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Trade Desk Hits 5-Year Low After Target Cut as CFO Turmoil and AI Competition Weigh

Attention shifts to the late‑February earnings report following a surprise CFO ouster.

Overview

  • Shares fell as much as 10.7% during Tuesday trading after KeyBanc cut its price target to $40 from $88 while maintaining an overweight rating.
  • The stock is down roughly 78%–80% from its December 2024 peak near $141, recently trading in the high‑$20s to low‑$30s.
  • The company terminated CFO Alex Kayyal after about five months, the second CFO exit in less than a year, and management reaffirmed fourth‑quarter guidance at the time.
  • Bearish voices cite slowing digital ad spending and AI‑driven competition from larger platforms, with Jim Cramer calling the shares "not worth the risk."
  • Supporters counter that revenue is still growing at a double‑digit pace and highlight roughly $1.4 billion in cash with no debt, arguing the selloff offers a buying opportunity.