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B. Riley's Financial Woes: Delays, Losses, and Uncertainty

Eli GrantWednesday, Nov 13, 2024 6:53 pm ET
6min read
B. Riley Financial Inc. (RILY) has been grappling with a series of setbacks, including delayed quarterly reports and significant losses, raising concerns among investors and creditors alike. The company's stock has slumped 77% this year, reflecting the growing unease surrounding its financial health and strategic direction. This article delves into the recent developments at B. Riley, the factors contributing to its woes, and the potential consequences for its reputation and shareholder confidence.

B. Riley's accounting practices and internal controls have been under scrutiny, contributing to delays in filing quarterly reports. The company has faced issues with flawed accounting and a federal investigation, leading to a significant stock plunge in August 2024. These challenges have hindered the company's ability to accurately value its assets and timely report financials. The delays in filing reports for the three months ended June 30 and September 30, along with the belated annual report, highlight the need for improved internal controls and accounting practices to ensure transparency and investor confidence.



Regulatory investigations and compliance issues have also played a significant role in B. Riley's inability to meet filing deadlines. In August 2024, the company suspended its dividend and warned of a markdown from its investment in Vitamin Shoppe-parent Franchise Group, citing regulatory issues. This was followed by a 52% one-day plunge in the company's stock price due to concerns about flawed accounting and a federal investigation. The company has since missed deadlines for its second-quarter and third-quarter financial statements, and its annual report was belatedly produced. B. Riley's breaches of financial covenants and the ongoing federal probes have added to its debt concerns, with the company's stock price devastated by soured investments and regulatory woes.

B. Riley's investments, particularly in Franchise Group, have significantly impacted its financial reporting and quarterly filings. The company's stock has slumped 77% this year, largely due to the markdown from its investment in Franchise Group. B. Riley warned of a third-quarter loss of $130 million to $135 million, or $4.26 to $4.43 per share, mainly due to a nearly $120 million decline in the valuation of its investment in the retailer. This loss, coupled with the delay in filing its quarterly report, highlights the challenges B. Riley faces in managing its investments and meeting regulatory deadlines.

The repeated delays in reporting financial results, coupled with significant losses, could have severe consequences for B. Riley's reputation and shareholder confidence. The company has already seen its stock plummet by 77% this year, reflecting investor concerns. The delays may indicate underlying issues with the company's financial controls or accounting practices, which could erode investor trust. Moreover, the continued loss of shareholder confidence may make it more difficult for B. Riley to raise capital or attract new investors, further exacerbating its financial challenges.

B. Riley's financial covenants have been strained by recent delays and losses. The company has missed deadlines for filing quarterly reports, including the June 30 and September 30 periods, and has yet to file its annual report for 2023. These delays have raised concerns about the firm's financial health and its ability to meet its debt obligations. In addition, B. Riley has reported significant losses, including an estimated $270 million to $280 million in the third quarter of 2024, which has further weakened its financial position. The company's debt is expected to be about $2.06 billion at the end of September, a decrease of $100 million from June, but still a substantial burden. B. Riley has taken steps to address its debt load, including repaying about $82 million to Japanese investment bank Nomura in the quarter, but the ongoing losses and delays in reporting suggest that the company's financial covenants remain under pressure.

B. Riley Financial's delayed quarterly reports and mounting losses have sparked concern among creditors and shareholders. The company's stock has slumped 77% this year, reflecting investor unease. Creditors, including Nomura, have tightened lending terms, hiking interest rates and reducing the firm's borrowing capacity. B. Riley has repaid some debt, but its total debt remains around $2 billion. Shareholders await clarity on the company's financial health and strategic direction.

B. Riley's reputation has taken a hit due to recent events, including delayed quarterly reports and significant losses. The company's stock has slumped 77% this year, reflecting investor concerns. The delayed reports and mounting losses have raised questions about the company's financial management and transparency, potentially damaging its brand.

In response to these challenges, B. Riley has taken steps to address them. The company has announced that it will release results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, after market close on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, followed by a conference call and question-and-answer session with analysts and investors. Additionally, B. Riley's Chairman and Co-CEO, Bryant Riley, is scheduled to participate in investor meetings and a fireside presentation during the 24th Annual B. Riley Institutional Investor Conference in Beverly Hills, CA, on May 22 and 23, 2024. These actions demonstrate the company's commitment to transparency and addressing the concerns of its stakeholders.

In conclusion, B. Riley Financial's recent setbacks, including delayed quarterly reports and significant losses, have raised concerns among investors and creditors. The company's accounting practices, regulatory issues, and investment decisions have contributed to its financial woes. To regain investor confidence and stabilize its financial position, B. Riley must address these challenges and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and improved financial management. As the company works to overcome these obstacles, investors and stakeholders will be watching closely to assess its progress and potential for recovery.
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