by taxing authorities related to our independent contractors and the risk that such contractors could be considered employees for tax purposes; claims by candidates that we place for wrongful termination or denial of employment; claims related to our non-compliance with data protection laws, which require the consent of a candidate to transfer resumes and other data; claims related to the recruitment process; and claims by our clients relating to our employees’ misuse of client proprietary information, misappropriation of funds, other misconduct, criminal activity or similar claims. These risks may not be fully covered by insurance and could result in significant costs, reputational harm, or operational disruption.
Previous wording
Our future earnings could be reduced as a result of the imposition of licensing or tax requirements or new regulations that prohibit, or restrict certain types of employment services we offer in the U.S. and foreign countries.
Current wording
Our future earnings could be reduced as a result of the imposition of licensing or tax requirements or new regulations that prohibit, or restrict certain types of services we offer in the U.S. and foreign countries.
Previous wording
Our future earnings could be reduced if additional regulatory requirements are imposed in the countries in which we operate. The countries in which we operate may:
Current wording
Our future earnings could be reduced if additional regulatory requirements are imposed in the countries in which we operate. The countries in which we operate may create additional regulations that prohibit or restrict the types of services that we currently provide;
Previous wording
•impose new or additional benefit requirements;
Current wording
•impose new or additional benefit requirements; require us to obtain additional licensing to provide building solutions, business services, energy services, or investments; impose new or additional restrictions on movements between countries;
Previous wording
•increase taxes, such as sales or value-added taxes, payable by the providers of recruitment services;
Current wording
•increase taxes, such as sales or value-added taxes, payable by our operating companies;
Previous wording
Provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law will make it more difficult for someone to acquire control of us.
Current wording
Provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law will make it more difficult for someone to remove current management and to acquire control of us.
Previous wording
Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws and the Delaware General Corporation Law contain several provisions that make it more difficult to acquire control of us in a transaction not approved by our Board of Directors, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current prices, and that may limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests. Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws currently include provisions:
Current wording
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us in a transaction not approved by our Board of Directors, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then-current market prices. These provisions could also limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions they may deem to be in their best interests, discourage bids at a premium over the market price of our common stock, adversely affect the market price of our common stock, and delay or prevent changes in incumbent management.
Previous wording
•authorizing our Board of Directors to issue shares of our preferred stock in one or more series without further authorization of our stockholders;
Current wording
For example, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws authorize our Board of Directors to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series without further stockholder approval, which could be used to deter or delay a takeover attempt. Our bylaws also require stockholders to provide advance notice of any stockholder nominations of directors or proposals for new business to be considered at stockholder meetings, and provide that vacancies on our Board of Directors may be filled by the remaining directors then in office, which may limit stockholders’ ability to influence the composition of the Board.
Previous wording
Following the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, 600 U.S. 181 (2023) and the election of President Trump, companies have begun to pull back from ESG and DEI initiatives in response to a changing legal and political climate. On January 21, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” mandating among other things that federal contractors cease any “affirmative action” in violation of civil rights law and calling on the Attorney General to produce and deliver a report containing “recommendations for enforcing Federal civil-rights laws and taking other appropriate measures to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI.” As a result of these developments, companies must re-examine their DEI programs to ensure that do not run afoul of the law and risk enforcement action from the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, in recent years “anti-ESG” sentiment has gained momentum across the U.S., with several states and Congress having proposed or enacted “anti-ESG” policies, legislation, or initiatives or issued related legal opinions.
Current wording
Following the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, 600 U.S. 181 (2023) and the current administration, companies have begun to pull back from ESG and DEI initiatives in response to a changing legal and political climate. On January 21, 2025, the U.S. President issued an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” mandating among other things that federal contractors cease any “affirmative action” in violation of civil rights law and calling on the Attorney General to produce and deliver a report containing “recommendations for enforcing Federal civil-rights laws and taking other appropriate measures to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI.” As a result of these developments, companies must re-examine their DEI programs to ensure that do not run afoul of the law and risk enforcement action from the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, in recent years “anti-ESG” sentiment has gained momentum across the U.S., with several states and Congress having proposed or enacted “anti-ESG” policies, legislation, or initiatives or issued related legal opinions.
Previous wording
If any of our clients fail to adequately address these developments, as a provider of RPO services, we may be exposed to risks to our business and potential reputational harm to the extent that our clients face investigations and enforcement actions stemming from their DEI or ESG policies. In addition, we and our clients may incur additional compliance costs in relation to the new legal and political landscape on ESG and DEI issues, which may adversely affect our business. Stakeholders also may have very different views on where our ESG and sustainability focus should be placed, including differing views of regulators in various jurisdictions in which we operate. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our goals, further our initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal or state ESG laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards could result in reputational harm, loss of investor confidence, legal and regulatory proceedings against us and, materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price.
Current wording
If any of our clients fail to adequately address these developments, as a provider of staffing services, we may be exposed to risks to our business and potential reputational harm to the extent that our clients face investigations and enforcement actions stemming from their DEI or ESG policies. In addition, we and our clients may incur additional compliance costs in relation to the new legal and political landscape on ESG and DEI issues, which may adversely affect our business. Stakeholders also may have very different views on where our ESG and sustainability focus should be placed, including differing views of regulators in various jurisdictions in which we operate. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our goals, further our initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal or state ESG laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards could result in reputational harm, loss of investor confidence, legal and regulatory proceedings against us and, materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price.
Previous wording
Data security and integrity are critically important to the businesses we own and manage, and cybersecurity incidents, including cyberattacks, breaches of security, unauthorized access to or disclosure of confidential information, business disruption, or the perception that confidential information is not secure, could result in a material loss of business, regulatory enforcement, substantial legal liability and/or significant harm to our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Data security and integrity are important to our businesses, and cybersecurity incidents, including but not limited to breaches, unauthorized access, or disclosure of confidential information, could result in a material loss of business, regulatory enforcement, substantial legal liability, and significant harm to our reputation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
Improper access to, misappropriation, destruction or disclosure of confidential, personal or proprietary data could result in significant harm to our reputation or the reputation of any of the businesses we own.
Current wording
Improper access to, misappropriation, destruction or disclosure of confidential, personal or proprietary data could result in significant harm to our reputation or the reputation of any of the businesses we own. We collect, store and transmit a large amount of confidential information on hundreds of millions of businesses, including financial information and personal
Previous wording
We collect, store and transmit a large amount of confidential company information on hundreds of millions of businesses, including financial information and personal information, as well as certain consumer information and credit information. We operate in an environment of significant risk of cybersecurity incidents resulting from unintentional events or deliberate attacks by third parties or insiders, which may involve exploiting highly obscure security vulnerabilities or sophisticated attack methods.
Current wording
18 - information, as well as certain consumer information and credit information. We operate in an environment of significant risk of cybersecurity incidents, whether from unintentional events or deliberate attacks by third parties or insiders, which may exploit sophisticated methods or obscure vulnerabilities.
Previous wording
One of our significant responsibilities is to maintain the security and privacy of our employees’ and clients’ confidential and proprietary information and the confidential information about clients’ employees’ compensation, health and benefits information and other personally identifiable information.
Current wording
One of our significant responsibilities is to maintain the security and privacy of our employees’ and clients’ confidential and proprietary information and the confidential information about clients’ employees’ compensation, health and benefits information and other personally identifiable information. Material failures, inadequacies, or interruptions in our information technology could result in substantial costs and losses, and similar events affecting third-party vendors could disrupt the products or services they provide to us or our customers.
Previous wording
In addition, our RPO business may be disrupted by new emergent tools that threaten our established business practices. If our clients invest heavily in obtaining or designing and implementing their own systems for recruitment using AI and ML, they may have reduced demand for our services. It is too early to determine the extent to which AI and ML may impact our business, but it is possible that these tools may negatively impact our business.
Current wording
In addition, our operating businesses may be disrupted by new emergent tools that threaten our established business practices. If our clients invest heavily in obtaining or designing and implementing their own systems for recruitment using AI and ML, they may have reduced demand for our services. It is too early to determine the extent to which AI and ML may impact our business, but it is possible that these tools may negatively impact our business.
Rearranged current paragraphs (2)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
6 - demand for our services. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
14 - is generated outside of the U.S. This risk could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (26)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•the ability to maintain our relationships with our existing clients;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•the ability to attract new clients; and
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•the ability to maintain or generate the amount of cash required to operate the RPO business.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
If we are unable to address these risks, our business, results of operations, and prospects could suffer.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We have no significant proprietary technology that would preclude or inhibit competitors from entering the
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•lenders’ ability to impose restrictions, such as payroll or other reserves;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•limitations on payments of dividends by our subsidiaries to us, which may restrict our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders;
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•restrictions on our ability to make additional borrowings, or to consolidate, merge, or otherwise fundamentally change our ownership;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•limitations on capital expenditures, investments, dispositions of assets, guarantees of indebtedness, permitted acquisitions, and repurchases of stock; and
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•limitations on certain intercompany payments of expenses, interest, and dividends.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims of misconduct or negligence on the part of our employees;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims by our employees of discrimination or harassment directed at them, including claims relating to actions of our clients;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims related to the employment of illegal aliens or unlicensed personnel;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims for payment of workers’ compensation and other similar claims;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims for violations of wage and hour requirements;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims for entitlement to employee benefits;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims of errors and omissions of our temporary employees;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims by taxing authorities related to our independent contractors and the risk that such contractors could be considered employees for tax purposes;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims by candidates that we place for wrongful termination or denial of employment;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims related to our non-compliance with data protection laws, which require the consent of a candidate to transfer resumes and other data;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims related to the recruitment process; and
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•claims by our clients relating to our employees’ misuse of client proprietary information, misappropriation of funds, other misconduct, criminal activity or similar claims.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•create additional regulations that prohibit or restrict the types of employment services that we currently provide;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•require us to obtain additional licensing to provide recruitment services;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•impose new or additional restrictions on movements between countries;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•providing that vacancies on our Board of Directors will be filled by the remaining directors then in office.