EV
Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NRGV)·Q3 2025 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q3 2025 revenue rose to $33.3M (+27x YoY) with GAAP gross margin at 27.0%; adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $6.0M, and total cash (incl. restricted) increased to $61.9M .
- Company reaffirmed FY2025 guidance: revenue $200–$250M, gross margin 14–16%, and year-end cash of $75–$100M; backlog stood at $920M (+112% YTD) .
- Strategic catalysts: closed $300M preferred equity with OIC to launch Asset Vault, acquired 150 MW SOSA BESS (ERCOT), and signed framework to deploy up to 1.8 GWh BESS in Europe with EU Green; Asset Vault Fund 1 targets $40M recurring adj. EBITDA by YE2027 and $100–$150M by YE2029 .
- Estimate context: Q3 revenue slightly below consensus ($33.3M vs $34.0M*) and EPS below consensus (-$0.16 GAAP vs -$0.05*)—management cited timing of U.S. battery deliveries, tariffs/macros and Australia project timelines . Values retrieved from S&P Global*.
- Near-term stock narrative: execution on Australia deliveries (Q4 ramp), monetization of ~$40M ITC, and visible Asset Vault portfolio build-out are key drivers; guidance maintained amidst macro/tariff volatility .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Asset Vault funding and execution: Closed $300M preferred equity with OIC and immediately acquired 150 MW SOSA BESS; four projects totaling 340 MW now operating or in construction, targeting $40M recurring adj. EBITDA by YE2027 and $100–$150M by YE2029 .
- Backlog and margin strength: Backlog reached $920M (+112% YTD) and GAAP gross margin was 27.0% in Q3 (32.6% YTD), reflecting favorable mix and disciplined execution .
- Cash build and financing progress: Total cash rose to $61.9M (+7% QoQ), with ~$40M of ITC proceeds expected in Q4, reinforcing liquidity for growth .
- Quote: “We are reaffirming full-year 2025 guidance… projecting $75–$100 million in cash at the end of the year… together with our strong $920 million backlog” – Robert Piconi (CEO) .
What Went Wrong
- EPS miss vs consensus: GAAP EPS was -$0.16 vs S&P consensus* -$0.05, driven by elevated G&A and OI&E items despite revenue ramp . Values retrieved from S&P Global*.
- Macro/tariff headwinds: Management cited “stop-and-starts” in U.S. battery deliveries and tariff volatility; only ~10% of backlog was exposed, but timing impacts remained .
- Opex mix: GAAP operating expenses remained high at $26.6M; adjusted opex flat at $16.2M QoQ, offset by Asset Vault start-up and Australia development costs .
Financial Results
Consolidated Metrics
Estimate Comparison (S&P Global)
Values retrieved from S&P Global*. Note: “Primary EPS” may differ from GAAP net loss per share reported in company filings.
KPIs
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “We made major progress on our ‘build-own-operate’ Asset Vault strategy… closing a $300 million non-dilutive preferred equity investment from Orion Infrastructure Capital (OIC)… we are reaffirming full-year 2025 guidance… projecting $75–$100 million in cash at the end of the year” – Robert Piconi (CEO) .
- “Q3 2025 GAAP gross margin of 27% and 32.6% year to date… adjusted opex were $16.2M, flat QoQ… expect to receive $40M of investment tax credit proceeds in Q4… backlog of $920M, up 112% YTD” – Michael Beer (CFO) .
- “We immediately put [Asset Vault] capital to work… purchase of a 150 MW interconnect site outside Houston… now four projects and 340 MW… delivering a little over $40M in recurring annual EBITDA as all come online” – Robert Piconi (CEO) .
Q&A Highlights
- R&D spend trajectory: Sequential decline reflects belt-tightening and pivot from heavy R&D to Asset Vault development/operations .
- Macro/tariffs and customer pace: Management acknowledged delays from tariffs/shutdown but highlighted diverse footprint and agility; noted only ~10% of backlog is tariff-exposed .
- Backlog composition: $920M backlog excludes SOSA and EU Green projects; expectation to add as milestones finalize .
- Pipeline growth: Developed pipeline increased to
8.7 GWh/$2.1B; specifics undisclosed, representing stage 4/5 shortlisted/awarded opportunities .
Estimates Context
- Q3 2025: Revenue $33.32M* vs consensus $33.99M* (slight miss); EPS -$0.10* “Primary EPS” vs consensus -$0.05* (miss). GAAP EPS reported -$0.16 . Values retrieved from S&P Global*.
- Q1/Q2 2025: Significant revenue shortfalls vs consensus amid timing of U.S. battery deliveries/tariff impacts; EPS below consensus in Q2 and Q3; management reaffirmed FY ranges, pointing to strong Q4 ramp and AU deliveries . Values retrieved from S&P Global*.
- Implication: Street models likely need to lower near-term EPS, with revenue timing shifted to Q4; medium-term revisions should incorporate Asset Vault recurring EBITDA build and backlog quality.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Execution inflection: Revenue ramp and margin stability (27% GM) alongside liquidity build ($61.9M cash) reduce near-term risk; watch Q4 deliveries and ITC monetization to hit YE cash targets .
- Asset Vault transforms profile: $300M OIC preferred accelerates owned-asset build-out (340 MW active/in construction) with visibility to $40M recurring EBITDA by YE2027 and $100–$150M by YE2029—supportive of re-rating toward infrastructure-like cash flows .
- Backlog quality over quantity: $920M backlog (+112% YTD) anchored by Consumers Energy, LTSA, and Australia offtakes; SOSA and EU Green provide incremental upside upon milestone inclusion .
- Macro/tariff mitigation: Only ~10% backlog tariff-exposed; diversified geography and supplier base plus shift to own/operate reduce exposure to U.S. policy volatility .
- Cost discipline intact: Adjusted opex stable (~$16.2M) with investment focused on Asset Vault and AU; operating leverage should improve as revenue scales and recurring EBITDA contributes .
- Trading setup: Near-term catalysts include Q4 revenue step-up, ~$40M ITC proceeds, and potential backlog additions; estimate dispersion likely narrows post-Q4 print and Investor Day replay digestion .
- Medium-term thesis: Vertically integrated storage IPP plus third-party EPC/LTSA synergies could drive durable margins/cash conversion; monitor merchant exposure (~25%) and financing cadence .
Notes:
- All company-reported figures cited directly from Q3 2025 8-K press release and financial statements, as well as Q2/Q1 filings and call transcripts.
- S&P Global consensus/actuals marked with * and may use “Primary EPS,” which can differ from GAAP net loss per share.