SES AI Corp Delivers Q1 2026 Business Update: Revenue Beats Estimates, Guidance Affirmed

Key Highlights

• Q1 2026 revenue expected at \$6.3 million to \$6.5 million — above consensus estimates.
• Full year 2026 revenue guidance maintained at \$30 million to \$35 million.
• Strong momentum in the ESS (Energy Storage Systems) business, especially with UZ Energy.
• First quarter includes \$1.5 million in revenue from orders delayed from Q4 2025 due to logistics issues.
• Contributions from three business units: ESS, drones, and advanced materials.
• Company reiterates commitment to a capex-light business model and financial discipline.
• First quarter 2026 results will be formally reported after market close on April 23, 2026, with a conference call scheduled at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Detailed Business Update

SES AI Corp (NYSE: SES), a global leader in AI-enhanced Li-Metal and Li-ion battery development and manufacturing, has provided a preliminary update for the first quarter of 2026. The company expects revenues between \$6.3 million and \$6.5 million, surpassing published consensus estimates and indicating robust performance to start the year.

The primary driver for this revenue beat is the ESS product revenue from UZ Energy, which continues to be SES AI’s largest near-term revenue-generating business. There were also smaller but notable contributions from the company’s drone and subscription revenue streams.

Notably, the Q1 results include approximately \$1.5 million in revenue from orders that experienced delays in Q4 2025, primarily due to logistics constraints. These orders have now been fulfilled and recognized in the current quarter, providing a one-time boost to reported numbers.

Full Year Guidance and Strategic Outlook

SES AI has reaffirmed its previously issued full year 2026 revenue guidance of \$30 million to \$35 million. This guidance reflects anticipated contributions from all three business units: ESS, drones, and advanced materials. Management emphasizes the company’s focus on capital efficiency, highlighting their “capex-light” business model which aims to drive growth while minimizing capital expenditures.

Founder and CEO Qichao Hu expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory, stating, “We are pleased to start 2026 with strong momentum in our ESS business. Our first quarter results are expected to come in above expectations, driven by the continued execution of UZ Energy and growing demand for our commercial and industrial energy storage solutions.” Hu also noted the promising pipeline of opportunities across all business units and reiterated SES AI’s commitment to shareholder value, financial discipline, and further development of their proprietary Molecular Universe platform.

Important Information for Shareholders

• Revenue Beat: Exceeding consensus estimates for Q1 2026 could act as a positive catalyst for the share price.
• Revenue Delay Impact: Approximately \$1.5 million in delayed orders from Q4 2025 were recognized in Q1 2026. Investors should be aware that this provides a one-off lift to the quarter’s results.
• Ongoing Guidance: The reaffirmation of full-year revenue guidance provides stability and visibility, which is typically valued by shareholders and may support share price stability.
• Upcoming Earnings Call: Investors will have the opportunity to hear further details and ask questions during the earnings call scheduled for April 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Access instructions are available on the company’s investor relations website.
• Risks and Cautions:
  • Preliminary results are unaudited and subject to change following final accounting procedures.
  • Forward-looking statements involve substantial risks, including supply chain challenges, integration risks related to Shenzhen UZ Energy Co., Ltd., evolving markets for drones and energy storage, potential regulatory and operational risks, and the need to maintain effective internal controls.
  • SES AI has previously identified material weaknesses in internal controls, which may persist.
  • Delisting risk exists if SES fails to meet NYSE requirements, which could affect trading liquidity and share price.

About SES AI

SES AI is a pioneering battery technology company, focusing on advanced Li-Metal batteries enhanced by AI. The company operates globally, with headquarters in Boston and facilities in Singapore, Shanghai, and Seoul. SES AI is the first battery company to embed superintelligent AI across all aspects of its business, from R&D to manufacturing and battery health monitoring.

Investors are encouraged to monitor SES AI’s website and investor relations site for the latest updates.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Webcast: SES AI Investor Relations
Phone Access:

• United States (Toll Free): 800-715-9871
• International: +1 646-307-1963
• Access Code: 2990899

Replay: Available shortly after the call at the above website.

Disclaimer

This article contains forward-looking statements and is for informational purposes only. The financial results discussed are preliminary, unaudited, and subject to change following the completion of accounting procedures. Investors should consider the inherent risks and uncertainties disclosed by SES AI in its SEC filings. This is not an offer to buy or sell securities. Please consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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