Provident Financial Services Receives 'Moderate Buy' Rating

Analysts see potential in the regional bank's stock despite some mixed signals

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:25am

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Shares of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: PFS) have received a 'Moderate Buy' consensus rating from seven research firms covering the company. The ratings include three 'hold' recommendations, two 'buy' recommendations, and two 'strong buy' recommendations, with an average 12-month price target of $24.08.

Why it matters

Provident Financial Services is a regional bank with a strong presence in New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. The 'Moderate Buy' rating suggests analysts see potential in the company's stock despite some mixed signals, such as a recent downgrade from 'buy' to 'hold' by one research firm.

The details

The consensus 'Moderate Buy' rating is based on a mix of analyst opinions. Three firms have issued 'hold' recommendations, while two have 'buy' recommendations and two have 'strong buy' recommendations. The average 12-month price target of $24.08 represents a potential upside of around 17% from the stock's current trading price.

  • Provident Financial Services reported Q4 2025 earnings on January 28, 2026.
  • The company's board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share on February 13, 2026.

The players

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

A regional commercial bank headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, with a network of full-service branches across New Jersey, the New York metropolitan area, and eastern Pennsylvania.

Weiss Ratings

A research firm that recently downgraded Provident Financial Services from a 'buy (b-)' rating to a 'hold (c+)' rating.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods

A research firm that boosted its price target for Provident Financial Services from $23.00 to $25.00 and maintained an 'outperform' rating.

DA Davidson

A research firm that initiated coverage on Provident Financial Services with a 'neutral' rating and a $25.00 price target.

Piper Sandler

A research firm that initiated coverage on Provident Financial Services with an 'overweight' rating and a $25.00 price target.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The company's board of directors is expected to consider additional share repurchases at an upcoming meeting.

The takeaway

Provident Financial Services' 'Moderate Buy' rating reflects the mixed signals analysts are seeing in the regional bank's performance and outlook. While some see potential upside, others remain cautious, highlighting the need for the company to continue executing on its strategy to drive shareholder value.