The detente between the Trade Desk and publishers is starting to look less transactional and more strategic. After years of tension over data access and margins, the ad tech vendor is now offering a clearer path - and better financial incentives - for publishers to directly access its advertisers' budgets. It's a strategic recalibration for the ad tech vendor. With Amazon and Cognitiv making aggressive plays for publisher relationships, The Trade Desk is trying to secure premium inventory outside the walled gardens.
The Trade Desk operates a cloud platform for brands and advertising agencies to manage and optimize their digital advertising campaigns. Demand for the company's services has risen steadily over the years, allowing it to post healthy increases in revenue, net income, and free cash flow.