Blue Ridge Bankshares Stock Declines Despite Return to Profit in Q2

Core Viewpoint - Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (BRBS) has returned to profitability in Q2 2025, reporting a net income of $1.3 million, marking a significant recovery from a net loss of $11.4 million in the same quarter last year [2][8]. Financial Performance - BRBS reported a net income of $1.3 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $11.4 million, or ($0.47) per share, in the prior-year period [2]. - Net interest income was $19.8 million, relatively flat compared to $20.1 million in Q2 2024, with a recovery of credit losses of $0.7 million against a provision of $3.1 million in the previous year [3]. - Non-interest income surged to $3.2 million from $0.3 million in the prior year's quarter, driven by improved service charges and previously withheld mortgage servicing rights proceeds [4]. - Non-interest expenses decreased by 24.9% to $22 million from $29.3 million a year earlier, aided by cost-cutting measures [4]. Key Business Metrics - Net interest margin improved to 3.15% from 2.90% in Q1 2025 and 2.79% a year ago, primarily due to a decrease in deposit costs [5]. - Total assets decreased to $2.56 billion from $2.69 billion in Q1 2025 and $2.93 billion a year earlier [6]. - Loans held for investment declined 12.4% year over year to $1.98 billion, while deposits were down 13.6% year over year to $2.01 billion [6]. Management Commentary - CEO G. William "Billy" Beale described the quarter as a turning point, highlighting improvements in net interest margin and disciplined cost management as key factors [8]. - The company has undergone headcount reductions, with 109 positions cut in the first half of the year, as part of efforts to streamline operations [8]. Future Outlook - Management expects to achieve an annualized non-interest expense-to-assets ratio below 3% by Q4 2025, with a focus on operational improvement and further cost reductions [11]. - The company believes it is nearing completion of regulatory remediation stemming from a January 2024 consent order [12]. Strategic Developments - On March 27, 2025, BRBS completed the divestiture of Monarch Mortgage, resulting in a $0.2 million loss year to date, as part of a strategy to realign its business model towards traditional community banking [13]. - The company redeemed $15 million in subordinated debt and partially redeemed an additional $10 million of its 2029 Notes, actions aimed at supporting future interest expense reductions [14].