New York, January 27, 2026, 07:36 ET — Premarket
Shares of The Trade Desk, Inc. edged close to $33.81 in premarket action Tuesday, following the ad-tech company’s announcement of a new chief financial officer. The news triggered a roughly 7.5% drop in the stock during the previous session.
The sudden departure comes as investors prepare for new data and potential clues on digital ad spending. CFOs typically shape expectations around cash flow, margins, and what’s revealed—or withheld—about demand.
The company appointed Tahnil Davis, currently chief accounting officer, as interim CFO starting January 24 while it looks for a permanent replacement. CEO Jeff Green described Davis as “an exceptionally strong operator and leader.” The firm maintained its fourth-quarter forecast, expecting revenue of at least $840 million and adjusted EBITDA around $375 million—a profit metric excluding interest, taxes, and certain non-cash expenses. 1
A regulatory filing revealed that Alex Kayyal’s role as CFO and principal financial officer ended on January 24, though he is slated to stay on as a director until the company’s 2026 annual meeting. The 8-K also detailed compensation for Davis, listing a $567,000 base salary plus retention bonuses during her tenure as interim CFO. 2
Evercore ISI’s Mark Mahaney labeled the CFO switch “a negative development” in a client note. Jefferies’ James Heaney warned the upcoming earnings won’t do much to boost sentiment around the stock. 3
Shares ended Monday at $33.81, after fluctuating between a high of $36.38 and a low of $33.43. Trading volume hit roughly 24.6 million shares, per historical pricing data. 4
The Trade Desk’s slide put it among the largest losers in the S&P 500 on Monday, despite broader gains across U.S. equities. 5
Truist Securities lowered its price target to $60 from $85 on Monday but maintained a buy rating, citing near-term uncertainty tied to a CFO departure. The firm also highlighted increased competition, notably from Amazon’s demand-side platform — software enabling advertisers to purchase digital ad space via automated auctions. 6
Wells Fargo noted that the Kayyal news contributes to The Trade Desk’s “ongoing fundamental and narrative volatility,” highlighting how Wall Street views CFO changes as a key indicator of stability. 7
The stock has dropped roughly 11% in 2026 following a sharp fall last year. Analysts cite execution issues and rising competition as key factors fueling mounting concerns about the company. 8
The next move might hinge more on guidance than just hitting fourth-quarter targets. A conservative outlook on ad spending, or an extended hunt for a permanent CFO, could keep investors hesitant.
The next key event is February 25, when The Trade Desk will release its Q4 and full-year 2025 results after the market closes and hold a conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET. 9
