The Trade Desk(TTD) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
The Trade DeskThe Trade Desk(US:TTD)2025-11-06 23:00

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Trade Desk reported Q3 2025 revenue of $739 million, representing an 18% year-over-year growth, and a 22% growth when excluding political spend from the previous year [40][41] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was approximately $317 million, or about 43% of revenue [40] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $221 million, or $0.45 per diluted share [42] - Free cash flow was $155 million in Q3, with a strong cash and liquidity position of about $1.4 billion at the end of the quarter [43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Connected TV (CTV) remains the largest and fastest-growing channel, representing around 50% of the business in Q3 [40] - Mobile accounted for a low 30% share, display for a low double-digit share, and audio for around 5% [40] - The Trade Desk's focus on retail media is seeing rapid scaling and strong adoption across various verticals [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America represented 87% of the business, while international markets accounted for about 13% [41] - Growth in international markets, particularly EMEA and APAC, is outpacing growth in North America [41] - Strong growth was noted in verticals such as medical health, automotive, and technology [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leading the open internet and enhancing operational efficiency through new leadership and structural changes [33][57] - Investments in AI and automation are aimed at improving campaign performance and operational productivity [19][58] - The Trade Desk is committed to building a more data-driven culture and enhancing client relationships through joint business plans (JBPs) [15][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential of the open internet and the shift towards programmatic advertising [30] - The company anticipates continued growth in CTV and audio channels, driven by premium content and authenticated audiences [40][41] - The Trade Desk expects Q4 revenue to be at least $840 million, with an estimated growth of approximately 18.5% year-over-year when excluding political ad spend [44] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased nearly $2 billion in stock since the beginning of its repurchase program, effectively offsetting dilution [43] - The introduction of new products and upgrades, such as Audience Unlimited and trading modes, is expected to drive future growth [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on Amazon as a competitor - Management clarified that while Amazon is a significant player in advertising, their focus is primarily on owned and operated inventory, which differs from The Trade Desk's emphasis on the open internet [46][49] Question: Areas for impact as new CFO - The new CFO highlighted the importance of disciplined resource allocation and a metrics-driven approach to drive growth and efficiency [52][53] Question: Broader advertising trends for 2026 - Management noted that the open internet is gaining importance, and the company is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend through its restructuring efforts [62]