8-K: Star Equity Holdings Reports Q3 2026 Results, Faces Net Loss
Quarterly Report
Star Equity Holdings announced its third quarter 2026 financial results, showing a revenue increase but a net loss attributable to common shareholders, alongside strategic acquisitions and a plan to monetize real estate assets.
Summary
- Star Equity Holdings reported third quarter 2026 revenue of $53.9 million, a 12.4% increase compared to $47.9 million in the third quarter of 2025.
- Gross profit for the quarter was $23.2 million, up 12.6% from $20.6 million in the prior year period.
- The company reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $2.2 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.8 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, in Q3 2025.
- Adjusted net loss per diluted share was $0.26, a deterioration from adjusted net income per diluted share of $0.08 in Q3 2025.
- Adjusted EBITDA increased to $1.5 million from $1.3 million in Q3 2025, but pro forma adjusted EBITDA was $3.1 million in Q3 2025, indicating a decline on a comparable basis.
- The company closed two bolt-on acquisitions and launched a process to monetize real estate assets, expecting over $9.0 million in gross proceeds.
- Total cash, including restricted cash, was $7.8 million at September 30, 2026.
- The company generated $0.9 million in cash flow from operations during the quarter.
Sentiment
Score: 4
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a mixed to slightly negative quarter, with revenue growth offset by a widening net loss and declining adjusted EBITDA on a pro forma basis, despite strategic acquisitions.
Positives
- Revenue increased by 12.4% to $53.9 million in Q3 2026 compared to Q3 2025.
- Gross profit increased by 12.6% to $23.2 million in Q3 2026 compared to Q3 2025.
- Two accretive bolt-on acquisitions were recently closed.
- The company generated $0.9 million in cash flow from operations in Q3 2026.
- Backlog in the Building Solutions division grew to $11.4 million from $10.6 million at the end of Q2 2026.
- New orders in Building Solutions exceeded $17.0 million for the second consecutive quarter.
- Energy Services division saw increased gross profit and adjusted EBITDA on a pro forma basis.
- Hudson Talent Solutions (HTS) limited its year-over-year gross profit decline to 2%, with 4% gross profit growth in the Americas.
Negatives
- Net loss attributable to common shareholders widened to $2.2 million ($0.60 per diluted share) in Q3 2026 from $1.8 million ($0.56 per diluted share) in Q3 2025.
- Adjusted net loss per diluted share was $0.26 in Q3 2026, compared to adjusted net income per diluted share of $0.08 in Q3 2025.
- Pro forma adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $3.1 million, indicating a decline when compared to the current quarter's reported $1.5 million adjusted EBITDA.
- Building Solutions division results were below the prior year quarter on a pro forma basis due to softness in residential and multifamily new construction markets.
- A large KBS Builders project shifted from 2026 to 2027, impacting revenue recognition.
- Business Services revenue decreased to $33.8 million from $37.0 million in the prior year quarter.
- Business Services adjusted EBITDA decreased to $1.0 million from $1.7 million in the prior year quarter.
- Corporate costs increased to $1.8 million in Q3 2026 from $1.2 million in the prior year quarter.
Risks
- Global economic fluctuations could impact results.
- Changes in the cost and availability of commodities, materials, and equipment.
- Risks associated with providing uninterrupted service to clients.
- The ability of clients to terminate their relationship with the Company at any time.
- Risks associated with real estate ownership.
- Risks related to fluctuations in operating results from quarter to quarter.
- Risks related to potential acquisitions or dispositions of businesses.
- The Company's profitability and growth are tied to the success of its operating businesses.
Future Outlook
The company believes it is well-positioned to improve profitability in 2027 and create significant long-term shareholder value, while continuing to evaluate M&A opportunities and monetize non-cash-generating assets.
Management Comments
- In the third quarter, Energy Services gross profit and adjusted EBITDA increased on a pro forma basis, and in October we expanded the division by acquiring a machine shop in Vernal, Utah adding in-house machining, repair, and rebuild capabilities to our existing operation there.
- In Building Solutions, results were below the prior year quarter on a pro forma basis, reflecting continued softness in the residential and multifamily new construction markets.
- Despite these headwinds, the divisions backlog, which excludes this project, grew to $11.4 million from $10.6 million at the end of the second quarter and new orders were above $17.0 million for the second quarter in a row.
- Despite continued macroeconomic uncertainty and pressure in the professional talent market, HTS limited its year-over-year gross profit decline to 2%, supported by 4% gross profit growth in the Americas.
- In November, we acquired Cornerstone RPO, which bolsters our presence in the U.S., the worlds largest RPO market, and adds established enterprise client relationships and experienced U.S. sales leadership.
- We believe this recognition and our investments in growth initiatives position us well to win new business going forward.
- In the third quarter, we generated $0.9 million of cash flow from operations and repurchased approximately $0.3 million of our common stock.
- We remain focused on disciplined execution, rigorous cost management, and returnsdriven capital allocation.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that the results reflect mixed performance across Star Equity's diversified business segments. The softness in Building Solutions aligns with broader trends in the residential construction market, while the strategic acquisitions in Energy Services and Business Services indicate a focus on strengthening core capabilities and market position amidst economic uncertainty.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: The widening net loss and deterioration in adjusted EPS may negatively impact shareholder sentiment, although strategic acquisitions and plans for real estate monetization could offer long-term value.
- Employees: Investments in growth initiatives and acquisitions may lead to expanded opportunities, but softness in certain divisions could pose risks.
- Creditors: The company's cash position and operational performance will be key factors for creditors.
- Suppliers: Continued operations and acquisitions in Energy Services and Building Solutions suggest ongoing demand for supplier services.
Next Steps
- Continue to evaluate M&A opportunities across all three operating divisions.
- Make progress on monetizing non-cash-generating assets, including two real estate holdings.
- Conduct a conference call on November 12, 2026, to discuss the results.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-30 | End of nine months period for financial reporting. |
| 2025-09-30 | Date of Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| 2025-09-30 | End of third quarter for financial reporting. |
| 2025-12-31 | End of fiscal year for financial reporting. |
| 2026-09-30 | End of nine months period for financial reporting. |
| 2026-09-30 | Date of Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| 2026-09-30 | End of third quarter for financial reporting. |
| 2026-11-11 | Date of press release announcing financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2026. |
Recommendation
holdThe company shows revenue growth and strategic acquisitions, but the widening net loss and declining adjusted EPS indicate ongoing challenges. The plan to monetize real estate and focus on future profitability in 2027 warrants a hold position pending clearer signs of sustained improvement.
Keywords
Star Equity Holdings, Q3 2026 Earnings, Diversified Holding Company, Revenue Growth, Net Loss, Adjusted EBITDA, Acquisitions, Real Estate Monetization
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