How did RILY's Q1 2024 EPS compare to previous quarters?

B. Riley Financial (NASDAQ: RILY) experienced a decline in earnings per share (EPS) in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a challenging period for the asset manager.

1. **Q1 2024 EPS**: The EPS for Q1 2024 was ($1.71), which indicates a negative earning period for the company.
2. **Previous Quarters Comparison**:
- In the third quarter, Rhumbline Advisers, an institutional investor, lifted its holdings in B. Riley Financial by 1.8%, indicating some confidence in the company despite the earnings decline.
- Federated Hermes Inc. acquired a new stake in B. Riley Financial during the third quarter, showing interest in the company despite the negative EPS.
- Invesco Ltd. reduced its stake in B. Riley Financial by 24.7% during the third quarter, suggesting a less optimistic outlook on the company's short-term prospects.
- Victory Capital Management Inc. increased its position in B. Riley Financial by 71.1% during the fourth quarter, indicating a long-term confidence despite the current earnings challenges.
3. **Overall Trend**: The trend of RILY's EPS has been volatile, with significant fluctuations from quarter to quarter. For instance, the EPS in Q1 2024 was notably lower than in previous quarters, such as Q1 2023, where the EPS was $0.51.
4. **Challenges and Positive Indicators**: Despite the negative EPS, the company has shown resilience, with a strong dividend program and a focus on monetizing non-core assets and liability management. The company's preliminary Q4 results indicate a net income available to common shareholders between $48 million and $68 million, suggesting a potential recovery or stabilization in the near future.

In conclusion, B. Riley Financial's Q1 2024 EPS was notably lower than in some previous quarters, reflecting a difficult period for the company. However, the company has shown strategic moves by institutional investors, and there are indications of potential recovery based on the company's dividend program and preliminary Q4 results.