Virtus Investment Partners' stock fell sharply by 5.20% during intraday trading on Friday, reflecting investor concerns following the release of the company's fourth-quarter financial results.

The asset management firm reported Q4 adjusted earnings of $6.50 per diluted share, a decline from $7.50 per share in the same period last year. While this result slightly exceeded the FactSet analyst consensus estimate of $6.45, the year-over-year drop appears to have weighed on investor sentiment. Revenue for the quarter was $208 million, also down from $233.5 million a year earlier, despite beating the single-analyst estimate of $191.9 million.

Detailed financial reports indicate a broader trend of contraction, with Q4 revenue falling by 11% and adjusted earnings per share decreasing by 13% compared to the prior year. The market's negative reaction suggests investors are focusing on the underlying weakening performance rather than the earnings beat against lowered expectations.