Executive Chairman Christopher P. Martin of Provident Financial Services (NASDAQ: PFS) reported a sale of 1,050 shares of common stock on February 5, 2026. The shares were sold at $23.45 each, bringing the total proceeds from the trade to $24,622.
The sale comes as PFS shares have been trading near their 52-week high of $23.71. According to InvestingPro data cited with the transaction, the stock has exhibited strong momentum over the last six months, up 33.8%.
Following the February 5 sale, Martin's direct ownership in Provident stands at 600,000 shares. He additionally holds 238,014 shares indirectly through a 401(k) plan. Together these positions represent a meaningful personal stake in the company, which has a market capitalization of $3.12 billion.
Provident has a record of consistent shareholder distributions, having paid dividends for 24 consecutive years, and it currently offers a 4.07% dividend yield.
Martin also holds stock options covering 326,564 shares. Those options are fully vested and exercisable at strike prices ranging from $20.62 to $27.25.
On valuation metrics, the company is trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.72. InvestingPro analysis notes that the stock is trading slightly above its Fair Value, and interested investors can consult the Pro Research Report for more detailed financial health metrics and ProTips.
Separately, Provident Financial Services reported fourth-quarter 2025 results that exceeded analyst expectations. The company posted earnings per share of $0.64, ahead of the consensus estimate of $0.56, a 14.29% surprise. Revenue for the quarter was $225.72 million, marginally above the forecasted $225.35 million.
The earnings release provoked a notable market reaction, with the company’s shares rising significantly after the announcement. Analysts had forecast lower results, making the outperformance a positive surprise for the market. The combination of the earnings beat and the subsequent stock move underscores the need to monitor Provident’s near-term performance and market reception.
This report presents the transaction and the recent financial results as recorded. It notes the stakes held by the company’s executive chairman, the option positions that are vested and exercisable, current valuation metrics, dividend history, and the immediate market response to the latest quarterly report.
Access to additional analysis: Investors looking for a deeper assessment of Provident Financial Services can refer to the Pro Research Report for comprehensive financial health metrics and supplemental ProTips as provided by InvestingPro.