Provident Financial Services Passes Through 5% Yield Mark

Core Viewpoint - Provident Financial Services is currently yielding above 5% based on its quarterly dividend, which is annualized to $0.96, making it an attractive option for investors focused on dividend income [1]. Group 1: Dividend Importance - Dividends have historically contributed significantly to the total return of the stock market, highlighting their importance for investors [1]. - An example illustrates that an investment in the iShares Russell 3000 ETF from 2000 to 2012 resulted in a nominal loss, but dividends collected over the same period provided a total return of 13.15% [1]. Group 2: Company Status - Provident Financial Services is a member of the Russell 3000, indicating its status as one of the largest companies in the U.S. stock markets [1]. - The predictability of dividend amounts can vary based on the company's profitability, which is relevant for assessing the sustainability of the current yield [2].