In a surprising market reaction, The Trade Desk saw its shares decline by nearly 4% in after-hours trading despite reporting third-quarter 2025 results that substantially exceeded analyst projections. The advertising technology firm not only delivered robust performance metrics but also raised its forward guidance, creating a puzzling disconnect between operational success and investor sentiment.
Financial Performance Exceeds Expectations
The company posted $739 million in revenue for the third quarter, representing an 18% year-over-year increase and comfortably surpassing the $719.55 million consensus estimate among market analysts. Profitability metrics similarly impressed, with adjusted earnings per share reaching $0.45 compared to projections of $0.44 and the previous year’s $0.41. The company maintained strong operational efficiency with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 43%.
Despite these impressive figures, investor response was decidedly tepid. The stock retreated approximately 3.77% following the earnings release, with market observers characterizing the trading pattern as “volatile.” This suggests that market participants may have been anticipating even stronger results or that broader economic concerns overshadowed the positive report.
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Strategic Initiatives and Market Position
Jeff Green, Chief Executive Officer of The Trade Desk, expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory, stating, “Q3 represented another solid quarter for The Trade Desk.” He highlighted innovations on the company’s Kokai platform and the expanding influence of artificial intelligence throughout the advertising sector as primary growth catalysts. Notably, the organization maintained its exceptional client retention rate above 95% for the eleventh consecutive quarter, demonstrating the platform’s strong value proposition.
In a further demonstration of financial health and management confidence, the board authorized a new $500 million share repurchase program, signaling belief in the company’s long-term value creation potential.
Forward Outlook and Market Expectations
Looking ahead to the final quarter of 2025, management provided revenue guidance of at least $840 million with adjusted EBITDA projected around $375 million. This outlook exceeds current analyst expectations of approximately $831 million in quarterly revenue. Whether this upgraded forecast will alleviate investor concerns remains uncertain, with the next significant milestone being the full-year 2025 results announcement.
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