Wedbush Downgrades The Trade Desk Amid OpenAI Partnership Hype
The Trade Desk (TTD) shares tumbled 5% post-Q4 earnings despite surpassing expectations, as weak Q1 guidance of $678 million—representing just 10% growth—spooked investors. Wedbush's downgrade to 'underperform' with a $23 price target suggests 22.8% downside from current levels, following an 18% single-day rally fueled by rumors of an OpenAI collaboration.
Analysts warn the OpenAI deal euphoria is premature. While the partnership could counter AI-driven search ad erosion long-term, Wedbush contends OpenAI will likely develop its own demand-side platform, rendering TTD's intermediary role obsolete. Revenue growth slowed to 18% in 2025 from 26% the prior year as Amazon's ad business gained market share.