Press Release

Provident Financial Holdings Inc. Announces a Quarterly Cash Dividend

Company Release - 7/22/2004 7:04 PM ET

RIVERSIDE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2004--Provident Financial Holdings Inc. ("Company"), (Nasdaq:PROV), the holding company for Provident Savings Bank F.S.B., today announced that the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share on the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. Shareholders of record at the close of business on Aug. 17, 2004 will be entitled to receive the cash dividend. The cash dividend will be payable on Sept. 10, 2004.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain matters in this Press Release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among others, expectations of the business environment in which the Company operates, projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding the Company's mission and vision. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management expectations, and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements due to a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, the general business environment, interest rates, the California real estate market, competitive conditions between banks and non-bank financial services providers, regulatory changes, and other risks detailed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. Forward-looking statements are effective only as of the date that they are made and Provident Financial Holdings Inc. assumes no obligation to update this information.

    CONTACT: Provident Financial Holdings Inc.
             Craig G. Blunden or Donavon P. Ternes, 909-686-6060

    SOURCE: Provident Financial Holdings, Inc.