TransUnion’s latest consumer survey of 3,076 U.S. adults finds that 39% of respondents plan to purchase a vehicle in the next 12 months, with 80% of those buyers expecting to transact within one year. Among prospective buyers, 65% intend to trade in their current vehicle, which could add materially to used-car inventory and help relieve supply constraints. The data show 87% of planned transactions will be purchases rather than leases, though leasing interest is pronounced among younger cohorts—17% of Gen Z and Millennials plan to lease versus just 7% of Baby Boomers. These trends have underpinned rising auto-loan originations in 2025, particularly in super-prime and subprime segments, despite persistent affordability challenges cited by 53% of non-buyers and economic uncertainty highlighted by 44%.

TransUnion has signed a definitive agreement to acquire RealNetworks’ mobile division, a transaction expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approval. The deal will bring advanced AI/ML capabilities and real-time analytics for text, multimedia messages and voice calls, enhancing fraud-prevention solutions that address a global mobile-phone fraud loss exceeding $80 billion annually. RealNetworks’ KONTXT® platform has already blocked more than eight billion spam and scam messages, and integration with TransUnion’s Trusted Call Solutions will enable verified brand information, cloned-voice detection and secure branded calls. Funding will come from existing cash on hand, and management expects no material impact on leverage or 2026 operating results.