Core Viewpoint - Provident Financial Services, Inc. has authorized a new stock repurchase program, reflecting confidence in its financial strength and commitment to returning capital to shareholders [1][4]. Group 1: Stock Repurchase Program - The new stock repurchase program will commence after the current program, which has 814,247 shares remaining for repurchase [1]. - Under the new authorization, the company may repurchase up to 2.15% of its outstanding shares, approximately 2.81 million shares [2]. - The program has no expiration date, and repurchases will be based on market conditions and other relevant factors [3]. Group 2: Management Statements - The President and CEO emphasized the company's strong earnings projections and balance sheet, indicating that the repurchase program reflects sound risk management [4]. - The Senior Executive Vice President and CFO noted that the new authorization provides additional capital return flexibility and aligns with the company's long-term financial objectives [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Provident Financial Services, Inc. is the holding company for Provident Bank, which has been operational since 1839 and offers a wide range of financial products and services [5]. - The bank operates branches in New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania and New York, and provides fiduciary, wealth management, and insurance services through its subsidiaries [5].

Core Viewpoint - Options markets are indicating significant post-earnings volatility for several stocks, particularly regional banks, with expectations of price swings being amplified by the Federal Reserve's policy decision [1][2]. Group 1: Implied Moves and Earnings Reports - Options markets are pricing in double-digit to near-50% post-earnings swings for a group of regional banks [2]. - Ten stocks are highlighted with implied moves of approximately 30% or more ahead of their earnings reports this week [3]. - Capitol Federal Financial, Inc. is expected to have the highest implied move at 48.48%, with earnings per share projected at 15 cents and revenue at $57.51 million [5][6]. - First Financial Bancorp follows closely with a 47.50% implied move, expecting earnings per share of 56 cents and revenue of $245.83 million [5][6]. - Other notable stocks include Provident Financial Services, Inc. (39.22% implied move), First BanCorp (39.09% implied move), and West Bancorporation, Inc. (35.92% implied move) [5][6]. Group 2: Specific Stock Details - Beacon Financial Corp. anticipates earnings per share of 79 cents and revenue of $224.81 million, with an implied move of 29.48% [5]. - ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. expects earnings per share of 73 cents and revenue of $110.15 million, with an implied move of 29.51% [5]. - High Tide Inc., the only non-bank on the list, is set to report earnings per share of $0.01 and revenue of $114.95 million, with an implied move of 30.12% [5]. - Primis Financial Corp. is projected to have earnings per share of $1.10 and revenue of $34.98 million, with an implied move of 31.17% [5]. - Hope Bancorp, Inc. expects earnings per share of 26 cents and revenue of $142.91 million, with an implied move of 32.94% [5].

Core Viewpoint - Provident Bank announces the planned retirement of Thomas M. Lyons, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, expected to occur by June 30, 2026, or upon the appointment of his successor [1][3]. Company Overview - Provident Bank, founded in 1839, is the oldest community-focused financial institution in New Jersey and a wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. [6]. - As of September 30, 2025, Provident Bank has assets totaling approximately $24.83 billion, serving businesses and consumers across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania [6]. Leadership Transition - Mr. Lyons will continue in his roles until a successor is appointed and will assist in an advisory capacity during the transition [3]. - The bank has initiated a nationwide search for a replacement, engaging an executive search firm to aid in the process [3]. Contributions of Thomas M. Lyons - Mr. Lyons has served as CFO since 2011 and has been instrumental in the bank's growth, contributing to an increase in assets from $6 billion at the time of the First Savings Bank merger in 2004 to nearly $25 billion today [4]. - His leadership has been recognized for delivering top-tier financial performance and creating long-term shareholder value [4]. Future Outlook - Mr. Lyons expressed confidence in Provident's ability to continue generating sustainable, profitable growth and building long-term value for shareholders [6].

Core Insights - Provident Bank has launched the "We Wear Jeans for a Cause" program, which is an employee-funded initiative aimed at supporting local nonprofit organizations [1][3] - The initiative raised a total of $80,000, which was distributed among five local nonprofit organizations in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania [3] Group 1: Financial Contributions - The funds were allocated to various organizations, including: - Queens Community House: $10,000 for housing initiatives in Queens, NY [4] - Isles, Inc.: $20,000 to expand affordable housing and community programs in Mercer County, NJ [4] - PRAHD: $20,000 for affordable housing development in Perth Amboy, NJ [4] - New Bethany: $15,000 to support a soup kitchen addressing food insecurity in Bethlehem, PA [4] - Rising Tide Community Loan Fund: $15,000 for small business lending initiatives in Lehigh, PA [4] Group 2: Organizational Impact - Leonardo Ramos, First Vice President and CRA Officer at Provident Bank, emphasized that the funds will enable these organizations to continue their essential work and expand their impact [3] - The initiative reflects the bank's commitment to community involvement and support for local businesses, contributing to the growth and vitality of the communities it serves [3] Group 3: Company Background - Provident Bank, founded in 1839, is the oldest community-focused financial institution in New Jersey, with assets of $24.83 billion as of September 30, 2025 [4][5] - The bank operates over 140 branches across New Jersey and parts of New York and Pennsylvania, offering a range of financial solutions and services [5]

Core Insights - Businesses are shifting from a "wait and see" approach to active expansion and investment in 2026, driven by increased confidence in the economy and their own operations [1][2][3] Business Sentiment - Over 50% of business owners believe the U.S. economy will improve this year, and over 60% expect their own businesses to be in better shape [2] - The transition from passive optimism to active investment is evident, with business owners now funding their growth strategies [3] Capital Expenditures - 70% of businesses plan to increase capital expenditures in 2026, up from 68% last year, with significant spending plans rising from 11% to 19% [7] Hiring Trends - 57% of businesses intend to increase hiring, an increase from 53% last year, with those planning a "significant increase" in staff rising from 8% to 17% [7] AI Adoption - Engagement with AI tools is increasing, with 58% of businesses either using or planning to adopt AI in 2026, up from 41% last year [7] Challenges - Inflation remains the top concern for business owners, though concern has decreased from 60% to 49%. Political and policy uncertainty has risen, with 37% citing it as a key challenge, up from 29% [4][5] Generational Insights - Younger leaders, particularly Gen Z, are more optimistic, with 44% expecting their businesses to be in "much better shape," compared to 14.5% of Boomers [7]

Core Viewpoint - Provident Financial Services, Inc. is set to release its financial results for Q4 and full year 2025 on January 27, 2026, after market close, with a conference call scheduled for January 28, 2026, to discuss these results [1][2]. Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, will be available on the company's website immediately after the release [1]. - A conference call for investors will take place on January 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss the financial results [2]. Conference Call Details - Participant dial-in numbers for the conference call include a North America toll-free number (888) 412-4131 and an international toll number +1(646) 960-0134 [2]. - A replay of the call will be available starting at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on January 28, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on February 11, 2026 [3]. - The call will also be archived on the company's website for one year [4]. Company Overview - Provident Financial Services, Inc. reported assets of $24.8 billion as of September 30, 2025 [5]. - The company operates a network of full-service branches in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and parts of New York [5]. - It provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through Provident Protection Plus, Inc. [5].

Core Insights - CEO.CA is a leading investor social network focused on junior resource and venture stocks, providing exclusive updates and insights to CEOs of junior mining explorers [1][5] - The platform has gained popularity since its founding in 2012, attracting millions of users globally who engage in discussions about stocks, commodities, and emerging companies [2][5] Company Overview - CEO.CA is a wholly owned subsidiary of EarthLabs, Inc., and is recognized as one of the most popular free financial websites and apps in Canada [2][5] - The platform facilitates connections among investors from over 164 countries, promoting knowledge sharing and investment opportunities [5] Industry Engagement - The 'Inside the Boardroom' series offers interviews with industry leaders, providing insights into their vision, challenges, and strategies [3] - The series features executives like Dr. Ewan Webster, President & CEO of Thesis Gold Inc., highlighting the importance of direct communication between investors and company leaders [3] Community and Features - CEO.CA emphasizes community engagement, allowing users to follow discussions and share insights on various investment topics [2][5] - The platform is accessible via mobile applications on iOS and Android, enhancing user experience and engagement [5]

Core Insights - Provident Bank has announced the appointment of two new executives and the promotion of two leaders, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable growth, technology investment, customer experience, and community impact [1] Executive Appointments and Promotions - Satish Harikrishnan has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, responsible for the bank's technology strategy, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity [3] - Shyam Nair has joined as Senior Vice President, Head of Data, Analytics, and Data Governance, tasked with defining and executing the organization's data strategy [7] - Linda Martin has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Regional Sales Manager for the Central Region, focusing on branch and regional sales goals and customer experience [11] - Andrew Markey has joined as Senior Vice President, Team Leader, Commercial Real Estate, responsible for originating and structuring commercial real estate transactions [15] Achievements and Contributions - Under Harikrishnan's leadership, the bank has strengthened its technology foundation, including the establishment of a Network Operations Center and the Enterprise Architecture function [4][5] - Nair brings over 20 years of experience in technology strategy and transformation, having previously modernized Texas Capital's data and analytics ecosystem [8][9] - Martin has demonstrated exceptional leadership since joining Provident in 2023, focusing on team and customer needs [12][13] - Markey has over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate lending, previously growing the loan portfolio at Valley Bank [16][17] Company Overview - Provident Bank, founded in 1839, is the oldest community-focused financial institution in New Jersey, with assets of $24.83 billion as of September 30, 2025 [18]

Group 1 - Riverwater Partners' Small Cap Strategy reported solid results for Q3 2025 but lagged behind the benchmark due to the market's preference for lower-quality companies [1] - The strategy focuses on higher-quality companies with strong fundamentals, consistent revenue, and a clear path to profitability, positioning itself well in a challenging market [1] - The fund's top 5 holdings can be reviewed to identify its best investment picks for 2025 [1] Group 2 - Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS) is highlighted as a key stock, with a one-month return of 16.88% and a 52-week gain of 4.26% [2] - As of December 15, 2025, Provident Financial Services, Inc. had a stock price of $21.05 and a market capitalization of $2.75 billion [2] - Provident Financial Services, Inc. operates as a full-service community-oriented bank with over 140 branches and manages approximately $25 billion in assets following its acquisition of Lakeland Bancorp in 2024 [3]

Company Overview - Proactive is a financial news publisher that provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2] - The company has a team of experienced and qualified news journalists who produce independent content [2] Market Focus - Proactive specializes in medium and small-cap markets while also covering blue-chip companies, commodities, and broader investment stories [3] - The content delivered includes insights across various sectors such as biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging digital and EV technologies [3] Technology Adoption - Proactive is recognized for its forward-looking approach and enthusiastic adoption of technology to enhance workflows [4] - The company utilizes automation and software tools, including generative AI, while ensuring that all content is edited and authored by humans [5]