Fueled by real-time data from the largest car shopping site in the U.S.1, PriceVantage arms dealers with advanced pricing guidance that boosts turn times and preserves margins BOSTON, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CarGurus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CARG), the No. 1 visited automotive shopping site in the U.S.1, today announced the launch of PriceVantage, the only used vehicle pricing solution powered by real-time consumer demand data from the nation’s most visited automotive platform. The predictive pricing guidan ...

Core Insights - The payments industry is transitioning to a phase of execution at scale as the end of 2025 approaches, marked by significant milestones such as the completion of ISO 20022 migration for Fedwire and new legislation mandating speed and inclusivity in US financial infrastructure [1][2] Group 1: ISO 20022 Migration - The Fedwire Funds Service completed its migration to ISO 20022 in July 2025, aligning US high-value payments with global messaging standards, although many institutions relied on translation layers that limit the benefits of enriched data [3][5] - Future enforcement will require extended ISO data usage, compelling institutions that opted for quick fixes to reassess their strategies under tighter timelines and scrutiny [4][5] - Institutions that strategically planned for ISO 20022 are experiencing higher straight-through processing (STP) rates and fewer manual interventions, while those that did not will need to compensate for short-term thinking [4][6] Group 2: Strategic Differentiation - The adoption of ISO 20022 positions US wholesale payments closer to international standards, with banks that treat ISO as a strategic asset seeing advantages in fraud prevention, liquidity management, and customer service [5][6] - The European experience illustrates that initial minimum-compliance approaches can lead to later reinvestment as ISO matures into a competitive differentiator, a trend now emerging in the US [6]

Core Insights - Mastercard is transforming from a traditional card network into a predictive intelligence powerhouse by leveraging AI and analytics to derive insights from transaction data [1][9] - The company is utilizing AI to analyze transaction data, detect anomalies, and predict consumer trends, enhancing fraud prevention and personalization [2][9] AI and Predictive Intelligence - Mastercard's AI systems process millions of data points daily to improve decision-making for merchants and financial institutions, marking a significant shift towards intelligent payments [2] - The company is integrating predictive models into risk management, credit evaluations, and digital identity systems to enhance global commerce's speed, safety, and adaptability [3][4] Competitive Landscape - Competitors like Visa and PayPal are also adopting AI to enhance their operations, with Visa focusing on fraud detection and tailored financial solutions, while PayPal improves security and personalization through real-time data analysis [5][6][7] Financial Performance - Year-to-date, Mastercard's shares have increased by 10.2%, contrasting with a 3.8% decline in the industry [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts an 11.8% growth in Mastercard's earnings for 2025 compared to the previous year [11] Valuation Metrics - Mastercard trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 31.6, which is above the industry average of 20.2, and holds a Value Score of D [13]

Core Insights - Sprout Social has acquired NewsWhip to enhance its capabilities in predictive media intelligence, allowing brands and publishers to better navigate the digital media landscape [1][4] - The integration of NewsWhip's AI-driven insights with Sprout Social's existing solutions will provide a comprehensive view of media and social signals, enabling proactive engagement [2][7] - The acquisition is expected to accelerate Sprout Social's AI roadmap and enhance its Listening capabilities, providing real-time, actionable intelligence to its customers [6][7] Company Overview - Sprout Social is a leading provider of cloud-based social media management software, serving approximately 30,000 brands with a focus on delivering smarter business impact [8] - NewsWhip, founded in 2011, specializes in real-time media intelligence, monitoring millions of signals to help brands identify trending stories and manage crises effectively [3][4] - The acquisition will see NewsWhip's team join Sprout Social, with its CEO Paul Quigley taking on the role of General Manager for Sprout's Listening business [4] Financial Details - The acquisition of NewsWhip was valued at $55 million in cash, with an additional potential of up to $10 million in performance-based earnouts over the next two years [5] - The deal was funded through Sprout's revolving credit facility and cash reserves [5]

Core Insights - Carrier Global Corporation has been recognized as an Organization of the Year in the 2025 Excellence in Customer Service Awards for its innovative customer service initiatives [1][3] - The company's BluEdge™ Command Centers have delivered significant operational efficiencies, saving customers over $19 million and 600 million kWh in energy costs in 2024 alone [4] Group 1: BluEdge™ Command Centers - The BluEdge™ Command Centers utilize AI-driven insights and advanced connectivity to monitor and manage building operations, reducing equipment downtime and maintenance costs while enhancing occupant comfort [2][3] - Each month, the Command Centers handle over 10,000 proactive service requests and support more than 12,000 service technician calls, enabling swift resolution of issues [3] Group 2: Customer Impact - The operational efficiencies achieved through the BluEdge™ Command Centers are estimated to save customers more than $19 million and over 600 million kilowatt-hours of energy in 2024 [4] - The recognition from the Business Intelligence Group underscores Carrier's commitment to digital innovation and customer service excellence [3]