TransUnion - TRU STOCK NEWS

TransUnion has signed a definitive agreement to sell TransUnion Healthcare to nThrive for $1.735 billion in cash, expected to close in Q4 2021. This deal is anticipated to generate approximately $1.4 billion in after-tax proceeds. The funds will be used to pay down debt and support future acquisitions, including Neustar and Sontiq, which are aimed at enhancing long-term revenue growth. The divestiture will allow TransUnion to focus on its core information and insights business.

TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Sontiq, a leader in digital identity protection, for approximately 19 times its expected FY2021 Adjusted EBITDA. This acquisition aims to enhance TransUnion's identity solutions portfolio, expected to generate around $85 million in revenue for Sontiq in 2021. The transaction is projected to be neutral to Adjusted Diluted EPS in 2022 and accretive thereafter, offering a high-margin revenue growth potential due to synergies. It is anticipated to close in Q4 2021, subject to regulatory approvals.

Merkle has partnered with TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) to enhance Connected TV (CTV) advertising through its Merkury platform. This collaboration integrates Merkury's identity resolution capabilities with TruAudience Data Marketplace, allowing brands to use first- and third-party data for better audience targeting. As CTV popularity rises, the partnership aims to enable marketers to engage consumers more effectively. Both companies emphasize the importance of trustworthy data for advertisers and publishers to achieve scalable and accurate advertising.

TransUnion and e2Value have partnered to enhance property insurance valuations, addressing underinsurance risks. Their Pronto® solution allows clients to access real-time data on replacement costs, crucial due to ongoing pandemic-related volatility in labor and materials pricing. This collaboration aims to provide carriers with better risk assessment tools for new and existing policies, ultimately protecting consumers from potential underinsurance. The integration leverages TransUnion's existing solutions to deliver comprehensive insights for effective portfolio management.

TransUnion announces a $400,000 donation to Credit Builders Alliance to aid underrepresented communities in building credit. This initiative targets the over one billion individuals globally categorized as ‘credit invisible.’ The aim is to improve credit health, especially in the Black community, where 45% have subprime scores. The funds will support nonprofit lenders in providing small dollar loans, enhancing credit reporting capacity. TransUnion strengthens its commitment to financial inclusion, having previously contributed to educational efforts earlier in 2021.

TransUnion's new study reveals a significant opportunity in the mortgage market for low-to-moderate income (LMI) consumers, who make up about 50% of the credit-active U.S. population. With a potential of ~$300 billion in refinance and purchase originations, 95% of LMI consumers are credit eligible for mortgages. The study underscores a 38% lower likelihood for LMI consumers to secure refinancing compared to non-LMI, indicating an urgent need for lenders to bridge this gap.

Sezzle Inc. (ASX: SZL) announced an expansion of its partnership with TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) on October 14, 2021. This collaboration introduces 'Sezzle Up', allowing users to build credit by reporting repayment history to TransUnion. The initiative aims to empower users with thin or no credit history, facilitating financial well-being. Sezzle's CEO stated this step supports their mission to democratize financial freedom by aiding underserved communities. The program allows users to increase spending limits based on responsible repayment practices.

TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) appoints Bill Shields as the new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), effective immediately. Shields brings over 22 years of experience in information security, previously serving at Visa, Citadel, and Fidelity Investments. His role will involve leading a global team to enhance TransUnion's information security efforts and risk-based programs. Shields' extensive background includes developing cybersecurity strategies and overseeing significant security projects. This appointment aims to support TransUnion's rapid growth in a secure manner.

TransUnion's recent study reveals that 18.7 million U.S. consumers in financial hardship programs saw an increase in their VantageScore 4.0 credit risk scores in 2020, which represents 58% of this population. The study highlights that credit risk varies based on when consumers exited hardship status, with consumers who left these programs demonstrating better performance on new bankcard originations compared to their non-hardship counterparts. It suggests that lenders can better assess risks by applying alternative credit scores.