Trade Desk (TTD) is projected to be the worst-performing S&P 500 stock of the year, with shares down nearly 70% in 2025. Analysts warn that rising costs and AI threats will continue to weigh on the ad-tech firm in 2026. Jefferies analyst James Heaney believes that TTD must invest heavily in infrastructure and engineers to compete in the AI era, but profit margins may suffer as a result. Additionally, AI disintermediation remains a concern, as evolving tools could allow brands to buy ads directly from platforms like Disney and Google, bypassing Trade Desk. Despite these warnings, other analysts maintain a “Moderate Buy” rating on TTD stock, with a mean target indicating potential upside of more than 65%.

Read more at Barchart: The Worst-Performing S&P 500 Stock in 2025 Is Down 70%. Should You Buy the Dip?