Implications for new physics from a novel puzzle in $bar{B}_{(s)}^0 to D^{(ast)+}_{(s)} lbrace pi^-, K^- rbrace$ decays

Recently, the standard model predictions for the $B$-meson hadronic decays, $bar{B}^0 to D^{(ast)+}K^-$ and $bar{B}^0_s to D^{(ast)+}_s pi^-$, have been updated based on the QCD factorization approach. This improvement sheds light on a novel puzzle in the $B$-meson hadronic decays: there are mild but universal tensions between data and the predicted branching ratios. Assuming the higher-order QCD corrections are not huge enough to solve the tension, we examine several new physics interpretations of this puzzle. We find that the tension can be partially explained by a left-handed $W^prime$ model, which can be compatible with other flavor observables and collider bounds.