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Provident Financial Services (PFS)
NYSE:PFS

Provident Financial Services (PFS) AI Stock Analysis

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PFS

Provident Financial Services

(NYSE:PFS)

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Outperform 76 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:76Outperform
Price Target:
$25.00
â–²(12.51% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by solid financial performance (strong profitability and cash flow despite weaker revenue growth). Supportive technical momentum and attractive valuation (low P/E and strong dividend yield) add to the outlook, while earnings-call risks around funding competition, reserve sensitivity, and near-term expense/costs modestly temper the result.
Positive Factors
Strong Profitability
High net and EBITDA margins reflect durable operating efficiency and pricing power in core banking activities. Sustained profitability supports internal capital generation, funds reinvestment, and shareholder returns, helping the franchise absorb revenue volatility and invest in growth initiatives.
Stable Deposits & Loan Pipeline
Robust core deposit growth and a multi-quarter loan pipeline provide stable, low-cost funding and forward origination visibility. This supports medium-term net interest income expansion and reduces reliance on volatile wholesale funding, strengthening the bank's lending franchise durability.
Cash Generation & Capital Returns
Healthy free cash flow conversion and management's authorization of additional buybacks plus a steady dividend reflect strong cash generation and capital formation. This gives flexibility to return capital or reinvest, underpinning shareholder returns and strategic investments over the medium term.
Negative Factors
TTM Revenue Decline
A trailing‑twelve‑month revenue contraction suggests underlying top‑line pressure that could limit sustainable earnings growth. If revenue stagnation persists, the bank will increasingly rely on margin expansion and fee businesses, raising execution risk and sensitivity to macro and competitive shifts.
Competitive Pressure on Lending Margins
Management cited heightened competition, particularly in commercial real estate, which can persistently compress loan yields and net interest margin. Long‑term margin sustainability will depend on fee diversification, disciplined underwriting, and pricing power versus peers in competitive markets.
CFO Retirement / Leadership Transition
The planned CFO departure introduces medium‑term execution and continuity risk given his long tenure and role in balance‑sheet expansion. A transition could affect capital allocation, merger integration and financial reporting consistency unless the successor maintains strategic continuity and institutional knowledge.

Provident Financial Services (PFS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Provident Financial Services Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionProvident Financial Services, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Provident Bank that provides various banking products and services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. The company's deposit products include savings, checking, interest-bearing checking, money market deposit, and certificate of deposit accounts, as well as IRA products. Its loan portfolio comprises commercial real estate loans that are secured by properties, such as multi-family apartment buildings, office buildings, and retail and industrial properties; commercial business loans; fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans collateralized by one- to four-family residential real estate properties; commercial construction loans; and consumer loans consisting of home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, marine loans, personal loans and unsecured lines of credit, and auto and recreational vehicle loans. The company also offers cash management, remote deposit capture, payroll origination, escrow account management, and online and mobile banking services; and business credit cards. In addition, it provides wealth management services comprising investment management, trust and estate administration, financial planning, tax compliance and planning, and private banking. Further, the company sells insurance and investment products, including annuities; operates as a real estate investment trust for acquiring mortgage loans and other real estate related assets; and manages and sells real estate properties acquired through foreclosure. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 96 full-service branch offices in northern and central New Jersey, as well as in Pennsylvania and New York counties. The company was founded in 1839 and is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey.
How the Company Makes MoneyProvident Financial Services generates revenue primarily through interest income from loans, which includes residential and commercial mortgages. The company also earns money from service fees associated with deposit accounts and transaction services. Additionally, PFS benefits from investment income and gains from mortgage banking activities, including the sale of loans in the secondary market. Key revenue streams include net interest margin from lending activities, fee income from banking services, and investment returns. Strategic partnerships with real estate agents and developers further enhance their lending business, contributing to overall earnings.

Provident Financial Services Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 28, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
Next Earnings Date:Apr 24, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call communicated strong operating momentum with record revenues, expanding core profitability, robust loan production, improved asset quality and capital build (supporting buybacks). Headwinds include heightened deposit competition, reserve/model sensitivity, elevated payoffs that partially offset production, modest margin pressure from purchase accounting accretion, and planned near-term operating and conversion expenses. Management provided constructive 2026 guidance (loan/deposit growth of 4–6%, continued NIM expansion and mid‑teens ROTCE target) indicating confidence in sustaining growth despite the noted challenges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Revenues and Earnings
Total revenue reached a record $226 million (third consecutive quarter record), driven by record net interest income of $197 million and record noninterest income of $28.3 million. Net earnings for the quarter were $83 million or $0.64 per share; annualized return on average assets (ROA) was 1.34% and adjusted return on average tangible common equity was 17.6%.
Pre-Provision Net Revenue and Core Profitability
Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) was a record $111 million (annualized ROA of 1.78%). Core PPNR has grown each quarter since the Lakeland transaction, indicating expanding core profitability.
Strong Loan Production and Pipeline
Commercial loan new production totaled $3.2 billion in 2025 with net commercial loan growth of 5.5% for the year. Quarter-end pipeline remained solid at $2.7 billion (weighted average pipeline rate 6.22%) and originations grew every quarter in 2025, peaking at over $1 billion in Q4.
Deposit Growth and Funding Trends
Core deposits grew $260 million (6.6% annualized vs. the linked quarter). Average deposits increased $786 million (16.5% annualized QoQ). Average noninterest-bearing deposits grew ~2% annualized, and the average cost of total deposits decreased 4 basis points to 2.10%.
Improving Asset Quality and Low Charge-offs
Nonperforming assets declined $22 million (22%) to 0.32% of assets. During the quarter $22 million of nonperforming loans were resolved with just $1.3 million in associated net charge-offs; quarterly net charge-offs were $4.2 million (annualized 9 bps), and full-year 2025 net charge-offs were 7 bps of average loans.
Growth in Fee Businesses and Wealth/Insurance Momentum
Noninterest income was a record $28.3 million. Provident Protection Plus pretax income grew 13% YoY with >90% customer retention; Beacon Trust revenue increased to $7.6 million on ~$4.2 billion AUM. SBA gains on sale were $946k in Q4 and $2.8 million for 2025 (up from $905k in 2024).
Capital Build, Share Repurchase and Tangible Book Value Growth
Tangible book value per share increased $0.57 (3.8%) to $15.70; tangible common equity ratio rose to 8.48% from 8.22%. Board authorized an additional repurchase of 2 million shares, reflecting comfortable capital above well-capitalized levels.
Negative Updates
Elevated Loan Payoffs and Composition Shifts
Elevated loan payoffs of $1.3 billion in 2025—primarily in the CRE portfolio—partially offset production, contributing to mixed loan mix with reductions in construction and residential mortgage loans despite growth in multifamily, commercial mortgage and commercial loans.
NIM Pressure from Purchase Accounting and Asset Yield Move
Average yield on assets decreased 10 basis points to 5.66%. Reported net interest margin (NIM) expansion was limited to 1 basis point QoQ at 3.44% due to lower purchase accounting accretion, though core NIM rose 7 bps to 3.01%.
Rising Operating Expenses and One-Time Conversion Costs
Noninterest expense increased to $114.7 million this quarter; efficiency ratio was 51% (48.15% excluding intangibles). Management projects quarterly core operating expenses of $118–$120 million for 2026 and expects approx. $5 million of additional nonrecurring charges related to a core system conversion in H2 2026.
Allowance Coverage Decline and Reserve Sensitivity
Allowance coverage ratio declined to 95 basis points of loans (down 2 bps QoQ) after a net negative provision for credit losses of $1.2 million in the quarter; management acknowledged model/macro sensitivity and the potential need to adjust provisions if conditions change.
Competitive Deposit Environment
Management noted heightened deposit competition across core markets, making low-cost funding scarcer; although deposits grew, management expects betas of ~25–30% to Fed rate cuts and noted competition could pressure funding costs in the absence of winning core deposit share.
Spot Weakness and Execution Risks in Wealth AUM and Integration
Beacon Trust AUM was roughly $4.2 billion but spot AUM was slightly down QoQ (though average AUM was up ~$80 million). The planned core system conversion (scheduled Labor Day weekend 2026) introduces execution and nonrecurring cost risk during rollout.
Company Guidance
Management's 2026 guidance calls for loan and deposit growth of 4–6%, noninterest income averaging $28.5 million per quarter, a targeted core ROAA of roughly 1.20%–1.30% (120–130 bps) and a mid‑teens return on average tangible common equity; they expect core NIM to expand 3–5 bps over the next two quarters with reported NIM in the 3.4%–3.5% range for 2026 (December core NIM was ~3.05%), quarterly core operating expenses of about $118–120 million (with a slightly higher second‑half run rate), approximately $5 million of one‑time core system conversion charges in Q3–Q4, an effective tax rate around 29% (ex‑discrete tax credits), back‑book repricing and pipeline yields that should add roughly 3–4 bps to margin, and continued capital flexibility including a new authorization to repurchase 2 million shares.

Provident Financial Services Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Solid overall fundamentals driven by strong profitability and cash generation (high net and EBITDA margins; healthy free cash flow growth and conversion). Offsetting factors include the reported decline in revenue growth and a balance sheet that reflects only moderate strength (reasonable leverage and mid-single-digit ROE).
Income Statement
72
Positive
Provident Financial Services shows a mixed performance in its income statement. The TTM data indicates a decline in revenue growth rate by 4.21%, which is a concern. However, the company maintains a strong net profit margin of 22.38% and an EBITDA margin of 44.91%, indicating efficient cost management and profitability. Despite the revenue decline, the company has managed to sustain profitability, which is a positive sign.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a stable financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94, which is reasonable for the banking industry. The return on equity (ROE) stands at 9.55%, showing effective use of equity to generate profits. However, the equity ratio is not explicitly provided, which limits a full assessment of asset financing. Overall, the balance sheet suggests moderate leverage and satisfactory equity returns.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Cash flow analysis reveals a robust free cash flow growth rate of 6.13% in the TTM period, indicating strong cash generation capabilities. The free cash flow to net income ratio is nearly 1, demonstrating efficient conversion of net income into cash. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is not provided, but the available metrics suggest healthy cash flow management.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.38B1.14B695.65M553.97M489.15M
Gross Profit866.82M607.16M451.12M500.34M475.66M
EBITDA408.16M204.20M197.97M263.81M249.85M
Net Income291.16M115.53M128.40M175.65M167.92M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets24.98B24.05B14.21B13.78B13.78B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments3.38B2.97B1.87B1.99B2.77B
Total Debt2.52B2.42B1.53B1.35B637.06M
Total Liabilities22.15B21.45B12.52B12.19B12.08B
Stockholders Equity2.83B2.60B1.69B1.60B1.70B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow0.00425.07M165.91M190.90M143.01M
Operating Cash Flow0.00426.38M173.40M200.31M156.81M
Investing Cash Flow0.00507.67M-469.60M-647.56M-716.57M
Financing Cash Flow0.00-908.37M289.95M-78.70M739.86M

Provident Financial Services Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price22.22
Price Trends
50DMA
20.10
Positive
100DMA
19.50
Positive
200DMA
18.38
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.41
Negative
RSI
68.88
Neutral
STOCH
80.95
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PFS, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 22.22 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 20.44, above the 50-day MA of 20.10, and above the 200-day MA of 18.38, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.41 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 68.88 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 80.95 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for PFS.

Provident Financial Services Risk Analysis

Provident Financial Services disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Provident Financial Services reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Provident Financial Services Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$2.19B9.769.47%3.72%-1.76%32.44%
76
Outperform
$2.90B9.9610.72%4.69%38.34%89.73%
76
Outperform
$2.84B10.2310.16%3.79%5.15%16.42%
71
Outperform
$2.08B10.7910.28%2.97%6.98%15.08%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
62
Neutral
$2.88B-7.30-12.42%4.41%-55.53%-387.04%
60
Neutral
$2.44B11.067.49%3.27%-1.58%6.34%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PFS
Provident Financial Services
22.22
4.60
26.11%
BANR
Banner
61.72
-7.20
-10.45%
FFBC
First Financial Bancorp
28.80
2.00
7.46%
FRME
First Merchants
38.92
-2.26
-5.48%
SFNC
Simmons 1st Nat'l
20.32
-1.49
-6.82%
WAFD
Washington Federal
32.60
3.70
12.80%

Provident Financial Services Corporate Events

Dividends
Provident Financial Services Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
Positive
Jan 28, 2026

On January 28, 2026, Provident Financial Services, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors had declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per common share, payable on February 27, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 13, 2026. The dividend declaration underscores the company’s ongoing capital return to investors and signals continued confidence by the board in the financial strength and cash-generating capacity of the community banking group and its related wealth management and insurance subsidiaries.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFS) stock is a Buy with a $24.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Provident Financial Services stock, see the PFS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresShareholder Meetings
Provident Financial Services posts strong Q4 and 2025 results
Positive
Jan 28, 2026

Provident Financial Services, Inc. reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, with net income rising to $83.4 million, or $0.64 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2025, up from $48.5 million, or $0.37 per share, a year earlier, and full-year net income more than doubling to $291.2 million, or $2.23 per share, from $115.5 million, or $1.05 per share, in 2024. The improvement was driven by a full year of combined operations with Lakeland Bancorp, the absence of prior-year merger and CECL charges, record revenue of $225.7 million for a third straight quarter, modest net interest margin expansion, and growth in commercial loans and core deposits, while asset quality improved and tangible book value per share increased; the company also secured additional tax benefits through the purchase of energy production tax credits and set May 21, 2026, as the date for its virtual annual meeting of stockholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFS) stock is a Buy with a $24.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Provident Financial Services stock, see the PFS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Provident Financial Services Reports Record Q4 2025 Results
Positive
Jan 28, 2026

On January 28, 2026, Provident Financial Services furnished investors with its fourth-quarter 2025 results presentation, highlighting record quarterly revenues of $226 million driven by growth in both net interest income and non-interest income. For Q4 2025, the company reported diluted EPS of $0.64, a return on average assets of 1.34%, and a return on average tangible common equity of 17.58%, underpinned by six consecutive quarters of pre-provision net revenue growth to $111 million and full-year 2025 PPNR of $414 million, or $3.18 per share. The bank continued to post strong balance sheet trends, with total assets of $25.0 billion, total loans of $19.5 billion, and total deposits of $19.3 billion, while core net interest margin expanded on the back of robust loan growth, disciplined deposit cost management, and favorable repricing of maturing loans. Commercial lending momentum remained solid, with $3.2 billion of new commercial originations in 2025 and 5.5% net commercial loan growth, alongside a $2.74 billion commercial pipeline at a weighted average rate of 6.22%, supporting earnings power going into 2026. Funding remained granular and relationship-focused, as total deposits grew $182 million in the quarter, core deposits increased $260 million, the average deposit cost fell four basis points to 2.10%, and brokered deposits represented only 4% of the deposit base, with insured and collateralized balances comprising 65.6% of total deposits. Fee-based businesses also contributed more meaningfully, with higher insurance agency income, growing SBA loan gains, and ongoing expansion at wealth manager Beacon Trust, while management emphasized continued focus on positive operating leverage despite modest increases in compensation tied to performance incentives and growth investments, reinforcing the bank’s stable capital profile and strong regulatory ratios.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFS) stock is a Buy with a $24.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Provident Financial Services stock, see the PFS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Provident Financial Services Launches New Stock Repurchase Program
Positive
Jan 27, 2026

On January 26, 2026, Provident Financial Services, Inc. announced that its board has authorized the company’s tenth stock repurchase program, which will begin after completion of its existing program that has 814,247 shares remaining. Combined, the new and existing authorizations allow the repurchase of up to 2.15% of the company’s outstanding common stock, or about 2.81 million shares, via open market purchases, negotiated transactions, block trades or Rule 10b5‑1 trading plans, with no set expiration date or completion timeframe. Executives framed the move as a reflection of the bank’s strong balance sheet, earnings outlook and capital formation, emphasizing that the added buyback capacity enhances capital return flexibility and is intended to support shareholder value while remaining subject to market conditions, regulatory considerations and SEC safe harbor rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFS) stock is a Buy with a $22.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Provident Financial Services stock, see the PFS Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Provident Financial Services Announces CFO Retirement Transition Plan
Neutral
Jan 14, 2026

On January 13, 2026, Provident Bank announced the planned retirement of Thomas M. Lyons, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Provident Financial Services and Provident Bank, expected to occur by June 30, 2026, or upon the appointment of his successor. Lyons, who became CFO in 2011 after joining through Provident’s 2004 merger with First Savings Bank, played a central role in expanding the bank’s assets from about $6 billion at the time of that merger to nearly $25 billion today and in strengthening its presence across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania; he will remain in his role until a successor is named and then serve in an advisory capacity during the transition, as the bank undertakes a nationwide search that underscores the importance of maintaining continuity in its financial leadership and strategic growth trajectory.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFS) stock is a Buy with a $22.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Provident Financial Services stock, see the PFS Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Provident Financial Services Declares Quarterly Dividend
Positive
Oct 30, 2025

On October 30, 2025, Provident Financial Services, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per common share. This dividend is payable on November 28, 2025, to stockholders of record as of November 14, 2025, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to providing shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFS) stock is a Buy with a $22.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Provident Financial Services stock, see the PFS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Provident Financial Services Reports Record Q3 2025 Revenue
Positive
Oct 30, 2025

Provident Financial Services reported record revenue for the second consecutive quarter, totaling $221.8 million for Q3 2025, driven by net interest income and non-interest income. The company saw significant growth in its commercial and industrial loan portfolio and improved asset quality, with non-performing assets decreasing to 0.41% of total assets. The tangible book value per share increased, and the company maintained a stable core funding base, reflecting a strong financial position and operational efficiency.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFS) stock is a Buy with a $22.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Provident Financial Services stock, see the PFS Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
Provident Financial Services Reports Strong Q3 Earnings
Positive
Oct 30, 2025

On October 29, 2025, Provident Financial Services, Inc. reported its third-quarter earnings, highlighting a net income of $71.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. The company achieved record revenues for the second consecutive quarter, driven by growth in earning assets and deposits, and improved operational efficiency. The commercial and industrial loan portfolio saw significant growth, and total deposits increased by $387.7 million. Despite a provision for credit losses, the company maintained strong asset quality, with non-performing assets improving to 0.41% of total assets.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFS) stock is a Buy with a $22.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Provident Financial Services stock, see the PFS Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 29, 2026