ESS Tech Reports Q1 Loss Amid Revenue Decline
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 04 2026
0mins
Source: Businesswire
ESS Tech Inc's stock fell by 48.79% as it crossed below the 5-day SMA, reflecting investor concerns following disappointing earnings results.
The company's Q1 2026 earnings report revealed a significant revenue decline of 78% year-over-year, totaling only $128,000, which was below market expectations. Additionally, ESS Tech reported a GAAP EPS of -$0.54, missing estimates by $0.25, raising concerns about its profitability and future cash flow. Despite these challenges, ESS Tech signed a letter of intent with Alsym Energy to develop next-generation battery solutions, indicating potential for future growth.
The negative market reaction to the earnings report, coupled with the substantial revenue drop, suggests that ESS Tech may face difficulties in securing financing and investor confidence in the near term, despite its strategic partnerships aimed at long-term growth.
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About GWH
ESS Tech, Inc. is a long-duration energy storage company specializing in iron flow battery technology. The Company designs and produces long-duration batteries using earth-abundant materials. Its batteries provide flexibility to grid operators and energy assurance for commercial and industrial customers. Its technology addresses energy delivery, duration, and cycle-life in a single battery platform that compares favorably to lithium-ion batteries. Using its iron flow battery technology, the Company is developing two products, such as the Energy Warehouse and Energy Center. Energy Center solutions are designed specifically for utilities, independent power producers (IPPs), and large commercial and industrial consumers. The Company’s batteries are non-flammable and non-toxic and can operate in a wide range of temperatures from -15 degrees Celsius (C) to 50 degrees C with minimal auxiliary loads.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
ESS Tech, Inc. Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights
- Financial Overview: Revenue for Q1 2026 was $128,000, down 78% from $599,000 in the prior year due to fewer customer equipment deliveries, indicating challenges in market demand for the company.
- Cost Control Success: Total operating expenses decreased by $3.3 million, or 33%, to $6.7 million, while net loss was $15.9 million and adjusted EBITDA loss was $10.3 million, reflecting some progress in cost management despite ongoing financial losses.
- Strategic Partnership: ESS signed a letter of intent with Alsym Energy to jointly develop next-generation battery solutions, marking the company's entry into the short- and medium-duration battery storage market, which significantly expands its market potential.
- Project New Horizon: The 5-megawatt/50-megawatt hour pilot project with Salt River Project and Google is expected to begin manufacturing in 2026, with delivery targeted for December 2027, indicating a long-term strategic positioning in the energy storage sector.
See More
ESS Tech Reports Q1 Loss with Revenue Decline
- Earnings Miss: ESS Tech reported a Q1 GAAP EPS of -$0.54, missing estimates by $0.25, indicating significant challenges in profitability that could undermine investor confidence.
- Revenue Decline: The company generated $0.13M in revenue, a staggering 78.3% year-over-year drop, falling short of expectations by $0.27M, reflecting weak market demand and inadequate sales strategies that may strain future cash flow.
- Stock Reaction: Following the earnings report, ESS Tech's shares fell by 8%, demonstrating a negative market reaction to the company's financial performance, which could impact its ability to secure financing and future investment plans.
- Future Outlook: Despite short-term challenges, ESS Tech is actively pursuing a $9.9M contract with the U.S. Air Force and a partnership with Google, aiming to ramp up energy infrastructure by 2027, showcasing the company's commitment to long-term growth.
See More
ESS Battery System Successfully Operates in Utility Setting
- Successful Technology Validation: ESS's iron flow battery system was successfully installed and operated at Burbank Water and Power, demonstrating its effectiveness in a utility environment over a 21-month evaluation period, highlighting its strategic importance in energy storage solutions.
- Safety and Sustainability: The system utilizes iron, salt, and water, ensuring non-flammability and sustainability, which aligns with future energy safety standards while promoting American-made solutions, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
- Training and Education: Utility personnel received successful training on the operation and maintenance of the system, and the project fostered broader education and engagement around iron flow battery technology, increasing industry awareness of long-duration energy storage solutions.
- Commercialization Momentum: ESS's collaborations with Salt River Project and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory demonstrate its commercial momentum in the long-duration energy storage market, further solidifying its strategic position in renewable energy integration and grid reliability.
See More
ESS Partners with Alsym Energy to Launch Sodium-Ion Battery Solutions
- Strategic Partnership: ESS has signed a letter of intent with Alsym Energy to incorporate 8.5 GWh of sodium-ion cells and modules into its portfolio, marking its entry into the short- and medium-duration battery energy storage system market and significantly expanding its market reach.
- Technological Advantages: Alsym's sodium-ion batteries are non-flammable and thermally stable, reducing system complexity and total cost of ownership while eliminating the need for complex HVAC systems, thereby enhancing customer safety and economic viability.
- Market Potential: By combining sodium-ion and iron flow technologies, ESS is positioned to offer flexible energy storage solutions to utilities, independent power producers, and commercial customers, addressing the growing demand for renewable energy and driving comprehensive growth in the energy storage market.
- Sustainability Commitment: The integration of ESS's long-duration iron flow storage solutions with Alsym's high-performance sodium-ion technology underscores the company's commitment to advancing sustainable energy transitions, providing safe and economical alternatives that help customers move beyond the limitations of lithium-ion batteries.
See More
ESS Tech to Host Q1 2026 Financial Results Call on May 7
- Conference Call Announcement: ESS Tech has announced a conference call scheduled for May 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EDT to discuss its Q1 2026 financial results, with updates on commercial progress, customer deployments, and anticipated technology milestones expected to be shared.
- Executive Hosts: The call will be hosted by CEO Drew Buckley and CFO Kate Suhadolnik, followed by a Q&A session, enhancing interaction between investors and management, thereby increasing transparency and investor confidence.
- Webcast and Replay: The call will be available via webcast, with participants able to access presentation materials on the company's investor relations website, and a replay link will be provided to ensure that investors who cannot attend live can still obtain key information.
- Company Background: Founded in 2011, ESS Tech focuses on long-duration iron flow energy storage solutions, aiming to accelerate decarbonization through sustainable energy storage, utilizing easily sourced iron, salt, and water to build flexible storage solutions that meet increasing energy demands.
See More
ESS Tech Positioned for Growth in Renewable Energy Storage Amid Rising AI Demand
- Strategic Investments and Partnerships: ESS Tech secured a $9.9 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for 27 MWh of domestically manufactured long-duration energy storage systems, highlighting strong demand in both defense and commercial markets, thereby solidifying its market position.
- Technological Innovation and Market Demand: The Energy Base™ platform is designed to meet the growing needs of AI data centers and renewable baseload power, with expectations to drive the company’s annual manufacturing capacity to 560 MWh over the next 24 months, enhancing its competitiveness in the long-duration storage market.
- Capital Structure Optimization: The company strengthened its capital base through a $40 million financing transaction and $8.6 million raised under its at-the-market equity program, providing financial backing for future commercial expansion and demonstrating strong performance in capital markets.
- Industry Recognition and Brand Enhancement: ESS was recognized by TIME as one of America's Top GreenTech Companies for 2025 and 2026, boosting its brand image and market visibility, creating opportunities to attract more investors and customers.
See More
ESS Tech, Inc. Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights
- Financial Overview: Revenue for Q1 2026 was $128,000, down 78% from $599,000 in the prior year due to fewer customer equipment deliveries, indicating challenges in market demand for the company.
- Cost Control Success: Total operating expenses decreased by $3.3 million, or 33%, to $6.7 million, while net loss was $15.9 million and adjusted EBITDA loss was $10.3 million, reflecting some progress in cost management despite ongoing financial losses.
- Strategic Partnership: ESS signed a letter of intent with Alsym Energy to jointly develop next-generation battery solutions, marking the company's entry into the short- and medium-duration battery storage market, which significantly expands its market potential.
- Project New Horizon: The 5-megawatt/50-megawatt hour pilot project with Salt River Project and Google is expected to begin manufacturing in 2026, with delivery targeted for December 2027, indicating a long-term strategic positioning in the energy storage sector.
See More
ESS Tech Reports Q1 Loss with Revenue Decline
- Earnings Miss: ESS Tech reported a Q1 GAAP EPS of -$0.54, missing estimates by $0.25, indicating significant challenges in profitability that could undermine investor confidence.
- Revenue Decline: The company generated $0.13M in revenue, a staggering 78.3% year-over-year drop, falling short of expectations by $0.27M, reflecting weak market demand and inadequate sales strategies that may strain future cash flow.
- Stock Reaction: Following the earnings report, ESS Tech's shares fell by 8%, demonstrating a negative market reaction to the company's financial performance, which could impact its ability to secure financing and future investment plans.
- Future Outlook: Despite short-term challenges, ESS Tech is actively pursuing a $9.9M contract with the U.S. Air Force and a partnership with Google, aiming to ramp up energy infrastructure by 2027, showcasing the company's commitment to long-term growth.
See More
ESS Battery System Successfully Operates in Utility Setting
- Successful Technology Validation: ESS's iron flow battery system was successfully installed and operated at Burbank Water and Power, demonstrating its effectiveness in a utility environment over a 21-month evaluation period, highlighting its strategic importance in energy storage solutions.
- Safety and Sustainability: The system utilizes iron, salt, and water, ensuring non-flammability and sustainability, which aligns with future energy safety standards while promoting American-made solutions, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
- Training and Education: Utility personnel received successful training on the operation and maintenance of the system, and the project fostered broader education and engagement around iron flow battery technology, increasing industry awareness of long-duration energy storage solutions.
- Commercialization Momentum: ESS's collaborations with Salt River Project and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory demonstrate its commercial momentum in the long-duration energy storage market, further solidifying its strategic position in renewable energy integration and grid reliability.
See More
ESS Partners with Alsym Energy to Launch Sodium-Ion Battery Solutions
- Strategic Partnership: ESS has signed a letter of intent with Alsym Energy to incorporate 8.5 GWh of sodium-ion cells and modules into its portfolio, marking its entry into the short- and medium-duration battery energy storage system market and significantly expanding its market reach.
- Technological Advantages: Alsym's sodium-ion batteries are non-flammable and thermally stable, reducing system complexity and total cost of ownership while eliminating the need for complex HVAC systems, thereby enhancing customer safety and economic viability.
- Market Potential: By combining sodium-ion and iron flow technologies, ESS is positioned to offer flexible energy storage solutions to utilities, independent power producers, and commercial customers, addressing the growing demand for renewable energy and driving comprehensive growth in the energy storage market.
- Sustainability Commitment: The integration of ESS's long-duration iron flow storage solutions with Alsym's high-performance sodium-ion technology underscores the company's commitment to advancing sustainable energy transitions, providing safe and economical alternatives that help customers move beyond the limitations of lithium-ion batteries.
See More
ESS Tech to Host Q1 2026 Financial Results Call on May 7
- Conference Call Announcement: ESS Tech has announced a conference call scheduled for May 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EDT to discuss its Q1 2026 financial results, with updates on commercial progress, customer deployments, and anticipated technology milestones expected to be shared.
- Executive Hosts: The call will be hosted by CEO Drew Buckley and CFO Kate Suhadolnik, followed by a Q&A session, enhancing interaction between investors and management, thereby increasing transparency and investor confidence.
- Webcast and Replay: The call will be available via webcast, with participants able to access presentation materials on the company's investor relations website, and a replay link will be provided to ensure that investors who cannot attend live can still obtain key information.
- Company Background: Founded in 2011, ESS Tech focuses on long-duration iron flow energy storage solutions, aiming to accelerate decarbonization through sustainable energy storage, utilizing easily sourced iron, salt, and water to build flexible storage solutions that meet increasing energy demands.
See More
ESS Tech Positioned for Growth in Renewable Energy Storage Amid Rising AI Demand
- Strategic Investments and Partnerships: ESS Tech secured a $9.9 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for 27 MWh of domestically manufactured long-duration energy storage systems, highlighting strong demand in both defense and commercial markets, thereby solidifying its market position.
- Technological Innovation and Market Demand: The Energy Base™ platform is designed to meet the growing needs of AI data centers and renewable baseload power, with expectations to drive the company’s annual manufacturing capacity to 560 MWh over the next 24 months, enhancing its competitiveness in the long-duration storage market.
- Capital Structure Optimization: The company strengthened its capital base through a $40 million financing transaction and $8.6 million raised under its at-the-market equity program, providing financial backing for future commercial expansion and demonstrating strong performance in capital markets.
- Industry Recognition and Brand Enhancement: ESS was recognized by TIME as one of America's Top GreenTech Companies for 2025 and 2026, boosting its brand image and market visibility, creating opportunities to attract more investors and customers.
See More
