SES AI (NYSE: SES) grows Q2 revenue over 40% and reaffirms 2026 outlook
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
SES AI Corporation reported second quarter 2026 results and appointed a new independent director. Revenue for the quarter was $5.1 million, up from $3.5 million a year earlier, with management stating Q2 revenue grew by more than 40% year over year. GAAP gross margin improved to 22.6%, compared with 18.1% in the first quarter of 2026, helped by Energy Storage Systems (ESS) product mix and pricing discipline. The company reaffirmed its full‑year 2026 revenue guidance of $30–$35 million and expects consolidated gross margin of approximately 15%.
SES reported a GAAP net loss of $17.9 million for the quarter, or $0.05 per share, and a non‑GAAP net loss of $13.1 million, or $0.04 per share. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $14.6 million. Cash, cash equivalents and short‑term investments totaled approximately $163 million at quarter end, and management believes this provides a runway to fund operations and 2026 growth initiatives. Strategically, SES highlighted commercial progress in ESS, drones and its Molecular Universe AI4Materials platform, including its first “Search‑in‑a‑Box” subscription revenue. The Board appointed Paul Diemer as a Class II director, adding power and data‑center industry experience.
Positive
- Q2 revenue grew more than 40% year over year, reaching $5.1 million versus $3.5 million in Q2 2025, reflecting initial commercial traction across ESS, drone cells, materials and Molecular Universe.
- GAAP gross margin improved to 22.6% in Q2 2026 from 18.1% in Q1 2026, driven primarily by ESS products, a higher mix of international sales and continued pricing discipline.
- Operating expenses declined 26% year over year in Q2 2026, and management aims to sustain an operating expense reduction of more than 20% year over year.
- The company reaffirmed full‑year 2026 revenue guidance of $30–$35 million and expects consolidated gross margin of approximately 15%, signaling confidence in its multi‑product growth pipeline.
- SES ended Q2 2026 with approximately $163 million in cash, cash equivalents and short‑term investments, which management describes as providing a runway to fund operations and pursue growth initiatives, including potential M&A.
Negative
- Despite revenue growth, SES reported a GAAP net loss of $17.9 million in Q2 2026 and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $14.6 million, highlighting that the business remains materially loss‑making.
- Quarter‑over‑quarter revenue declined from $6.7 million in Q1 2026 to $5.1 million in Q2 2026, and non‑GAAP net loss widened sequentially, partly due to lower revenue and a bad‑debt provision.
- Net cash used in operating activities was $33.6 million for the first six months of 2026, similar to the prior‑year period, indicating continued significant cash burn.
- Accumulated deficit increased to $401.9 million as of June 30, 2026, and total stockholders’ equity attributable to SES fell from $214.8 million to $187.1 million since December 31, 2025.
Filing Explained
The exhibits are furnished rather than filed, while the Class A share count is higher at June 30, 2026 without established issuance mechanics.
This Form 8-K reports specified material events; its shareholder letter and press release are furnished as exhibits, and the filing says their contents are not deemed filed under Section 18.
The balance sheet reports Class A shares issued and outstanding of 327,266,996 on
Accordingly, this disclosure establishes the two share counts, not the transition from one count to the other.
The specific unresolved line item is the Class A shares issued and outstanding; a later filing that explains the transition would determine whether the change carries dilution mechanics.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
Adjusted EBITDA financial
NDAA-compliant regulatory
Sponsor Earn-Out liabilities financial
Search-in-a-Box technical
edge-box-enabled ESS systems technical
on-premises technical
Earnings Snapshot
Company reaffirmed full-year 2026 revenue guidance of $30–$35 million and expects consolidated gross margin of approximately 15%.
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