Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Provident Financial Services, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Bank (the “Bank,” together with Provident Financial Services, Inc., the “Company”).

In preparing the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition and the consolidated statements of income for the periods presented. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The allowance for credit losses and the valuation of deferred tax assets are material estimates that are particularly susceptible to near-term change.

The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for all of 2021.

Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which replaced the incurred loss methodology with the current expected credit loss methodology (“CECL”). The Company used the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under CECL.

Going forward, the impact of utilizing the CECL approach to calculate the allowance for credit losses on loans will be significantly influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecast utilized. Material changes to these and other relevant factors may result in greater volatility to the allowance for credit losses, and therefore, greater volatility to the Company’s reported earnings. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the improved economic outlook and the resulting lower allowance requirements led to reductions to the provisions for credit losses and off-balance sheet credit exposures. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the allowance for credit losses on loans.

Goodwill

GoodwillGoodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets acquired through purchase acquisitions. In accordance with GAAP, goodwill with an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate potential impairment between annual measurement dates. Goodwill is analyzed for impairment once a year. As permitted by GAAP, the Company prepares a qualitative assessment in determining whether goodwill may be impaired. The factors considered in the assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions and overall financial performance of the Company, among others. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of July 1, 2021. Based upon its qualitative assessment of goodwill, the Company concluded that goodwill was not impaired and no further quantitative analysis was warranted.