10-Q · May 7, 2026
GWH reported significant misses in Q1 2026 earnings, with revenue of $128,000, falling short of the $400,000 estimate, and an EPS loss of $(0.54), exceeding the consensus loss estimate of $(0.29). The company continues…
Earnings analysis · 10-Q
GWH earnings analysis
Filed August 11, 2026 · Our reading of the company's report
The latest report
ESS delivered very weak Q2 operating results: revenue fell to $73 thousand, down 43% sequentially and 96% year over year, while the $(0.46) EPS loss missed consensus despite improving from prior periods. First-half…
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ESS delivered very weak Q2 operating results: revenue fell to $73 thousand, down 43% sequentially and 96% year over year, while the $(0.46) EPS loss missed consensus despite improving from prior periods. First-half operating cash burn improved to $22.4 million from $30.6 million, but cash and short-term investments were only $10.8 million and management disclosed substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The sodium-ion opportunity and cost-conservation plan provide potential strategic upside, but execution, financing, supplier litigation and NYSE listing risks remain acute.
Gross and operating margin
How much of each revenue dollar the business keeps.
One point per quarterly or annual filing. Both margins are shares of that report's revenue.
How we read each report
Our analysis across the last few reports.
Our model's reading of each filing, not the share price or the market's reaction. Annual and quarterly reports each occupy one position.
Reported figures
- Earnings per share
- $-0.46
What stood out
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Revenue declined sharply
Q2 revenue was $73 thousand, down approximately 43% from $128 thousand in Q1 2026 and approximately 96% from $2.0 million in Q2 2025. Revenue also missed the $100 thousand consensus estimate by 27%.
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EPS loss improved year over year
Diluted EPS was $(0.46), compared with $(0.54) in Q1 2026 and $(0.90) in Q2 2025, representing sequential and year-over-year improvement of $0.08 and $0.44, respectively, although EPS missed the $(0.44) consensus estimate.
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Cost actions show mixed progress
Operating expenses increased 19% to $7.7 million in the quarter, while first-half operating expenses declined 12% year over year, indicating cost reductions are emerging over a longer measurement period but have not yet offset the very low revenue base.
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First-half cash burn improved
Cash used in operating activities was $22.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, improved from $30.6 million in the prior-year period, a $8.2 million reduction in operating cash burn.
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Sodium-ion strategy expands
The company identified potential sodium-ion BESS opportunities approaching $1 billion and is reallocating resources toward sodium-ion BESS while streamlining Wilsonville operations and reducing headcount and operating expenses.
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Controls remained effective
Disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2026, and the company reported no changes in internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, controls during the quarter.
What to watch
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Going-concern liquidity risk
Management concluded that substantial doubt exists about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern for at least 12 months. Cash and cash equivalents plus short-term investments were $10.8 million at June 30, 2026, while six-month operating cash use was $22.4 million.
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Supplier claim creates liability risk
A supplier demand letter resulted in a recorded contingent loss of $1.75 million in accrued and other current liabilities as of June 30, 2026. Management believes it has meritorious defenses, but stated the ultimate loss may differ materially from the amount accrued.
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NYSE listing compliance risk
The company received an NYSE notice because its 30-trading-day average closing share price was $0.98 as of June 8, 2026, below the $1.00 minimum. It has six months, subject to applicable extensions and conditions, to regain compliance and is considering a reverse stock split.
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Persistent losses and dilution
The company reported net losses of $31.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026 and an accumulated deficit of $877.3 million as of that date, underscoring the risk that additional financing may be unavailable or materially dilutive.
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Sodium-ion pipeline may not convert
Sodium-ion BESS opportunities are based on preliminary discussions, indications of interest, market assessments and customer forecasts and do not represent committed orders or guaranteed future revenue. Customer adoption may be delayed by testing and qualification requirements.
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Tariffs threaten supply costs
The company disclosed that current and recent tariffs include tariffs of up to 10% or 12.5% on imported commodities from 60 U.S. trading partners, in addition to preexisting tariffs, potentially increasing component costs and causing supply shortages or delivery delays.
Management's outlook
No quantitative forward revenue or EPS guidance was provided in the 10-Q; outlook was deferred to the earnings press release/call.
Earlier filings 4
10-K · March 5, 2026
ESS Tech (GWH) presents a technology-led strategy focused on iron flow long-duration energy storage (Energy Base and power trains) leveraging a Proton Pump and a >20,000-cycle design, backed by a large patent portfolio…
10-Q · August 14, 2025
ESS Tech reported Q2 revenue of $2,358,000 (up from $348,000 in Q2 2024 and $599,000 in Q1 2025) with a continuing large operating loss of $11,557,000 and GAAP EPS of $(0.90). Gross and operating margins improved…
10-Q · May 15, 2025
ESS Tech reported Q1 2025 revenue of $599,000 (vs. $2,738,000 in Q1 2024), producing a gross loss of $8.147 million and an operating loss of $18.146 million. Net loss was $18.026 million, or $(1.50) per share. Cash and…
This is our reading of a public filing, not the filing itself. Analysis can contain errors; check the source document for full context.