Ben Francis

Business

Gymshark Founder Ben Francis on Billionaire Status: 'It's Just a Number on Paper'

From delivering pizzas to building a global sportswear empire, Ben Francis's journey to a $1.4 billion net worth is a modern business fable. Yet, in a candid podcast interview, the Gymshark CEO argues that equating self-worth with wealth is a 'wildly unproductive way to live,' offering a rare glimpse into the mindset behind the paper fortune.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

AI and Academia Reshape San Francisco's Showplace Square, Signaling a New Chapter for Office Market

Once a symbol of tech retrenchment, San Francisco's Showplace Square is undergoing a profound transformation. Major leases by AI firms Together AI and Physical Intelligence, coupled with Vanderbilt University's planned campus, are redefining the neighborhood as a nexus for technology, education, and innovation, offering a significant boost to the city's office recovery narrative.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Benchmark Boosts Chefs' Warehouse Target to $84, Citing 'Visible Momentum' and Expansion Drive

Analyst firm Benchmark increased its price target for specialty food distributor The Chefs' Warehouse (CHEF) to $84, maintaining a Buy rating. The move follows strong operational performance, including domestic acquisitions and double-digit international growth in the Middle East.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

A Return to Roots: Regal Holdings Revives Historic West Bend Co. Name for Wisconsin Cookware Manufacturing

In a strategic move emphasizing its heritage, Regal Holdings has rebranded its core manufacturing division as the historic West Bend Co., underscoring a commitment to U.S. production and Wisconsin's industrial legacy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Benchmark Electronics Eyes Q4 Earnings Beat Amid Sector Volatility

Benchmark Electronics (NYSE:BHE) is set to report Q4 earnings after Tuesday's market close, with analysts forecasting a return to revenue growth. The electronics manufacturing services provider enters the report on a strong note, having outperformed expectations last quarter.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Anthropic Secures Major San Francisco Tower in $111M Deal, Signaling AI Sector's Enduring Urban Footprint

The high-flying AI firm, now valued at $183 billion, has leased a 25-story tower in SoMa for a massive expansion, underscoring San Francisco's continued pull as a tech epicenter despite market shifts.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Advocate Health Announces Major Compensation Overhaul, Boosting Minimum Wage and Benefits Across Six States

Advocate Health, the nation's third-largest nonprofit health system, is investing over $800 million in enhanced compensation and benefits for its 165,000+ employees, raising its minimum wage and expanding tuition aid, mental health support, and paid volunteer time.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Disney Taps Wall Street Veteran Ben Swinburne for Key Strategy and Investor Role

The Walt Disney Company has appointed former Morgan Stanley media analyst Benjamin Swinburne to lead its investor relations and corporate strategy divisions, a move seen as strengthening its financial communications amid industry transformation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Diageo Considers Exiting Indian Cricket, Weighs Sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL Franchise

Global spirits giant Diageo is exploring a sale of its high-profile Indian Premier League cricket franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as part of a strategic review of its Indian assets. Major private equity firms are circling, signaling strong interest in one of sports' most valuable properties.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Benchmark Names T-Mobile (TMUS) a 2026 Best Idea

T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) ranks among the most promising QQQ stocks according to hedge funds. On January 21, Benchmark reaffirmed its Buy rating on T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) with a $295 price target, classifying the telecom provider as a “2026 Benchmark Best Idea.” The firm remains confident that T-Mobile’s network strengths and potential for expanded […]

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Deutsche Bank Eyes Return to Life Insurance with Potential Stake in Frankfurter Leben

Deutsche Bank and its asset manager DWS are in preliminary talks to acquire a significant minority stake in Fosun-owned Frankfurter Leben, signaling a strategic reversal a decade after exiting the sector.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

San Francisco Rental Market Roars Back, Leading Nation in Price Surge

Fueled by a return-to-office push and AI sector optimism, San Francisco rents are climbing at their fastest rate in over a decade, starkly contrasting with cooling prices in Los Angeles.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

How Returning to Work Could Boost Your Social Security Benefits

For retirees seeking to increase their monthly income, re-entering the workforce may offer a path to higher Social Security payments—with important considerations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

NBT Bancorp's Q4: Analysts Probe Merger Benefits and Future Growth Amid Steady Earnings

NBT Bancorp met Q4 earnings expectations, driven by its Evans Bancorp merger and wealth management income. While the market reaction was muted, analysts pressed management on loan growth sustainability, deposit costs, and the competitive landscape in a challenging rate environment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Millennials' Retirement Readiness: The $67,300 401(k) Benchmark and What It Really Means

Fidelity data reveals the average millennial 401(k) balance stands at $67,300. While the figure may seem modest, financial experts argue it represents a solid foundation for a generation that entered the workforce during economic turmoil.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Columbia Distributing's Acquisition of Point Blank to Affect 177 Jobs in Oregon, Facilities in Bend and Eugene to Close

The planned acquisition of craft beverage distributor Point Blank by industry giant Columbia Distributing will result in the closure of two Oregon facilities and impact 177 workers, despite assurances of a 'seamless' transition for partners.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Social Security Tax Cap Rises to $184,500 in 2026: What It Means for Your Paycheck and Future Benefits

A scheduled increase in the taxable wage base for Social Security will impact earnings up to $184,500 next year, altering tax liabilities for higher earners and potentially widening the retirement savings gap for millions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Adyen Doubles Down on Strategic Partnerships Amid Stock Slump, Expanding U.S. Benefit Access and Asia-Pacific Footprint

Dutch payments giant Adyen is forging ahead with two key partnerships—enabling SNAP EBT payments in the U.S. with Forage and launching embedded solutions in Asia-Pacific with Raptor—as it seeks to reignite growth while its shares languish well below historic highs.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beneath the Calm: The 2026 Logistics Landscape Demands New Strategies as Hidden Costs Rise

While carrier capacity and reliability show signs of recovery, a new FreightWaves white paper reveals a more complex and unforgiving cost environment emerging for 2026. Shippers must navigate a labyrinth of rules, fees, and contract nuances that are quietly driving up expenses.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Benchmark: Two S&P 500 Stocks with Momentum and One Facing Headwinds

The S&P 500 is home to market leaders, but not all its constituents are created equal. We examine one company navigating challenges and two others positioned for potential growth, providing context on their valuations and market positions.

Feb 2, 2026