Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company experienced a 7% decline in revenue, with total revenue reported at $34,800,000 for the fourth quarter, down 7% year over year and down 1% sequentially [6][26] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter decreased 9% to $9,200,000, with a margin of 26%, compared to $10,100,000 or a margin of 27% in the prior year [31] - Free cash flow for the current year was $7,100,000, a $6,000,000 increase over the prior year [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ClearanceJobs revenue increased by 7% year over year to $13,800,000, while Dice revenue decreased by 14% year over year to $21,000,000 [13][26] - Total recurring revenue declined by 5% year over year, with ClearanceJobs bookings flat year over year at $14,200,000 and Dice bookings down 14% year over year [14][27] - Revenue renewal rates for ClearanceJobs and Dice were 93% and 77% respectively, with retention rates at 111% for ClearanceJobs and 97% for Dice [16][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - New tech job postings were approximately 70% of normal, but showed a 12% increase in the second half of 2024 compared to the first half, with December alone seeing a 16% year over year increase [10][11] - The tech unemployment rate remained low at approximately 2% in December, indicating a tight labor market for tech talent [11] - The company anticipates a 5% growth in tech staffing hiring revenue in 2025, following a 7% decline in 2024 [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has restructured its operations into two distinct brands, Dice and ClearanceJobs, to enhance profitability and align strategies with unique market dynamics [8][9] - The company is focusing on recession-resistant sectors such as consulting, aerospace defense, healthcare, financial services, and education [15] - Plans for 2025 include launching new products like CJ Verify and a paid candidate subscription service for ClearanceJobs, as well as a total reimagination of the Dice Web Store [18][20][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about a gradual recovery in tech hiring, with encouraging signs of increased demand and improved revenue renewal rates [10][21] - The company expects revenue for 2025 to be between $131,000,000 and $135,000,000, with a targeted adjusted EBITDA margin of 24% [22][37] - Management remains committed to delivering strong profits for shareholders and has approved a new $5,000,000 stock buyback program [22][36] Other Important Information - The company has reduced total operating costs by over $10,000,000, with a focus on operational efficiency [7][30] - The company recorded a net income of $1,000,000 or $0.02 per diluted share in the fourth quarter, down from $2,100,000 or $0.05 per diluted share in the prior year [31] - The company has implemented a Section 382 rights plan to protect its capital loss carryforward, which exceeds $100,000,000 [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Business prospects for Dice in 2025 - Management indicated that staffing is expected to recover before commercial accounts, with positive signs in renewal activity and new business [41] Question: Concerns for ClearanceJobs amidst efficiency initiatives - Management noted no current impact on ClearanceJobs from potential defense budget cuts, with Congress committed to the existing defense budget [43] Question: Cash usage and debt repayment - Management confirmed that approximately $6,000,000 of cash was used to pay down debt, affecting cash on hand [49] Question: Segment reporting for operating income or adjusted EBITDA - Management plans to provide more detailed segment reporting in the first half of the year [54] Question: Expectations for bookings growth in 2025 - Management expects growth for ClearanceJobs but remains conservative regarding Dice, anticipating no significant improvement [62] Question: Exposure to non-cleared agencies - Management clarified that the company primarily serves defense-related agencies, with limited exposure to non-cleared agencies [67] Question: Marketing spend expectations - Management indicated that marketing spend is seasonal, with adjustments made during summer and holiday periods [74]