Investment Overview - Bank of Ireland has invested over €370 million ($434.8 million) in its Retail Ireland division as part of its strategic cycle from 2023 to 2025, focusing on areas such as fraud prevention, technology upgrades, and customer relationship management systems [1] New Products and Services - The bank introduced several new products, including EcoSaver, a mortgage based on Building Energy Ratings (BER), and Smart Start, a current account for children and young teenagers [2] - The 'Coming to Ireland' service allows prospective customers to apply for a current account up to 45 days before relocating, with 2,500 consumers from 120 countries utilizing this service since its launch in April [2] Lending Products - A new lending product has been rolled out to support homeowners trading down, aimed at improving the use of existing housing stock [3] - The bank's Retail Ireland chief executive highlighted a new mortgage type that rewards customers for enhancing their homes' energy efficiency, positioning the bank as Ireland's number one mortgage provider [3] Customer Service Enhancements - The Retail Ireland division has made its largest single investment in customer service systems and technology for frontline staff, including enhancements to telephony and CRM systems for faster service [4][5] - Branches have been refurbished, and a new ATM fleet is being rolled out to improve cash processing capacity and accessibility [4][5] Payment Services and Security - Bank of Ireland now offers SEPA Instant transfers and has implemented security measures like Verification of Payee and Fraud Payment Interrupt [6] - The bank has committed €50 million specifically to fraud prevention and has a dedicated team of 225 fraud specialists, ensuring customer support is available around the clock [6]

To ensure this doesn’t happen in the future, please enable Javascript and cookies in your browser.If you have an ad-blocker enabled you may be blocked from proceeding. Please disable your ad-blocker and refresh. ...

US-based fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain El Pollo Loco has named Robert D Wright and Tana Davila as independent members of its board of directors with effect from 1 January 2026. Wright is CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works, a role he has held since 2020. During his tenure, Potbelly has expanded its store base and built out its digital platform, leading up to its acquisition by RaceTrac in 2025. His previous experience includes senior positions at the Wendy’s Company, Charley’s Philly Steaks and Domi ...

Ben & Jerry’s has removed three members from its independent board, as part of new governance practices introduced by the iconic ice cream company. Magnum Ice Cream Company (NYSE:MICC) , which houses brands like Ben & jerry’s and Cornetto, will be enforcing a new policy that restricts the tenure of board members to nine years. As a result, Chair Anuradha Mittal, two other long-time directors, Daryn Dodson and Jennifer Henderson, will not qualify for re-election in 2026. Mittal had told Reuters earlier this ...

To ensure this doesn’t happen in the future, please enable Javascript and cookies in your browser.If you have an ad-blocker enabled you may be blocked from proceeding. Please disable your ad-blocker and refresh. ...

Core Viewpoint - First Financial has received regulatory approval for its acquisition of BankFinancial, which is valued at approximately $142 million in an all-stock deal [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition agreement allows BankFinancial shareholders to receive 0.48 shares of First Financial for each share they hold [1]. - The merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close by January 1, 2026, pending customary closing conditions and shareholder approval [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - This acquisition is aimed at expanding First Financial's presence in the Chicagoland area, where BankFinancial operates 18 financial centers [2]. - Upon completion, First Financial will take over BankFinancial's consumer and wealth management services, along with all its employees, and will add selected commercial credit lines to its existing operations [3]. Group 3: Recent Acquisitions - Last month, First Financial completed the acquisition of Westfield Bancorp and its subsidiary, Westfield Bank, in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $325 million [4]. - The retail locations and services of Westfield Bank will operate under First Financial's network until the conversion process is completed, which is anticipated by March 2026 [4].

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) stock has plunged around 41% year to date, as per data from Benzinga Pro.Novo Nordisk’s stock was significantly hit when the company shared headline results from the REDEFINE 2 phase 3 trial in the global REDEFINE program, investigating once-weekly subcutaneous CagriSema (a fixed dose combination of cagrilintide 2.4 mg and semaglutide 2.4 mg) compared to placebo.First in May, Novo Nordisk lowered its 2025 sales growth, then again in July, it further trimmed its 2025 guidance. Dur ...

Core Viewpoint - The merger between Destination XL and FullBeauty aims to create a stronger entity focused on serving plus-size women and Big + Tall men, enhancing long-term growth potential [1] Company Overview - The combined company will lead in inclusive sizing apparel, offering one of the industry's most diverse portfolios that spans from value to premium products across various lifestyles and occasions [2] - The merger is expected to leverage complementary strengths across gender, product, and channel to accelerate growth and improve operational efficiency [2] Financial Performance - The combined net sales for the last twelve months ending October 2025 were approximately $1.2 billion, with an Adjusted EBITDA of around $45 million [3] - Including expected annual run-rate cost synergies of $25 million, the combined company would have generated approximately $70 million of LTM Adjusted EBITDA [3] Shareholder Structure - Post-merger, FullBeauty and DXL shareholders will own 55% and 45% of the combined company, respectively [3] Leadership Insights - The CEO of DXL emphasized the enhanced ability to serve customers through a powerful omni-channel platform, capturing growth opportunities and leveraging cost synergies [4] - The incoming CEO of the combined company highlighted the creation of a leader in a fragmented market, focusing on innovation through data science, digital scale, and proprietary fit technology [4]

Core Insights - U.S. construction activity is entering a durable expansion phase driven by federal infrastructure spending, grid modernization, energy transition projects, and data-center development [2][4] - Companies like Sterling Infrastructure, MasTec, EMCOR, and Jacobs Solutions are positioned to benefit from this momentum due to their strong backlogs and operational capabilities [3][22] Industry Overview - The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocates approximately $350 billion for federal highway programs and up to $108 billion for public transportation programs from fiscal 2022 to 2026, supporting steady demand for engineering and construction services [2] - The shift from authorization to actual awards in federal infrastructure funding is creating sustained demand for engineering-led contractors, particularly in complex, multi-year projects [4] Company Highlights Sterling Infrastructure - Achieved 32% year-over-year revenue growth and 58% adjusted EPS growth to $3.48 in Q3 2025, with a total signed backlog of $2.6 billion, a 64% increase year-over-year [6][7] - Data-center site development is the primary growth driver, with over 125% year-over-year growth in data-center revenue [7] - Stock has gained 75% in the past year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS increasing to $11.95, indicating 14.6% growth [9] MasTec - Reported record quarterly revenue of nearly $4 billion in Q3 2025, up 22% year-over-year, with an 18-month backlog of $16.8 billion, a 21% increase [10][11] - Adjusted diluted EPS climbed nearly 48% year-over-year, with strong visibility heading into 2026 due to broad-based demand across energy and infrastructure markets [12] - Stock has gained 58.1% in the past year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS increasing to $8.12, indicating 27.3% growth [13] EMCOR - Posted record revenues of $4.3 billion in Q3 2025, up 16.4% year-over-year, with remaining performance obligations (RPOs) reaching $12.6 billion, nearly 29% higher than a year ago [14][15] - Strong operating cash flow and disciplined acquisitions enhance EMCOR's investment profile, entering 2026 with a robust setup [16] - Stock has gained 28.7% in the past year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS increasing to $27.41, indicating 8.6% growth [17] Jacobs Solutions - Exited fiscal 2025 with a record consolidated backlog of $23.1 billion, up 5.6% year-over-year, supported by a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1x [18] - Adjusted EPS rose nearly 28% year-over-year, with management guiding for mid-teens adjusted EPS growth in fiscal 2026 [20] - Stock has slipped 1.1% in the past year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 EPS has increased to $7.06, indicating 15.4% growth [21]

Group 1 - Citi's investment management unit head, Rob Jasminski, has joined BlackRock to oversee a nearly $80 billion portfolio for wealth management clients [1] - Jasminski will be accompanied by a team from Citi's investment management unit, and Kerry White will succeed him as head of Citi Investment Management [2] - Citi will continue to provide advice and support to its private banking clients previously managed by the investment management unit [2] Group 2 - BlackRock will design and implement portfolio strategies, and Citi will introduce BlackRock's Aladdin Wealth platform to its investment staff and private bankers [3] - Citi has completed the sale of approximately 25% of its equity stake in Grupo Financiero Banamex to a company owned by Fernando Chico Pardo and his family [3][4] - Fernando Chico Pardo will assume the role of Chair of Grupo Financiero Banamex following the transaction, which has received regulatory approval [4] Group 3 - The divestment of Banamex aligns with Citi's strategic priorities and allows the company to focus on its institutional business in Mexico [5] - Citigroup has appointed Tobias Akermark and Kasper Dichow to co-lead its Nordic investment banking division [5]