Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a consolidated operating income of $1,500,000 in Q4 2024, down from $4,600,000 in Q4 2023 [12] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $2,100,000 from $4,900,000 year-over-year [12] - The company recorded a net loss of $200,000 or $0.01 per diluted share compared to a net income of $4,900,000 or $0.13 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [12] - Stockholders' equity increased to $65,200,000 as of December 31, 2024, up from $61,100,000 a year earlier [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Industrial Assets division reported operating income of $800,000 in Q4 2024, down from $1,600,000 in the prior year [9] - The Financial Assets division reported total divisional operating income of $1,900,000, while the Brokerage business recorded operating income of $1,700,000, down from $2,700,000 in Q4 2023 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for used equipment is at an all-time high due to tightening supply chains and potential tariffs on new equipment [7] - Charge-offs of credit cards and delinquencies hit decade-plus highs, indicating a strong market for the next 6 to 18 months [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on increased charge-offs in non-performing loans and anticipates a robust auction market in 2025 [10][11] - The company has expanded its warehouse size and staffing to meet increased asset flow and demand [4] - M&A efforts are ongoing, with a focus on acquiring companies in the bio sector to enhance presence at ALT [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating economic pressures and anticipates increased momentum in the auction pipeline [10] - The company is optimistic about the future, citing a favorable market environment for auctioneers and a strong cash flow position [8][16] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with no long-term debt and a strong cash balance, allowing for share repurchases [14][15] - A new mortgage loan agreement for $4,100,000 was entered into for expanded corporate headquarters [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did the company increase provisions on the loan book? - Management stated that they have not increased or substantially decreased the reserve against the loan book, maintaining a consistent reserve [21][22] Question: What is needed for the financial asset business to grow? - Management indicated that an increase in defaults will lead to more charge-offs, which will benefit their marketplace [25] Question: What is the capacity to serve the market now? - The company has increased its capacity significantly to handle a wave of plant closings and asset relocations [30] Question: Is the company able to earn interest on its cash balance? - The company is taking advantage of short-term vehicles to earn interest income, but is primarily focused on deploying cash into the business [73] Question: What is the current status of the share repurchase program? - The company has approximately $3,000,000 remaining under the share repurchase program, which is expected to be deployed in the first half of 2025 [74]