First Quarter 2026 Business Update Overview
SES AI Corp., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of AI-enhanced high-performance lithium-metal and lithium-ion batteries, has provided a business update for the first quarter of 2026, outlining its expected revenue performance and reaffirming its previously issued full-year guidance, signaling continued confidence in its growth trajectory and operational execution across its key business segments while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and commercialization in the rapidly evolving energy storage and electric mobility sectors
Revenue Performance and Preliminary Estimates
Based on preliminary and unaudited results, SES AI expects its first quarter 2026 revenue to fall within the range of $6.3 million to $6.5 million, exceeding published consensus estimates and reflecting stronger-than-anticipated performance during the period, with the majority of revenue driven by its energy storage systems segment, particularly through contributions from UZ Energy, which continues to serve as a primary revenue engine for the company in the near term, demonstrating consistent demand and execution momentum in commercial and industrial energy storage deployments while additional revenue streams were generated from drone-related applications and subscription-based services, highlighting the company’s diversified approach to monetization and technology deployment across multiple verticals
Impact of Delayed Orders and Operational Factors
The first quarter financial performance also includes approximately $1.5 million in revenue derived from orders that were initially expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2025 but were delayed primarily due to logistics constraints, underscoring the ongoing challenges within global supply chains while also illustrating SES AI’s ability to recover and recognize deferred revenue in subsequent periods, thereby supporting overall revenue growth and stability as the company continues to navigate operational complexities and optimize its supply chain and delivery capabilities to meet customer demand efficiently
Full Year 2026 Revenue Guidance Affirmed
SES AI has reaffirmed its previously announced full-year 2026 revenue guidance in the range of $30 million to $35 million, reinforcing management’s confidence in the company’s ability to deliver sustained growth throughout the year, with expected contributions from all three of its revenue-generating business units, including energy storage systems, drone applications, and advanced materials, reflecting a balanced and diversified business model that leverages multiple high-growth markets while maintaining alignment with long-term industry trends such as electrification, renewable energy integration, and advanced battery innovation
Business Model and Strategic Execution
The company continues to execute on its capital-efficient, capex-light business model, which emphasizes strategic partnerships, scalable technology platforms, and disciplined investment in research and development, allowing SES AI to optimize resource allocation while accelerating commercialization efforts and maintaining financial flexibility, with plans to provide additional details regarding its full-year outlook and strategic initiatives when it reports its complete first quarter financial results, offering investors deeper insights into its operational priorities, market opportunities, and long-term growth strategy
Leadership Commentary and Market Confidence
Qichao Hu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SES AI, expressed optimism regarding the company’s strong start to 2026, highlighting the momentum in its energy storage systems business as a key driver of performance and noting that first quarter results are expected to exceed market expectations due to the successful execution of projects with UZ Energy and the growing demand for commercial and industrial energy storage solutions, which continue to gain traction as businesses and utilities seek reliable, scalable, and sustainable energy infrastructure solutions to support decarbonization and energy resilience goals
Growth Opportunities Across Business Segments
Looking ahead, SES AI remains confident in its ability to achieve its full-year revenue targets and capitalize on a robust pipeline of opportunities across its three core business segments, including ESS, drones, and advanced materials, with each segment contributing to the company’s broader vision of transforming energy storage and electric transportation through cutting-edge battery technology and AI-driven innovation, while maintaining a strong emphasis on financial discipline, operational efficiency, and shareholder value creation through consistent execution and strategic expansion into high-growth markets
Innovation Through the Molecular Universe Platform
A central component of SES AI’s long-term strategy is the continued development and deployment of its proprietary Molecular Universe platform, which leverages advanced artificial intelligence to accelerate battery research and development, optimize materials discovery, and enhance overall performance and safety, enabling the company to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving battery industry while driving innovation across the entire value chain, from materials sourcing and cell design to manufacturing and battery health monitoring, positioning SES AI as a pioneer in the integration of AI and energy storage technologies
Upcoming Earnings Release and Conference Call
SES AI has announced that it will report its first quarter 2026 financial results after market close on Thursday, April 23, 2026, followed by a conference call scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day, during which management will discuss financial performance, business developments, and future outlook, providing investors and stakeholders with an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the company’s operations and strategic direction, with a live webcast available through the company’s investor relations website and options for both domestic and international participants to join via phone using designated access details
Company Overview and Global Presence
Founded in 2012, SES AI has established itself as a leading developer and manufacturer of lithium-metal batteries, with headquarters in Boston and a global operational footprint that includes key locations in Singapore, Shanghai, and Seoul, enabling the company to leverage international expertise, partnerships, and market access to drive innovation and commercialization in both ground-based and aerial electric transportation applications, while continuing to expand its presence in the global energy storage ecosystem through strategic collaborations and technological advancements
Investor Communication and Transparency
SES AI emphasizes transparency and proactive communication with investors by utilizing its official website as a primary channel for distributing material company information, including financial updates, press releases, regulatory filings, and webcast recordings, encouraging stakeholders to regularly monitor these resources alongside public disclosures to stay informed about the company’s performance and strategic developments, reflecting its commitment to maintaining strong investor relations and adherence to best practices in corporate governance and information dissemination
Preliminary Nature of Financial Results
The company has noted that the financial figures presented in this update are preliminary, estimated, and unaudited, and are subject to completion and finalization of its financial and accounting closing procedures, meaning that actual results for the three months ended March 31, 2026 may differ materially from these initial estimates, as additional information becomes available and adjustments are made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, highlighting the importance of considering these figures as indicative rather than definitive until the company releases its full and audited financial statements, ensuring clarity and accuracy in financial reporting for investors and stakeholders
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