# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001708055
**File Stem:** 0001708055-26-000012
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 680272
**Document Hash:** 84bc427bcdcfb59f7077f5730907a266
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001708055-26-000012.hdr.sgml**: 20260226

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001708055-26-000012

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 10-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 149

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251231

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260226

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260226

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Ribbon Communications Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001708055
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** SERVICES-COMPUTER INTEGRATED SYSTEMS DESIGN [7373]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 06 Technology
- **EIN:** 821669692
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-38267
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26684098

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 6500 CHASE OAKS BOULEVARD
- **CITY:** PLANO
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 75023
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 877-412-8867

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 6500 CHASE OAKS BOULEVARD
- **CITY:** PLANO
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 75023

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Sonus Networks, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20171027

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Solstice Sapphire Investments, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20170531

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC._December 31, 2025

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

f

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549** 

**FORM 10-K**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **☒**<br>| **ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**<br>|
| **For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025** | **For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025** |
| **or** | **or** |
| **☐**<br>| **TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**<br>|

---

**For the transition period from&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to**

**Commission File Number 001-38267**

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Delaware**<br>| **82-1669692**<br>|
| (State or other jurisdiction of<br>incorporation or organization)<br>| (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)<br>|

---

**6500 Chase Oaks Boulevard, Suite 100, Plano, Texas 75023**

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

**(978) 614-8100**

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class**<br>| **Trading Symbol(s)**<br>| **Name of each exchange on which registered**<br>|
| Common Stock, par value $0.0001<br>| RBBN<br>| The Nasdaq Global Select Market<br>|

---

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: **None**

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☒ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No ☒

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $299.5 million based on the closing price on June 30, 2025. As of February 23, 2026, the registrant had 175,604,524 shares of common stock outstanding.

**DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE**

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the registrant's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

------

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

#### RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.

#### FORM 10-K

#### YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2025

#### **TABLE OF CONTENTS**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item** |  | **Page** |
|  | [Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements](#Cautionary_Note) | 3 |
|  | [**Part I**](#PARTI_583664) |  |
| [1.](#Item1Business_230979) | [Business](#Item1Business_230979) | 4 |
| [1A.](#Item1ARiskFactors_297169) | [Risk Factors](#Item1ARiskFactors_297169) | 18 |
| [1B.](#Item1BUnresolvedStaffComments_153942) | [Unresolved Staff Comments](#Item1BUnresolvedStaffComments_153942) | 38 |
| [1C.](#Item1CCybersecurity_472632) | [Cybersecurity](#Item1CCybersecurity_472632) | 38 |
| [2.](#Item2Properties_16927) | [Properties](#Item2Properties_16927) | 39 |
| [3.](#Item3LegalProceedings_46335) | [Legal Proceedings](#Item3LegalProceedings_46335) | 39 |
| [4.](#Item4MineSafetyDisclosures_949490) | [Mine Safety Disclosures](#Item4MineSafetyDisclosures_949490) | 40 |
|  | [**Part II**](#PARTII_478357) |  |
| [5.](#Item5MarketforRegistrantsCommon_30722) | [Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](#Item5MarketforRegistrantsCommon_30722) | 41 |
| [6.](#Item6Reserved_82603) | [\[Reserved\]](#Item6Reserved_82603) | 42 |
| [7.](#Item7ManagementsDiscussion_642383) | [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](#Item7ManagementsDiscussion_642383) | 43 |
| [7A.](#Item7AQuantitativeandQualitative_259201) | [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](#Item7AQuantitativeandQualitative_259201) | 59 |
| [8.](#Item8FinancialStatements_202020) | [Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](#Item8FinancialStatements_202020) | 60 |
| [9.](#Item9ChangesinandDisagreements_723921) | [Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure](#Item9ChangesinandDisagreements_723921) | 114 |
| [9A.](#Item9AControlsandProcedures_112595) | [Controls and Procedures](#Item9AControlsandProcedures_112595) | 114 |
| [9B.](#Item9BOtherInformation_630654) | [Other Information](#Item9BOtherInformation_630654) | 116 |
| [9C.](#Item9CDisclosureRegarding_37369) | [Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections](#Item9CDisclosureRegarding_37369) | 116 |
|  | [**Part III**](#PARTIII_397246) |  |
| [10.](#Item10DirectorsExecutive_282158) | [Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance](#Item10DirectorsExecutive_282158) | 116 |
| [11.](#Item11ExecutiveCompensation_583574) | [Executive Compensation](#Item11ExecutiveCompensation_583574) | 116 |
| [12.](#Item12SecurityOwnership_381688) | [Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters](#Item12SecurityOwnership_381688) | 116 |
| [13.](#Item13CertainRelationships_142559) | [Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](#Item13CertainRelationships_142559) | 116 |
| [14.](#Item14PrincipalAccounting_160071) | [Principal Accountant Fees and Services](#Item14PrincipalAccounting_160071) | 117 |
|  | [**Part IV**](#PARTIV_269744) |  |
| [15.](#Item15ExhibitandFinancial_437736) | [Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules](#Item15ExhibitandFinancial_437736) | 117 |
| [16.](#Item16Form10KSummary_275624) | [Form 10-K Summary](#Item16Form10KSummary_275624) | 117 |
|  | [Exhibit Index](#EXHIBITINDEX_819575) | 118 |
|  | [Signatures](#SIGNATURES_139596) | 122 |

---

#### Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this report, including statements the effect of U.S. tariffs and the response from other countries, future expenses and restructuring activities and the anticipated benefits thereof, results of operations and financial position, capital structure, impacts from the war in Israel, beliefs about our business strategy, availability of components for the manufacturing of our products, ongoing litigation, plans and objectives of management for future operations and manufacturing are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "anticipates", "believes", "could", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "may", "plans", "seeks" and other similar language, whether in the negative or affirmative, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are unknown and/or difficult to predict and that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, unpredictable fluctuations in quarterly revenue and operating results; the impact of restructuring and cost-containment activities; delayed purchases by U.S. federal customers as a result of a new or prolonged U.S. government shutdown; increases in tariffs, trade restrictions or taxes on our products; supply chain disruptions resulting from component availability and/or geopolitical instabilities and disputes (including those related to the wars in Israel and Ukraine); material litigation; the impact of fluctuations in interest rates; material cybersecurity and data intrusion incidents, including any security breaches resulting in the theft, transfer, or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee, or company information such as the incident that occurred in 2025 related to a nation-state actor gaining access to the Company's IT network, which was subsequently contained and remediated successfully; our ability to comply with applicable domestic and foreign information security and privacy laws, regulations and technology platform rules or other obligations related to data privacy and security; failure to compete successfully against telecommunications equipment and networking companies; failure to grow our customer base or generate recurring business from our existing customers; credit risks; the timing of customer purchasing decisions and our recognition of revenues; macroeconomic conditions, including inflation; our ability to adapt to rapid technological and market changes; our ability to generate positive returns on our research and development; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and obtain necessary licenses; our ability to maintain partner, reseller, distribution and vendor support and supply relationships; the potential for defects in our products; risks related to the terms of our credit agreement; higher risks in international operations and markets; currency fluctuations; unanticipated adverse changes in legal, regulatory or tax laws; future accounting pronouncements or changes in our accounting policies; and/or failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures. We therefore caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. Additional important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in these forward-looking statements are discussed in this Annual Report, including in Item 1A., "Risk Factors" of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Annual Report speaks only as of the date on which this report was first filed. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

#### PART I

#### Item 1. Business

#### Company Overview
We are a leading global provider of communications technology to service providers and enterprises. We provide a broad range of software and high-performance hardware products, network solutions, and services that enable the secure delivery of data and voice communications, and high-bandwidth networking and connectivity for residential consumers and for small, medium, and large enterprises and industry verticals such as finance, education, government, utilities, and transportation. Our mission is to create a recognized global technology leader that provides network solutions that are scalable, elastic and cloud-centric, enabling the secure exchange of information. We are at the intersection of the adoption of Artificial Intelligence ("AI") by Service Providers and Enterprises addressing the rapid growth in fiber connectivity and integration of voice capabilities into Agentic AI platforms We are headquartered in Plano, Texas, and have a global presence with research and development or sales and support locations in over 30 countries around the world.

#### Company History

Since our formation in 2017, we have completed several acquisitions to strengthen and expand our portfolio of product offerings to service providers and enterprises. Recent notable acquisitions include:

● Edgewater Networks Inc. (August 2018): Expanded our portfolio of security and signaling solutions for the enterprise network edge.

● Anova Data, Inc. (February 2019): Expanded our portfolio with additional network optimization, security, and data monetization applications, enabled by an advanced Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning platform.

● ECI Telecom Group Ltd. ("ECI") (March 2020) (the "ECI Acquisition"): Further expanded our focus and strategy to include optical transport and Internet Protocol ("IP") networking, switching, and routing products and solutions, and helped us create an industry-leading communications software and networking company with a comprehensive portfolio of advanced voice, security, data and IP optical networking and transport solutions.

#### Industry Background
Today's communications service providers ("CSPs") and enterprises are investing in their networks to compete in an ever-changing technology and customer experience landscape driven largely by cloud computing, mobile workforces requiring hyper-connectivity, new high-performance applications and use cases, and an insatiable demand for bandwidth by end-customers and the applications they use. The exponential growth in traffic has largely been driven by video consumption, and over the next several years, new applications leveraging large language model ("LLM") AI are expected to dramatically increase network bandwidth usage. As a result, service providers and enterprises must constantly seek out new technologies to refresh their networks and provide greater flexibility, automation, programmability, scalability, and reliability, enabling these new applications and services with expedited time-to-market. These investments provide a competitive advantage and deliver value-added services that improve network efficiency, increase customer satisfaction, and generate new revenue streams. Within this broad industry context, investment in our products and services is driven by several key industry trends and strategic priorities.

*Modernization of Communications Service Provider Networks to Reduce Total Cost of Ownership*

CSPs of all types operate in a hyper-competitive environment as consumers and businesses have an increasing number of choices for their communication needs. It is imperative that providers invest to capture new revenue streams while reducing network operating costs. Legacy services such as IP Multiprotocol Label Switching ("MPLS") circuits, Centrex business

services, and TDM phone lines are increasingly expensive to operate, and providers need to migrate customers to new offerings or risk high-margin revenue streams. All these factors are causing service providers to rethink and evolve, or even overhaul, the way networks are designed, architected, managed, and optimized to deliver services to their customers with disruptive economics. They are migrating services to new software platforms that can be deployed in both private and/or public cloud environments (referred to as the "Telco Cloud") using cloud-native technologies, architectures, and operational processes with automation and concepts such as Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery ("CI/CD"). Increasingly, network operators are also pursuing open, multi-layer optimized and disaggregated IP and Optical networking solutions, where they have the flexibility to assemble networks based on transport and control subsystems from different vendors using software-defined networking.

Service providers in some global regions, as mandated by governments or voluntarily, are also replacing certain incumbent vendor communications equipment and technology in their networks because of concerns for security. This presents significant growth and market share opportunity.

This technology evolution challenge extends beyond service providers to many enterprises, as well as Federal, State, and Local governments. In particular, U.S. Federal agencies including Department of War and other civilian agencies have a significant need to modernize their voice communications infrastructure by replacing legacy on-premises systems with cloud-based voice and video solutions. However, the unique requirements regarding security and survivability are not easily met by off-the-shelf enterprise applications, creating significant opportunities for companies that specialize in this area.

*Deployment of 5G Mobile Technology*

One of the most significant investments being made by mobile carriers across the world is the deployment of 5G broadband cellular technology. This architecture shift impacts the entire ecosystem, from handsets and Radio Access Network through the metro and core network and back-office systems. The ultimate goal is a step-function improvement in capacity and coverage, as well as to unlock new revenue-generating applications for consumers and businesses. The increased bandwidth unlocked by the higher capacity radio infrastructure enables new use cases such as Fixed Wireless Access, displacing lower capacity wired internet access solutions, and we believe new mobile applications will emerge, such as Reality/Virtual Reality, cloud gaming, telehealth, Internet of Things, and Industry 4.0, all made possible by the massive bandwidth increases, low latency and highly secure infrastructure that 5G provides.

As deployments increase, the access and aggregation layers of the mobile network also require significant upgrades and investment, driving fiber and IP Networking to the very edges of the network. This investment cycle and technology disruption is an opportunity for new innovative suppliers to be selected.

*Demand for Hyper-Connectivity and Bandwidth Driving Fiber Access Deployment*

Our global information society is overflowing with telecommunications data traffic, for business, entertainment, education, surveillance, industrial control, online retail, and many other applications. These applications, increasingly delivered from the cloud, generate a huge amount of data driven largely by the video and image components. This exponential growth in data traffic is expected to continue and even accelerate, straining existing broadband and mobile networks. While 5G and next-generation WiFi are the technologies of choice for the wireless network, there is also a surge of investment to address the bottleneck in the broadband access network through higher-capacity fiber connections.

Governments in many countries around the world are investing to address and help close the "Digital Divide" and extend ultra-broadband services and connectivity to underserved communities. As an example, in the United States, the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, the FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, the 5G Fund for Rural America, and the USDA Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program expect to provide billions of dollars in funding to deliver broadband connectivity to rural communities in the U.S. Whether working or learning from home, streaming 4K television, or playing the latest online video games, rural subscribers require dependable, high-speed Internet access to participate and thrive in the digital world. Forward-looking service providers are taking advantage of government funding programs to expand network capacity and transform the communities they serve. Next-generation rural broadband networks help service providers grow their revenues by extending service reach and diversity, and by satisfying the massive pent-up demand for high-speed Internet connectivity. Next-generation broadband networks will also leverage new technologies such as fixed-wireless access, while laying the foundation for future revenue opportunities, such as 5G backhaul transport services.

At the foundation, high-performance optical connections and advanced IP networking are needed to keep pace with advancements in communications. This hyper-connectivity will be a key enabler and deliver disruptive ultra-low cost-per-bit communications within and between networks and the cloud, while also delivering on the promise of latency-sensitive networking demanded by many of the applications.

*Increased Adoption of Cloud Communications and Collaboration*

The shift to cloud-based communications began several years ago driven largely by the advantages of running applications in a virtual cloud environment and reducing dependency on on-premises computing and communications technologies. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic accelerated this trend significantly, driven by the need for more remote working and commerce for many businesses and industries. As a result, businesses and consumers rapidly shifted from brick-and-mortar facilities and travel to work-from-home, or hybrid work-in-the-office and work-from-home, using cloud communications and collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom Phone, and others, and require these communications platforms to be highly secure and scalable. New applications enabled by LLM AI will dramatically increase traffic from subscriber devices to the data center.

*Need for Reliable, Secure, High-Bandwidth Enterprise and Critical Infrastructure Communications*

The "critical infrastructure" market vertical is defined as those companies whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered vital to a country's national interest. Critical infrastructure providers are under increasing pressure to support new services, reduce carbon emissions, improve security, expand automation, and increase safety. Achieving these goals requires a transition to a modernized, secure communications network that provides seamless IP connectivity and services, as well as very high-capacity optical transport. With an integrated IP and optical transport solution, a critical infrastructure network operator can provide a highly reliable, secure, future-proof communications solution optimized for critical industries.

Data is the lifeblood of any business, and it must be easily accessible across the enterprise to power business applications and to support services to end-customers. It must also be replicated across multiple locations for business continuity and disaster recovery and must be protected from inappropriate access, theft, and corruption. Enterprises deploy optical networking, secured by optical encryption, to attain the needed performance and security. Similarly, command and control groups within today's defense forces have a need for high-performance secure networks as their strategic sensors and assault systems are becoming more integrated. In this ecosystem, effective decision-making requires pooling and analyzing data from a vast array of sensors and other information sources. The data must be delivered securely, in real-time, to wherever it is required. These solutions integrate intelligent optical transport with agile IP networking to provide a converged, secure, communication network that can be rapidly configured and deployed in challenging environmental conditions.

*Global demand for fiber connectivity*

Across the globe, nations are investing in fiber-optic infrastructure, driven by a desire to gain a competitive economic advantage and enhance national security. The European Union has set a goal for universal gigabit connectivity by 2030 through its Digital Decade initiative. India's BharatNet project aims to connect 250,000 village councils with fiber, and the USA's $42 billion BEAD fund prioritizes rural broadband in unserved regions.

Many of these programs were well underway before the potential for additional exponential growth in data driven by AI training and inference applications. Accommodating this level of growth represents a significant long-term undertaking and investment from fiber infrastructure providers. To manage the increasing traffic volumes from both AI & expanded broadband access, data center operators and communication service providers will require high-density optical networking and IP routing platforms.

*Using Artificial Intelligence to reduce network operating costs*

AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) uses AI, machine learning (ML), and data analytics to automate, enhance, and streamline IT operations. Large network environments inherently generate vast, disparate datasets. Exacerbating the issue, communications service providers often have multiple generations of infrastructure that deliver vastly different types of data. AIOps solutions are uniquely capable of analyzing disparate datasets in real-time, reducing operational noise, enabling proactive anomaly detection, and accelerating problem resolution. AIOps tools can also reduce staffing constraints by

automating common operational tasks such as performance monitoring, workload scheduling, and data backups. As older staff exit the workforce, AIOps can also fill a critical skills gap.

Networks continue to grow in scale and complexity. AIOps services will become increasingly important to network operators as they are driven to minimize operational costs without sacrificing performance or customer experience.

*Enhancing access to voice-enabled agents* 

Personal assistants such as Alexa or Siri introduced us to Natural Language Processing (NLP). Voice-enabled agents offer a similar level of ease of use but operate at a far different skill level. Agentic AI-based agents can mimic human-like decision-making and manage complex conversations in real time. Agentic AI-based agents provide the natural dialogue required for customer service applications in contact centers.

Voice-enabled agents are not local to your personal device; they rely on high-quality network connectivity (across phone, web, and mobile) to deliver a natural experience. When an end user connects via phone, the voice quality is critical because advanced Natural Language Processing relies on the caller's intonation. Modern IP-based voice networks, including 4G/5G voice, deliver higher fidelity voice than traditional analog or TDM connections. Likewise, the data network between the end user and the voice-enabled agent is equally critical for web or mobile app-based interactions. This has to be a low-latency connection, or the engagement will seem unnatural.

Agentic AI-based agents have the potential to disrupt the traditional contact center business model in a significant way. Unlike human agents, they can be deployed in the cloud, including sovereign clouds. That means they can elastically scale to meet changing demand, operating at low or no cost when idle and instantly available to serve an unlimited number of customers. The only limitations are the scale of the cloud infrastructure and the availability of high-quality voice or data connectivity to the end user.

#### Strategy Overview
Our mission is to create a recognized global technology leader that provides scalable, elastic, and cloud-centric networking solutions that enable the secure exchange of information. These voice and data solutions leverage the latest AI and automation technology to reduce operational costs and enhance business performance. Our transformative acquisition of ECI in 2020 dramatically expanded our addressable market beyond secure voice communications into IP Networking, Optical Transport, and Software-Defined Networking ("SDN") Management and Automation. We are implementing a focused strategy to target our broad global base of service providers and enterprise customers to establish ourselves as a key supplier of networking solutions.

Key elements of the strategy include:

● *Operational Integration* – Initially adopting a business-unit model post-acquisition, we evolved the organization in 2023 by integrating the two business units under a single leader, establishing a Chief Operating Officer position. In 2024, we further tightened alignment by integrating several software R&D teams and an integrated customer support and services organization. Our go-to-market team is similarly combined under a single Global Sales Leader supported by an integrated marketing organization focused on increasing brand awareness, targeted marketing campaigns, and lead generation.

● *Network Modernization* – Substantial 'technology debt' exists across both Service Provider and Enterprise networks with increasing support costs and reliability challenges. Ribbon has extensive experience across multiple generations of voice and data technologies to support our customers' efforts to implement modern cloud-centric services with minimal disruption to customers and revenue streams.

● *Cross-Selling and Tier One Service Provider Growth* – We are laser-focused on marketing and selling our combined portfolio to our global base of service providers, critical infrastructure providers, and enterprise customers to expand our presence and gain market share in the larger IP routing and optical networking segment.

● *North American IP Optical Networks Market Share* – We expect to continue to unlock the value of our routing and optical networking portfolio by growing market share in North America by leveraging the extensive deployment base and ongoing business that we have with service providers, critical infrastructure, and enterprise customers. In particular, we have a growing presence with regional service providers in the U.S., bolstered by federal funding

programs to improve internet access in underserved markets. We have also identified opportunities to combine technology from both our voice and IP routing portfolios to address a clear customer need and differentiate our offering.

● *AI Growth Vectors –* We are aggressively pursuing multiple paths to derive value from the explosive investment in Artificial Intelligence:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o We have launched a new AIOps and Automation platform called Acumen that delivers operational savings for network operators by using AI to automate network operations and accelerate trouble resolution. Acumen offers multiple points of differentiation, including true multi-vendor and multi-layer support, as well as a low-code/no-code application builder to accelerate app development.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o We are partnering with other AI application providers and enabling them to interface their AI platform with existing voice networks. Ribbon voice and data solutions are critical to delivering high-quality voice and low-latency data for the voice-enabled AI agent platforms seeking to disrupt the traditional contact center market.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Ribbon's optical networking solutions are being deployed to meet the growing demand for data center interconnect, particularly as data center developers look to rural areas for power and space.

● *Participate in the 5G Opportunity* – Significant R&D investments in our IP Optical product portfolio have positioned us to address opportunities tied to the deployment of 5G mobile networks. We focus on the access and aggregation layer of the network, including cell-site routers, optical transport, and IP aggregation and routing. We believe 5G represents a multi-year opportunity as global service providers roll out the new technology and build the necessary network infrastructure.

● *Software-Centric and Cloud-Native Offerings* – The industry is in the early stages of a major migration of network functions from on-premise hardware platforms to private and public cloud networks. This is a significant technology and operational paradigm shift, and an area where Ribbon has substantial industry leadership. We believe this transition is instrumental in continuing to improve our profitability and competitiveness, and in growing the recurring revenue portion of our business.

● *Enterprise Offerings* – Our solution portfolio includes secure Unified Communications, software-centric applications, and IP and Optical network connectivity solutions. Together, these solutions address various critical infrastructure, federal defense, large enterprise, and medium-sized businesses. We leverage partnerships with key go-to-market channels and solutions providers such as Dell and Microsoft, as well as other popular unified communications and collaboration platforms such as Zoom Phone and Webex Calling.

● *Partnerships* – We continually look to expand our partnership ecosystem to form strategic relationships that will enhance our current solution offerings to our customers.

#### Customers
Our customers are comprised of a diverse set of service providers and enterprises located in over 140 countries around the world. Service provider customers include telephone companies ("telcos") offering fixed and wireless communications services, cable Multi-System Operators ("MSOs") and Communications as a service provider. Our service provider customers include many of the largest CSPs globally. Enterprise customers include small, medium, and large businesses and industry verticals such as transportation, utilities, government/public sector, finance, and education.

Customers trust us to solve their most challenging communications requirements, enabling people and devices to connect anytime, anywhere. Our customer-centric culture shapes all of our activities and inspires our team members to make a positive impact with our clients, investors, and communities.

In the year ended December 31, 2025, Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon") accounted for approximately 17% of our revenue. Verizon is a service provider that offers interconnect, fixed line and mobile communications services, and our software solutions are sold across their business divisions supporting their large enterprises, SMB and consumer telecommunications and cable-related offerings. Our top five customers represented approximately 41% of our revenue in the year ended December 31, 2025.

#### Segment Information
Our Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") assesses our performance based on the performance of two separate lines of our business: the Cloud and Edge segment ("Cloud and Edge") and the IP Optical Networks segment ("IP Optical Networks").

#### Cloud and Edge Business Segment
The Cloud and Edge segment provides secure and reliable software and hardware products, solutions, and services for VoIP communications, Voice Over LTE ("VoLTE") and Voice Over 5G ("VoNR") communications, as well as unified communications-related ("UC") services to both service provider and enterprise customers. Our Cloud and Edge products are increasingly software-centric and cloud-native, with deployments across private, public, and hybrid cloud infrastructures, in data centers, on enterprise premises, and within service provider private networks.

*Cloud and Edge Products and Solutions*

Our Cloud and Edge portfolio delivers multiple solutions for enabling VoIP, VoLTE, VoNR, and UC&C in network, on-premises, or via the Telco Cloud for a broad range of service provider and enterprise customers. The solutions provided with this portfolio include those for:

● Network transformation of fixed service provider voice services networks to help evolve, consolidate, and modernize legacy networks to VoIP and onto virtualized network environments or the Telco Cloud.

● Securing and implementing IP Multimedia Subsystem ("IMS") networks required by mobile service providers for VoLTE and VoNR (5G) voice services.

● Securing network interconnects between communications service providers as well as protecting VoIP communications infrastructures.

● Securing and providing resilient connectivity for cloud-based unified communications solutions such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom Phone, Webex Calling, as well as service provider—hosted and managed UC.

● Securing premises and cloud-based contact center applications such as Five9, NICE CXone, Genesys, and similar services.

● Modernizing and evolving unified communications for large enterprises, government (both civilian and military), and key industry verticals, supporting both on-premises and cloud-based deployments.

● Helping mitigate robocalls and prevent fraud by determining phone caller identity, intent, and the caller's reputation.

● Enabling Agentic AI platforms to interface with traditional voice communication services thru secure Cloud APIs.

● Analytics and AI-driven automation to provide visibility, security, manageability, and service assurance for optimizing communication network operations, reducing costs, and improving customer experiences.

Our Cloud and Edge market-leading product portfolio consists of three main categories – Session Border Controller ("SBC") products, Network Transformation products, and the Acumen AIOps and Automation products:

Our SBC product portfolio encompasses a full range of deployment platforms including:

● Fully cloud-native software implementations ("CNF") that leverage an industry-leading microservices architecture with Kubernetes orchestration to deliver continuous integration ("CI") and continuous delivery ("CD") to automate and coordinate the software delivery pipeline. These elements can be deployed in both private and public cloud environments, such as Red Hat OpenShift, Amazon Web Services ("AWS"), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

● Feature-rich virtualized software products ("VNF") that can run on Commercial Off-The-Shelf ("COTS") hardware or in private or public cloud environments.

● On-premises dedicated appliances ("PNF") that scale up and down to meet the most demanding performance and security requirements.

Our SBC portfolio consists of the following categories of products:

● Core network SBCs that are deployable by customers in their core networks, or on private or public clouds, and used to identify, manage, and protect voice communications traffic as it moves through and between communication networks. SBCs secure and interwork different voice communications protocols at IP network boundaries, both within and between service provider and enterprise networks. The portfolio also includes Policy and Routing products that work across heterogeneous voice networks to intelligently manage communications sessions based on multiple policies such as least-cost and Quality of Service routing, media type, source or destination, and time of day or week.

● Enterprise Session Border Controllers and Edge products, deployable on premises or in the cloud, enable organizations to gracefully migrate legacy premises assets to secure cloud-based UC and contact center applications. These include prominent offerings such as Teams Phone, Zoom Phone, Webex Calling, Five9, NICE CxOne, Genesys, and a multitude of service-provider offerings. Enterprise SBCs provide voice security, protection against Telephony Denial of Service ("TDoS") attacks, and help resolve a variety of interoperability issues between an enterprise's existing communication assets and its service provider or cloud communications provider. In addition, the Edge 8000 and EdgeMarc multi-service gateway portfolio provides voice gateway support for legacy TDM and analog interfaces, including T1/E1 and FXO/FXS ports. These are critical in geographies where SIP trunks are unavailable or unreliable. They also provide integration with installed analog devices, such as elevator phones, paging equipment, and fax machines.

Our Network Transformation product portfolio is deployed in the most demanding environments and enables the modernization of fixed, mobile, and enterprise voice communications networks to support network and Telco Cloud-based services and the next generation of IP-based voice communications services, and includes multiple software-centric platforms and products, including:

● Call Controllers that provide call processing within networks for voice communications services and applications.

● Media Gateways that perform the interworking or translation of media, or voice sessions, and the corresponding network protocols both within and across VoIP and legacy communications networks, and use codecs (coder-decoder) and digital signal processors to do so.

● A multi-tenant and highly scalable Application Server that enables the deployment of VoIP and UC services and applications.

Ribbon Acumen is a network-agnostic, cloud-native AIOps and Automation platform that enables communications service providers and enterprises to accelerate their path to an autonomous network. By combining real-time data observability, analytics, AIOps, and agentic orchestration capabilities, Acumen enables customers to automate the operation of their multi-vendor networks, reducing management complexity and costs and improving customer experiences.

● Ribbon Acumen comprises a series of ready-made, established applications, including Ribbon's existing Analytics, MUSE, LEAP, and RAMP applications. It then adds a low-code/no-code Builder that enables organizations to integrate, analyze, and respond to data from any network device or application, and to leverage AI, ML, and Agentic AI to automate operational workflows. Acumen Builder can easily thread together a diverse set of actions to create a solution tailored to one customer's unique requirements. By combining AIOps, SecOps, and DevOps capabilities, Acumen can help network operators achieve a range of business outcomes by automating network lifecycle tasks, from deployment and optimization to rapid issue resolution. Users can interact with Acumen via natural language (chat or voice) to request information or give instructions. Acumen is an open and multi-vendor solution that integrates with multiple generations of both Ribbon and third-party products, including automation and operational support system (OSS) platforms.

● Customers start on their path to autonomous networks with Ribbon Analytics as a standalone platform, deploying applications that aid customers in gathering actionable intelligence from their communications network elements, including SBCs in the core and edge of their networks, to provide them with network performance visibility, service assurance, security, and fraud mitigation.

● Ribbon Call TrustTM combines information from deployed network elements, including SBCs and Ribbon Analytics, as well as third-party databases, to determine phone caller identity, intent, and reputation. With this information, it is possible to help determine if a call is from a legitimate person, for a legitimate purpose, and without malicious intent, ultimately helping to detect and mitigate robocalls and prevent fraud. Our customers use these capabilities to deliver a better call experience to their end customers. We are an industry leader in the development and deployment of the STIR (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited) and SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENS) standards, with deployments throughout North America and select countries in Europe.

*Cloud and Edge Competition*

Competition in the market for the Cloud and Edge portfolio remains strong. The market is shifting from an environment dominated by a few large telecommunications legacy hardware equipment companies, such as Ericsson LM Telephone Company ("Ericsson"), Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. ("Huawei"), and Nokia Corporation ("Nokia"), to a market that is

characterized by cloud-native software, hybrid private public cloud compute environments, and open interoperable interfaces. We believe this shift creates opportunities for us to differentiate and gain share from competitors such as:

● Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, Oracle Corporation, Cisco Systems, and AudioCodes for our SBCs and enterprise gateway offerings.

● TransUnion, Alianza (acquired Metaswitch assets), First Orion Corp., SecureLogix, TransNexus, and Transaction Network Services, for our Ribbon Call Trust offerings.

● NetScout Systems, Mobileum, Infovista (Hammer), SecureLogix, and Elisa Industriq (Polystar) for our Analytics offerings.

● Nokia, Ericsson, Ciena/Blue Planet, Cisco/Splunk, Netcracker, and Amdocs for our AIOps and Automation offerings.

● Huawei, Alianza (acquired Metaswitch assets), NetSapiens, Nokia, and Ericsson for our Network Transformation offerings.

Other smaller private and public companies are also focusing on similar market opportunities. Mergers among any of the above companies or other competitors, as well as additional competitors with significant financial resources entering our markets, could further intensify competition. Mergers between service providers may also increase competition for a smaller number of more concentrated customers and channels for products and solutions.

#### IP Optical Networks Business Segment
The global information society is generating a very high volume of telecommunications traffic for business, entertainment, education, surveillance, industrial control, and other applications. Technologies like 5G, distributed cloud computing and corresponding applications are predicted to continue this exponential traffic growth. IP and Optical networks are at the foundation of this information economy, and indeed are one of its key enablers, delivering ultra-low cost-per-bit transport and multi-service flexibility. Our IP Optical Networks segment provides high-performance, secure, and reliable hardware and software products and solutions for IP networking, switching, and routing, and optical transport. This portfolio is offered to service providers, enterprises and industry verticals with critical transport network infrastructures requirements including utilities, government, defense, transportation and education and research.

*IP Optical Networks Products and Solutions*

Our IP Optical Networks portfolio delivers multiple solutions spanning access, metro, regional, and long-haul geographies, and using ring, mesh, and point-to-point topologies. MPLS and other protocols provide a broad range of networking services for our customers. Our solutions for optical and IP transport and networking include 5G-native solutions for mobile-backhaul, metro and edge aggregation, core networking, data center interconnect, multi-service access, and transport solutions for wholesale carriers. High availability and security also make the solutions ideal for critical infrastructure delivering mission-critical services.

Our IP Optical Networks multi-layer product portfolio includes:

● The Apollo product line provides programmable and open Optical Transport Network ("OTN") capabilities over Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing ("DWDM") support. The OTN layer maps Ethernet and other services into OTN bit streams for transparent optical transmission, and DWDM routes wavelengths of light containing the OTN-encapsulated bit streams across wide areas, greatly increasing the efficiency and capacity of fiber facilities. Our Apollo hardware and software products deliver reconfigurable and programmable low-latency optical transport that simultaneously speeds up provisioning of new services while maximizing traffic throughput at the lowest cost per bit. Apollo offers customers two transmission optimization options. Capacity-reach optimization uses industry-leading 5nm-140Gbaud technology that maximizes channel capacity for any given distance. It supports optical transmission speeds ranging from 400 gigabits per second for ultra-long-haul applications to 1.2 terabits per second for short-haul applications. Power-cost optimization uses low power consumption and cost-effective 400 gigabit per second technology, which delivers strong enough performance for metro applications. The Apollo product line provides state-of-the-art transparent and flexible DWDM and OTN transport with integrated packet switching capabilities. A modular architecture allows optimized solutions across access, metro, regional, and long-haul networks. Apollo combines high-performance, low-latency OTN transport and OTN switching with software-configurable optical routing for maximum efficiency. Apollo can dynamically reconfigure optimal links in the event of fiber failures to

maintain service availability. Apollo is "self-aware," with intelligent reporting to enable efficient, SDN-ready operations. Apollo also provides deployment options, whether as an integrated solution or as standalone subsystems for disaggregated, open-architecture, multivendor solutions. A key security feature of Apollo that is used broadly in critical infrastructure and enterprise deployments is Layer 1 Optical Encryption. This uses AES-256 encryption, which is the strongest and most robust encryption standard commercially available today, and also supports a choice of standard, Post-Quantum Computing, and Quantum Key Distribution key exchange mechanisms.

● The Neptune product line of high-performance switching and routing solutions are optimized to provide the converged multi-service, service-aware aggregation needed for cost/performance optimized connectivity between consumers and the applications and services they are using. Neptune supports multiple services delivered over multiple access network technologies. Ethernet interfaces ranging from Gigabit Ethernet ("GbE") through to 100GbE allow all IP/MPLS and Ethernet access networks to be supported, and pluggables providing XGS-PON, EPON, and TDM circuit emulation allow PON access networks and legacy TDM access networks to be supported. Traffic from the access networks is aggregated and connected to the services, applications, and compute platforms, meeting the specific service-level agreements required for each service, including guaranteed latency, jitter, capacity, or reliability. To achieve this, Neptune uses a range of protocols such as IP/MPLS, MPLS-TP, and segment routing traffic engineered ("SR-TE"). As services, applications, and compute platforms become increasingly distributed across the network, located in local data centers and multi-access Edge compute platforms, Neptune, in conjunction with MUSE, can dynamically route the connectivity wherever it is required, whilst still meeting the performance requirements. In addition, Neptune provides a 800G ZR+ pluggable capability, allowing it to support both single layer IP over DWDM connectivity or multi-layer optimized IPoOTN/DWDM connectivity, whichever best meets the network operator's needs. With these capabilities, Neptune is ideally suited for residential broadband backhaul, business services, MSOs, and private enterprise networks. With Flexible Ethernet, enhanced timing and synchronization capabilities, 25GbE and 50GbE interfaces, and high-capacity, high-density platforms, Neptune is also ideal for 5G deployments. These capabilities and unique form factors such as DIN-rail mounting, street cabinet deployment and environmental capabilities also make Neptune a compelling solution for mission-critical enterprises.

*IP Optical Networks Competition*

Competition in the markets addressed by our IP Optical Networks products is strong. The market is shifting from an ecosystem dominated by a few large telecommunications legacy hardware equipment companies with proprietary solutions such as Ciena Corporation ("Ciena"), Cisco, and Nokia, to a market that is characterized by a combination of closed and open solutions, software-defined networking, and dis-aggregation ready for next generation networks, services and applications including 5G, leveraging merchant silicon technology. We believe this shift creates opportunities for us to increase our market share relative to direct competitors such as Cisco, Juniper Networks, Inc., Huawei, Nokia, Ciena, Adtran Networks, and Fujitsu Limited. We believe a key differentiator from these competitors is our optimized and integrated multi-layer IP optical solutions. These solutions leverage our SDN, IP routing, and optical networking and control plane technologies for both IP and Optical networking layers to create a truly integrated IP Optical Network that optimizes resource utilization in real time, and provides the best overall economics to customers, differentiating us from our competitors. Advanced planning algorithms design multi-layer IP and Optical networks that maximize traffic handling with failure resiliency by looking holistically at all network layers, providing the best return on capital expenditures. These multi-layer optimized networks can then meet specific customer and service needs on a case-by-case basis.

#### Services and Support
As communication networks continue to grow increasingly vital to society and business, and complexity grows with every new technology introduction cycle, service providers are increasingly challenged to control costs and find the expertise to operate, maintain, and repair these platforms. We have a rich history of providing service-based solutions to complement our products and to help service providers and enterprises grow revenues, serve their customers, reduce costs, and improve productivity. Our Global Services organization provides a wide range of services to enable our customers to achieve those goals. Our Professional Services team includes hundreds of VoIP, IMS, IP and Optical networking specialists offering technical depth, network breadth and proprietary tools to assist customers in all aspects of network modernization, design, operation and deployment. Our Maintenance Support offerings deliver a comprehensive support strategy for all of our products, applications, and solutions sold. Our Managed Services offer proactive monitoring to keep customers' production communications running smoothly so they can concentrate on operating their business. In addition, our Education Services are designed to equip customers with the technical knowledge and skills needed to accelerate service readiness and delivery goals and to help customers get the most out of our products and solutions.

#### Sales and Marketing
We sell our portfolio of products and solutions to service provider and enterprise customers around the globe through both direct sales and indirectly through channel partners, including independent resellers, distributors, service providers and system integrators. Most of our sales to service providers are done directly and most sales to enterprises are done through channel partners. To support our customers' requirements, our direct sales team is organized geographically and by major customers. Our sales teams sell our full portfolio of products and solutions from both segments to customers in each salesperson's assigned region. Our direct sales teams and resellers are supported by a highly trained technical sales engineering staff who work closely with our customers to develop technical proposals and design systems to optimize system performance and economic benefits for our customers.

Our marketing organization is responsible for building awareness of our brand in the markets served and driving engagement with our strategies, solutions, and products. It promotes our brand and portfolio value propositions to key stakeholders, including our customers, channel partners, and prospects globally. The organization develops all of our corporate and portfolio messaging for different target audiences, and manages all customer and industry communication channels, including public relations, digital content (including for the web and social media), events, and trade shows, as well as demand generation and account-based marketing campaigns in conjunction with our sales force.

#### Manufacturing
We rely on global contract manufacturers and original design manufacturers to manufacture, assemble, test and ship our products. We typically utilize long-term relationships with our contract manufacturers and regularly review business relationships in an attempt to reduce cost of goods and supply risks. We employ formal quality, environmental and ethics management programs with all of our contract manufacturers.

Our leading manufacturers have presence in multiple international locations. This enables us to implement a flexible manufacturing and logistics landscape for each product line and target markets. This structure also facilitates redundancy and business continuity to mitigate risks related to adverse trade tariffs, taxation, and natural disasters. Moreover, we wholly own the intellectual property related to fabrication files, assembly, testing algorithms and manufacturing operating procedures, thus reducing sole dependency on a specific contract manufacturer.

#### Inventory Suppliers and Sourcing
We work with strategic global suppliers for our key integrated circuit components, systems, and software. Certain of our networking products use third-party optical modules embedded on board or configured as pluggable units. These modules are designed and manufactured by leading optical technology vendors and supplied to us based on agreed-upon controlled performance specifications.

Our policy is to purchase major components directly from original suppliers or from authorized distributors. We regularly review market trends and volume demand for newly introduced products with our suppliers and distributors to negotiate reduced component pricing as the products mature. We carefully manage end-of-sale and end-of-life transitions to maximize

return on investment and minimize wasted material, while maximizing customer satisfaction. When we must source such end-of-life components from distributors and brokers, we typically encounter increased component pricing. In some cases, when such parts cannot be sourced reliably any longer in the open market, we undertake redesign efforts with alternative components.

In order to maintain competitive lead time for our customers, we employ sophisticated demand and supply management systems. We also utilize agility and safety stock processes to help meet higher-than-forecasted customer demand to stock raw material and sub-assembly inventory. Occasionally, we experience unforeseen demand drops of certain products or sub-assemblies due to technology evolution, customer consumption behavior, or shortened product lifecycle. We regularly review current inventory levels to ensure adequate reserves for excess and obsolete inventory arising from shortened product life cycle or demand drops.

The ongoing unrest and conflict in the Middle East has caused some disruption to material supply chain and production operations in that region. We have successfully avoided any significant impacts thus far by carefully managing the flow of material and enacting our established business continuity processes with alternate suppliers and production operation centers.

#### Research and Development
Our global R&D workforce is geographically distributed across a balanced set of centers of excellence. This allows us to distribute work in a cost-effective manner and provide time-zone sensitive support to our global sales team and customers. We supplement our deep in-house expertise with a small set of long-term contracting partners, allowing us to flex up and down as required to match customer demand.

To maintain our position as a leader in product and solution development, we continue to invest in our development methodologies, leveraging and adopting industry best practices in the domains of DevOPs, Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery ("CI/CD"), cloud-native software, and Security and Test Automation.

In addition to delivering product-specific feature requests from our customers, our R&D resources that are focused on our Cloud and Edge business segment continue to focus on leading edge technology that will allow our customers to move from purpose-built appliances to fully virtualized and cloud-native solutions, including private, public, hybrid and multi-cloud deployment models as they modernize their networks. We are also investing in aaS variants of our products, fully integrated with cloud-native operational models.

Our IP Optical Networks R&D team continues to focus on empowering our customers with better performance and cost-efficient solutions, improved cost-per-bit, and reduced power and space requirements to lower operating costs. We create innovative solutions that address the exponential increases in bandwidth consumption with improving operational efficiency. Our unique value-add is demonstrated by advanced well-integrated optical and packet solutions managed by state-of-the-art cross platform SDN management system.

We leverage modern technologies and industry best practices across all of our products and solutions to provide security at each layer of the solution, enabling end to end security of the overall system. We continue to invest in analytics and automation using the latest artificial intelligence and machine learning ("AI/ML") technology, to allow our customers to operate our solutions at scale with end-to-end visibility and control over the robustness, security, and efficiency of the solution.

#### Intellectual Property
We believe intellectual property is fundamental to our business and success, and we depend upon our ability to develop, maintain and protect our technology. We seek to safeguard our investments in technology and rely on a combination of U.S. and foreign patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright law and contractual restrictions to protect the proprietary aspects of our technology. As of December 31, 2025, we had 804 issued patents in the U.S., 723 of which are active, 578 which expire between 2026 and 2042, and we had 26 in-process patent applications in the U.S. As of such date, we also had 375 issued patents in foreign jurisdictions, 238 of which expire between 2026 and 2042, and we had 6 in-process patent applications in foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2025, we had 27 trademarks registered or pending in the U.S. and 171 trademarks registered or pending in foreign jurisdictions.

In addition to the protections described above, we seek to safeguard our intellectual property by employing measures to protect against the unauthorized use or disclosure of the source and object code for our software, documentation and other

written materials; licensing our software pursuant to signed license agreements, which impose restrictions on others' ability to use our software; and seeking to limit disclosure of our intellectual property by requiring employees and consultants with access to our proprietary information to execute confidentiality agreements.

We have incorporated third-party licensed technology into certain of our products and may be required to license additional technology from third parties to develop new products or to enhance existing products. Although many companies are often willing to enter into such licensing agreements, no assurance can be provided that such licenses can be negotiated on reasonable terms, or at all. The failure to enter into technology development or licensing agreements, when necessary, could limit our ability to develop new products and could harm our business.

Despite our efforts to protect our technology and proprietary rights as discussed above, unauthorized parties may still obtain and use our technology and software. We have defended, and intend to vigorously defend when necessary, our intellectual property from infringement. Other companies in the communications and technology industries frequently threaten litigation or file suit against us (directly or indirectly through customers to whom we could owe indemnification) based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. We are currently subject to, and expect to face in the future, allegations that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of third parties, including those of our competitors and non-practicing entities.

#### Regulatory Considerations
As a company with global operations, we are subject to complex U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including trade regulations, tariffs, import and export regulations, anti-bribery and corruption laws, antitrust or competition laws, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection, among others. In addition, our operations are also subject to a number of environmental regulations such as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive ("WEEE") and the Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment ("RoHS"). We have developed policies and procedures to assist us in complying with these laws and regulations. Our historical compliance costs, including those related to environmental regulations, have not resulted in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. We expect the laws and regulations to which we are subject will continue to increase and the future costs of compliance with existing or new regulations could materially impact our business in the future.

#### Our Employees
As a global company with employees in over 30 countries, we focus on creating an inclusive community, aligning our resources, processes, and platforms to build a work culture that reflects and expresses our core values. This enables us to work efficiently across borders and functions. Our aim is to create a workplace that is engaging, inspiring, challenging, and inclusive. We strive to be a great employer for our current employees and for future employees who are seeking an opportunity to join our dynamic business, positioned at the nexus of global communications technology and social transformation.

As of December 31, 2025, we had a total of 3,080 employees worldwide, located geographically as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Number of** <br>**employees** | **Percentage of**<br>**total** |
| Asia | 1228 | 40% |
| North America | 889 | 29% |
| EMEA | 859 | 28% |
| LATAM | 104 | 3% |

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Approximately 590 employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements or works councils. We believe that in general we have good relationships with these various labor organizations.

Ribbon takes pride in conducting business in accordance with the highest ethical standards. Our Code of Conduct outlines the importance of employees acting in an honest and ethical manner. Ribbon employees are informed and aware of this policy. The principles of integrity, accountability and fair dealing are the cornerstone of our business and are critical to our future success. Our employees understand that adherence to proper conduct helps us improve our competitive positioning and business outcomes. To assist in this, we are deliberate in making sure that each employee is aware that they play a role in fostering a work environment that encourages mutual respect and congenial relationships among employees.

We believe that a culture which encourages all employees to take pride in their individual contributions and work together as a team is key to our success. This year our Women's Leadership Series continued with a variety of offerings ranging from a spotlight series to quarterly online networking sessions. Educational posts and/or webinars were made on a variety of topics including National Hispanic Heritage Month, Juneteenth, and Pride Month. Ribbon is committed to fostering and maintaining a culture of inclusion for employees.

*Employee Hiring, Turnover and Engagement*. Our turnover and hiring metrics are refreshed on a weekly basis and formally presented monthly. This up-to-date information allows us to quantify our success with employee retention, implement timely and selective retention initiatives, and measure the speed at which we attract and onboard qualified candidates. In 2025, our voluntary turnover rate was 5.5%, a slight decrease from the 6.6% voluntary turnover rate we experienced in 2024.

Our employee management process includes conducting exit interviews with all employees that leave us voluntarily. The data obtained from our exit questionnaire and one-on-one interviews are referenced when creating and updating benefit plans and other employee initiatives/offerings.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, we hired 316 employees globally. We have a formalized employee referral program in place as we have found that employees who join us through employee referrals are a good cultural fit and remain with us longer than those who have no personal connection. Approximately 28% of our hires in 2025 came from employee referrals. Over half of the 2025 hires were in entry to mid-level roles, reflecting our continued focus on strengthening our talent pipeline along with longer-term workforce development.

Our recognition program, "Real Time Rewards," is an online platform which enables employees to recognize and express appreciation to their colleagues' contributions. In 2025, approximately 3,000 awards were distributed, whereby 46% of our employees were rewarded for their contributions. These rewards are comprised of both monetary and non-monetary awards and are also used to recognize service anniversaries, birthdays, and other notable events.

*Learning and Development (L&D)*. At Ribbon we believe that investing in our employees' personal and professional growth is essential for both individual success and organizational excellence. By providing robust learning opportunities, we enable employees to perform their current roles with maximum effectiveness while preparing them for future responsibilities.

Our comprehensive L&D programs are designed to: empower employees through knowledge and skill-building, boost engagement and collaboration across teams and enhance talent retention by fostering career development. These programs combine in-person sessions and online learning modules, covering both mandatory and elective topics. Core modules include essential areas such as ethical conduct, products and services, cybersecurity, workplace safety, human rights and anti-corruption.

Beyond the core curriculum, we offer tailored programs to meet diverse development needs that range from leadership development to personal effectiveness. In 2025 the L&D team delivered 27 live training webinars, 8 leadership development programs and 8 orientation programs for new hires. Approximately 12 training hours per employee was dedicated to training. Our commitment to continuous learning is not just an investment in skills, it's an investment in our people and our future. By fostering a culture of growth and adaptability we ensure that our workforce remains innovative, resilient, and ready to lead in an ever-changing business landscape.

*Safety, Health and Well-being.* Our objective is to provide a safe and hazard-free work environment for all employees. Compliance with applicable safety regulations is a top priority and we strive to maintain our strong record for safety, which continues to be reinforced through regular training modules at all of our locations.

Ribbon continues to prioritize the well-being of our employees and their families worldwide. One of the key resources available is our Employee Assistance Program ("EAP"), a confidential service offered at no cost to employees and their dependents, providing support for a wide range of personal and professional needs.

To help employees understand how to access these resources, we host several EAP orientation sessions throughout the year. In 2025, we observed a notable increase in EAP utilization, highlighting the importance of these services in supporting overall wellness. In addition, as a company consistently advocating for a healthy, balanced lifestyle, we offer a wellness program, which is available to all employees and their families. This program includes a variety of wellness related topics delivered quarterly through activities such as webinars, exercise sessions, and engaging challenges.

In 2025, we continued with our hybrid work model. Under this policy, which was introduced in 2023, employees spend a minimum of two days per week working from one of our offices. Consistent in-office presence remains a key component in fostering team collaboration, strengthening our company culture, and promoting a unified employee experience.

*Community Investment*. We value the communities in which we work. We encourage a service mindset among our employees wherever they are and support community involvement and engagement. Our Employee Engagement committees have developed ongoing relationships with local non-profit organizations where Ribbon and our employees are contributing both time and funds to provide needed support. Ribbon also sponsors events and campaigns that support organizations such as the American Heart Association, Make a Wish Foundation, and the United Way. Once again, in 2025 we provided a day of paid time off for all employees to participate in our Global Day of Service, during which employees are encouraged to volunteer and contribute to local charitable organizations in their communities. In 2025, 1,283 employees across the globe donated an aggregate of approximately 5,000 hours to support charitable organizations.

For additional information on Ribbon's talent and our current engagement activities, please see our most recent sustainability report, which is available at https://ribboncommunications.com/company/sustainability-report.

#### Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
We are committed to operating ethically, efficiently and inclusively. We aim to help improve the quality of the lives of people, society and the health of the planet through leveraging our expertise in transforming networks, enhancing security and delivering world-class solutions. We believe that communications technology and continuous innovation form the backbone upon which sustainable development largely depends. Major technology trends supported by our solutions include the accelerated adoption of collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom; the 5G revolution; accelerating customers' ability to transfer carbon-intensive data storage from using local physical environments to the cloud; supporting service providers' increased network demands to allow more people to work from home; and using our analytics solutions to maximize network efficiencies. In addition, we believe we contribute to the communities in which we operate through the mitigation of climate change and other global sustainable development priorities.

We have taken a more strategic position to our environmental, social and governance ("ESG") practices. Our ESG materiality study reviewed the expectations and requirements of both our stakeholders and our competitors to focus on the ESG practices that are most critical to our business and those where we believe we can make the largest positive impact. From this materiality study, we published a strategy, which we review with the Board of Directors from time to time, which we believe will positively impact our future environmental performance, and deliver social benefits for our customers, employees and society at large. Additionally, we believe the governance improvements made as a result of our strategy will result in enhancements in our accountability and that of our suppliers and partners.

We are committed to protecting the environment and reducing the impact on the environment within a product's lifecycle through responsible product design and requiring suppliers to adhere to sustainable practices. An example of this is our focus on continuously improving the power and space efficiency of our products to reduce overall energy consumption. We align our compliance goals with component directives such as RoHS legislation in the European Union and China and with the European WEEE directive. We also hold a host of internationally recognized certifications for our global offerings, including ISO 9001: 2015 - Quality Management Systems; ISO 14001: 2015 - Environmental Management Systems; and SI 10000: 2013 - Social Responsibility (covering our sites in Israel).

It has always been paramount to our way of doing business to act with the utmost integrity, honesty and transparency. Our commitment to ethical business practices guide us in our compliance with national and international laws and regulations, including anti-corruption, anti-bribery and unfair competition, antitrust and human rights. We maintain a Code of Conduct that applies to all of our directors, employees, contractors and suppliers. We are committed to strong corporate governance practices, which include building long-term value and assuring success for our stockholders and other stakeholders, including employees, customers and the communities in which we operate.

For additional information regarding our corporate governance and our social responsibility goals and initiatives, please see "Corporate Governance" on our investor relations website (https://investors.ribboncommunications.com/) and our most recent sustainability report, which is available at ribboncommunications.com/company/company-policies/sustainability-report.

#### Seasonality
We have experienced quarterly fluctuations in customer activity due to seasonal considerations. We typically experience increases in order volume in the fourth quarter due to greater spending on operating and capital expenditures by our service provider customers. We typically experience reductions in order volume toward the beginning of the calendar year, when our service provider customers are operationalizing their annual budgets and plans, which may result in lower revenue in the first quarter. These typical seasonal effects may vary. Accordingly, they should not be considered a reliable indicator of our future operating results.

#### Additional Information
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), are available free of charge through the SEC's Internet site (*https://www.sec.gov/*) or our Internet site (*http://www.ribboncommunications.com*) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website does not constitute a part of this annual report and is not incorporated by reference herein.

#### Item 1A. Risk Factors
*Our business faces significant risks and uncertainties. Certain important factors may have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations, and they should be carefully considered. Accordingly, in evaluating our business, we encourage you to consider the following discussion of risk factors in its entirety in addition to other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other public filings with the SEC. These are factors which, individually or in the aggregate, we think could cause our actual results to differ significantly from anticipated or historical results. In addition to understanding the key risks described below, investors should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors, and consequently, the following is not a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties. Other events that we do not currently anticipate or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, investors should not interpret the disclosure of a risk to imply that the risk has not already materialized.*

#### Risk Factors Summary
The following is a summary of the principal risks that could adversely affect our business, operations and financial results:

#### Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
● Our quarterly revenue and operating results are unpredictable and may fluctuate significantly quarter to quarter.

● Failure to compete successfully could impair our ability to increase revenues and/or remain profitable.

● Our future success is dependent on growing our base of customers and expanding our recurring revenue.

● Consolidation in the telecommunications industry could harm our business.

● Restructuring activities could adversely affect our ability to execute our business strategy.

● Exposure to the credit risk of some of our customers and to credit exposures in fragile financial markets could result in material losses.

● Disruptions to relationships with distributors, resellers, system integrators and other channel partners could adversely affect our revenues.

● Failure to align our strategic plan with our customers' investments, or failure of products and services to meet customers' demands, could impact our revenues.

● Failure of our products to interoperate with our customers' existing networks could result in customer losses.

● Failure for customers to adopt our new products and services focused on virtualized networks, could reduce our revenues.

● Failure by our strategic partners or by us in integrating products could harm our business.

● We rely on contract manufacturers.

● We rely on single or limited sources for supply of some components of our products.

● Failure to correctly estimate future requirements for end-of-production products purchased from third parties could harm our operating results or business.

● Products may have errors or defects that we find only after full deployment.

● Government sales are subject to potential delays and cutbacks, may require specific testing efforts, or impose significant compliance obligations.

● Future investments, mergers or acquisitions could be difficult to integrate, disrupt our business, dilute shareholder value and harm our financial condition.

● Failure to hire and retain key personnel could negatively impact our ability to meet our business objectives and impair future growth.

● Man-made problems, such as terrorism, and natural catastrophic events may disrupt our operations and harm our operating results.

● We may not be successful in our artificial intelligence initiatives and such initiatives may expose us to greater litigation and regulatory risk.

#### Risks Related to Our International Operations
● Worldwide global economic conditions and uncertainties may have a material adverse impact on our business.

● Increases in tariffs, trade restrictions or taxes on our products could have an adverse impact on our operations.

● The war in Ukraine and military action in Israel could materially impact our sales to customers in that region.

● Conditions in Israel may materially and adversely affect our business.

● Risks associated with our international operations could impair our ability to grow our international revenue.

● Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows.

● Use and reliance upon research and development resources in global locations may expose us to unanticipated costs and/or liabilities.

#### Risks Related to Intellectual Property
● Our business could be jeopardized if we are unable to protect our intellectual property.

● Failure to obtain necessary licenses or ongoing maintenance and support of third-party technology at acceptable prices on acceptable terms, or at all, could harm our operating results or business.

● A breach of the security of our information systems or those of our third-party providers could adversely affect our operating results.

● The increasing use of AI tools, both internally and by third parties, creates risks of potential financial and reputational harm.

#### Risks Related to Regulation
● Data privacy issues, including evolving laws, regulations and associated compliance, may adversely impact our business and financial results.

● Failure to comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), the U.K. Bribery Act ("UKBA") and similar regulations could subject us to significant civil or criminal penalties.

● Governmental export and import controls could subject us to liability, require a license from the U.S. government or impair our ability to compete in international markets.

● Changes in governmental regulation, especially with respect to the telecommunications industry, could harm our operating results and future prospects.

#### Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and Accounting Matters
● The terms of our credit agreement could adversely affect our operating flexibility and pose risks of default, which would negatively impact our liquidity and operations.

● Impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets may require us to record a significant charge to earnings.

● Failure to maintain appropriate internal controls in the future may adversely affect our stock price and our business.

#### Risks Related to Ownership of our Common Stock and Warrants
● The choice of forum provision in our Certificate of Incorporation could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or agents.

● Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of us more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management and may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.

● The outstanding warrants are exercisable for common stock, which would increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to stockholders.

● We may issue debt and equity securities that are senior to our common stock, which could negatively affect the value of our common stock.

● The outstanding warrants are speculative in nature and may not have any value.

● Holders of our warrants will have no rights as a common stockholder until they acquire our common stock.

● The market price of shares of our common stock may experience volatility, which could cause holders of the warrants to incur substantial losses.

● An active trading market for the warrants does not exist and may not develop.

#### General Risk Factors
● Litigation and government investigations could result in significant legal expenses and settlement payments, fines or damage awards.

● Our stock price has been and may continue to be volatile.

● We are party to a stockholders' agreement with certain stockholders which provides such stockholders with certain rights that may differ from the rights of our other stockholders.

● Delaware law and our charter documents contain provisions that could discourage or prevent a potential takeover.

For a more complete discussion of the material risks facing our business, see below.

#### Risks Related to our Business and Industry
***Our quarterly revenue and operating results are unpredictable and may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and the trading price of our common stock.***

Our revenue and operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control and any of which may cause our stock price to fluctuate. Material factors that may affect our revenue and operating results include those discussed below under "Risks Related to our Business and Industry."

Equipment purchases by CSPs and enterprises continue to be unpredictable. As with other telecommunications product suppliers, we typically recognize a portion of our revenue in a given quarter from sales booked and shipped in the last weeks of that quarter. As a result, delays in customer orders may result in delays in shipments and recognition of revenue beyond the end of a given quarter. Additionally, we rely on the revenue provided by certain large customers. It can be difficult for us to predict the timing of receipt of major customer orders, and we are unable to control their timing decisions. We have experienced significant variability in the spending patterns and purchasing practices of our customers on a quarterly and annual basis, and we expect that this variability will continue. Consequently, our quarterly operating results are difficult to predict, even in the short term, and a delay in an anticipated sale past the end of a particular quarter may negatively impact our results of operations for that quarter, or in some cases, that year. Therefore, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results are not a good indication of our future performance. If our revenue or operating results fall below the expectations of investors or securities analysts or below any guidance we may provide to the market, the price of our common stock could decline substantially. Such a stock price decline could also occur even if we meet our publicly stated revenue and/or earnings guidance.

A significant portion of our operating expenses is fixed in the short term. If revenue for a particular quarter is below expectations, we may not be able to reduce costs and expenses proportionally for that quarter. Any such revenue shortfall would, therefore, have a significant effect on our operating results for that quarter.

#### If we fail to compete successfully against telecommunications equipment and networking companies, our ability to increase our revenue and remain profitable will be impaired.
Competition in the telecommunications market is intense. The market is shifting from an ecosystem dominated by a few large incumbent telecommunications equipment companies, such as Ericsson LM Telephone Company, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Nokia Corporation, Ciena Corporation and Cisco Systems, Inc., to a market with competitors that are characterized by network virtualization, migration to the cloud, and open interfaces. The market is also seeing the growing use of AI in many areas of the network. We believe these shifts create opportunities for us, as well as our direct competitors in telecommunications and networking. The shift also creates opportunities for new entrants, including some that may currently be our strategic partners, that could become competitors in the industry. See Item 1. "*Business – Competition*". Mergers among any of these or other competitors could strengthen their ability to compete against us, and additional competitors with significant financial resources entering our markets could further intensify competition.

To compete effectively, we must deliver innovative products that provide extremely high reliability and quality; deploy and scale easily and efficiently; interoperate with existing network infrastructures and multivendor solutions; provide effective network management, as well as comprehensive customer support and professional services; provide a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for enterprises and service providers; meet price competition from low cost equipment providers; and offer solutions that are timely for the market and support where the industry is heading.

Many of our current and potential competitors have significantly greater selling and marketing, technical, manufacturing, financial and other resources than we have. Further, some of our competitors sell significant amounts of other products to our current and prospective customers and have the ability to offer lower prices to win business. Our competitors' broad product portfolios, coupled with already existing relationships, may cause our customers to buy our competitors' products or harm our ability to attract new customers.

If we are unable to compete successfully against our current and future competitors, we could experience price reductions, order cancellations and loss of customers and revenue, and our operating results could be adversely affected.

#### Our future success is dependent on growing our base of customers and expanding our recurring revenue from our existing customers.
We rely on certain key customers, and our future success will depend on our ability to generate recurring business from our existing customers and to attract additional customers beyond our current customer base. One customer, Verizon, contributed approximately 17% of our revenue in the year ended December 31, 2025. Our top five customers contributed approximately 41% of our revenue in 2025. Factors that may affect our ability to grow our customer base include, but are not limited to, economic conditions that discourage potential new customers from making the capital investments required to adopt new technologies; deterioration in the general financial condition of service providers and enterprises, or their ability to raise capital or access lending sources; new product introductions by our competitors; and the success of our channel partner program. If we are unable to expand our customer base, the loss of any significant customer, or any substantial reduction in purchase orders or deferral of purchasing decisions from these customers, could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

#### Consolidation in the telecommunications industry could harm our business.
The telecommunications industry, including many of our customers, has experienced consolidation, including, in the carrier space, the proposed acquisition of Cox Communications by Charter Communications (2025), the recently completed acquisition of Frontier Communications by Verizon (2026) and the acquisition of Lumen's Mass Markets Fiber business by AT&T, the merger between Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc. (April 2023), and the acquisition of certain Lumen Technologies assets by Brightspeed (2022). Further, consolidation has also occurred in the telecommunications supplier and vendor space, including the acquisition by Alianza of the Metaswitch business held by Microsoft (2024), the acquisition of Infinera by Nokia (2025), the acquisition of Juniper Networks by Hewlett Packard Enterprises (2025), and the combination of ADTRAN, Inc. and ADVA (2022).

We expect this trend to continue. Consolidation among our customers may cause delays or reductions in capital expenditure plans by such customers and/or increased competitive pricing pressures as the number of available customers declines and the relative bargaining power of customers increases in relation to suppliers. Any of these factors could materially

adversely affect our business. Further consolidation among our competitors may create additional opportunities for us as customers look to maintain multiple vendors in their networks, but it could also provide those competitors with much larger scale making it more difficult for us to compete against them.

#### Restructuring activities could adversely affect our ability to execute our business strategy.
We recorded restructuring expense of $19.7 million and $10.2 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively, including severance and related costs, facilities restructuring and accelerated amortization of lease assets. In 2026, we expect to record additional restructuring expense of approximately $8 million as we look to further streamline operations and consolidate our global footprint.

Our current restructuring and any future restructuring, should it become necessary for us to further restructure our business due to market conditions or other factors that reduce the demand for our products and services, could adversely affect our ability to execute our business strategy in a number of ways, including through loss of key employees; potential work stoppages by our unionized employees; diversion of management's attention from normal daily operations of the business; diminished ability to respond to customer requirements related to both products and services; disruption of our engineering and manufacturing processes, which could adversely affect our ability to introduce new products and to deliver products both on a timely basis and in accordance with the highest quality standards; and/or reduced ability to execute effectively internal administrative processes, including the implementation of key information technology programs.

There can be no assurance that any restructuring actions we have taken in the past, or may take in the future, will improve our financial condition or results of operations.

***We are exposed to the credit risk of some of our customers and to credit exposures in fragile financial markets, which could result in material losses.***

Due to our reliance on significant customers, we are dependent on the continued financial strength of our customers. If one or more of our significant customers experience financial difficulties, it could result in uncollectible accounts receivable and our loss of significant customers and anticipated revenue.

Most of our sales are on an open credit basis, with typical payment terms of 30 to 90 days. In our IP Optical Networks segment, some payment terms may be as long as 180 days or, in limited circumstances, even longer. We evaluate and monitor individual customer payment capability in granting such open credit arrangements, maintain reserves that we believe are adequate to cover exposure for doubtful accounts, and in some cases, insure credit risk. However, there can be no assurance that our open credit customers will pay the amounts they owe us or that the reserves we maintain will be adequate to cover such credit exposure. Our sales derived through distributors, in particular, represent sources of increased credit risk as distributors tend to have more limited financial resources than other resellers and end-user customers.

Our customers' failure to pay and/or our failure to maintain sufficient reserves could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, in the event that turmoil in the credit markets makes it more difficult for some customers to obtain financing, those customers' ability to pay could be adversely impacted, which in turn could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

***Disruptions to, or our failure to effectively develop relationships with and manage, distributors, resellers, system integrators and other channel partners, and the processes and procedures that support them, could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue from the sale of our products and services.***

We continue to enhance our sales strategy, which we expect will include more partner sales engagements to resell our products and services through authorized distributors, value-added resellers ("VARs"), system integrators and other channel partners. Our future success is dependent upon establishing and maintaining successful relationships with a variety of distributors, VARs, system integrators and other channel partners. We may also need to pursue strategic partnerships with vendors that have broader technology or product offerings in order to compete with end-to-end solution providers. In addition, many of the enterprise markets we are pursuing require a broad network of resale partners in order to achieve effective distribution.

Many of our distribution and channel partners sell competitive products and services, and the loss of, or reduction in sales by, these partners could materially reduce our revenue. Our sales through channel partners typically involve the use of our products as components of a larger solution being implemented by systems integrators. In these instances, the purchase and sale of our products are dependent on the channel partners, who typically control the timing, prioritization and implementation of projects. If we fail to maintain relationships with our distribution, VAR and systems integration partners, fail to develop new relationships with other partners in new markets, fail to manage, train or provide incentives to our existing partners effectively, or if these partners are not successful in their sales efforts, sales of our products and services may decrease and our operating results could suffer. Moreover, if we do not have adequate personnel, experience and resources to manage the relationships with our partners and to fulfill our responsibilities under such arrangements, any such shortcomings could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

***If our strategic plan, including our research and development of innovative new products and the improvement of existing products, is not aligned with our customers' investments in the evolution of their networks, or if our products and services do not meet customers' demands, customers may not buy our products or use our services.***

We spend a significant amount of time, money and resources developing new technology, products and solutions to help keep up with rapid technology and market changes. Our strategic plan includes a continued shift in our investments from mature technologies that previously generated significant revenue for us toward certain networking technologies and the use of AI to assist in network management. Our choices of specific technologies to pursue, and those to de-emphasize, may prove to be inconsistent with our customers' investment spending. Moreover, if we invest in the development of technologies, products and solutions that do not function as expected, are not adopted by the industry, are not ready in time, are not accepted by our customers as quickly as anticipated or at all, mature more quickly than we anticipated or are not successful in the marketplace, our sales and earnings may suffer and, as a result, our stock price could decline.

To achieve market acceptance for our products, we must effectively anticipate, and adapt in a timely manner to, customer requirements and offer products and services that meet changing customer demands. Prospective customers may require product features and capabilities that our current products do not have. The introduction of new or enhanced products also requires that we carefully manage the transition from older products in order to minimize disruption in customer ordering patterns and ensure that adequate supplies of new products can be delivered to meet anticipated customer demand. If we fail to develop products and offer services that satisfy customer requirements or if we fail to effectively manage the transition from older products, our ability to create or increase demand for our products and services could be seriously harmed, we may lose current and prospective customers and our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

#### If our products do not interoperate with our customers' existing networks, we may not retain current customers or attract new customers.
Many of our customers will require that our products be designed to interface with their existing networks, each of which may have different specifications. Issues caused by an unanticipated lack of interoperability may result in significant warranty, support and repair costs, divert the attention of our engineering personnel from our hardware and software development efforts and cause significant customer relations problems. If our products do not interoperate with those of our customers' networks, installations could be delayed or orders for our products could be canceled, which would seriously harm our gross margins and result in loss of revenue or customers.

***We believe the telecommunications industry is in a major architectural shift to the virtualization of networks. If the architectural shift does not occur at the pace we predict, or if the products and services we have developed are not attractive to our customers after such shift takes place, our revenue could decline.***

We believe the telecommunications industry continues to transition to the virtualization of networks. However, our customers may adapt to such changes at varying rates. As our customers take time to determine their future network architectures, we may encounter delayed timing of orders, deferred purchasing decisions and reduced expenditures by our customers. These longer decision cycles and reduced expenditures may negatively impact our revenue or make it difficult for us to accurately predict our revenue, either of which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and cause our stock price to decline.

Virtualization of our product portfolio, particularly in our Cloud and Edge segment, to increasingly focus on more software-based products could also adversely impact our revenue growth. As we virtualize our product portfolio, we expect our

margins to improve due to decreased costs tied to production and sales of our appliance products, however, our revenue may decline as a result of the decreases in sales of appliance products, many of which have generated higher revenue on a per-unit basis than certain of our software products.

#### Failure by our strategic partners or by us in integrating products provided by our strategic partners could harm our business.
Our solutions include the integration of products supplied by strategic partners. We rely on these strategic partners in the timely and successful deployment of our solutions to our customers. If the products provided by these partners have defects or do not operate as expected, if the services provided by these partners are not completed in a timely manner, if our partners have organizational or supply issues, or if we do not effectively integrate and support products supplied by these strategic partners, then we may have difficulty with the deployment of our solutions that may result in loss of, or delay in, revenue; increased service, support and warranty costs and a diversion of development resources; and/or network performance penalties.

In addition to cooperating with our strategic partners, such as Dell, on specific customer projects, we also may compete in some areas with these same partners. If these strategic partners fail to perform or choose not to cooperate with us on certain projects, in addition to the effects described above, we could experience loss of customers and market share, or fail to attract new customers.

***If our contract manufacturers fail to perform, or if we change or consolidate manufacturers, we may fail to meet the demands of our customers and damage our customer relationships, which could materially adversely affect our business.***

We currently rely on a small number of large global contract manufacturers to assemble our products according to our specifications and to fulfill orders on a timely basis. Reliance on a third-party manufacturer involves a number of risks, including a lack of control over the manufacturing process, inventory management and the potential absence or unavailability of adequate capacity. These risks are amplified by any global supply chain disruptions, including, as a result of tariffs. As we do not have internal manufacturing capabilities, any difficulties or failures to perform by our contract manufacturers could cause delays in customer product shipments, which could negatively affect our relationships with customers and result in delayed revenue.

In addition, any future changes to or consolidations of our current contract manufacturers could lead to material shortages or delays in the supply of our products. Qualifying a new contract manufacturer to commence commercial scale production or consolidating to a reduced number of contract manufacturers are expensive and time-consuming activities and could result in a significant delay in the supply of our products, which could negatively affect our relationships with customers and result in delayed revenue.

***We and our contract manufacturers rely on single or limited sources for supply of some components of our products and if we fail to adequately predict our manufacturing requirements or if our supply of any of these components is disrupted, we will be unable to ship our products in a timely manner, or at all.***

We and our contract manufacturers both purchase several key components of our products. Depending upon the component, there may or may not be alternative sources of substitutes. If we overestimate our component and finished goods requirements, we could have excess inventory, which would increase our costs. If we or our contract manufacturers underestimate our requirements, we may not have an adequate supply, which could interrupt manufacturing of our products and result in delays in shipments and revenue. The imposition of tariffs on components or the countries where our contract manufacturers are located could also result in increased costs that we may not be able to pass on, partially or in full, to our customers. If any of our sole or limited source suppliers experience capacity constraints, work stoppages or other reductions or disruptions in output, it may not be able to meet, or may choose not to meet, our delivery schedules. Moreover, we have agreed to compensate our contract manufacturers in the event of termination or cancellation of orders, discontinuance of product or excess material.

We generally do not have long-term supply contracts with our component suppliers and they are not required to supply us with components for any specified periods, in any specified quantities or at any set price, except as may be specified in a particular purchase order. In the event of a disruption or delay in supply or our inability to obtain components, we may not be able to develop an alternate source in a timely manner or at favorable prices, or at all. While we regularly monitor our inventory

of supplies, a failure to find acceptable alternative sources could hurt our ability to deliver high-quality products to our customers and negatively affect our operating margins.

Reliance on our suppliers also exposes us to potential quality variations and unforeseen price increases. Any disruption in the supply of key components would seriously adversely affect our ability to meet committed delivery dates and could result in loss of customers, harm to our ability to attract new customers, the payment of contractual liquidated damages or legal action. Additionally, any unforeseen increases in the prices of components could reduce our profitability or force us to increase our prices, which could result in a loss of customers or harm our ability to attract new customers and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our customer contracts may allow customers to reschedule delivery dates or cancel orders within certain time frames before shipment without penalty and outside those times frames with a penalty. Because of these and other factors, there are risks of excess or inadequate inventory that could negatively affect our expenses and results of operations.

***If we are unable to correctly estimate future requirements for products and components that we purchase from our third-party vendors that have reached the end of their production cycle, it could harm our operating results or business.***

Some of the products and components that we purchase from our third-party vendors have reached the end of their new production availability. It may be difficult for us to maintain appropriate levels of the discontinued products or components to adequately ensure that we do not have a shortage or surplus of inventory of these products. If we do not correctly forecast the demand for such products that utilize third-party components, we could have excess inventory and may need to write off the costs related to such purchases and such write-offs could materially adversely affect our operating results. However, if we underestimate our forecast and our customers place orders to purchase more products than are available, we may not have sufficient inventory to support their needs. If we are unable to provide our customers with enough of these products, it could make it difficult to retain certain customers, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business.

#### Our products may have errors or defects that we find only after full deployment.
Many of our products are sophisticated and are designed to be deployed in large and complex networks around the world. Because of the nature of our products, they can only be fully tested when substantially deployed in these networks. Some of our customers may discover errors or defects in the software or hardware, or the products may not operate as expected only after full deployment. Our customers expect us to establish a support infrastructure and maintain demanding support standards to ensure that their networks maintain high levels of availability and performance. As we continue to expand our distribution channel through distributors and resellers, we will need to rely on and support their service and support organizations. If we, or our distributors and resellers, are unable to fix errors or other performance problems that may be identified after full deployment of our products, or provide the expected level of support and service to our customers, we could experience increased service, support and warranty costs and a diversion of development resources, loss of customers, network performance penalties and/or legal actions by our customers, which could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.

***Disruptions to, or our failure to effectively develop, manage and maintain our government customer relationships could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue from these customers. Further, sales to government customers are subject to potential delays and cutbacks, may require specific testing efforts, or impose significant compliance obligations.***

A portion of our total revenue from product sales comes from sales to government agencies in the U.S. and other foreign countries. Disruptions to or our failure to effectively develop, manage and maintain our government customer relationships could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue from sales to such customers. Governments routinely investigate and audit government contractors' administrative processes, and any unfavorable audit could result in a government refusing to continue buying our products and services, a reduction of revenue or fines or civil or criminal liability if the audit uncovers improper or illegal activities, which could materially adversely impact our operating results.

Factors that could impact federal government spending on our products and services include a significant decline in, or reapportioning of, spending by the federal government customers, changes, delays or cancellations of government programs or requirements, the adoption of new laws or regulations, new or prolonged government shutdowns or other delays in the government budget and/or appropriations process, changes in the political climate and general economic conditions. The loss or significant curtailment of any government contracts or subcontracts, whether due to our performance or due to interruptions or

changes in governmental funding, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Further, sales to government customers may require specific testing efforts or impose significant compliance or certification obligations. While certain of our products are have received the required certifications, if we are unable to obtain future certification as needed, our U.S. federal sales and results of operations may suffer.

***Any future investments, mergers or acquisitions we make or enter into, as applicable, could be difficult to integrate, disrupt our business, dilute shareholder value and seriously harm our financial condition.***

We have a history of significant acquisitions and we may merge with or acquire additional businesses, products or technologies in the future or sell a portion of our business. No assurance can be given that any future merger, acquisition or disposition will be successful or will not materially adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition. We continue to review opportunities to merge with or acquire other businesses or technologies that would add to our existing product line, complement and enhance our current products, expand the breadth of our product and service offerings, enhance our technical capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. If we enter into a merger or make acquisitions in the future, we could, among other things, issue stock that would dilute existing stockholders' percentage ownership; incur significant debt or assume significant liabilities; materially reduce our cash; incur significant amortization expenses related to intangible assets; and/or incur large and immediate write-offs for in-process research and development and stock-based compensation.

Mergers, acquisitions and dispositions are inherently risky and subject to many factors outside of our control. Therefore, we cannot be certain that we would be successful in overcoming problems in connection with our past or future acquisitions. Our inability to do so could significantly harm our business, revenue, and results of operations.

#### Failure to hire and retain key personnel could negatively impact our ability to meet our business objectives and impair our future growth.
Our business depends upon highly skilled technical, managerial, engineering, sales, marketing and customer support personnel. Competition for these personnel is intense, especially during times of economic recovery or growth. In addition, for certain mature technologies, the availability of qualified personnel necessary to provide maintenance and professional services is smaller and such personnel may be difficult to find. Any failure to hire, assimilate in a timely manner and retain key qualified personnel, particularly engineering and sales personnel, could impair our growth and make it difficult to meet key objectives, such as timely and effective product introductions. In addition, our ability to attract and retain key employees could be adversely impacted if we do not have a sufficient number of shares available under the 2025 Stock Incentive Plan to issue to our employees. We may not be able to locate suitable employees for any key employee who leaves or offer employment to potential replacements on reasonable terms.

Our future success also depends upon the continued services of our executive officers who have critical industry experience and relationships that we rely on to implement our business plan. None of our officers or key employees is bound by an employment agreement for any specific term. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or key employees could delay the development and introduction of, and negatively impact our ability to sell, our products and achieve our business objectives.

#### Man-made problems, such as war and terrorism, and natural catastrophic events may disrupt our operations and harm our operating results.
The ongoing war in Ukraine and military action in Israel, as well as the continued threat of terrorism and heightened security and military action in response to this threat, or any future acts of terrorism, may cause disruptions to the economies of the United States and other countries. Events such as work stoppages or widespread blackouts could have similar negative impacts. Such disruptions or uncertainties could result in delays or cancellations of customer orders or the manufacture or shipment of our products and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Natural catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, tornadoes, or pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) may also affect our or our customers' operations. For example, we have offices located in Mexico City, Mexico; and Tokyo, Japan, regions known for seismic activity, which could be impacted in the event of an earthquake and we operate a facility in

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida that is subject to the impact of hurricanes. A significant natural disaster, such as wildfires, earthquakes or floods, could have a material adverse effect on our business in these locations.

***We may not be successful in our artificial intelligence ("AI") initiatives, which could adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results.***

We are developing AI solutions, including generative AI, such as our Acumen AIOps and Automation platform, to, among other things, enhance our features for new and existing products, and create greater operation efficiencies for us.

There are significant risks involved in developing and deploying AI, and there can be no assurance that the usage of AI will enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our efficiency or profitability. For example, our AI-related efforts, particularly those related to generative AI, subject us to risks related to harmful content, inaccuracies, bias, discrimination, toxicity, intellectual property infringement or misappropriation, defamation, data privacy, cybersecurity, and sanctions and export controls, among others. It is also uncertain how various laws will apply to content generated by AI. We are subject to the risks of new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, or other legal liability, ethical concerns, negative consumer perceptions as to automation and AI, or other complications that could adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results. In addition, if our competitors use AI tools to optimize operations and we fail to utilize AI tools in a comparable manner, we may be competitively disadvantaged.

As a result of the complexity and rapid development of AI, it is the subject of evolving review by various U.S. governmental and regulatory agencies, and other foreign jurisdictions are applying, or are considering applying, their intellectual property, cybersecurity, data protection and other laws to AI and/or are considering general legal frameworks on AI. We may not always be able to anticipate how to respond to these frameworks, given that they are still rapidly evolving. We may also have to expend resources to adjust our use of AI in certain jurisdictions if the legal frameworks on AI are not consistent across jurisdictions.

It is not possible to predict all of the risks related to the use of AI, and changes in laws, rules, directives, and regulations governing the use of AI may adversely affect our ability to develop and use AI or subject us to legal liability.

#### Risks Related to our International Operations

#### Worldwide economic conditions and uncertainties in the geopolitical environment have been and may continue to be materially adverse to our business.
A factor that significantly affects our operating results is the impact of economic conditions on the willingness of our current and potential customers to make capital investments. Given the general uncertainty regarding global economic conditions and other factors, such as tariffs, trade barriers, inflation, high interest rates and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, we believe that customers have tried to maintain or improve profitability through cost control and constrained capital spending, which places additional pressure to demonstrate acceptable return on investment. Some of our customers have canceled or delayed, and current and prospective customers may continue to cancel and delay, spending on the development or roll-out of capital and technology projects with us due to economic uncertainty and, consequently, our results of operations have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected. In addition, current uncertain worldwide economic and political environments make it increasingly difficult for us, our customers, and our suppliers to accurately forecast future product demand, which could result in an inability to satisfy demand for our products and a loss of market share. Our revenue is likely to decline in such circumstances, which may result in erosion of our profit margins and significant losses.

Moreover, economic conditions worldwide may contribute to slowdowns in the communications and networking industries, as well as to specific segments and markets in which we operate, particularly the telecom sector, resulting in, among other things, reduced demand for our products and services as a result of our customers choosing to refrain from building or upgrading capital intensive networks; increased price competition for our products, not only from our competitors, but also as a consequence of customers disposing of unutilized products; and risk of excess and obsolete inventories. Continuing turmoil in the geopolitical environment in many parts of the world may continue to put pressure on global economic conditions, which in turn could materially adversely affect our operating results. For example, following border clashes with China, India has enacted bans on the import of some goods manufactured in China and separately will require certain products be manufactured in India. These requirements include our products that are currently manufactured outside of India and, as a result, we are working to identify local manufacturing for such products. While we are developing plans to relocate our manufacturing sites,

the timing required for relocation could impact our ability to sell such products or timely deliver the products and could result in lower or lost sales in India. The need to move the manufacturing of such products could also negatively impact the margin earned on the sale of such products. If these restrictions or other sanctions are enacted, they may limit our ability to provide products and services in an important country or region for our business.

#### The war between Russia and Ukraine, and the sanctions imposed as a result, could materially impact our sales to customers in that region.
In 2025, approximately 1% of our sales were to customers in Eastern European countries, including Ukraine, Russia, and the surrounding countries. In February 2022, Russia commenced a military action in Ukraine. The uncertainty and the threat of an expansion of the war has resulted in some of our customers delaying purchases from us. Further, the U.S. and other European countries have imposed sanctions against Russia in connection with the war. These sanctions currently prohibit our ability to sell our hardware products and certain services to customers in Russia. The sanctions continue to evolve and further changes in the sanctions could further limit our ability to sell products and services to customers in Russia and our ability to collect on outstanding accounts receivable from such customers. If we are further limited in our ability to sell products and services to customers in Russia and other countries for an extended period, it could have a material impact on our financial results.

#### Conditions in Israel may materially and adversely affect our business.
We have a significant number of employees located in Israel. As a result, political, economic and military conditions in Israel may directly affect our business. In October 2023, Hamas conducted several terrorist attacks in Israel resulting in ongoing war across the country. In addition, there continue to be hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as groups in Syria and Iran which resulted in rockets being fired into Israel, causing casualties and disruption of economic activities. Popular uprisings in various countries in the Middle East over the last few years, including in Iran in January 2026 and Syria in December 2024, have also affected the political stability of those countries and have led to a decline in the regional security situation. Such instability may also lead to deterioration in the political and trade relationships that exist between Israel and these countries. The ongoing war against Hamas and any additional conflicts, terrorist activities or political instability involving Israel or other countries in the region could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects. Although the Israeli Government currently covers the reinstatement value of direct damages that are caused by terrorist attacks or acts of war, we cannot ensure stockholders that this coverage will be maintained or will be adequate in the event we submit a claim.

A number of countries, principally in the Middle East, still restrict doing business with Israel and Israeli companies, and additional countries may impose restrictions on doing business with Israel and Israeli companies if hostilities in Israel or political instability in the region continue or increase. In addition, there have been increased efforts by activists to cause companies and consumers to boycott Israeli goods based on Israeli Government policies. Such actions, particularly if they become more widespread, may adversely impact our ability to sell our products.

Our operations could also be disrupted by the absence for significant periods of one or more key employees or a significant number of other employees because of military service. Some of our employees in Israel are obliged to perform military reserve duty, which generally accumulates over a period of three years from several days to up to a maximum of 84 days (and up to 108 days, in special circumstances specified under applicable law) and, in certain emergency circumstances, employees may be called to immediate and unlimited active duty. While we have business continuity plans in place to address the military call-ups of our employees, any of these circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.

#### We may face risks associated with our international operations that could impair our ability to grow our international revenue.
We have expanded, and expect to continue to expand, our operations in international and emerging markets. International operations are a significant part of our business, accounting for approximately 52% of total revenues in 2025. We expect such operations to continue to require significant management attention and financial resources to successfully grow. In addition, our international operations are subject to other inherent risks, including:

● greater reliance on channel partners;

● difficulties collecting accounts receivable and longer collection cycles;

● difficulties and costs of staffing and managing international operations;

● impacts of differing technical standards;

● compliance with international trade, customs and export control regulations;

● foreign government regulations limiting or prohibiting potential sales or increasing the cost of doing business in such markets, including adverse tax policies, tariffs, customs regulations, trade protection measures, export quotas and qualifications to transact business;

● foreign currency exchange controls, restrictions on repatriation of cash and changes in currency exchange rates;

● any need to adapt and localize our products for specific countries;

● tariffs and other trade barriers;

● our ability to effectively price our products in competitive international markets; and

● political, social and economic instability, including as a result of the fragility of global financial markets, health pandemics or epidemics and/or acts of war or terrorism.

Our international revenue, both as a percentage of total revenue and absolute dollars, may vary from one period to the next, and accordingly, current data may not be indicative of future periods. If we are unable to support our business operations in international and emerging markets, or their further expansion, while balancing the higher operational and financial risks associated with these markets, our business and results of operations could be harmed.

In addition, we may not be able to develop international market demand for our products, which could impair our ability to grow our revenue. In many international markets, long-standing relationships between potential customers and their local suppliers and protective regulations, including local content requirements and approvals, create barriers to entry. We have limited experience marketing, distributing and supporting our products in certain international locations and, to do so, we expect that we will need to develop versions of our products that comply with local standards. Moreover, difficulties in foreign financial markets and economies and of foreign financial institutions, particularly in emerging markets, could adversely affect demand from customers in the affected countries.

***Increases in tariffs, trade restrictions or taxes on our products, as well as other risks of international operations, could have an adverse impact on our operations.***

We manufacture certain of our appliance products and purchase a portion of our raw materials and components from suppliers in Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand, Israel, China and other foreign countries. The commerce we conduct in the international marketplace makes us subject to tariffs, trade restrictions and other taxes when the raw materials or components we purchase, and the products we ship, cross international borders. Import tariffs and/or other mandates recently imposed or threatened by the United States, have led to and could in the future lead to retaliatory actions by affected countries, including Canada, Mexico and China, resulting in "trade wars," and could significantly increase the prices on raw materials, the manufacturing of our equipment, and/or increased costs for goods imported into the United States, all of which are critical to our business. While some of the tariffs have been temporarily stayed, we continue to develop plans to adjust manufacturing locations, if necessary, to avoid tariffs or other restrictions, any such tariffs could reduce customer demand for our products if our customers have to pay increased prices for our products as a result of such tariffs. In addition, tariff increases may have a similar impact on other suppliers and certain other customers, which could increase the negative impact on our operating results or future cash flows.

#### We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows.
Because a portion of our business is conducted outside the United States, we face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. These exposures may change over time as business practices evolve, and they could have a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows. An increase in the value of the U.S. dollar could increase the real cost to our customers of our products in those markets outside the United States where we often sell in dollars, and a weakened U.S. dollar could increase the cost of local operating expenses and procurement of raw materials from sources outside the United States. Therefore, while we do engage in some currency hedging to reduce potential risks, changes in the value of the U.S. dollar against other currencies will affect our revenue, income from operations, net income and the value of balance sheet items originally denominated in other currencies. There is no guarantee that our financial results will not be adversely affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations.

#### Our use and reliance upon R&D resources in global locations may expose us to unanticipated costs and/or liabilities.
We have R&D offices in various global locations, including the United States, Canada, India and Israel. Our development efforts and other operations in these locations could involve significant risks, including, among others, difficulty hiring and retaining appropriate engineering and management resources due to intense competition for such resources and resulting wage inflation; knowledge transfer related to our technology and resulting exposure to misappropriation of intellectual property or information that is proprietary to us, our customers and other third parties; and heightened exposure to changes in economic, security and global political conditions.

Difficulties resulting from the factors noted above and other risks related to our global operations could increase our expenses, impair our development efforts, harm our competitive position and damage our reputation.

#### Risks Related to Intellectual Property
***Our business could be jeopardized if we are unable to protect our intellectual property. Additionally, in some jurisdictions, our rights may not be as strong as those we currently enjoy in the United States.***

We rely on a combination of security countermeasures within our deployed products, as well as patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and contractual restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise misappropriate our products or technology. Monitoring unauthorized use of our products is difficult and we cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent unauthorized use of our technology, particularly in foreign countries where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. The legal systems of many foreign countries do not protect or honor intellectual property rights to the same extent as the legal system of the United States. It may be very difficult, time-consuming and costly for us to attempt to enforce our intellectual property rights, especially in these foreign jurisdictions. If competitors are able to use our technology, our ability to compete effectively could be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

***If we are unable to obtain necessary licenses or on-going maintenance and support of third-party technology at acceptable prices, on acceptable terms, or at all, it could harm our operating results or business.***

We have incorporated third-party licensed technology, including open-source software, into our current products. From time to time, we may be required to license additional technology from third parties to develop new products or product enhancements. Third-party licenses and on-going maintenance and support may not be available or continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or may be available to us but only at significantly escalated pricing. Additionally, we may not be able to replace the functionality provided by third-party software currently offered with our products if that software becomes obsolete, defective or incompatible with future versions of our products or is not adequately maintained or updated. If we are unable to maintain or re-license any third-party licenses required in our current products or obtain any new third-party licenses to develop new products and product enhancements, or in the case of any defects in these third-party software products, we could be required to obtain substitute technology of lower quality or performance standards or at greater cost, and we may be delayed or prevented from making these products or enhancements, any of which could seriously harm our sales and the competitiveness of our products unless and until we can secure an alternative source.

#### A breach of the security of our information systems or those of our third-party providers could adversely affect our operating results.
We rely upon our information systems and, in certain circumstances, those of our third-party providers, such as vendors, consultants and contract manufacturers, to protect our sensitive or proprietary information and information of or about our customers, to develop and provide our products and services to customers, and to otherwise operate our business. Our information systems and those of our third-party providers are vulnerable to threats such as computer hacking, cyber-terrorism or other unauthorized activity that may result in third party access to or modification, corruption or deletion of our or our customers' sensitive or proprietary information or other disruptions to our business. Such cyberattacks and other cyber incidents are occurring more frequently, are constantly evolving, are becoming more sophisticated and can take many forms. While we believe that we leverage appropriate detection and prevention systems and services and that we focus on continuous improvement based upon the latest attack vectors in the industry, we have previously experienced information technology system failures and cannot guarantee that there will not be additional incidents in the future, including future breaches of our or our third-party providers' data security measures through a cyberattack, other cyber incident or otherwise, or the theft or loss of

laptops, other mobile devices or electronic records used to back up our systems or our third-party providers' systems, which could result in a disclosure of customer, employee, or our information or otherwise disrupt our ability to function in the normal course of business by potentially causing, among other things, delays in the fulfillment or cancellation of customer orders or disruptions in the manufacture or shipment of products or delivery of services, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. For example, in early September 2025, we became aware that unauthorized persons, reportedly associated with a nation-state actor, had gained access to our IT network. We promptly initiated our incident response plan and began an investigation, containment and remediation effort using multiple third-party cybersecurity experts, including federal law enforcement. While we are not aware of evidence indicating that the threat actor accessed or exfiltrated any material information, several customer files saved outside of the main network do appear to have been accessed by the threat actor and those customers have been notified by us.

Additionally, the compromise of our information systems, or the information systems of the U.S. government, financial markets, financial institutions, our third-party providers or our customers, could disrupt our normal business operations, and in some cases lead to unauthorized tampering with our products. Unauthorized tampering may result in, among other things, the disruption of our customers' businesses, errors or defects occurring in the software due to such unauthorized tampering, and our products not operating as expected after such unauthorized tampering. These types of security breaches could also create exposure to lawsuits, regulatory investigations, and increased legal liability. As a provider of secure real-time communications solutions, the reputational harm of any actual or perceived breach, compromise, defect or error relating to the security of our information systems and the products and services we provide may result in substantial harm to our reputation, even if the legal or regulatory impact is minimal. In addition, the costs to remediate any cyberattack could be significant. Such consequences could be exacerbated if we or our third-party providers are unable to adequately recover critical systems in a timely manner following a systems failure. Our insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses related to cyberattacks.

In addition to experiencing a security incident, third parties may gather, collect, or infer sensitive information about us from public sources, data brokers, or other means that reveals competitively sensitive details about our organization and could be used to undermine our competitive advantage or market position. Additionally, proprietary, confidential, and/or sensitive information of the Company could be leaked, disclosed, or revealed as a result of or in connection with the use of generative artificial intelligence technologies.

***The increasing use of AI tools, both internally and by third parties, creates risks of potential financial and reputational harm.***

A growing number of threat actors are utilizing AI tools that could automate and enhance cybersecurity attacks against us. We utilize software and platforms designed to detect such cybersecurity threats, including AI-based tools, but these threats could become more sophisticated and harder to detect and counteract, which may pose significant risks to our data security and systems. Such future cybersecurity attacks, if successful, could lead to data breaches, loss of confidential or sensitive information, and financial or reputational harm.

If we, or other third parties we conduct business with, experience an actual or perceived breach of privacy or security incident due to the use of AI, we may be adversely impacted, lose confidential information, and incur harm to our reputation and the public perception of the effectiveness of our security measures.

In addition, investors, analysts, and other market participants may use AI tools to process, summarize or interpret our financial information or other data about us. The use of AI tools in financial and market analysis may introduce risks similar to those described above, including an inaccurate interpretation of our financial or operational performance or market trends or conditions, which in turn could result in inaccurate conclusions or investment recommendations.

#### Risks Related to Regulation

#### Risks associated with data privacy issues, including evolving laws, regulations and associated compliance efforts, may adversely impact our business and financial results.
Legislation in various countries around the world with regard to cybersecurity, privacy, use of AI and data protection is rapidly expanding and creating a complex compliance environment. We are subject to many privacy and data protection laws and regulations in the U.S. and around the world, some of which place restrictions on our ability to process personal data across our business. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation has caused more stringent data protection requirements in the U.K. and the European Union, which has adopted similar regulations. These privacy laws impose onerous accountability obligations requiring data controllers and processors to maintain a record of their data processing and implement policies as part of its mandated privacy governance framework. It also requires data controllers to be transparent and disclose to data subjects how their personal information is to be used; imposes limitations on retention of personal data; introduces mandatory data breach notification requirements; and sets higher standards for data controllers to demonstrate that they have obtained valid consent for certain data processing activities. We are subject to the supervision of local data protection authorities in those E.U. jurisdictions where we are established or otherwise subject to these privacy regulations. Certain breaches of the privacy requirements could result in substantial fines. In addition to the foregoing, a breach of privacy regulations could result in regulatory investigations, reputational damage, orders to cease/change our use of data, enforcement notices, as well potential civil claims including class action type litigation where individuals suffered harm.

Similarly, California and other states have enacted privacy laws that purport to create individual privacy rights for consumers and increase the privacy and security obligations of entities handling certain personal data. These laws also provide for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches that is expected to increase data breach litigation. These laws may increase our compliance costs and potential liability. Many similar laws have been proposed at the federal level and in other states. Any liability from our failure to comply with the requirements of these laws could adversely affect our financial condition.

We have invested, and continue to invest, human and technology resources in our privacy regulation compliance efforts and our data privacy compliance efforts. These compliance efforts may be time-intensive and costly. Despite those efforts, there is a risk that we may be subject to fines and penalties, litigation and reputational harm if we fail to protect the privacy of third party data or comply with the applicable regimes.

#### Failure to comply with the FCPA, the UKBA and similar regulations could subject us to significant civil or criminal penalties.
We earn a significant portion of our total revenue from international sales generated through our foreign direct and indirect operations. As a result, we are subject to the FCPA and the UKBA, which prohibit bribery in the conduct of business. The FCPA generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making corrupt payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business or otherwise obtaining favorable treatment and requires companies to maintain adequate record-keeping and internal accounting practices to accurately reflect the transactions of the company. The UKBA is much broader and prohibits all bribery, in both the public and private sectors. Under the FCPA and the UKBA, U.S. companies, their subsidiaries, employees, senior officers and/or directors may be held liable for actions taken by strategic or local partners or representatives. In addition, the U.S. government or the U.K. government, as applicable, may seek to hold us liable for successor liability violations committed by companies we have acquired or may in the future acquire. If we or our intermediaries fail to comply with the requirements of the FCPA and the UKBA, governmental authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom, as applicable, could seek to impose civil and/or criminal penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations and the trading price of our common stock.

***We are subject to governmental export and import controls that could subject us to liability, require a license from the U.S. government or impair our ability to compete in international markets.***

Certain of our products with encryption technology are subject to export controls and may be exported only with the required level of export license or through an export license exception. Under these laws and regulations, we are responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses or other approvals, if required, for exports. If we were to fail to comply with existing or future export licensing, customs regulations, economic sanctions and other laws, we could be subject to substantial civil and criminal penalties, including fines and incarceration for responsible employees and managers, and the possible loss of export or import

privileges. Similarly, various countries regulate the import of certain encryption technology and have enacted laws that could limit our ability to distribute our products or our customers' ability to implement our products in those countries.

In addition, if our distributors fail to obtain appropriate import, export or re-export licenses or permits, we may also be adversely affected through reputational harm and penalties. Obtaining export licenses can be difficult and time-consuming, and in some cases a license may not be available on a timely basis or at all. Changes in import/export regulations could also lead to delays in new product introductions or limit our ability to sell existing or future products in certain locations, which could adversely impact our business.

Export control laws and economic sanctions prohibit the shipment of certain products to embargoed or sanctioned countries, governments and persons, including Russia as a result of its military action against Ukraine. We cannot assure that a violation of these regulations will not occur, whether knowingly or inadvertently. Any such shipment could have negative consequences including government investigations, penalties, fines, civil and criminal sanctions, and reputational harm.

#### Regulation of the telecommunications industry, or changes in governmental regulation, interpretation or legislative reform could harm our operating results and future prospects.
The telecommunications industry is highly regulated and our business and financial condition could be adversely affected by changes in the regulations relating to the telecommunications industry. Currently, there are few laws or regulations that apply directly to access to or delivery of voice services on IP networks. We could be adversely affected by regulation of IP networks and commerce in any country where we operate, including the United States. Such regulations could include matters such as VoIP or using Internet Protocol, encryption technology, and access charges for service providers. The adoption of such regulations could decrease demand for our products, and at the same time increase the cost of selling our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

#### Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and Accounting Matters
***The terms of our credit agreement could adversely affect our operating flexibility and pose risks of default, which would negatively impact our liquidity and operations.***

Our Senior Secured Credit Facilities Credit Agreement, provides $385 million of commitments, comprised of a $350 million term loan and a $35 million revolving facility (the "2024 Credit Facility"). Terms in the 2024 Credit Facility impose limitations on our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make acquisitions or engage in mergers, enter into transactions with affiliates, dispose of assets, make certain investments and amend or repay certain junior debt. These terms could adversely affect our operating flexibility and pose risks of default which would negatively impact our liquidity and operations. In addition, we may not be able to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing on favorable terms, or at all.

In addition, we are required to comply with a maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2024 Credit Facility) which is tested on a quarterly basis. The maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio covenant uses our EBITDA (calculated in accordance with the 2024 Credit Facility) for the last 12 months (as of the testing date) to determine compliance. We were in compliance with this covenant at December 31, 2025. However, if we should fail to comply with this covenant in future periods, it may result in the declaration of an event of default, which could cause us to be unable to borrow or result in the acceleration of the maturity of indebtedness outstanding under the 2024 Credit Facility at such time.

If we are prevented from borrowing or if we are unable to extend, renew or replace the credit facilities under the 2024 Credit Facility by the maturity dates, on favorable terms, or at all, this could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and cause our business, operations and financial condition to suffer. In addition, we may not have sufficient funds available for repayment or we may not have the ability to borrow or obtain sufficient funds to replace the indebtedness on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

We cannot be sure that our current cash and available borrowings under our 2024 Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our future needs. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows in the future, and if availability under our current facility is not sufficient to support our operations, we may need to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing.

#### If our goodwill or intangible assets become impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings.
As of December 31, 2025, we had $300.9 million of goodwill and $143.3 million of intangible assets. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and, along with our intangible assets, is also reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill or intangible assets may not be recoverable include significant underperformance relative to plan or long-term projections, strategic changes in business strategy, significant negative industry or economic trends, significant change in circumstances relative to a large customer, significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period and decline in our market capitalization to below net book value. Any additional material impairment of goodwill or intangible assets could adversely affect our results of operations.

***If we fail to maintain appropriate internal controls in the future, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately, which may adversely affect our stock price and our business.***

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related regulations require our management to report on, and our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have committed and will be required to continue to commit significant financial and managerial resources in order to comply with these requirements.

Further, we are required to integrate any acquired businesses into our system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Such companies may not have previously been required to implement or maintain the disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting that are required of U.S. public companies. We cannot provide assurance as to the effectiveness of those integrations.

Internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations, including human error, the possibility that controls could be circumvented or become inadequate because of changed conditions, and fraud. If we are unable to maintain effective internal controls, we may not have adequate or timely financial information, and we may be unable to meet our reporting obligations as a publicly traded company or comply with the requirements of the SEC or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This could result in a restatement of our financial statements, the imposition of sanctions, or investigation by regulatory authorities, and could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. Any such consequence or other negative effect of our inability to meet our reporting requirements or comply with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as any disclosure of an accounting, reporting or control issue, could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and our business.

#### Risks Related to the Ownership of our Common Stock and Warrants
***Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of us more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management and may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.***

Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in our management, including, generally, provisions that:

● do not provide cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates;

● allow only the Board to fill a vacancy on the Board, however occurring, including a vacancy resulting from an enlargement of the Board;

● require advance notice for stockholder proposals to be brought before a meeting of stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons for election to the board of directors;

● only allow stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting;

● require a vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock entitled to vote thereon to amend or repeal certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation or its By-laws;

● limit the ability of stockholders to call a special meeting; and

● authorize blank check preferred stock.

These provisions may make it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. In addition, pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation, we have expressly elected not to be governed by Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL"), which generally prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with a stockholder owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, unless the stockholder has held the stock for a period of at least three years. Instead, the Certificate of Incorporation provides that, notwithstanding any other provisions of the DGCL or Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to limited exceptions, we shall not engage in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder unless: (i) the Board has approved, before the acquisition time, either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the person becoming an interested stockholder, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the person becoming an interested stockholder, the person owns at least 85% of the corporation's voting stock at the time the transaction commenced (excluding for such purposes any shares owned by directors who are officers and shares owned by employee stock plans in which participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer) or (iii) at or after the person or entity becomes an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by two-thirds of the total number of authorized directors, whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships, and by a majority of the independent directors (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement (as defined below)). This could delay or prevent a change of control transaction or discourage a potential acquirer from pursuing such a transaction, which transaction might have otherwise been of benefit to the other stockholders.

***The choice of forum provision in our Certificate of Incorporation could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or agents.***

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the "Court of Chancery") is, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the sole and exclusive forum for any (i) derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, other employee or stockholder of ours, to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (iv) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of our Certificate of Incorporation or our By-laws or governed by the internal affairs doctrine. The choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and agents. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our Certificate of Incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.

***The warrants are exercisable for common stock, which would increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to stockholders.***

The warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,681,432 shares of our common stock are currently exercisable. Each such warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share of common stock at a price of $3.77 per whole share, subject to adjustment. To the extent such warrants are exercised, additional shares of common stock will be issued, which will result in dilution to the then existing holders of common stock and increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

***We may issue debt and equity securities that are senior to our common stock as to distributions and in liquidation, which could negatively affect the value of our common stock.***

In the future, we may increase our capital resources by entering into debt or debt-like financing or issuing debt or equity securities, which could include issuances of senior notes, subordinated notes or preferred stock. In the event of our liquidation, our lenders and holders of our debt or preferred securities would receive a distribution of our available assets before distributions to the holders of our common stock. Our decision to incur debt and issue other securities in future offerings will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control. We cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings and debt financings. Future offerings could reduce the value of our common stock and dilute the interests of our stockholders.

#### The warrants are speculative in nature and may not have any value.
The outstanding warrants to purchase shares of our common stock will have value only if price of our common stock exceeds the exercise price of the warrants. There can be no assurance that the market price of our common stock will equal or exceed the exercise price of the warrants. In the event that the price of our common stock does not exceed the exercise price of the warrants, the warrants will not have any value. Holders of the warrants may exercise their right to acquire the shares of common stock and pay an exercise price of $3.77 per share prior to four years from the date of issuance, after which date any unexercised warrants will expire and have no further value.

#### Holders of the warrants will have no rights as a common stockholder until they acquire our common stock.
Until holders of the warrants acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise of the warrants, the holders will have no rights with respect to the common stock underlying the warrants. Upon exercise of the warrants, the holder will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder as to our common stock only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise.

#### The market price of shares of our common stock may experience volatility, which could cause holders of the warrants to incur substantial losses.
Volatility in the trading price of our common stock could significantly affect the value or trading price, if any, of the warrants. This could result in significant volatility in the value or trading price, if any, of the warrants. The warrants will have value only if the price of our common stock exceeds the exercise price of the warrant. There can be no assurance that the market price of our common stock will equal or exceed the exercise price of the warrants. In the event that the price of our common stock does not exceed the exercise price of the warrants, or if the price of our common stock falls below the exercise price of the warrants after a holder exercises its option, the warrants will not have any value and the holders of our warrants may incur substantial losses.

#### An active trading market for the warrants does not exist and may not develop.
The warrants have no established trading market and are not listed on any securities exchange, and we do not intend to list the warrants on any securities exchange. We cannot assure you that an active trading market in the warrants will develop and, even if it develops, we cannot assure you that it will last. In either case, the trading prices of the warrants could be adversely affected and holders' ability to transfer the warrants will be limited.

#### General Risk Factors

#### Litigation and government investigations could result in significant legal expenses and settlement payments, fines or damage awards.
From time to time, we are subject to litigation regarding intellectual property rights or other claims and have indemnification clauses in most of our customer contracts that may require us to indemnify customers against similar claims. We have also previously been named as a defendant in securities class action and stockholder derivative lawsuits and have also been subject to investigations by the government. For more information on currently pending litigation, please see "Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings." We are generally obliged, to the extent permitted by law, to indemnify our current and former directors and officers who are named as defendants in these lawsuits. Defending against litigation or government investigation may require significant attention and resources of management. Regardless of the outcome, such litigation or investigation could result in significant legal expenses. At this time, it is not possible to predict the outcome of the ongoing lawsuits, including whether or not any proceedings will continue, and when or how these matters will be resolved or whether we will ultimately receive, and in what sum, amounts previously awarded as a result of these proceedings. Regardless of whether we are ultimately successful in these lawsuits, we will likely elect to continue to incur substantial legal fees in connection with these matters.

If the defenses we claim in our material litigation matters are ultimately unsuccessful, or if we are unable to achieve a favorable settlement with an adverse party or a government agency, we could be liable for large settlement payments, damage awards or fines that could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

#### Our stock price has been and may continue to be volatile.
Our common stock price has experienced substantial volatility in the past and may remain volatile in the future. Volatility in our stock price can arise as a result of a number of the factors discussed in this "Risk Factors" section. During 2025, our closing stock price ranged from a high of $5.14 per share to a low of $2.75 per share. The stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuation with such volatility often unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. Actual or perceived divergence between our actual results and our forward-looking guidance for such results, the published expectations of investment analysts, or the expectations of the market generally, can cause significant swings in our stock price. Our stock price can also be affected by market conditions in our industry as well as announcements that we, our competitors, vendors or our customers may make. These may include announcements by us or our competitors of financial results or changes in estimated financial results, technological innovations, the gain or loss of customers, or other strategic initiatives. These and other factors affecting global economic conditions or financial markets may materially adversely affect the market price of our common stock in the future.

***We are party to a stockholders' agreement with certain stockholders which provides such stockholders with certain rights that may differ from the rights of our other stockholders.***

In connection with the ECI Acquisition, we entered into a First Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement (the "Stockholders Agreement") with JPMC Heritage Parent LLC, Heritage PE (OEP) III, L.P. (together with JPMC, the "JPM Stockholders"), and ECI Holding (Hungary) Kft ("Swarth"). The Stockholders Agreement sets forth certain arrangements and contains various provisions relating to board size, board representation, standstill restrictions and transfer restrictions as further described therein, including the right of the JPM Stockholders and Swarth to each designate up to three directors for nomination to our nine-member board of directors, subject to the JPM Stockholders and Swarth maintaining certain levels of beneficial ownership of our common stock. Therefore, the JPM Stockholders and Swarth will be able to exert significant influence over matters requiring board approval, and our stockholders other than the JPM Stockholders and Swarth will have limited or no ability to influence the outcome of certain key transactions. The interests of the parties to the Stockholders Agreement may differ from those of other holders of our common stock.

Additionally, we are party to a Second Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2022, with the JPM Stockholders, Swarth and certain other stockholders. The JPM Stockholders and Swarth collectively own approximately 45% of our common stock as of December 31, 2025, and may decide to sell their shares in bulk or from time to time, except as provided under the Stockholders Agreement, which timing we cannot control. The sale of shares by these stockholders may increase the volatility of our stock price, and our stock price could decline as a result.

***Delaware law and our charter documents contain provisions that could discourage or prevent a potential takeover, even if such a transaction would be beneficial to our stockholders.***

Some provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation, our By-Laws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that may be deemed undesirable by our Board of Directors but that a stockholder may consider favorable. These include provisions, among others,

● authorizing the Board of Directors to issue shares of preferred stock;

● limiting the persons who may call special meetings of stockholders;

● prohibiting stockholder actions by written consent;

● permitting the Board of Directors to increase the size of the Board and to fill vacancies;

● requiring a super-majority vote of our stockholders to amend our amended and restated by-laws and certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation; and

● establishing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by stockholders at stockholder meetings.

As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Delaware law, including Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation law, which prevents some stockholders holding more than 15% of our outstanding common stock from engaging in certain business combinations without approval of the holders of substantially all of our outstanding common stock.

These provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation, our By-Laws or Delaware law could have the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control that some stockholders may consider beneficial and therefore could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.

#### Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

#### Item 1C. Cybersecurity
*Cybersecurity Risk Strategy*

We drive an aggressive cybersecurity roadmap aligned to internationally recognized cybersecurity frameworks and focused on evolving global threats, new cybersecurity insurance requirements and continuous improvement of incident response. Our cybersecurity program is aligned with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and we also maintain ISO 27001 certification. Pursuant to the framework, we utilize industry leading cyber solutions and techniques to prevent, detect, and respond to incidents using a layered security model. We conduct an annual gap assessment against the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, the results of which are used to establish goals and measure progress against our cybersecurity roadmap. Based on the gap assessment, for example, we have taken a number of actions intended to reduce our cybersecurity risk, including enhancing our email and end-point security programs, implementing a single dashboard for security monitoring and improving our web application filtering programs. We are focused on the continuous improvement of key processes such as data security, asset management, information protection processes and procedures, protective technologies, and continuous monitoring. We also maintain business continuity management certification to ensure the ongoing review of our business continuity, disaster recovery and incident management processes.

Our Information Technology (IT) team is responsible for our cybersecurity monitoring and leverages a 24x7 Managed Detection & Response (MDR) third-party vendor to provide real-time cybersecurity threat monitoring and incident response, as well as to conduct a quarterly risk assessment. Pursuant to our incident response policy, any identified cybersecurity threats are immediately evaluated for the level of potential risk to us, with our response and remediation plan based on the potential severity of the incident. This incident risk assessment is continuously updated as we become aware of any new information regarding an identified incident. Pursuant to this plan, we will also utilize third-party experts to help identify, contain and remediate any incident that could have a significant impact on us. In addition, we use third-party experts to assist us in performing annual penetration testing and red team exercises to verify implementation of security tools, mitigating controls, and our ability to respond to real-world scenarios pursuant to our incident response policy.

As part of our cybersecurity roadmap, we also assess third-party risks, and we perform third-party risk management to identify and mitigate risks from third parties such as vendors, suppliers and other business partners associated with our use of third-party service providers. Cybersecurity risks are evaluated when determining the selection and oversight of applicable third-party service providers. In addition, we perform risk management during third-party cybersecurity compromise incidents to identify and mitigate risks to us from third-party incidents.

We are highly focused on cybersecurity awareness and perform annual certification of our employees, execute ongoing phishing campaigns, intervene with phish-prone individuals, publish monthly cybersecurity newsletters, and participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, in October each year.

In early September 2025, we became aware that unauthorized persons, reportedly associated with a nation-state actor, had gained access to our IT network. We promptly initiated our incident response plan and began an investigation, containment and remediation effort using multiple third-party cybersecurity experts, including federal law enforcement. We are not aware of evidence indicating that the threat actor accessed or exfiltrated any material information. Several customer files saved outside of the main network appear to have been accessed by the threat actor and those customers have been notified by us. The September 2025 incident, including the costs of our remediation activities, did not have a material adverse effect on our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. Further, as of the date of this Annual Report, we are not aware of any other risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations and financial condition.

*Cybersecurity Risk Governance*

Our Board of Directors has overall responsibility for risk oversight, with its committees assisting the Board of Directors in performing this function based on their respective areas of expertise. Our Board of Directors has delegated oversight of cybersecurity risk to the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee reports on its activities and findings to the full Board of Directors. Key cybersecurity topics are presented regularly to the Audit Committee. In addition, if any cybersecurity incident is determined under our incident response policy to pose a risk in excess of an identified threshold (as set forth in the policy), our Chief Legal Officer will promptly notify the Audit Committee regarding the incident. The notification to the Audit Committee will include management's determination regarding whether or not the incident is material to us.

On an operating level, our cybersecurity program is managed by a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), reporting to our Chief Information Officer (CIO), who together lead a geographically dispersed team comprised of our employees, highly skilled contractors and other key functional third-party resources. Our CISO holds a Masters of MIS in Information Security and prior to joining Ribbon, served as the Director of Information Security & Privacy at Ericsson for the Americas. Prior to Ericsson, she held cybersecurity positions at Walgreens, Fortunes Brands Home & Security, and W.W. Granger. She is a Certified Information Security Manager, has operated her own security firm, and has over 20 years of cybersecurity experience, including her time as a U.S. Navy Operations and Training Manager. Our CIO has held that position (or Head of IT) at Ribbon for over seven years. He has over 25 years of experience in the IT area including over nine years overseeing IT cybersecurity, cybersecurity roadmaps and IT general controls. During his career he has overseen initial ISO 27001 certifications, as well as the implementation of over 30 cybersecurity platforms. The CIO and CISO are part of our cybersecurity council, which also includes our CEO, CFO and other key leaders. The cybersecurity council meets monthly to review the cybersecurity metrics, new potential threats, and progress against the cybersecurity roadmap. Key matters from these monthly council meetings are presented to the Audit Committee.

#### Item 2. Properties
We continue to consolidate and reduce the number of facilities we operate worldwide. As of December 31, 2025, we maintained the following principal facilities:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Location** | **Location** | **Lease expiration** |
| Plano, Texas (a) | Corporate headquarters, sales, marketing, research and development/engineering, customer support, general and administrative | September 2032 |
| Westford, Massachusetts (a) | Research and development, customer support, general and administrative | August 2028 |
| Ottawa, Canada (b) | Research and development/engineering, customer support, general and administrative | December 2029 |
| Petah Tikva, Israel | Research and development/engineering, sales and marketing, customer support, general and administrative | February 2031 |
| Bangalore, India (Delta) | Research and development/engineering, customer support, general and administrative | December 2034 |
| Bangalore, India (Alpha) | Research and development/engineering, customer support, general and administrative | December 2028 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) A portion of this facility was not in use at December 31, 2025 and is being marketed for sublease.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) A portion of this facility was not in use at December 31, 2025 and some of the unused space is being subleased.

We also lease smaller spaces that are each under 50,000 square feet for our staff in various countries around the world in sales, marketing, R&D/engineering, customer services and support, as well as for warehouse purposes. We believe our remaining facilities will be adequate for our current needs and that suitable additional space will be available as needed.

#### Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are subject to legal proceedings and claims that have not been fully resolved and that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Our material legal proceedings are described in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Note 26, "Commitments and Contingencies" under the heading "Contingencies".

The outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain. If one or more legal matters were resolved against the Company in a reporting period for amounts above management's expectations, our financial condition and operating results for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected. We settled certain matters during the fourth quarter of 2025 that did not individually or in the aggregate have a material impact on our financial condition or operating results.

#### Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

#### PART II

#### Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

#### Market Information
Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "RBBN."

#### Holders
At February 23, 2026, there were approximately 350 holders of record of our common stock.

#### Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.

#### Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The following table summarizes repurchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2025:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Period** | <br>**Total Number** <br>**of Shares** <br>**Purchased (1)** | <br>**Average** <br>**Price Paid** <br>**per Share** | <br>**Total Number of**<br>**Shares Purchased** <br>**as Part of** <br>**Publicly** <br>**Announced Plans** <br>**or Programs (2)** | **Approximate Dollar**<br>**Value of Shares** <br>**that May** <br>**Yet be Purchased** <br>**Under** <br>**the Plans** <br>**or Programs (3)** |
| October 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025 | 135611 | $3.81 | 418496 | $42769442 |
| November 1, 2025 to November 30, 2025 | 930 | $3.08 | 553743 | $41045333 |
| December 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 | 3995 | $2.98 |  | $41045333 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 140536 | $3.78 | 972239 | $41045333 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Upon vesting of restricted stock awards, certain of our employees may return to us a portion of the newly vested shares to satisfy the tax withholding obligations that arise in connection with such vesting. During the fourth quarter of 2025, 140,536 shares of restricted stock were returned to us by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising in connection with vesting of restricted stock, which shares are included in this column.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) In June 2025, we announced a stock repurchase program for the period beginning June 5, 2025 through December 31, 2027, under which our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of our common stock at management's discretion in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions structured through investment banking institutions, or a combination of the foregoing, (the "2025 Repurchase Program" or the "Repurchase Program"). We used $3.2 million to repurchase 972,239 shares of our common stock under the Repurchase Program during the fourth quarter of 2025. At December 31, 2025, we had $41.0 million remaining under the Repurchase Program for future repurchases. The amount and timing of repurchases are subject to a variety of factors including liquidity, cash flow, stock price, compliance with our credit facility and general business and market conditions. We may also, from time to time, enter into Rule 10b5-1 plans to facilitate repurchases of our shares under this authorization. The Repurchase Program may be modified, increased, suspended, or discontinued at any time. The Repurchase Program is being funded using cash on hand and cash from operations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Represents amounts available for repurchases under the Repurchase Program.

#### Performance Graph
The following performance graph compares the cumulative total return to stockholders for our common stock for the period from December 31, 2020 through December 31, 2025 with the cumulative total return over the same period on the Nasdaq Composite Index, the Nasdaq Telecommunications Index and the Russell 2000. The comparison assumes an investment

of $100 on December 31, 2020 in our common stock and in each of the indices and, in each case, assumes reinvestment of all dividends, if any. The performance shown is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

This graph is not deemed to be "filed" with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and should not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any of our prior or subsequent filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

![Graphic](rbbn-20251231x10k003.jpg)

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2020** | **2021** | **2022** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| Ribbon Communications Inc. | $100.00 | $92.23 | $42.53 | $44.21 | $63.41 | $43.90 |
| Nasdaq Composite | $100.00 | $122.18 | $82.43 | $119.22 | $154.48 | $187.14 |
| Russell 2000 | $100.00 | $114.82 | $91.35 | $106.82 | $119.14 | $134.40 |
| Nasdaq Telecommunications | $100.00 | $102.14 | $74.69 | $82.63 | $93.76 | $107.59 |

---

#### Item 6. [Reserved]

#### Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
*The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs and involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, those disclosed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors", elsewhere in this Annual Report, in other documents filed with the SEC and otherwise publicly disclosed. Please refer to "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" above for additional information. For a complete description of our business and other important information, please refer to Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report.*

#### Overview
We are a leading global provider of communications technology to service providers and enterprises. We provide a broad range of software and high-performance hardware products, network solutions, and services that enable the secure delivery of data and voice communications, and high-bandwidth networking and connectivity for residential consumers and for small, medium, and large enterprises and industry verticals such as finance, education, government, utilities, and transportation. Our mission is to create a recognized global technology leader providing cloud-centric solutions that enable the secure exchange of information, with unparalleled scale, performance and elasticity. We are at the intersection of the adoption of Artificial Intelligence ("AI") by Service Providers and Enterprises addressing the rapid growth in fiber connectivity and integration of voice capabilities into Agentic AI platforms. We are headquartered in Plano, Texas, and have a global presence with research and development or sales and support locations in over thirty countries around the world.

#### Key Trends and Economic Factors Affecting Ribbon
*Supplier Disruptions.* Ongoing uncertainty in the global economy due to inflation, global military actions, including in Israel and Ukraine, national security concerns and other factors, continue to disrupt various manufacturing, commodity and financial markets, increase volatility, and impede global supply chains. Our ability to deliver our solutions as agreed upon with our customers depends in part on the ability of our global contract manufacturers, vendors, licensors and other business partners to deliver products or perform services we have procured from them.

Continued uncertain global economic conditions may cause our customers to restrict spending or delay purchases for an indeterminate period of time and consequently cause our revenues to decline. Further, such factors may negatively impact our operating costs resulting in a reduction in net income. The degree to which the ongoing wars in Israel and Ukraine and the inflationary and high interest rate environment impacts our future business, financial position and results of operations will depend on developments beyond our control.

*The Ongoing War in Ukraine and military action in Israel*. The uncertainty resulting from the recent war in Israel and ongoing war in Ukraine, and the threat for expansion of one or both of these wars, could result in some of our customers delaying purchases from us. Further, a number of our employees in Israel are members of the military reserves and subject to immediate call-up in response to the war in Israel. Following the terrorist attacks in Israel in October 2023, a number of our employees have been activated for military duty and we expect that additional employees will also be activated if the war in Israel continues. While we have business continuity plans in place to address the military call-ups, it could affect the timing of projects in the short-term as the work is shifted to other team members both inside and outside of Israel.

The U.S. and other European countries have imposed sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia in connection with the war in Ukraine. These sanctions and restrictions currently prohibit our ability to sell hardware products in Russia or provide any replacement parts in Russia. The sanctions continue to evolve and further changes in the current sanctions or trade restrictions could further limit our ability to sell products and services to customers in Russia, our ability to collect on outstanding accounts receivable from such customers, and our ability to repatriate funds. If we are further limited in our ability to sell products and services to Russia and other countries for an extended period, it could have a material impact on our financial results.

*Inflation and Interest Rates.* We continue to see near-term impacts on our business due to inflation, including ongoing global price pressures resulting in higher energy prices, component costs, freight premiums, and other operating costs above normal rates. Although headline inflation in the United States and Europe appears to be easing, core inflation (excluding food

and energy prices) remains elevated and is a source of continued cost pressure on businesses and households. Interest rates remain high as central banks in developed countries attempt to subdue inflation while government deficits and debt remain at high levels in many global markets. However, after peaking in 2024, the Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds target range to 3.50% - 3.75% by December 2025. The effective federal funds rate averaged 3.64%, consistent with the Federal Reserve's view that inflation is decelerating. Yet, the economic outlook remains uncertain, and the implications of current and future tariffs, higher government deficits and debt, tighter monetary policy, and potentially higher long-term interest rates may drive a higher cost of capital for our business.

*Tariffs*. We manufacture certain of our appliance products and purchase a portion of our raw materials and components from suppliers in Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand, Israel, China and other foreign countries. The commerce we conduct in the international marketplace makes us subject to tariffs, trade restrictions and other taxes when the raw materials or components we purchase, and the products we ship, cross international borders. Import tariffs and/or other mandates recently imposed or threatened by the United States, have led to and could in the future lead to retaliatory actions by affected countries, including Canada, Mexico and China, resulting in "trade wars," and could significantly increase the prices on raw materials, the manufacturing of our equipment, and/or increased costs for goods imported into the United States, all of which are critical to our business. While some of the tariffs have been temporarily stayed, we continue to develop plans to adjust manufacturing locations, if necessary, to avoid tariffs or other restrictions, any such tariffs could reduce customer demand for our products if our customers have to pay increased prices for our products as a result of such tariffs. In addition, tariff increases may have a similar impact on other suppliers and certain other customers, which could increase the negative impact on our operating results or future cash flows.

#### Presentation
Unless otherwise noted, all financial amounts, excluding tabular information, in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") are rounded to the nearest million dollar amount, and all percentages, excluding tabular information, are rounded to the nearest percentage point.

#### Private Placement
On March 28, 2023, we issued 55,000 shares of newly designated Series A Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") to investors in a private placement offering at a price of $970 per share, along with 4.9 million warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Private Placement"), at an exercise price of $3.77 per share. The proceeds from the Private Placement were approximately $53.4 million, including approximately $10 million from existing related party stockholders. On June 25, 2024, we redeemed the Preferred Stock with a portion of the proceeds from the refinancing of the 2020 Credit Facility at a rate of 103% for a total of approximately $63.5 million. The Warrants remain outstanding and without modification. For additional detail on the Private Placement, see Note 15 - Preferred Stock and Warrants to our consolidated financial statements.

#### Common Stock Repurchases
In the second quarter of 2025, the Company's Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase up to $50 million of the Company's common stock (the "2025 Repurchase Program" or the "Repurchase Program"). Commencing on June 5, 2025 and continuing through December 31, 2027, the Repurchase Program is being funded with cash on hand or cash generated from operations. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company used $9.0 million, including transaction fees, to repurchase and retire 2.5 million shares of its common stock under the Repurchase Program, with $41.0 million remaining for future repurchases as of December 31, 2025.

#### Operating Segments
Our CODM assesses our performance based on the performance of two separate organizations within Ribbon, the Cloud and Edge operating segment ("Cloud and Edge") and the IP Optical Networks operating segment ("IP Optical Networks"). For additional details regarding our operating segments, see Note 17 - Operating Segment Information to our consolidated financial statements.

#### Financial Overview
*Financial Results*

We reported a loss from operations of $3.3 million for 2025 and income from operations of $16.9 million for 2024. We reported net income of $39.6 million for 2025 and a net loss of $54.2 million for 2024.

Our revenue was $844.6 million in 2025, comprised of $511.4 million attributable to Cloud and Edge and $333.2 million attributable to IP Optical Networks. Our revenue was $833.9 million in 2024, comprised of $505.2 million attributable to Cloud and Edge and $328.7 million attributable to IP Optical Networks. Our gross profit was $420.7 million in 2025, comprised of $323.1 million attributable to Cloud and Edge and $97.6 million attributable to IP Optical Networks. Our gross profit was $439.5 million in 2024, comprised of $329.2 million attributable to Cloud and Edge and $110.3 million attributable to IP Optical Networks. Our gross margin was 49.8% in 2025 and 52.7% in 2024. In 2025, our Cloud and Edge gross margin was 63.2% and our IP Optical Networks gross margin was 29.3%. In 2024, our Cloud and Edge gross margin was 65.2% and our IP Optical Networks gross margin was 33.6%. The revenue increase in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily driven by a $6.3 million rise in Cloud and Edge sales, largely attributable to higher demand from U.S. service providers, partially offset by lower sales to Federal customers. In addition, IP Optical Networks revenue increased by $4.4 million, led by strong sales in India, though this growth was partially offset by declines in the Eastern European region.

Our operating expenses were $424.0 million in 2025 and $422.6 million in 2024. Our 2025 operating expenses included $23.8 million of amortization of acquired intangible assets, $19.7 million of restructuring and related expense and $4.3 million of acquisition-, disposal- and integration-related expenses. The following section provides information on our restructuring and cost-reduction initiatives. Our 2024 operating expenses included $26.0 million of amortization of acquired intangible assets and $10.2 million of restructuring and related expense.

We recorded stock-based compensation expense of $19.4 million in 2025 and $16.1 million in 2024. These amounts are included as components of both Cost of revenue and Operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.

See "Results of Operations" in this MD&A for additional discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

*Restructuring and Cost Reduction Initiatives*

During the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company's President and CEO approved a strategic restructuring program (the "2026 Restructuring Plan") that consists of workforce reductions in certain of the Company's operating locations to correspond with current sales levels in those areas. Any potential positions eliminated in countries outside the United States are subject to local law and consultation requirements. In connection with the 2026 Restructuring Plan, we recorded restructuring and related expense of $8.6 million in 2025. We anticipate that we will expense approximately $5 million in 2026 related to the 2026 Restructuring Plan.

During the first quarter of 2025, the Company's President and CEO approved a strategic restructuring program (as subsequently amended, the "2025 Restructuring Plan") that consists of workforce reductions in certain of the Company's operating locations to correspond with current sales levels in those areas. The 2025 Restructuring Plan was amended in the third quarter of 2025 to reflect an increase in the scope of the proposed reductions. Any potential positions eliminated in countries outside the United States are subject to local law and consultation requirements. In connection with the 2025 Restructuring Plan, we recorded restructuring and related expense of $5.0 million in 2025. We anticipate no future expense in 2026 related to the 2025 Restructuring Plan.

In February 2023, our Board of Directors approved a strategic restructuring program (the "2023 Restructuring Plan") to streamline our operations in order to support our investment in critical growth areas. The 2023 Restructuring Plan includes, among other things, charges related to a workforce reduction. Any potential positions eliminated in countries outside the United States are subject to local law and consultation requirements. In connection with the 2023 Restructuring Plan, we recorded restructuring and related expense for severance related costs of $0.2 million and $2.0 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. We anticipate no future expense in 2026 related to the 2023 Restructuring Plan.

In February 2022, our Board of Directors approved a strategic restructuring program (the "2022 Restructuring Plan") to streamline our operations in order to support our investment in critical growth areas. The 2022 Restructuring Plan includes, among other things, charges related to a consolidation of facilities and a workforce reduction. Any positions eliminated in countries outside the United States are subject to local law and consultation requirements. In connection with the 2022 Restructuring Plan, we recorded restructuring and related expense of $5.9 million and $6.1 million in 2025 and 2024 for variable and other facilities-related costs. In 2023, we recorded $6.3 million of expense for the 2022 Restructuring Plan, comprised of $5.3 million for variable and other facilities-related costs, and $1.0 million for accelerated amortization of lease assets no longer being used with no ability or intent to sublease. We anticipate that we will expense approximately $3 million of facilities-related costs in 2026 related to the 2022 Restructuring Plan.

For facilities that are part of a restructuring plan, and for which we have no intent or ability to enter into a sublease, we recognize accelerated rent amortization over the period from the date that we commence the plan to fully or partially vacate a facility through the final vacate date. We did not record accelerated rent amortization in 2025 and 2024. We recorded $1.0 million for accelerated rent amortization in the year ended December 31, 2023. We continue to evaluate our properties included in our restructuring plans for accelerated amortization and/or right-of-use asset impairment. We may incur additional expense in the future if we are unable to sublease other locations included in these initiatives.

#### Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
This MD&A is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience, knowledge of current conditions and beliefs of what could occur in the future given available information. We consider the following accounting policies to be both those most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and those that require the most subjective judgment. The significant accounting policies that we believe are the most critical include revenue recognition, the valuation of inventory, debentures and warrants received as sale consideration, warranty accruals, loss contingencies and reserves, stock-based compensation, the Preferred Stock and Warrants, business combinations, goodwill and intangible assets, accounting for leases, and accounting for income taxes. If actual results differ significantly from management's estimates and projections, there could be a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

***Revenue Recognition*.** We derive revenue from two primary sources: products and services. Product revenue is generated from sales of our stand-alone software, as well as our proprietary hardware and software that function together to deliver the products' essential functionality. Both software and hardware are also sold on a standalone basis. Services include customer support (software updates and technical support), consulting, design services, installation services and training. A typical contract includes both product and services. Generally, contracts with customers contain multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, we account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price ("SSP") basis.

The software licenses typically provide a perpetual right to use our software. However, we also sell term-based software licenses that expire and Software-as-as-Service ("SaaS")-based software, which are referred to as subscription arrangements. We do not customize our software nor are installation services required, as the customer has a right to utilize internal resources or a third-party service company. The software and hardware are delivered before related services are provided and are functional without professional services or customer support. We have concluded that our software licenses are functional intellectual property that are distinct, as the user can benefit from the software on its own. The product revenue related to our perpetual licenses is typically recognized when the software is made available for download, as this is the point that the user of the software can direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the functional intellectual property. The product revenue related to our term-based software licenses is recognized over the license period. We begin to recognize revenue related to the renewal of term-based software licenses at the start of the renewal period. Revenue related to our SaaS-based software is recognized ratably over the service period as the customer does not take possession of the software or have the ability to take possession of the software.

Service revenue includes revenue from customer support and other professional services. We offer warranties on our products. Certain of our warranties are considered to be assurance-type in nature, ensuring that the product is functioning as intended. Assurance-type warranties do not represent separate performance obligations. We also sell separately-priced

maintenance service contracts which qualify as service-type warranties and represent separate performance obligations. We do not allow and have no history of accepting product returns.

Customer support includes software updates on a when-and-if-available basis, telephone support, integrated web-based support and bug fixes or patches. We sell our customer support contracts at a percentage of list or net product price related to the support. Customer support revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the customer support agreement, which is typically one year.

Our professional services include consulting, technical support, resident engineer services, design services and installation services. Because control transfers over time, revenue is recognized based on progress toward completion of the performance obligation. The method to measure progress toward completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the products or services to be provided.

We generally use the input method to measure progress for our contracts and to recognize revenue because we believe this method, in general, best depicts the transfer of assets to the customer. The input method measures costs we have incurred in the period for the contracts. In some infrequent instances, we may engage a third-party to perform services for us and in those cases, we use the output method to recognize revenue because it best depicts the transfer of assets to the customer. Under the output method, there is a cost-to-cost measure of progress. The progress toward completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. When the measure of progress is based upon expended labor, progress toward completion is measured as the ratio of labor time expended to date versus the total estimated labor time required to complete the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded proportionally as costs are incurred or as labor is expended. Costs to fulfill these obligations can include internal labor as well as subcontractor costs.

We offer customer training courses, for which the related revenue is typically recognized over the period the training services are performed, typically over one to five days.

Our contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to the customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment.

Judgment is required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation. SSPs are typically estimated using observable historical transactions of our products and services sold in comparable circumstances to similar customers, including when products and services are sold on a standalone basis. We use a range of amounts to estimate SSP when we sell each of the products and services separately and need to determine whether there is a discount to be allocated based on the relative SSP of the various products and services.

In instances where SSP is not directly observable, such as when we do not sell the product or service separately, we determine the SSP using information that may include market conditions, current pricing practices, product specific business objectives, the cost to provide the performance obligation, and other observable inputs. We typically have more than one SSP for individual products and services due to the stratification of those products and services by customers and circumstances. In these instances, we may use information such as the size of the customer and geographic region in determining the SSP. As our go-to-market strategies evolve, we may modify our pricing practices in the future, which could result in changes to SSP. However, historically, w**e** have not had any material changes to our SSP, nor do we expect any material changes to our SSP estimates in the future.

***Valuation of Inventory.*** We review inventory for both potential obsolescence and potential loss of value periodically. In this review, we make assumptions about the future demand for and market value of the inventory and, based on these assumptions, estimate the amount of any excess, obsolete or slow-moving inventory.

We write down our inventories if they are considered to be obsolete or at levels in excess of forecasted demand. In these cases, inventory is written down to estimated realizable value based on historical usage and expected demand. Inherent in our estimates of market value in determining inventory valuation are estimates related to economic trends, future demand for our products and technical obsolescence of our products. If future demand or market conditions are less favorable than our projections, additional inventory write-downs could be required and would be reflected in the cost of revenue in the period the

revision is made. To date, we have not been required to revise any of our assumptions or estimates used in determining our inventory valuations.

We write down our evaluation equipment at the time of shipment to our customers, as it is not probable that the inventory value will be realizable.

***Loss Contingencies and Reserves.*** We are subject to ongoing business risks arising in the ordinary course of business that affect the estimation process of the carrying value of assets, the recording of liabilities and the possibility of various loss contingencies. An estimated loss contingency is accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred or an asset has been impaired and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We regularly evaluate current information available to determine whether such amounts should be adjusted and record changes in estimates in the period they become known. We are subject to various legal claims. We reserve for legal contingencies and legal fees when the amounts are probable and reasonably estimable.

***Stock-Based Compensation.*** Our stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period.

We use the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value on the date of grant of employee stock options. Determining the fair value of stock option awards at the grant date requires judgment regarding certain valuation assumptions, including the volatility of our stock price, expected term of the option, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. Changes in such assumptions and estimates could result in different fair values and could therefore impact our earnings. Such changes, however, would not impact our cash flows. The fair value of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance-based awards is based upon our stock price on the grant date.

We grant performance-based stock units, some of which include a market condition, to certain of our executives and certain other employees. We use a Monte Carlo simulation approach to model future stock price movements based upon the risk-free rate of return, the volatility of each entity, and the pair-wise covariance between each entity. These results are then used to calculate the grant date fair values. We are required to record expense through the respective final vesting dates regardless of the number of shares that are ultimately earned. Once the grant date criteria have been met for a fiscal year performance period, we record stock-based compensation expense based on our assessment of the probability that the respective performance condition will be achieved and the level, if any, of such achievement. The Compensation Committee determines the number of shares earned, if any, after our financial results for each fiscal year performance period are finalized. Upon determination by the Compensation Committee of the number of shares that will be received upon vesting, such number of shares becomes fixed and the unamortized expense is recorded through the remainder of the service period, at which time any performance-based stock units earned will vest pending each employee's continuing employment with us through that date.

The amount of stock-based compensation expense recorded in any period for unvested awards requires estimates of the amount of stock-based awards that are expected to be forfeited prior to vesting, as well as assumptions regarding the probability that performance-based stock awards without market conditions will be earned.

***Goodwill and Intangible Assets.*** Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Intangible assets with estimated lives and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of intangible assets with estimated lives and other long-lived assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to future net undiscounted pretax cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If these comparisons indicate that an asset is not recoverable, we will recognize an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the related estimated fair value.

We perform a fair value analysis for each reporting unit using both an income and market approach, which encompasses a discounted cash flow analysis and a guideline public company analysis using selected multiples. We assess each valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data at the time the valuation is performed and the methodologies are weighted appropriately. Any impairment charges are reported separately in our consolidated statements of operations.

Judgment is required in determining whether an event has occurred that may impair the value of goodwill, identifiable intangible assets or other long-lived assets. Factors that could indicate an impairment may exist include significant underperformance relative to plan or long-term projections, strategic changes in business strategy, significant negative industry

or economic trends, a significant change in circumstances relative to a large customer, a significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period and a decline in our market capitalization to below net book value. We must make assumptions about future control premiums, market comparables, cash flows, operating plans, discount rates and other factors to determine recoverability.

Our annual testing for impairment of goodwill is completed as of October 1. For the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, all goodwill is assigned to a reporting unit, which may be either an operating segment or a portion of an operating segment. Our reporting units are our two operating segments, Cloud and Edge and IP Optical Networks. For our annual impairment testing, we perform a fair value analysis using both an Income and Market approach, which encompasses a discounted cash flow analysis and a guideline public company analysis using selected multiples. We assess each valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data at the time the valuation is performed and the methodologies are weighted appropriately.

Based upon the completion of our 2025, 2024, and 2023 annual tests for goodwill impairment, we determined that there was no impairment of goodwill for either of our reporting units.

***Accounting for Income Taxes.*** Our provision for income taxes is comprised of both current taxes and deferred taxes. The current income tax provision is generally calculated as the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns to be filed for the year ended December 31, 2025. We provide for deferred income taxes based on temporary differences between financial and taxable income, net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and any required valuation allowances.

We assess the recoverability of all deferred tax assets recorded on the balance sheet and provide any necessary valuation allowances as required. In evaluating our ability to realize our deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, the existence of cumulative income in the most recent years, changes in our business operations, and our forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, we make assumptions, including the amount of state, federal and international pre-tax income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage our underlying businesses. Such assessment is completed on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis.

We have provided for income taxes on the undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries as of December 31, 2025, excluding Ireland and Israel, which are indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, we are required to recognize deferred taxes for 2025 on the outside basis differences related to the foreign subsidiaries, the largest of these differences being undistributed earnings.

We assess all material positions taken in any income tax return, including all significant uncertain positions, in all tax years that are still subject to assessment or challenge by relevant taxing authorities. Assessing an uncertain tax position begins with the initial determination of the position's sustainability and is measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As of each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions must be reassessed, and we determine whether (i) the factors underlying the sustainability assertion have changed and (ii) the amount of recognized tax benefit is still appropriate. The recognition and measurement of tax benefits require significant judgment. Judgments concerning the recognition and measurement of a tax benefit might change as new information becomes available.

#### Results of Operations

#### Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024
***Revenue.*** Revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | |
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **Increase/(decrease)**<br>**from prior year** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | $**%**  |
| Product | $434587 | $447229 | (2.8)% |
| Service | 409969 | 386652 | 6.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenue | $844556 | $833881 | 1.3% |

---

Segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  |
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | **Cloud and**<br>**Edge** | **IP Optical** <br>**Networks** | <br>**Total** | **Cloud and**<br>**Edge** | **IP Optical** <br>**Networks** | <br>**Total** |
| Product | $198163 | 236424 | $434587 | $211001 | $236228 | $447229 |
| Service | 313267 | 96702 | 409969 | 294156 | 92496 | 386652 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenue | $511430 | $333126 | $844556 | $505157 | $328724 | $833881 |

---

The decrease in our product revenue in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily the result of $13 million of lower sales of our Cloud and Edge products, while IP Optical sales remained flat. The decrease in revenue from the sale of Cloud and Edge products was primarily attributable to lower sales to enterprise customers, including U.S. Federal agencies.

Revenue from sales to enterprise customers was 34% and 39% of our product revenue in 2025 and 2024, respectively. These sales were made through both our direct sales team and indirect sales channel partners. The decrease in enterprise sales reflects lower sales of our products to customers in U.S. Federal agencies.

Revenue from indirect sales through our channel partner program was 31% and 38% of our product revenue in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease in channel sales in 2025 reflects fewer IP Optical Networks deployments through systems integrators as well as sell-through service provider channel partners in Eastern Europe.

The timing of the completion of customer projects and revenue recognition criteria satisfaction may cause our product revenue to fluctuate from one period to the next.

Service revenue is primarily comprised of software and hardware maintenance and support ("maintenance revenue") and network design, installation and other professional services ("professional services revenue").

Service revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was comprised of the following (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | |
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **Increase/(decrease)**<br>**from prior year** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | $**%**  |
| Maintenance | $270551 | $274582 | (1.5)% |
| Professional services | 139418 | 112070 | 24.4% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total service revenue | $409969 | $386652 | 6.0% |

---

Segment service revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was comprised of the following (in thousands):

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  |
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | **Cloud and**<br>**Edge** | **IP Optical** <br>**Networks** | <br>**Total** | **Cloud and**<br>**Edge** | **IP Optical** <br>**Networks** | <br>**Total** |
| Maintenance | $206604 | $63947 | $270551 | $212988 | $61594 | $274582 |
| Professional services | 106663 | 32755 | 139418 | 81168 | 30902 | 112070 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total service revenue | $313267 | $96702 | $409969 | $294156 | $92496 | $386652 |

---

Total service revenue was $23 million higher in 2025 compared to 2024 due to increased revenue in both of our segments. Total service revenue increased by $19 million and $4 million in our Cloud and Edge and IP Optical Networks segments, respectively due to increased demand from service providers.

Maintenance revenue was $4 million lower in 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to modestly lower renewal rates from decommissioning of older legacy equipment with several Cloud and Edge customers.

Professional services revenue was $27 million higher in 2025 compared to 2024, with increases of $25 million and $2 million in our Cloud and Edge and IP Optical Networks segments, respectively. The higher revenue in Cloud and Edge is due to the growth in services to U.S. service providers, primarily for voice modernization projects. Our IP Optical Networks segment experienced growth in sales of services primarily in EMEA and India.

The following customer contributed 10% or more of our revenue in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  |
| <br>**Customer** | **December 31,** <br>**2025** | **December 31,** <br>**2024** |
| Verizon Communications Inc. | 17% | 14% |

---

Revenue earned from customers domiciled outside the United States was 52% and 53% of total revenue in 2025 and 2024, respectively. U.S. revenue grew slightly year over year, increasing approximately $7 million across the Cloud and Edge and IP Optical Networks segments. Due to the timing of project completions, we expect that the domestic and international components as a percentage of our revenue may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year. Our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was disaggregated geographically as follows (in thousands):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Year ended December 31, 2025** | <br>**Product** <br>**revenue** | <br>**Service**<br>**revenue** <br>**(maintenance)** | **Service**<br>**revenue** <br>**(professional** <br>**services)**  | <br>**Total revenue** |
| United States | $179660 | $136452 | $86845 | $402957 |
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | 111235 | 69594 | 33322 | 214151 |
| Asia Pacific | 129298 | 38474 | 13213 | 180985 |
| Other | 14394 | 26031 | 6038 | 46463 |
|  | $434587 | $270551 | $139418 | $844556 |

---

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Year ended December 31, 2024** | <br>**Product** <br>**revenue** | <br>**Service**<br>**revenue** <br>**(maintenance)** | **Service**<br>**revenue** <br>**(professional**<br>**services)**  | <br>**Total revenue** |
| United States | $201340 | $133182 | $61462 | $395984 |
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | 129824 | 71856 | 32999 | 234679 |
| Asia Pacific | 100766 | 39863 | 10941 | 151570 |
| Other | 15299 | 29681 | 6668 | 51648 |
|  | $447229 | $274582 | $112070 | $833881 |

---

Our deferred product revenue was $7 million at December 31, 2025 and $14 million at December 31, 2024. Our deferred service revenue was $149 million at December 31, 2025 and $126 million at December 31, 2024. Our deferred revenue balance may fluctuate as a result of the timing of revenue recognition, customer payments, maintenance contract renewals, contractual billing rights and maintenance revenue deferrals included in multiple element arrangements.

We expect our total revenue in 2026 to increase compared to 2025, driven by growth in the Cloud and Edge segment, particularly from increased purchases by service providers as part of voice modernization projects and by enterprise customers. In our IP Optical segment, we anticipate continued revenue growth in 2026 from North America, partially offset by moderation in APAC.

***Cost of Revenue/Gross Margin.*** Our cost of revenue consists primarily of amounts paid to third-party manufacturers for purchased materials and services, royalties, amortization of acquired technology, inventory valuation adjustments, warranty costs, and manufacturing and services personnel and related costs. Our cost of revenue, gross profit and gross margin for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | |
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **Increase/(decrease)**<br> **from prior year** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | $**%**  |
| Cost of revenue: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Product | $249247 | $228527 | 9.1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Service | 154259 | 140949 | 9.4% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of acquired technology | 20344 | 24893 | (18.3)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total cost of revenue | $423850 | $394369 | 7.5% |
| Gross profit | $420706 | $439512 | (4.3)% |
| Gross margin | 49.8% | 52.7% |  |

---

Our segment cost of revenue, gross profit and gross margin for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  |
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | **Cloud and**<br>**Edge** | **IP Optical**<br> **Networks** | <br>**Total** | **Cloud and**<br> **Edge** | **IP Optical**<br> **Networks** | <br>**Total** |
| Product | $76810 | $172437 | $249247 | $73684 | $154843 | $228527 |
| Service | 108625 | 45634 | 154259 | 94579 | 46370 | 140949 |
| Amortization of acquired technology | 2920 | 17424 | 20344 | 7677 | 17216 | 24893 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total cost of revenue | $188355 | $235495 | $423850 | $175940 | $218429 | $394369 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gross profit | $323075 | $97631 | $420706 | $329217 | $110295 | $439512 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gross margin | 63.2% | 29.3% | 49.8% | 65.2% | 33.6% | 52.7% |

---

Our gross margin was 2.9 percentage points lower in 2025 compared to 2024. This decrease was the result of lower margins in both of our segments, particularly due to higher professional services revenue related to voice Network Transformation programs. The lower margin in our IP Optical segment was due to regional mix. The lower margin in our Cloud and Edge segment was primarily attributable to product mix and a decrease in software sales.

We expect our consolidated gross margin to increase in 2026 due to revenue growth in our Cloud and Edge segment, which has higher margins due to the higher software content in its products. Improvements in our IP Optical segment gross margin are expected related to the projected product and geography mix.

***Research and Development.*** Research and development ("R&D") expenses consist primarily of salaries and related personnel expenses and prototype costs for the design, development, testing and enhancement of our products. R&D expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | |
| **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **Decrease**<br>**from prior year** |
| **2025** | **2024** | $**%** |
| $178872 | $179941 | (0.6)% |

---

The decrease in our research and development expenses in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily attributable to approximately $2 million of lower expenses in our IP Optical Networks segment and approximately $1 million of higher expenses in our Cloud and Edge segment. The reduced expenses are a combination of lower employee expenses offset by higher non-US costs due to a weakening dollar.

Our IP Optical Networks R&D investment is focused on significantly expanding our portfolio of IP Routing solutions, adding additional features and capabilities to our Optical Transport portfolio, and supporting features in our next generation SDN management and orchestration platform.

Some aspects of our R&D efforts require significant short-term expenditures, the timing of which may cause significant variability in our expenses. We believe that rapid technological innovation is critical to our long-term success, and we are tailoring our investments to meet the requirements of our customers and market.

We believe that our R&D expenses will increase modestly in 2026 primarily due to higher employee and consulting costs related to supporting certain legacy products and development of our cloud native solutions.

***Sales and Marketing.*** Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries and related personnel costs, commissions, travel and entertainment expenses, promotions, customer trial and evaluations inventory and other marketing and sales support expenses. Sales and marketing expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | |
| **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **Decrease**<br>**from prior year** |
| **2025** | **2024** | $**%** |
| $133075 | $137830 | (3.4)% |

---

The decrease in our sales and marketing expenses in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily attributable to lower commissions, partially offset by higher travel expenses and non-US costs due to a weakening dollar.

We believe our sales and marketing expenses will be relatively flat in 2026 as compared to 2025 with increases for employee-related variable compensation expenses offset by continued cost efficiencies.

***General and Administrative.*** General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related personnel costs for executive and administrative personnel, and audit, legal and other professional fees. General and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | |
| **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **Decrease**<br>**from prior year** |
| **2025** | **2024** | $**%** |
| $64239 | $68740 | (6.5)% |

---

The decrease in general and administrative expenses in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily attributable to lower litigation expenses and variable employee costs, partially offset by higher stock compensation expense.

We believe that our general and administrative expenses will be relatively flat in 2026 as compared to 2025 with increases for employee-related variable compensation expenses offset by continued cost efficiencies.

***Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets included in Operating expenses.*** Amortization of acquired intangible assets included in Operating expenses ("Opex Amortization") for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | |
| **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **Decrease**<br>**from prior year** |
| **2025** | **2024** | $**%** |
| $23849 | $25969 | (8.2)% |

---

Opex Amortization was lower in 2025 compared to 2024 due to our method of amortization. We record our amortization in relation to expected future cash flows rather than on a straight-line basis. Accordingly, such expense may vary from one period to the next.

***Acquisition-, Disposal- and Integration-Related.*** Acquisition-, disposal- and integration-related expenses include those expenses related to acquisitions and disposals that we would otherwise not have incurred. Acquisition- and disposal-related

expenses include professional and services fees, such as legal, audit, consulting, paying agent and other fees. Integration-related expenses represent incremental costs related to combining our systems and processes with those of acquired businesses, such as third-party consulting and other third-party services.

We recorded $4.3 million in 2025 consisting of legal and professional fees associated with contemplated corporate development activities. We recorded no such costs in 2024.

***Restructuring and Related.*** We have been committed to streamlining operations and reducing operating costs by closing and consolidating certain facilities and reducing our worldwide workforce. Please see the additional discussion of our restructuring initiatives in the "Restructuring and Cost Reduction Initiatives" section of the Overview of this MD&A.

We recorded restructuring and related expense of $19.7 million in 2025, comprised of $13.7 million of severance and related costs, and $6.0 million for variable and other facilities-related costs. In 2024, we recorded restructuring and related expense of $10.2 million, comprised of $4.1 million for severance and related costs, and $6.1 million for variable and other facilities-related costs. Although we have eliminated positions as part of our restructuring initiatives, we continue to hire in certain areas that we believe are important to our future growth.

***Interest Expense, net.*** Interest expense and interest income for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in millions, except percentages):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | |
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **Increase**<br>**from prior year** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | $**%** |
| Interest income | $913 | $328 | 178.4% |
| Interest expense | (44924) | (34149) | 31.6% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense, net | $(44011) | $(33821) | 30.1% |

---

We had an increase in interest income in 2025 due to a cash investment account established in late 2024. Our interest expense in 2025 primarily represents term debt interest, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount and interest associated with factoring arrangements. Our interest expense in 2024 primarily represents term debt interest, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, interest associated with factoring arrangements and the amortization of gains in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") from the sales of our interest rate swap. Interest expense in 2025 was higher than 2024 primarily due to higher margins under our 2024 Term Loan as compared to our 2020 Term Loan, and higher interest in 2025 due to our interest rate swap no longer being in place, partially offset by write-offs related to the refinancing of the 2020 Credit Facility with a portion of the proceeds from the 2024 Credit Facility on June 21, 2024. The write-offs related to the refinancing consisted of the remaining unamortized gains in AOCI from the sales of our interest rate swap totaling $4.9 million, partially offset by the write-off of debt issuance costs from the 2020 Credit Facility totaling $2.0 million. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the sale of our interest rate swap.

***Other Income (Expense), Net***. Our other income, net in 2025 was $2.2 million and was primarily comprised of $6.0 million fair value adjustments to the Warrants offset by approximately $3.7 million foreign currency exchange losses. Our other expense, net in 2024 was $29.1 million and was primarily comprised of $9.1 million of fair value adjustments to the Preferred Stock and Warrants, $2.7 million of accrued dividends and the $1.8 million call premium on our Preferred Stock that we redeemed on June 25, 2024, $6.3 million write-off of an expired tax indemnity asset associated with the ECI Acquisition, and foreign currency exchange losses of $5.7 million.

***Income Taxes.*** We recorded an income tax benefit of $84.7 million and an income tax provision of $8.2 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase in the income tax benefit is due to the tax benefit recognized on the tax-basis loss related to the Company's investment in a subsidiary, which is not expected to recur in future periods.

During 2025 and 2024, we performed an analysis to determine if, based on all available evidence, we considered it more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future period. As a result of our evaluations, in 2025, for the U.S. deferred tax assets, we concluded that deferred tax assets are generally realizable, with the exception of certain federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, as well as certain tax credits, that are not anticipated to be utilized. Accordingly, we have maintained a valuation allowance on our U.S. deferred tax assets of $21.5 million, which

increased slightly over the prior year. As a result of our evaluations for Israel, we maintained a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets in Israel.

In October 2021, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (the "OECD") announced the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, which agreed to a two-pillar solution to address tax challenges arising from digitalization of the economy. In December 2021, the OECD released Pillar Two Model Rules defining the global minimum tax rules, which contemplate a minimum tax rate of 15% ("Pillar Two"). In addition, the OECD issued administrative guidance providing transition and safe harbor rules that could delay the impact of the minimum tax directive. Certain countries in which we operate have enacted legislation consistent with the OECD model rules effective beginning in 2024. We considered the applicable tax laws in relevant jurisdictions and concluded there was no material effect on our tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2025. We will continue to evaluate the potential effect of Pillar Two rules on our future reporting periods, but we do not expect Pillar Two to have a significant impact on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

#### Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
For a comparison of our results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, see "Part II, Item 7. MD&A" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2025.

#### Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial position, changes in financial position, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

#### Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our consolidated statements of cash flows are summarized as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended**  | **Year ended**  | |
|  | **December 31,** <br>**2025** | **December 31,** <br>**2024** | <br>**Change** |
| Net income (loss) | $39636 | $(54235) | $93871 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows provided by operating activities | (4816) | 72909 | (77725) |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | 16578 | 31566 | (14988) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $51398 | $50240 | $1158 |
| Net cash used in investing activities | $(25342) | $(22868) | $(2474) |
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | $(19431) | $37706 | $(57137) |

---

We had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash aggregating $98 million and $90 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. We had cash held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries aggregating approximately $50 million and $18 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. If we elect to repatriate all of the funds held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries as of December 31, 2025, we do not believe that the amounts of potential withholding taxes that would arise from the repatriation would have a material effect on our liquidity.

On June 21, 2024, we entered into a Senior Secured Credit Facilities Credit Agreement (the "2024 Credit Facility" or "2024 Credit Agreement") as guarantor, with our wholly-owned subsidiary, Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc., as the borrower ("Borrower"), HPS Investment Partners, LLC ("HPS"), as administrative agent, and HPS and WhiteHorse Capital Management, LLC ("WhiteHorse" and, together with HPS, the "Lenders"), pursuant to which the Lenders provided us with a $385 million Credit Agreement comprised of (i) a $350 million term loan (the "2024 Term Loan") and (ii) a $35 million revolving credit facility (the "2024 Revolver"), including a $20 million sublimit for letters of credit. The proceeds received from the 2024 Term Loan were used to (a) repay 100% of the amounts outstanding under the 2020 Credit Facility, (b) redeem in full the Preferred Stock and (c) pay fees and expenses related to the 2024 Credit Facility.

The 2024 Term Loan and the 2024 Revolver bear interest, at the Borrower's option, at either the Alternate Base Rate ("ABR") or Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") with an Applicable Margin for each (all as defined in the 2024 Credit Facility). Margins for the first six months were 5.25% per annum for ABR Loans and 6.25% per annum for SOFR Loans. Thereafter, margins vary based on our Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio, ranging from 4.75% to 5.25% per annum for ABR Loans and 5.75% to 6.25% per annum for SOFR Loans. The 2024 Term Loan and the 2024 Revolver will both mature on June 21, 2029. The 2024 Term Loan is being repaid in equal quarterly installments: approximately $0.9 million beginning with the third quarter of 2024 through the second quarter of 2025; approximately $2.2 million beginning with the third quarter of 2025 and ending with the second quarter of 2027; and approximately $4.4 million quarterly thereafter, with the remaining principal balance of approximately $298.4 million due on the maturity date of June 21, 2029. In connection with the establishment of the 2024 Credit Facility, $7.7 million of original issue discount was withheld by the Lenders and we incurred $6.3 million of debt issuance costs for a total of $14.0 million that is being amortized to Interest expense, net over the term of the agreement.

Our previous credit facility was the Senior Secured Credit Facilities Credit Agreement (as amended, the "2020 Credit Facility"), which we entered into on March 3, 2020, by and among us, as a guarantor, Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc., as the borrower (the "Borrower"), Citizens Bank, N.A., Santander Bank, N.A., and others as lenders, ("2020 Credit Facility Lenders"). For additional details regarding the terms of the 2024 Credit Facility and 2020 Credit Facility, see Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements.

Quarterly principal payments were required on the 2020 Term Loan aggregating approximately $5.0 million per quarter through March 31, 2024, and if the refinancing had not occurred, $10.0 million would have been required in each of the three quarters thereafter, with the remaining and final payment due on the maturity date in March 2025.

At December 31, 2025, we had an outstanding balance under the 2024 Term Loan of $342.1 million at an average interest rate of 10.3%, with no revolver balance and no letters of credit outstanding under our 2024 Credit Facility. We were in compliance with all covenants of the 2024 Credit Facility at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

In the course of our business, we use letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds (collectively, "Guarantees"). We had $11.1 million and $10.9 million of Guarantees under various uncommitted facilities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. We had no letters of credit outstanding under the 2024 Credit Facility at December 31, 2025 and 2024. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had cash collateral of $1.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively, supporting the Guarantees, which are reported in Restricted cash in our consolidated balance sheets.

We are exposed to financial market risk related to foreign currency fluctuations and changes in interest rates. These exposures are actively monitored by management. To manage the volatility related to the exposure to changes in interest rates, we may enter into a derivative financial instrument. Management's objective has been to reduce, where it is deemed appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in interest rates. Our policies and practices are to use derivative financial instruments only to the extent necessary to manage exposures. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

As a result of exposure to interest rate movements, during March 2020, we entered into an interest rate swap arrangement, which effectively converted our $400 million term loan with its variable interest rate based upon one-month LIBOR to an aggregate fixed rate of 0.904%, plus a leverage-based margin as defined in the 2020 Credit Facility. On July 22, 2022, we sold $30 million of the notional amount of our interest rate swap back to our counterparty for $1.5 million, reducing the notional amount of this swap to $370 million. On August 16, 2022, we sold another $30 million of the notional amount of our interest rate swap back to our counterparty for $1.6 million, reducing the notional amount to $340 million, which approximated the term loan debt then outstanding. The gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the $60 million notional amount sold of $3.1 million was being released into earnings on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the 2020 Credit Facility as a decrease to interest expense, the amortization of which totaled $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The remaining unamortized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of approximately $0.5 million was written off to interest expense in conjunction with the refinancing of the 2020 Credit Facility on June 21, 2024. On March 24, 2023, we received $9.4 million, consisting of $0.4 million of interest and $9.0 million for the sale of $170 million of our $340 million notional amount interest rate swap back to our counterparty, reducing the notional amount to $170 million. On March 27, 2023, we received $9.8 million, consisting of $0.4 million of interest and $9.4 million for the sale of the remaining $170 million of our interest rate swap back to our counterparty. The portion of the gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the term loan debt prepaid on the date of the final sale of our swap

totaled $7.3 million and was released into earnings immediately as Other expense, net. The portion of the gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to our remaining term loan debt balance totaled $12.0 million and was being released into earnings on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the 2020 Credit Facility as a decrease to interest expense beginning in the second quarter of 2023, the amortization of which was $3.0 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The remaining unamortized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $4.4 million was written off to interest expense in conjunction with the refinancing of the 2020 Credit Facility on June 21, 2024.

Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives have been to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we have used an interest rate swap as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for making fixed-rate payments over the life of an agreement without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of designated derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transactions affect earnings. During the year ended December 31, 2023, such a derivative was used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the outstanding borrowings under the 2020 Credit Facility and we accounted for this derivative as an effective hedge until the final portion of the swap was sold on March 27, 2023. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative would be recognized directly in earnings. However, we recorded no hedge ineffectiveness over the life of our swap. In the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded $7.3 million of Other expense, net due to the sale of our interest rate swap arrangement.

In the second quarter of 2025, our Board approved a share repurchase program (the "2025 Repurchase Program" or the "Repurchase Program") pursuant to which we are authorized to repurchase up to $50 million of our common stock prior to December 31, 2027. We repurchased 2.5 million shares in the year ended December 31, 2025, using $9.0 million with $41.0 million remaining for future repurchases as of December 31, 2025.

#### Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Our primary source of cash from operating activities has been from cash collections from our customers. We expect cash flows from operating activities to be affected by increases and decreases in sales volumes and timing of collections, and by purchases and shipments of inventory. Our primary uses of cash from operating activities have been for personnel costs and investment in our research and development and in our sales and marketing, and general and administrative departments.

Our operating activities provided cash of $51.4 million in 2025, primarily a result of lower accounts receivable of $20.0 million and deferred revenue of $15.8 million. These amounts were partially offset by decreases in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, and accounts payable. Our net income of $39.6 million included adjustments for certain non-cash expenses, such as $44.2 million of amortization of intangible assets and $19.4 million of stock-based compensation. These adjustments were partially offset by deferred tax benefit of $85.6 million and a $6.0 million change in fair value of warrant liability. Higher revenue and lower operating expenses company-wide due to our various cost-saving initiatives, including lower employee and facilities expenses, continue to positively impact our operating cash flow.

Our operating activities provided cash of $50.2 million in 2024, primarily as a result of lower other operating assets and accounts receivable, the increase in the fair value of our preferred stock and warrant liabilities, and higher deferred revenue. These amounts were partially offset by lower accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, and higher inventory. Our net loss was more than offset by adjustments for certain non-cash expenses, such as amortization of intangible assets and stock-based compensation. These adjustments were partially offset by a $6.7 million one-time payment of accumulated dividends as a result of our redemption of our Preferred Stock liability on June 25, 2024, $8.2 million of amortization of an accumulated other comprehensive gain related to our interest rate swap, and $16.9 million of deferred income tax expense. Higher revenue in our Cloud and Edge segment and lower operating expenses company-wide due to our various cost saving initiatives, including lower employee and facilities expenses, continue to positively affect our operating cash flow.

#### Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Our investing activities used cash of $25.3 million and $22.9 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our investing activities were primarily used to purchase property and equipment. The increase in purchases of property and equipment in 2025 and 2024 is primarily due to the build out of a new facility in Israel.

#### Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Our financing activities used cash of $19.4 million in 2025 primarily due to $6.1 million of principal payments on our 2024 Term Debt and $9.0 million for the repurchase and retirement of our common stock under the 2025 Repurchase Program. In addition, we paid $4.4 million of tax obligations related to the vesting of stock awards and units.

Our financing activities provided cash of $37.7 million in 2024. We received $342.3 million of proceeds, net of $7.7 million of original issue discount, from the issuance of term debt under the 2024 Credit Facility that was established on June 21, 2024 to refinance the 2020 Credit Facility. Also, we had $44.1 million of both borrowings and principal payments under the 2020 Revolving Credit Facility. In conjunction with the establishment of the 2024 Credit Facility, we repaid the 2020 Term Debt amounting to $235.4 million, redeemed all of the outstanding Preferred Stock totaling $56.9 million, and paid $6.3 million in debt issuance costs. Also, we paid $1.8 million in principal payments on our 2024 Term Debt. In addition, we paid $4.3 million of tax obligations related to the vesting of stock awards and units.

The rate at which we consume cash is dependent upon the cash needs of our future operations, including our contractual obligations at December 31, 2025, primarily comprised of our debt principal and interest obligations as described above, and our operating lease and purchase obligations. Our operating lease obligations totaled $100.3 million at December 31, 2025, with payments to be made aggregating $18.0 million in 2026, $16.7 million in 2027, $14.0 million in 2028 and $51.6 million thereafter. Our purchase obligations totaled $105.8 million at December 31, 2025, with estimated payments aggregating $102.3 million in 2026 and $3.5 million thereafter. We anticipate devoting substantial capital resources to continue our R&D efforts, to maintain our sales, support and marketing, and for other general corporate activities. We believe that our financial resources, along with managing discretionary expenses, will allow us to manage the ongoing impact of inflation on our business operations. Looking ahead, we have developed contingency plans to reduce costs further if the situation deteriorates.

Based on our current expectations, we believe our current cash balances and available borrowings under the 2024 Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least twelve months from the date of issuance of these financial statements.

#### Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-10, *Government Grants (Topic 832): Accounting for Government Grants Received by Business Entities* ("ASU 2025-10"), to clarify the appropriate accounting, reduce diversity in practice, and increase consistency across business entities. ASU 2025-10 will be effective for the Company beginning with our 2029 interim and annual financial statements, with early adoption permitted. The Company believes this ASU will have no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-09, *Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Hedge Accounting Improvements* ("ASU 2025-09"), to enhance hedge accounting guidance and better align it with entities' risk management activities. The amendments expand eligibility for hedge accounting, simplify certain requirements, and address issues related to reference rate reform. Key changes include allowing cash flow hedge accounting for "choose-your-rate" debt instruments, introducing a principles-based "similar risk exposure" criterion for grouping forecasted transactions, permitting component hedging for nonfinancial forecasted transactions, and clarifying the treatment of certain derivative structures. ASU 2025-09 will be effective for the Company beginning with its 2027 interim and annual financial statements, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, *Intangibles-Goodwill and Other- Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40):* Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software ("ASU 2025-06"). To clarify how the accounting guidance applies to both linear and nonlinear software development, this standard removes all references to "developments stages" from ASC 350-40. ASU 2025-06 will be effective for the Company beginning with its 2028 interim and annual

financial statements, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, *Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets* ("ASU 2025-05"), which provides a practical expedient related to the estimation of expected credit losses for current accounts receivable and current contract assets that arise from transactions accounted for under ASC 606. In developing reasonable and supportable forecasts as part of estimating expected credit losses, all entities may elect a practical expedient that assumes that current conditions as of the balance sheet date do not change for the remaining life of the asset. ASU 2025-06 will be effective for the Company beginning with its 2026 interim and annual financial statements, with early adoption permitted. The Company believes this ASU will have no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, *Income Statement, Reporting Comprehensive Income: Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40)* ("ASU 2024-03"), which requires disaggregation of certain expense captions into specified categories in disclosures within the footnotes to the financial statements. The objective of this standard is to provide investors with information to better understand a public entity's performance and prospects for future cash flows, and to compare their performance over time with that of other entities. ASU 2024-03 will be effective for us beginning with our 2027 annual financial statements and interim financial statements thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2024-03 will require us to provide new footnote disclosure about the types of expenses that are included in certain captions on our Statements of Operations, such as Cost of revenue, Research and development, Sales and marketing, and General and administrative.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 *Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures* ("ASU 2023-09"), which increases the disclosures requirements around rate reconciliation information and certain types of income taxes companies are required to pay. ASU 2023-09, which the Company applied on a prospective basis, became effective beginning with this Annual Report on Form 10-K and includes the required additional income tax disclosures.

#### Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The following discussion about these market risks includes forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements.

At December 31, 2025, we had outstanding debt totaling $342.1 million. A hypothetical movement of plus or minus 50 basis points in the interest rate of our outstanding debt would have changed our interest expense by approximately $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025.

As a global company operating in more than 30 countries, a significant portion of our revenues and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. If the U.S. Dollar strengthens against these other currencies, our revenue for these transactions reported in U.S. Dollars would decline and our non-U.S. Dollar expenses would be inversely impacted, resulting in lower U.S. Dollar expenses.

A hypothetical 10% strengthening of the U.S. Dollar would have negatively impacted our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025 by approximately $20 million. Because a higher proportion of our expenses are denominated in foreign currencies compared to our revenue, our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2025 would have been positively impacted by approximately $32 million.

#### Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](#REPORTOFINDEPENDENTREGISTEREDPUBLICACCOU) (PCAOB ID No. 34) | 61 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024](#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets_385154) | 64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023](#ConsolidatedStatementsofOperations_45537) | 65 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023](#ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveLos) | 66 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023](#ConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEqui) | 67 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023](#ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows_845876) | 68 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](#a1NATUREOFTHEBUSINESS_252314) | 70 |

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**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Ribbon Communications Inc.

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ribbon Communications Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in *Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)* issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Critical Audit Matters**

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

**Revenue Recognition - Refer to Notes 2 and 16 to the Financial Statements**

*Critical Audit Matter Description*

The Company recognizes revenue from two primary sources: products and services. Generally, contracts with customers contain multiple performance obligations, consisting of products and services. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately if they are considered distinct. When an arrangement contains more than one performance obligation, the Company will allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. The Company utilizes the observable price of goods and services, including when they are sold separately to similar customers, in order to estimate standalone selling price.

Management is required to use judgment to develop its estimates of standalone selling price. Auditing the Company's estimates of standalone selling price required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our data analytics specialists to assist in the testing of the standalone selling price analyses given the judgment required by management in this area.

*How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit*

Our audit procedures related to the testing of management's estimation of standalone selling prices included the following, among others:

\* We tested the effectiveness of controls over revenue, including those over the determination of estimated standalone selling price.

\* We evaluated whether management's significant accounting policies related to the estimation of standalone selling price were appropriate.

\* With the assistance of our data analytics specialists, we evaluated the estimated standalone selling price analyses prepared by the Company, including testing the underlying detail of customer arrangements and the mathematical accuracy of the calculations.

**Goodwill - Cloud and Edge Reporting Unit - Refer to Notes 2 and 9 to the Financial Statements**

*Critical Audit Matter Description*

The Company's evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company used a combination of the income and market approaches to estimate reporting unit fair value. With respect to the income approach, management is required to make significant estimates and assumptions related to discount rates and forecasts of future revenues and profit margins. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both. The goodwill balance was $301 million as of December 31, 2025, of which $225 million was allocated to the Cloud and Edge Reporting Unit ("Cloud and Edge").

Given the significant judgments made by management to estimate the fair value of Cloud and Edge, performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management's estimates and assumptions related to the selection of the discount rate and forecasts of future revenues and profit margins required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists.

*How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit*

Our audit procedures related to the discount rate and forecasts of future revenues and profit margins, used by management to estimate the fair value of Cloud and Edge, included the following, among others:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ We tested the effectiveness of controls over management's goodwill impairment evaluation, including those over the determination of the fair value of Cloud and Edge, such as controls related to management's selection of the discount rate and forecasts of future revenues and profit margins.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ We evaluated management's ability to accurately forecast future revenues and profit margins by comparing actual results to management's historical forecasts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ We evaluated the reasonableness of management's revenue and profit margin forecasts by comparing the forecasts to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Historical revenues and profit margins.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Internal communications to management and the Board of Directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Forecasted information included in the Company press releases as well as in analyst and industry reports for the Company and certain of its peer companies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the discount rate by:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rate and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Developing a range of independent estimates and compared those to the discount rate selected by management.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Dallas, Texas

February 26, 2026

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2005.

#### RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.
**Consolidated Balance Sheets**

**(in thousands, except share and per share data)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** <br>**2025** | **December 31,** <br>**2024** |
| **Assets** |  |  |
| Current assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $96405 | $87770 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted cash | 1726 | 2709 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable, net | 231885 | 254718 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory | 78806 | 79179 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other current assets | 45663 | 39286 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets | 454485 | 463662 |
| Property and equipment, net | 65559 | 60364 |
| Intangible assets, net | 143344 | 187537 |
| Goodwill | 300892 | 300892 |
| Deferred income taxes | 174318 | 88982 |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 46240 | 34544 |
| Other assets | 27417 | 26573 |
|  | $1212255 | $1162554 |
| **Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity** |  |  |
| Current liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Current portion of term debt | $8750 | $6125 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | 79840 | 87759 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses and other | 90759 | 106251 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease liabilities | 11699 | 9443 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred revenue | 124425 | 119295 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities | 315473 | 328873 |
| Long-term debt, net of current | 324525 | 330726 |
| Warrant liability | 1919 | 8064 |
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current | 60159 | 37376 |
| Deferred revenue, net of current | 31654 | 20991 |
| Deferred income taxes | 5728 | 5941 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 23803 | 25962 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | 763261 | 757933 |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 26) |  |  |
| Stockholders' equity: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share; 390,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2025; 240,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2024; 175,776,074 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025; 175,599,250 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 | 18 | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Additional paid-in capital | 1976958 | 1970708 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated deficit | (1534549) | (1574185) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive income | 6567 | 8080 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total stockholders' equity | 448994 | 404621 |
|  | $1212255 | $1162554 |

---

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

**Consolidated Statements of Operations**

**(in thousands, except per share data)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Revenue: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Product | $434587 | $447229 | $445150 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Service | 409969 | 386652 | 381189 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenue | 844556 | 833881 | 826339 |
| Cost of revenue: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Product | 249247 | 228527 | 250609 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Service | 154259 | 140949 | 139357 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of acquired technology | 20344 | 24893 | 28290 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total cost of revenue | 423850 | 394369 | 418256 |
| Gross profit | 420706 | 439512 | 408083 |
| Operating expenses: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Research and development | 178872 | 179941 | 190660 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sales and marketing | 133075 | 137830 | 137460 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;General and administrative | 64239 | 68740 | 54962 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 23849 | 25969 | 28601 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition-, disposal- and integration-related | 4337 |  | 4476 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Restructuring and related | 19658 | 10160 | 16209 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating expenses | 424030 | 422640 | 432368 |
| (Loss) income from operations | (3324) | 16872 | (24285) |
| Interest expense, net | (44011) | (33821) | (27320) |
| Other income (expense), net | 2226 | (29119) | (3768) |
| Loss before income taxes | (45109) | (46068) | (55373) |
| Income tax benefit (provision) | 84745 | (8167) | (10833) |
| Net income (loss) | $39636 | $(54235) | $(66206) |
| Earnings (loss) per share: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | $0.22 | $(0.31) | $(0.39) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | $0.22 | $(0.31) | $(0.39) |
| Weighted average shares used to compute earnings (loss) per share: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | 176199 | 174044 | 170408 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | 179822 | 174044 | 170408 |

---

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

**Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)**

**(in thousands)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Net income (loss) | $39636 | $(54235) | $(66206) |
| Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of reclassifications and amortization into earnings |  | (6019) | (10015) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Reclassification of gain to other expense, net upon sale of interest rate swap |  |  | (5099) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustments | (445) | 472 | (506) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Employee retirement benefits | (1068) | (160) | (1178) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | (1513) | (5707) | (16798) |
| Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | $38123 | $(59942) | $(83004) |

---

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

**Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity**

**(in thousands, except share data)**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Common stock** | **Common stock** | | | | |
|  | **Shares** | **Amount** | <br>**Additional**<br>**paid-in**<br>**capital** | <br>**Accumulated**<br>**deficit** | **Accumulated**<br>**other**<br>**comprehensive**<br>**income (loss)** | <br>**Total**<br>**stockholders'**<br>**equity** |
| **Balances, January 1, 2023** | **168324995** | $**17** | $**1941569** | $**(1453744)** | $**30585** | $**518427** |
| Exercise of stock options | 7816 |  | 15 |  |  | 15 |
| Vesting of restricted stock awards and units | 4840738 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Vesting of performance-based stock units | 381071 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Shares of restricted stock returned to the Company under net share settlements to satisfy tax withholding obligations | (1470953) |  | (4481) |  |  | (4481) |
| Stock-based compensation expense |  |  | 21806 |  |  | 21806 |
| Other comprehensive loss |  |  |  |  | (16798) | (16798) |
| Net loss |  |  |  | (66206) |  | (66206) |
| **Balances, December 31, 2023** | **172083667** | **17** | **1958909** | **(1519950)** | **13787** | **452763** |
| Exercise of stock options | 11285 |  | 21 |  |  | 21 |
| Vesting of restricted stock awards and units | 4653037 | 1 |  |  |  | 1 |
| Vesting of performance-based stock units | 298586 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Shares of restricted stock returned to the Company under net share settlements to satisfy tax withholding obligations | (1447325) |  | (4308) |  |  | (4308) |
| Stock-based compensation expense |  |  | 16086 |  |  | 16086 |
| Other comprehensive loss |  |  |  |  | (5707) | (5707) |
| Net loss |  |  |  | (54235) |  | (54235) |
| **Balances, December 31, 2024** | **175599250** | **18** | **1970708** | **(1574185)** | **8080** | **404621** |
| Exercise of stock options | 3997 |  | 6 |  |  | 6 |
| Exercise of warrants | 32573 |  | 150 |  |  | 150 |
| Repurchase of common stock | (2456141) |  | (8955) |  |  | (8955) |
| Vesting of restricted stock awards and units | 3334571 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Vesting of performance-based stock units | 423677 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Shares of restricted stock returned to the Company under net share settlements to satisfy tax withholding obligations | (1161853) |  | (4357) |  |  | (4357) |
| Stock-based compensation expense |  |  | 19406 |  |  | 19406 |
| Other comprehensive loss |  |  |  |  | (1513) | (1513) |
| Net income |  |  |  | 39636 |  | 39636 |
| **Balances, December 31, 2025** | **175776074** | $**18** | $**1976958** | $**(1534549)** | $**6567** | $**448994** |

---

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows**

**(in thousands)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) | $39636 | $(54235) | $(66206) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment | 16728 | 13539 | 14105 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of intangible assets | 44193 | 50862 | 56891 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount | 2802 | 4847 | 3241 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of accumulated other comprehensive gain related to interest rate swap |  | (8196) | (5575) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation | 19406 | 16086 | 21806 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes | (85603) | (16887) | (9196) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale of swap |  |  | (7301) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of warrant liability | (5995) | 2769 | (201) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of preferred stock liability |  | 8091 | 1548 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends accrued on preferred stock liability |  | 2743 | 3935 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of dividends accrued on preferred stock liability  |  | (6686) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency exchange losses (gains) | 3653 | 5741 | (44) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable | 20028 | 12420 | 5726 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory | 234 | (3616) | (10701) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other operating assets | (564) | 30459 | 34834 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | (3257) | (6016) | (10498) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities | (15656) | (9367) | (14684) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred revenue | 15793 | 7686 | (593) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by operating activities | 51398 | 50240 | 17087 |
| Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of property and equipment | (25342) | (22406) | (9381) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of software licenses |  | (462) | (100) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash used in investing activities | (25342) | (22868) | (9481) |
| Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Borrowings under revolving line of credit |  | 44106 | 97000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal payments on revolving line of credit |  | (44106) | (97000) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of term debt |  | 342300 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal payments of term debt | (6125) | (237145) | (95058) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of debt issuance costs |  | (6312) | (1685) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock and warrant liabilities |  |  | 53350 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of preferred stock liability |  | (56850) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from the exercise of stock options | 6 | 21 | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of tax obligations related to vested stock awards and units | (4357) | (4308) | (4481) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repurchase of common stock | (8955) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (19431) | 37706 | (47859) |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 1027 | (1229) | (379) |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 7652 | 63849 | (40632) |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year | 90479 | 26630 | 67262 |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year | $98131 | $90479 | $26630 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)**

**(in thousands)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest paid | $37998 | $32969 | $25573 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income taxes paid | $11950 | $29280 | $18876 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax refunds received | $1428 | $1545 | $1611 |
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capital expenditures incurred, but not yet paid | $4511 | $10090 | $2578 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory transfers to property and equipment | $2159 | $2165 | $1693 |
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Warrant liability released to additional paid-in-capital | $150 | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of vested restricted and performance-based stock grants | $14103 | $14822 | $15571 |

---

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

(1) NATURE OF THE BUSINESS

Ribbon Communications Inc. ("Ribbon" or the "Company") is a leading global provider of communications technology to service providers and enterprises. The Company provides a broad range of software and high-performance hardware products, network solutions, and services that enable the secure delivery of data and voice communications, and high-bandwidth networking and connectivity for residential consumers and for small, medium, and large enterprises and industry verticals such as finance, education, government, utilities, and transportation. Ribbon's mission is to create a recognized global technology leader providing cloud-centric solutions that enable the secure exchange of information, with unparalleled scale, performance, and elasticity. The Company is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has a global presence with research and development, or sales and support locations in over thirty countries around the world.

(2) BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

#### Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in United States dollars, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP").

#### Private Placement Offering
On March 28, 2023, the Company issued 55,000 shares of newly designated Series A Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") to investors in a private placement offering at a price of $970 per share, along with 4.9 million warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Private Placement"), at the exercise price of $3.77 per share. The proceeds from the Private Placement were approximately $53.4 million, including approximately $10 million from existing related party stockholders (See Note 15).

#### Operating Segments
The Company's chief operating decision maker (the "CODM") is its president and chief executive officer. The CODM assesses the Company's performance based on the performance of two separate organizations within Ribbon: the Cloud and Edge segment ("Cloud and Edge") and the IP Optical Networks segment ("IP Optical Networks").

#### Significant Accounting Policies

#### Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ribbon and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

#### Use of Estimates and Judgments
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and judgments relied upon in preparing these consolidated financial statements include accounting for business combinations, revenue recognition for arrangements that contain multiple performance obligations, inventory valuations, assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based compensation and the Preferred Stock and Warrants, intangible asset and goodwill valuations, including impairments, debentures and warrants, warranty accruals, legal contingencies and recoverability of Ribbon's net deferred tax assets and the related valuation allowances. Ribbon regularly assesses these estimates and records changes in estimates in the period in which they become known. Ribbon bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

#### Business Combinations
The Company recognizes identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed and represents the expected future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in the business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, its estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill to the extent that it identifies adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations.

#### Revenue Recognition
The Company derives revenue from two primary sources: products and services. Product revenue includes: 1) the Company's proprietary hardware and software that function together to deliver the products' essential functionality and 2) the Company's software only solutions that can be used on either the Company's hardware or third-party hardware. Both proprietary hardware and software only solutions are also sold on a standalone basis.

Services include customer support (software updates, upgrades and technical support), consulting, design services, installation services and training. Generally, contracts with customers contain multiple performance obligations, consisting of products and services. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately if they are considered distinct.

When an arrangement contains more than one performance obligation, the Company will allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. The Company utilizes the observable price of goods and services, including when they are sold separately to similar customers, in order to estimate standalone selling price ("SSP").

The Company's software licenses typically provide a perpetual right to use the Company's software. However, the Company also sells term-based software licenses that expire and Software-as-a-Service ("SaaS")-based software which are referred to as subscription arrangements. The Company does not customize its software nor are installation services required, as the customer has a right to utilize internal resources or a third-party service company. The software and hardware are delivered before related services are provided and are functional without professional services or customer support. The Company has concluded that its software licenses are functional intellectual property that are distinct, as the user can benefit from the software on its own.

Product revenue from sales of the Company's perpetual and term-based software licenses is typically recognized when the software is made available for download, as this is the point the user of the software can direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the functional intellectual property. The Company begins to recognize software revenue related to the renewal of term-based software licenses at the start of the renewal period. Revenue related to sales of SaaS-based software is recognized ratably over the service period as the customer does not take possession of the software or have the ability to take possession of the software.

The Company offers warranties on its products. Certain of the Company's warranties are considered to be assurance-type in nature, ensuring the product is functioning as intended. Assurance-type warranties do not represent separate performance obligations. The Company also sells separately-priced maintenance service contracts which qualify as service-type warranties and represent separate performance obligations. The Company does not allow and has no history of accepting product returns.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

Service revenue includes revenue from customer support and other professional services. Customer support includes software updates on a when-and-if-available basis, telephone support, integrated web-based support and bug fixes or patches. The Company sells its customer support contracts at a percentage of list or net product price. Customer support revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the customer support agreement, which is typically one year.

The Company's professional services include consulting, technical support, resident engineer services, design services and installation services. Because control transfers over time, revenue is recognized based on progress toward completion of the performance obligation. The method to measure progress toward completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the products or services to be provided.

The Company generally uses the input method to measure progress for its contracts and to recognize revenue because it believes such method, in general, best depicts the transfer of assets to its customers. The input method measures costs the Company has incurred in the period for its contracts. In some infrequent instances, the Company may engage a third-party to perform services on its behalf and in those cases the output method is used to recognize revenue because it best depicts the transfer of assets to its customers. Under the output method, there is a cost-to-cost measure of progress. The progress toward completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. When the measure of progress is based upon expended labor, progress toward completion is measured as the ratio of labor time expended to date versus the total estimated labor time required to complete the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded proportionally as costs are incurred or as labor is expended. Costs to fulfill these obligations can include internal labor as well as subcontractor costs.

Customer training includes courses offered by the Company. The related revenue is typically recognized as the training services are performed, typically over a period of one to five days.

Payment terms for the Company's contracts with its customers typically range from 30 to 60 days from the invoice date. In certain cases, it may offer extended payment terms, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The Company does not generally offer significant financing components in its contracts with customers. However, if a contract includes a significant financing component, the transaction price is adjusted for the time value of money. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the impact of financing components was immaterial.

Amounts billed to customers for sales and other taxes are excluded from the transaction price. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to government authorities.

#### Preferred Stock and Warrants
The Company accounted for the Preferred Stock until it was redeemed on June 25, 2024 and continues to account for the Warrants as liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of their specific terms in accordance with ASC Topic 480, *Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity*. The fair value option was elected for the Preferred Stock, as the Company considered fair value to best reflect the expected future economic value. These liabilities are remeasured to fair value at each reporting date using the same valuation methodology applied upon issuance using current input assumptions. The Preferred Stock was considered to be debt for our Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio covenant calculation required under our 2020 Credit Facility.

The value of the Preferred Stock was calculated using the Black-Derman-Toy (BDT) stochastic yield lattice model to capture the optimal timing of repayment, increasing dividend rate and other features, and the value of the Warrants is calculated using the Black-Scholes Pricing Model.

Changes in the fair value of the Preferred Stock and Warrants are reported as Other expense, net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

#### Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of the Company's cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and borrowings under a revolving credit facility in the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates fair value due to the immediate or short-term nature of these financial instruments. The carrying amount of the Company's term debt is also considered to approximate fair value, based on prevailing market conditions. Our Warrant liability as of December 31, 2025 had a fair value of $1.9 million.

Financial instruments with remaining maturities or that are due within one year from the balance sheet date are classified as current. Financial instruments with maturities or that are payable more than one year from the balance sheet date are classified as noncurrent.

#### Transfers of Financial Assets
The Company's IP Optical Networks segment maintains customer receivables factoring agreements with a number of financial institutions. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company may transfer receivables to the financial institutions, on a non-recourse basis, provided that the financial institutions approve the receivables in advance. The Company maintains credit insurance policies from major insurance providers or obtains letters of credit from the customers for a majority of its factored trade receivables. The Company accounts for the factoring of its financial assets as a sale of the assets and records the factoring fees, when incurred, as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations, and the proceeds from the sales of receivables are included in cash from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Factoring of accounts receivable and associated fees for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Accounts receivable sold | $127618 | $107874 |
| Less factoring fees | (2343) | (2228) |
| Net cash proceeds | $125275 | $105646 |

---

#### Foreign Currency Translation
For foreign subsidiaries where the functional currency is the local currency, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during each period. Translation adjustments for these subsidiaries are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income.

For foreign subsidiaries where the functional currency is the U.S. dollar, monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Nonmonetary assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during each period. Translation adjustments for these subsidiaries are included in Other expense, net.

Realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange losses and gains arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the subsidiary's functional currency are reflected in earnings.

The Company records its foreign currency losses (gains) as a component of Other expense, net. The Company recognized net foreign currency losses and (gains) of $3.7 million, $5.7 million and less than $(0.1) million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

#### Inventory
Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or market value using the first-in, first-out convention. The Company reduces the carrying value of inventory for those items that are potentially excess, obsolete or slow-moving based on changes in customer demand, technology developments or other economic factors.

Ribbon writes down evaluation equipment (equipment at customer sites for testing and evaluation) at the time of shipment to its customers, as it is probable that the inventory value will not be realized.

Deferred product costs represent deferred cost of revenue for product shipments to customers prior to satisfaction of Ribbon's revenue recognition criteria. The Company classifies inventory that is not expected to be consumed within one year from the balance sheet date as noncurrent and includes such inventory as a component of Other assets.

#### Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from two to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease term or ten years. When an asset is sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are eliminated, and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognized in (Loss) income from operations in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment in the same manner as intangible assets discussed below.

Software development costs associated with internal use software are incurred in three stages of development: the preliminary project stage, the application development stage and the post-implementation stage. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Certain qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized as property and equipment. Internal use software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of three years, beginning when the software is ready for its intended use.

#### Intangible Assets and Goodwill
The Company's intangible assets are comprised of in-process research and development, developed technology, customer relationships, trade names, software licenses and internal use software. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable based upon the estimated undiscounted cash flows. Recoverability of intangible assets with estimated lives and other long-lived assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If these comparisons indicate that an asset is not recoverable, the Company will recognize an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds the related estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is based on either discounted future operating cash flows or appraised values, depending on the nature of the asset. The Company amortizes its intangible assets over their respective useful lives, with the exception of in-process research and development, which has an indefinite life until the product is generally available, at which time such asset is typically reclassified to developed technology, and the Company begins to amortize this asset. See Note 9 for additional information regarding the Company's intangible assets.

Goodwill is recorded when the consideration for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist, by comparing the fair value of the Company's reporting unit to its carrying value.

The Company's annual test for impairment of goodwill is completed as of October 1. For the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, all goodwill is assigned to a reporting unit, which may either be an operating segment or a portion of an operating segment. The Company's reporting units are its two operating segments, Cloud and Edge and IP

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

Optical Networks. The Company performs a fair value analysis for each reporting unit using both an income and market approach, which encompasses a discounted cash flow analysis and a guideline public company analysis using selected multiples. The Company assesses each valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data at the time the valuation is performed and the methodologies are weighted appropriately. Any impairment charges are reported separately in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

#### Stock-Based Compensation
The Company's stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which generally represents the vesting period, and includes an estimate of the awards that will be forfeited.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value of stock options on the grant date. The fair value of stock option awards is affected by the Company's stock price as well as valuation assumptions, including the volatility of Ribbon's stock price, expected term of the option, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends.

The Company may grant to certain of its executives and certain other employees performance-based stock units ("PSUs") that include a market condition. The Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation approach to model future stock price movements based upon the risk-free rate of return, the volatility of each entity and the pair-wise covariance between each entity. These results are then used to calculate the grant date fair values of the PSUs. The Company is required to record expense for the PSUs with market conditions through their respective final vesting dates regardless of the number of shares that are ultimately earned. Once the grant date criteria have been met for a fiscal year performance period, the Company records stock-based compensation expense based on its assessment of the probability that the respective performance condition will be achieved and the level, if any, of such achievement. The Compensation Committee determines the number of shares earned, if any, after the Company's financial results for each fiscal year performance period are finalized. Upon the determination by the Compensation Committee of the number of shares that will be received upon vesting, such number of shares becomes fixed and the unamortized expense is recorded through the remainder of the service period, at which time any Performance PSUs earned will vest pending each employee's continuing employment with Ribbon through that date.

#### Concentration of Risk
Ribbon is subject to counterparty risk as well as financial instrument concentration risk involving cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. To mitigate these risks, cash and cash equivalents are diversified and maintained with various financial institutions globally. In certain instances, advance payments, credit insurance, or customer issued letters of credit are required to mitigate potential risk.

Certain components and software licenses from third parties used in Ribbon's products are procured from single sources of supply. The failure of a supplier, including a subcontractor, to deliver on schedule could delay or interrupt Ribbon's delivery of products and thereby materially adversely affect Ribbon's revenue and operating results.

#### Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included as a component of Sales and marketing expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Advertising expenses were $1.4 million, $1.7 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

#### Loss Contingencies and Reserves
Ribbon is subject to ongoing business risks arising in the ordinary course of business, including legal claims, that affect the estimation process of the carrying value of assets, the recording of liabilities and the possibility of various loss contingencies. An estimated loss contingency is accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred or an asset

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

has been impaired and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Ribbon regularly evaluates current information available to determine whether such amounts should be adjusted and records changes in estimates in the period they become known.

An allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on the Company's assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts.

Ribbon accrues for royalties for technology that it licenses from vendors based on established royalty rates and usage. Ribbon is periodically contacted by third parties who claim that Ribbon's products infringe on certain intellectual property of a third party. Ribbon evaluates these claims and accrues amounts when it is probable that the obligation has been incurred and the amounts are reasonably estimable.

#### Warranty
The Company records warranty liabilities for estimated costs of fulfilling its obligations under standard limited hardware and software warranties at the time of sale. The specific warranty terms and conditions vary depending upon the country in which the Company does business, but generally includes material costs, technical support, labor and associated overhead over a period ranging from one to three years. At December 31, 2025, the Company's liability for product warranties was $12.8 million of which $5.4 million was current and included in Accrued expenses and other and $7.4 million was long-term and included in Other long-term liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2024, the Company's liability for product warranties was $12.3 million, of which $5.2 million was current and included in Accrued expenses and other, and $7.1 million was long-term and included in Other long-term liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

#### Research and Development Grants
The Company records grants received from the Office of the Innovation Authority of the Israeli Ministry of Economics (the "IIA") as a reduction to Research and development expense. Royalties payable to the IIA are recognized pursuant to sales of related products and services and are included in Cost of revenue (see Note 26).

#### Accounting for Leases
The Company accounts for its leases in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842, *Leases* ("ASC 842") (see Note 21). The Company has operating leases for corporate offices, and research and development facilities. Operating leases are reported separately in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2025 and 2024. The Company has no finance leases as of December 31, 2025 or 2024.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. A contract is determined to contain a lease component if the arrangement provides the Company with a right to control the use of an identified asset. Lease agreements may include lease and non-lease components. In such instances for all classes of underlying assets, the Company does not separate lease and non-lease components but rather, accounts for the entire arrangement under leasing guidance. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Lease expense for minimum fixed lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The expense for finance leases would include both interest and amortization expense components, with the interest component calculated based on the effective interest method and the amortization component calculated based on straight-line amortization of the right-of-use asset over the lease term. Lease contracts may contain variable lease costs, such as common area maintenance, utilities and tax reimbursements that vary over the term of the contract. Variable lease costs are not included in minimum fixed lease payments and as a result, are excluded from the measurement of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. The Company expenses all variable lease costs as incurred.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

#### Accounting for Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future consequences of events that have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss carryforwards, using tax rates expected to be in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records valuation allowances to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

The Company has provided for income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries as of December 31, 2025, excluding Ireland and Israel, which are indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, the Company is required to recognize and record deferred taxes for 2025 on the entire outside basis differences related to the foreign subsidiaries, the largest of these differences being undistributed earnings.

The Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination. If it is not more likely than not that a position will be sustained, no amount of the benefit attributable to the position is recognized. The tax benefit to be recognized of any tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon resolution of the contingency. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for income taxes.

#### Defined Benefit Plans
The Company has defined benefit plans for some of its employees at various international locations. The Company recognizes retirement benefit assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets reflecting the funded status of pension and other retirement benefit plans. Retirement benefit assets and liabilities are adjusted for the difference between the benefit obligations and the plan assets at fair value (measured at year-end), with the offset recorded directly to stockholders' equity through Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The amount recorded in stockholders' equity represents the after-tax unamortized actuarial gains or losses, unamortized transition obligations and unamortized prior service costs.

#### Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-10, *Government Grants (Topic 832): Accounting for Government Grants Received by Business Entities* ("ASU 2025-10"), to clarify the appropriate accounting, reduce diversity in practice, and increase consistency across business entities. ASU 2025-10 will be effective for us beginning with our 2029 interim and annual financial statements, with early adoption permitted. The Company believes this ASU will have no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-09, *Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Hedge Accounting Improvements* ("ASU 2025-09"), to enhance hedge accounting guidance and better align it with entities' risk management activities. The amendments expand eligibility for hedge accounting, simplify certain requirements, and address issues related to reference rate reform. Key changes include allowing cash flow hedge accounting for "choose-your-rate" debt instruments, introducing a principles-based "similar risk exposure" criterion for grouping forecasted transactions, permitting component hedging for nonfinancial forecasted transactions, and clarifying the treatment of certain derivative structures. ASU 2025-09 will be effective for the Company beginning with its 2027 interim and annual financial statements, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, *Intangibles-Goodwill and Other- Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software* ("ASU 2025-06"). To clarify how the accounting guidance applies to both linear and nonlinear software development, this standard removes all references to "developments stages" from ASC 350-40. ASU 2025-06 will be effective for the Company beginning with its 2028 interim and annual financial statements, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, *Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets* ("ASU 2025-05"), which provides a practical expedient related to the estimation of expected credit losses for current accounts receivable and current contract assets that arise from transactions accounted for under ASC 606. In developing reasonable and supportable forecasts as part of estimating expected credit losses, all entities may elect a practical expedient that assumes that current conditions as of the balance sheet date do not change for the remaining life of the asset. ASU 2025-06 will be effective for the Company beginning with its 2026 interim and annual financial statements, with early adoption permitted. The Company believes this ASU will have no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, *Income Statement, Reporting Comprehensive Income: Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40)* ("ASU 2024-03"), which requires disaggregation of certain expense captions into specified categories in disclosures within the footnotes to the financial statements. The objective of this standard is to provide investors with information to better understand a public entity's performance and prospects for future cash flows, and to compare their performance over time with that of other entities. ASU 2024-03 will be effective for the Company beginning with our 2027 annual financial statements and interim financial statements thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2024-03 will require the Company to provide new footnote disclosure about the types of expenses that are included in certain captions on its Statements of Operations, such as Cost of revenue, Research and development, Sales and marketing, and General and administrative.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 *Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures* ("ASU 2023-09"), which increases the disclosures requirements around rate reconciliation information and certain types of income taxes companies are required to pay. ASU 2023-09, which the Company applied on a prospective basis, became effective beginning with this Annual Report on Form 10-K and includes the required additional income tax disclosures.

(3) BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

On March 3, 2020, Ribbon completed its merger transaction with ECI Telecom Group Ltd ("ECI") in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 14, 2019 (the "ECI Acquisition"). Prior to the ECI Acquisition, ECI was a privately-held global provider of end-to-end packet optical transport and software-defined networking ("SDN") and network function virtualization solutions for service providers, enterprises and data center operators.

The ECI Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the financial results of ECI are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Costs related to the integration of the Company and ECI are included in the Acquisition-, disposal- and integration-related expenses in the table below.

#### Acquisition-, Disposal- and Integration-Related Expenses
Acquisition-related expenses include those expenses related to acquisitions that would otherwise not have been incurred by the Company, including professional and services fees, such as legal, audit, consulting, paying agent and other fees, and expenses related to cash payments to certain former executives of the acquired businesses in connection with their employment agreements. Disposal-related expenses are professional and services fees related to disposals of subsidiaries or portions of the business. Integration-related expenses represent incremental costs related to combining the Company and its business acquisitions, such as third-party consulting and other third-party services related to merging the previously separate companies' systems and processes.

The acquisition-related expenses in the year ended December 31, 2025 are related to legal and professional fees associated with contemplated corporate development activities. The integration-related expenses in the year ended December 31, 2023 related to the ECI Acquisition.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The components of Acquisition-, disposal- and integration-related expenses incurred in the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Professional and services fees (acquisition-related) | $4337 | $— | $— |
| Integration-related expenses |  |  | 4476 |
|  | $4337 | $— | $4476 |

---

(4) EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. For periods in which the Company reports net income, diluted net earnings per share is determined by using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period, unless the effect is antidilutive.

The shares used to compute loss per share were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Weighted average shares outstanding—basic | 176199 | 174044 | 170408 |
| Potential dilutive common shares | 3623 |  |  |
| Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted | 179822 | 174044 | 170408 |

---

Options to purchase the Company's common stock and unvested restricted and performance-based stock units aggregating 0.7 million shares, 7.6 million shares, and 13.5 million shares were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, because their effect would have been antidilutive.

As of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the potential number of dilutive shares from the Warrants totaled 4.7 million, 4.9 million and 4.9 million shares, respectively. However, there was no impact on weighted average shares outstanding from these Warrants for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 as the average share price of the Company's common stock was below the exercise price of $3.77 per share and their effect would have been antidilutive.

Dividends accrued on the Preferred Stock were not an adjustment to net income (loss) used for the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as these dividends are included in the fair value adjustment of the Preferred Stock which was reflected in Other expense, net until the redemption of the Preferred Stock on June 25, 2024.

(5) FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. The three-tier fair value hierarchy is based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used to measure fair value. A financial instrument's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

● Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company had no assets or liabilities fair valued using Level 1 input at December 31, 2025 or 2024.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

● Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets). At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company determined the fair value of its defined benefit plans' assets using Level 2 input.

● Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the fair value of the Company's Warrants was determined using Level 3 input.

The Company did not have any transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

(6) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Accounts receivable | $233226 | $256174 |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | (1341) | (1456) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable, net | $231885 | $254718 |

---

The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts activity was as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Year ended December 31,**  | <br>**Balance at**<br>**beginning**<br>**of year** | <br>**Charges**<br>**(credits)**<br>**to expense** | **Charges**<br>**(credits) to** <br>**other**<br> **accounts** | <br>**Write-offs** | <br>**Balance at**<br>**end of**<br>**year** |
| 2025 | $1456 | $(97) | $— | $(18) | $1341 |
| 2024 | $1512 | $152 | $(75) | $(133) | $1456 |
| 2023 | $1427 | $428 | $143 | $(486) | $1512 |

---

**(7) INVENTORY**

Inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** <br>**2025** | **December 31,** <br>**2024** |
| On-hand assemblies and finished goods inventories | $92981 | $95366 |
| Deferred cost of goods sold | 2421 | 2430 |
|  | 95402 | 97796 |
| Less noncurrent portion (included in Other assets) | (16596) | (18617) |
| Current portion | $78806 | $79179 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

(8) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | <br>**Useful Life** | **2025** | **2024** |
| Equipment | 2-5 years | $96029 | $84409 |
| Software | 2-5 years | 38830 | 36859 |
| Furniture and fixtures | 3-5 years | 5295 | 3309 |
| Leasehold improvements | Shorter of the estimated lease term or 10 years | 59231 | 54849 |
|  |  | 199385 | 179426 |
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |  | (133826) | (119062) |
| Property and equipment, net |  | $65559 | $60364 |

---

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, property and equipment included $3.9 million and $23.2 million, respectively, of assets that had not yet commenced depreciation. The 2024 assets primarily consisted of leasehold improvements and equipment, with the most significant portion related to construction at our new main campus in Petah Tikva, Israel that was completed and occupied in the 1<sup>st</sup> half of 2025, totaling $18.9 million as of December 31, 2024.

The Company recorded depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment of $16.7 million, $13.5 million and $14.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. During each of these years, the Company disposed of certain property and equipment that was fully depreciated at the time of disposal, which resulted in reductions in both Cost and Accumulated depreciation.

The net book values of the Company's property and equipment by geographic area were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Israel | $32198 | $27657 |
| United States | 18587 | 20445 |
| Asia/Pacific | 10209 | 7941 |
| Canada | 3206 | 3071 |
| Europe | 1193 | 1034 |
| Other | 166 | 216 |
|  | $65559 | $60364 |

---

(9) INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

The Company's intangible assets at December 31, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following (in thousands):

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**December 31, 2025** | **Weighted**<br>**average**<br>**amortization**<br>**period**<br>**(years)** | <br>**Cost** | <br>**Accumulated**<br>**amortization** | <br>**Net**<br>**carrying**<br> **value** |
| Developed technology | 7.84 | $340380 | $281000 | $59380 |
| Customer relationships | 11.86 | 268140 | 184462 | 83678 |
| Trade names | 3.88 | 5000 | 5000 |  |
| Software licenses | 3.00 | 5748 | 5462 | 286 |
|  |  | $619268 | $475924 | $143344 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**December 31, 2024** | **Weighted**<br>**average**<br>**amortization**<br>**period**<br>**(years)** | <br>**Cost** | <br>**Accumulated**<br>**amortization** | <br>**Net**<br>**carrying**<br> **value** |
| Developed technology | 7.84 | $340380 | $262085 | $78295 |
| Customer relationships | 11.86 | 268140 | 160635 | 107505 |
| Trade names | 3.88 | 5000 | 4978 | 22 |
| Software licenses | 3.00 | 5748 | 4033 | 1715 |
|  |  | $619268 | $431731 | $187537 |

---

Estimated future amortization expense for the Company's intangible assets at December 31, 2025 was as follows (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Years ending December 31,**  |  |
| 2026 | $39143 |
| 2027 | 33976 |
| 2028 | 23400 |
| 2029 | 18380 |
| 2030 | 7723 |
| Thereafter | 20722 |
|  | $143344 |

---

Goodwill is recorded when the consideration for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. For the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, all goodwill is assigned to a reporting unit, which may be either an operating segment or a portion of an operating segment. The Company's reporting units are its two operating segments, Cloud and Edge and IP Optical Networks. Testing for impairment of goodwill is completed annually as of October 1<sup>st</sup>. The Company's IP Optical Networks operating segment, with $76.0 million of associated goodwill, had a negative carrying value and a positive fair value as of October 1<sup>st</sup> for both 2025 and 2024.

Upon completion of the 2025 and 2024 annual tests for goodwill impairment, the Company determined that there was no impairment of goodwill in either of its reporting units. There was no change in the carrying value of the Company's goodwill in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

The components of goodwill at December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Cloud and**<br>**Edge** | **IP Optical**<br>**Networks** | <br>**Total** |
| Goodwill | $392302 | $191996 | $584298 |
| Accumulated impairment losses | (167406) | (116000) | (283406) |
|  | $224896 | $75996 | $300892 |

---

(10) ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER

Accrued expenses and other consisted of the following (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Employee compensation and related costs | $37857 | $44948 |
| Professional fees | 14400 | 16339 |
| Taxes payable | 5541 | 6364 |
| Other | 32961 | 38600 |
|  | $90759 | $106251 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

(11) WARRANTY

The changes in the Company's warranty accrual balance in the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Year ended December 31,**  | **Balance at**<br>**beginning**<br>**of year** | <br>**Provision** | <br>**Settlements** | **Balance at**<br>**end of**<br>**year** |
| 2025 | $12300 | $5954 | $(5435) | $12819 |
| 2024 | $12243 | $5423 | $(5366) | $12300 |
| 2023 | $11857 | $5875 | $(5489) | $12243 |

---

(12) RESTRUCTURING AND FACILITIES CONSOLIDATION INITIATIVES

The Company recorded restructuring and related expense aggregating $19.7 million, $10.2 million and $16.2 million in the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Restructuring and related expense includes restructuring expense (primarily severance and related costs), estimated future variable and other lease costs for vacated properties with no intent or ability of sublease, and accelerated rent amortization expense.

For restructuring events that involve lease assets and liabilities, the Company applies lease reassessment and modification guidance and evaluates the right-of-use assets for potential impairment. If the Company plans to exit all or distinct portions of a facility and does not have the ability or intent to sublease, the Company will accelerate the amortization of each of those lease components through the vacate date. The accelerated amortization is recorded as a component of Restructuring and related expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Related variable lease expenses will continue to be expensed as incurred through the vacate date, at which time the Company will reassess the liability balance to ensure it appropriately reflects the remaining liability associated with the premises and record a liability for the estimated future variable lease costs.

Accelerated amortization of lease assets is recognized from the date that the Company commences the plan to fully or partially vacate a facility, for which there is no intent or ability to enter into a sublease, through the final vacate date (see Note 21). The Company may incur additional future expense if it is unable to sublease other locations included in the Facilities Initiative.

The components of restructuring and related expense for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Severance and related costs | $13666 | $4036 | $9875 |
| Variable and other facilities-related costs | 5992 | 6124 | 5326 |
| Accelerated amortization of lease assets due to cease-use |  |  | 1008 |
|  | $19658 | $10160 | $16209 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The following table presents the rollforward of accrued restructuring liabilities for the Company's restructuring plans for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **2022 and Prior**<br>**Restructuring**<br>**Plans** | **2023**<br>**Restructuring**<br>**Plan** | **2024**<br>**Restructuring**<br>**Plan** | **2025**<br>**Restructuring**<br>**Plan** | **2026**<br>**Restructuring**<br>**Plan** | <br>**Total** |
| Balances, December 31, 2022 | $3358 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $3358 |
| Charged to expense | 6334 | 9875 |  |  |  | 16209 |
| Transfer to operating lease assets | (1008) |  |  |  |  | (1008) |
| Payments | (7164) | (9204) |  |  |  | (16368) |
| Balances, December 31, 2023 | 1520 | 671 |  |  |  | 2191 |
| Charged to expense | 6123 | 2003 | 2090 |  |  | 10216 |
| Reversals/adjustments | (56) |  |  |  |  | (56) |
| Payments | (6472) | (2589) | (1091) |  |  | (10152) |
| Balances, December 31, 2024 | 1115 | 85 | 999 |  |  | 2199 |
| Charged to expense | 5992 | 70 | 99 | 5188 | 8640 | 19989 |
| Reversals/adjustments |  | 90 | (319) | (102) |  | (331) |
| Payments | (6301) | (245) | (779) | (4464) | (179) | (11968) |
| Balances, December 31, 2025 | $806 | $— | $— | $622 | $8461 | $9889 |

---

#### 2026 Restructuring Plan
***During the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company's President and CEO approved a strategic restructuring program (the "2026 Restructuring Plan") that consists of workforce reductions in certain of the Company's operating locations to correspond with current sales levels in those areas. In connection with the 2026 Restructuring Plan, the Company recorded restructuring and related expense of $8.6 million, with cash payments of $0.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2025. The Company estimates that it will expense approximately $5 million in 2026 under the 2026 Restructuring Plan.***

#### 2025 Restructuring Plan
During the first quarter of 2025, the Company's President and CEO approved a strategic restructuring program (as subsequently amended, the "2025 Restructuring Plan") that consists of workforce reductions in certain of the Company's operating locations to correspond with current sales levels in those areas. The 2025 Restructuring Plan was amended in the third quarter of 2025 to reflect an increase in the scope of the proposed reductions. Any potential positions eliminated in countries outside the United States are subject to local law and consultation requirements. In connection with the 2025 Restructuring Plan, the Company recorded restructuring and related expense of $5.0 million, with cash payments of $4.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2025.

#### 2024 Restructuring Plan
The Company's President and CEO approved workforce reductions in 2024 for certain of the Company's operating locations to correspond with the current sales levels in those areas. The Company recorded a nominal amount in the year ended December 31, 2025 and $2.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2024 related to these actions.

#### 2023 Restructuring Plan
On February 22, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors approved a strategic restructuring program (the "2023 Restructuring Plan") to streamline the Company's operations in order to support the Company's investment in critical growth areas. The 2023 Restructuring Plan includes, among other things, charges related to a workforce reduction. Any positions eliminated in countries outside the United States were subject to local law and consultation requirements.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

In connection with the 2023 Restructuring Plan, the Company recorded restructuring and related expense of $0.2 million and $2.0 million in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, consisting entirely for severance related costs.

#### 2022 and Prior Restructuring Plans
Prior to December 31, 2022, the Company engaged in various restructuring activities that included consolidation of facilities and workforce reductions. Substantially all the ongoing costs incurred under such plans in the years presented relates to variable and other facilities-related costs. The Company estimates that it will expense approximately $3 million in 2026 under these restructuring plans.

#### Balance Sheet Classification
The current portions of accrued restructuring were $9.4 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and are included as components of Accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The long-term portions of accrued restructuring are included as components of Other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The long-term portions of accrued restructuring were $0.5 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

(13) DEBT

#### 2024 Credit Facility
On June 21, 2024, the Company entered into a Senior Secured Credit Facilities Credit Agreement (the "2024 Credit Facility" or "Credit Agreement") as guarantor, with the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc., as the borrower (the "Borrower"), HPS Investment Partners, LLC ("HPS"), as administrative agent, and HPS and WhiteHorse Capital Management, LLC ("WhiteHorse" and, together with HPS, the "Lenders"), pursuant to which the Lenders provided the Company with a $385 million Credit Agreement comprised of (i) a $350 million term loan (the "2024 Term Loan") and (ii) a $35 million revolving credit facility (the "2024 Revolver"), including a $20 million sublimit for letters of credit. The proceeds received from the 2024 Term Loan were used to (a) repay 100% of the amounts outstanding under the 2020 Credit Facility, (b) redeem in full the Preferred Stock and (c) pay fees and expenses related to the 2024 Credit Facility. The excess proceeds are being used by the Company for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

The 2024 Term Loan and the 2024 Revolver bear interest, at the Borrower's option, at either the Alternate Base Rate ("ABR") or Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") with an Applicable Margin for each (all as defined in the 2024 Credit Facility). Margins for the first six months are 5.25% per annum for ABR Loans and 6.25% per annum for SOFR Loans. Thereafter, margins vary based on the Company's Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio, ranging from 4.75% to 5.25% per annum for ABR Loans and 5.75% to 6.25% per annum for SOFR Loans. The 2024 Term Loan and the 2024 Revolver will both mature on June 21, 2029. The 2024 Term Loan is being repaid in equal quarterly installments: approximately $0.9 million beginning with the third quarter of 2024 through the second quarter of 2025; approximately $2.2 million beginning with the third quarter of 2025 and ending with the second quarter of 2027; and approximately $4.4 million quarterly thereafter, with the remaining principal balance of approximately $298.4 million due on the maturity date of June 21, 2029. In connection with the establishment of the 2024 Credit Facility, $7.7 million of original issue discount was withheld by the Lenders and the Company incurred $6.3 million of debt issuance costs for a total of $14.0 million that is being amortized to Interest expense, net over the term of the 2024 Credit Facility.

The 2024 Credit Facility requires compliance with a Maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (the "Financial Covenant"), as defined in the 2024 Credit Facility, which is tested on a quarterly basis. The Company was in compliance with the Financial Covenant as of December 31, 2025.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The indebtedness and other obligations under the 2024 Credit Facility are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Company and its subsidiaries (together, the "Guarantors"). The 2024 Credit Facility is secured on a first-priority basis by liens on substantially all assets of the Borrower and the Guarantors.

#### 2020 Credit Facility
On June 21, 2024, the Company used the proceeds from the 2024 Credit Facility to, among other things, repay all amounts outstanding under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities Credit Agreement, dated March 3, 2020 (as amended, the "2020 Credit Facility"), by and among the Company, as a guarantor, Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc., as the borrower (the "Borrower"), Citizens Bank, N.A., Santander Bank, N.A., and others as lenders ("2020 Credit Facility Lenders"). The Company wrote off $2.0 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with the early extinguishment of the 2020 Credit Facility.

On March 3, 2020, the Company entered into a Senior Secured Credit Facilities Credit Agreement (as amended, the "2020 Credit Facility"), by and among the Company, as a guarantor, Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc., as the borrower ("Borrower"), Citizens Bank, N.A. ("Citizens"), Santander Bank, N.A., and others as lenders, ("Lenders"). The proceeds of the Credit Agreement were used, in part, to pay off in full all obligations of the Company under the 2019 Credit Facility.

The 2020 Credit Facility had a maturity date of March 2025 and originally provided for $500 million of commitments from the 2020 Credit Facility Lenders to the Borrower, comprised of $400 million in term loans (the "2020 Term Loan Facility") and a $100 million facility available for revolving loans (the "2020 Revolving Credit Facility"). Under the 2020 Revolving Credit Facility, a $30 million sublimit was originally available for letters of credit and a $20 million sublimit was available for swingline loans.

The indebtedness and other obligations under the 2020 Credit Facility were unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Company, Edgewater Networks, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and GENBAND Inc., wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (together, the "2020 Credit Facility Guarantors"). The 2020 Credit Facility was secured by first-priority liens on substantially all of the assets of the Borrower and the 2020 Credit Facility Guarantors, including substantially all of the assets of the Company.

The 2020 Credit Facility required compliance with certain financial covenants, including a minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (each as defined in the 2020 Credit Facility, and each tested on a quarterly basis).

On March 10, 2022, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to the 2020 Credit Facility to increase the Maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2020 Credit Facility) and in conjunction, the Company made a $15.0 million prepayment that was applied to the final payment due on the maturity date.

On June 30, 2022, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to the 2020 Credit Facility (the "Fifth Amendment") to increase the Maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2020 Credit Facility) for 2022, with the fourth quarter of 2022 increased to 4.75:1.00, the first and second quarters of 2023 declining to 3.25:1.00, and in all subsequent quarters the ratio was to be fixed at 3.00:1.00. Also, the Fifth Amendment reduced the minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2020 Credit Facility) in 2022, with the fourth quarter of 2022 reduced to 1.10:1.00 and in all subsequent quarters the ratio was to be fixed at 1.25:1.00. In addition, the Fifth Amendment increased the maximum rate at which loans were to bear interest if the Company's Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio for any quarter was greater than 4.50:1.00. Specifically, loans incurred were to bear interest, at the Borrower's option, at either LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 4.50% per year, or the base rate plus 0.50%, or the prime rate plus a margin ranging from 0.50% to 3.50% per year. The Fifth Amendment also allowed the Company to incur junior secured or unsecured debt in an amount no less than $50 million, subject to certain conditions, including the requirement that 50% of the aggregate amount of such incurred debt (net of certain costs, fees and other amounts) must be applied to prepay the 2020 Credit Facility, and compliance with certain leverage ratio-based covenant exceptions. In connection with the Fifth Amendment, the Company made a $10.0 million voluntary prepayment that was applied to the

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

final payment due on the maturity date. Subsequent to the Fifth Amendment, the Company was required to make quarterly principal payments on the 2020 Term Loan aggregating approximately $5.0 million per quarter through March 31, 2024 and $10.0 million in each of the three quarters thereafter, with the remaining and final payment due on the maturity date in March 2025.

On March 24, 2023, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment to the 2020 Credit Facility (the "Sixth Amendment") effective March 30, 2023. The Sixth Amendment, among other things, increased the Maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2020 Credit Facility), for the first, second and third quarters of 2023 to 4.50:1.00. In the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the Maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio declined to 4.25:1.00 and 4.00:1.00, respectively. Also, the Sixth Amendment reduced the minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2020 Credit Facility) to 1.10:1.00 through the first quarter of 2024. The Sixth Amendment reduced the maximum borrowings allowed under the 2020 Revolving Credit Facility from $100 million to $75 million and the sublimit available for letters of credit was reduced from $30 million to $20 million. In addition, the Sixth Amendment replaced LIBOR with SOFR as the alternative rate available to the Company for calculating interest owed under the 2020 Credit Facility with the margin fixed at 4.5%. In conjunction with the Sixth Amendment, the Company made a $75 million prepayment that was applied to the final payment due upon maturity in March 2025. The $75 million prepayment was almost entirely funded with the net proceeds from the Private Placement and the sales of the Company's interest rate swap. Debt issuance costs associated with the Sixth Amendment totaled $1.7 million and were being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the 2020 Credit Facility and were written off in conjunction with the early extinguishment of the 2020 Credit Facility on June 21, 2024.

The Company's interest rates under the 2020 Term Loan benefited from a hedge instrument that was in place, specifically a fixed rate swap, until it was sold in March 2023 (see Note 14). Following the sale of the fixed rate swap in March 2023, the Company's interest rate was based upon U.S. dollar SOFR plus a fixed margin of 4.5%. The Company

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

was in compliance with all covenants of the 2020 Credit Facility at December 31, 2023, including the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio calculation that considered the Company's debt to include Preferred Stock.

The Company had the following outstanding borrowings, unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discount, letters of credit, interest rates, and remaining borrowing capacity under the 2024 Credit Facility and the 2020 Credit Facility as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** <br>**2025** | **December 31,** <br>**2024** |
| Current portion of Term Debt | $8750 | $6125 |
| Long-term Debt, net of Current: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Long-term Debt, net of Current (Face Amount) | $333375 | $342125 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Original Issue Discount | (4861) | (6261) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs - Contra-Liability | (3989) | (5138) |
| Long-term Debt, net of Current | $324525 | $330726 |
| Total Face Amount of Borrowings | $342125 | $348250 |
| Unamortized Original Issue Discount and Debt Issuance Costs: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other Assets | $881 | $1134 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Long-Term Debt - Contra Liability | 8850 | 11399 |
| Total Unamortized Original Issue Discount and Debt Issuance Costs | $9731 | $12533 |
| Remaining Borrowing Capacity | $35000 | $35000 |
| Average Interest Rates: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Term Loan | 10.3% | 10.6% |

---

The Company's debt maturities as of December 31, 2025 were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Years ending December 31,**  |  |
| 2026 | $8750 |
| 2027 | 13125 |
| 2028 | 17500 |
| 2029 | 302750 |
|  | $342125 |

---

#### Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees
The Company uses letters of credit, bank guarantees, and surety bonds in the course of its business. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had $11.1 million and $10.9 million, respectively, of letters of credit, bank guarantees, and surety bonds outstanding (collectively, "Guarantees") under various uncommitted facilities and no letters of credit outstanding under the 2024 Credit Facility. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had cash collateral of $1.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively, supporting the Guarantees, which are reported in Restricted cash in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

(14) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to financial market risk related to foreign currency fluctuations and changes in interest rates. These exposures are actively monitored by management. To manage the volatility related to the exposure to changes in interest rates, the Company may enter into derivative financial instruments. Management's objective has been

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

to reduce, where it is deemed appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in interest rates. Ribbon's policies and practices are to use derivative financial instruments only to the extent necessary to manage exposures. Ribbon does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

The Company records derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a specific risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge, or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

#### Cash Flow Hedge of Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2023, the 2020 Term Loan Facility had an outstanding balance of $235.4 million and the Revolving Credit Facility was undrawn. Borrowings under the 2020 Credit Facility had variable interest rates based on SOFR (see Note 13). As a result of exposure to interest rate movements, during March 2020, the Company entered into an interest rate swap arrangement, which effectively converted its $400 million term loan with its variable interest rate based upon one-month LIBOR to an aggregate fixed rate of 0.904%, plus a leverage-based margin as defined in the 2020 Credit Facility.

On July 22, 2022, the Company sold $30 million of the notional amount of its interest rate swap back to its counterparty for $1.5 million, reducing the notional amount of this swap to $370 million. On August 16, 2022, the Company sold another $30 million of the notional amount of its interest rate swap back to its counterparty for $1.6 million, reducing the notional amount to $340 million, which approximated the current level of our term loan debt then outstanding. The gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the $60 million notional amount sold of $3.1 million was being released into earnings on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the 2020 Credit Facility as a decrease to interest expense until it was refinanced on June 21, 2024, the amortization of which totaled $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The remaining unamortized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of approximately $0.5 million was written off to interest expense in conjunction with the refinancing of the 2020 Credit Facility on June 21, 2024. See Note 13 for a description of the refinancing.

On March 24, 2023, the Company received $9.4 million, consisting of $0.4 million of interest and $9.0 million for the sale of $170 million of its $340 million notional amount interest rate swap back to its counterparty, reducing the notional amount to $170 million. On March 27, 2023, the Company received $9.8 million, consisting of $0.4 million of interest and $9.4 million for the sale of the remaining $170 million of its interest rate swap back to its counterparty. The portion of the gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the term loan debt prepaid on the date of the final sale of our swap totaled $7.3 million and was released into earnings immediately as Other expense, net. The portion of the gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to our remaining term loan debt balance was $12.0 million and was being released into earnings on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the 2020 Credit Facility as a decrease to interest expense until it was refinanced on June 21, 2024, the amortization of which totaled $3.0 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The remaining unamortized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $4.4 million was written off to interest expense in conjunction with the refinancing of the 2020 Credit Facility on June 21, 2024. See Note 13 for a description of the refinancing.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The Company's objectives in using interest rate derivatives have been to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company has used an interest rate swap as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of designated derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transactions affect earnings. During the year ended December 31, 2023, such a derivative was used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the outstanding borrowings under the 2020 Credit Facility and the Company accounted for this derivative as an effective hedge until the final portion of the swap was sold on March 27, 2023. Any ineffective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative would have been recognized directly in earnings. However, there was no hedge ineffectiveness recorded over the life of the swap.

Amounts reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income related to the Company's derivative were reclassified to interest expense as interest was accrued on the Company's variable-rate debt. The impact of the Company's derivative financial instrument on its consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows, net of tax (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Amount recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) on swap, net of tax | $— | $— | $(2715) |
| Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to other expense, net upon sale of swap, net of tax |  |  | (5099) |
| Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense |  | (6019) | (7300) |
| Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of reclassifications and amortization | $— | $(6019) | $(15114) |

---

The Company had no derivative assets or liabilities at December 31, 2025 or 2024.

(15) PREFERRED STOCK AND WARRANTS

On March 28, 2023, the Company issued 55,000 shares of Preferred Stock to investors in the Private Placement at a price of $970 per share, along with 4,858,090 Warrants with an exercise price of $3.77 per share.

On June 25, 2024, the Company redeemed the Preferred Stock with a portion of the proceeds from the refinancing of the 2020 Credit Facility at a rate of 103% for a total of approximately $63.5 million. The Warrants remain outstanding and without modification. See Note 13 for a description of the refinancing of the 2020 Credit Facility.

The Company accounted for the Preferred Stock until it was redeemed and continues to account for the Warrants as liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of their specific terms in accordance with ASC Topic 480, *Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity*. The fair value option was elected for the Preferred Stock, as the Company considered fair value to best reflect its expected future economic value. The Warrants are remeasured to fair value at each reporting date using the same valuation methodology applied upon issuance using current input assumptions.

The value of the Preferred Stock was calculated quarterly through March 31, 2024 using the Black-Derman-Toy (BDT) stochastic yield lattice model to capture the optimal timing of repayment, increasing dividend rate and other features and the value of the Warrants is calculated using the Black-Scholes Pricing Model.

Changes in the fair value of the Preferred Stock and Warrants are reported as Other expense, net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The Company determined the fair value of the Warrants using Level 3 input. The key assumptions input into the models utilized were as follows as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** <br>**2025** | **December 31,** <br>**2024** |
| Stock price | $2.88 | $4.16 |
| Strike price | $3.77 | $3.77 |
| Risk-free rate | 3.48% | 4.21% |
| Volatility | 50.7% | 57.5% |
| Dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Time to expiration (years) | 1.2 | 2.2 |
| Fair value of Warrant per share | $0.41 | $1.66 |

---

The change in the Company's Preferred Stock for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2024** | **2023** |
| Balance at beginning of year | $53337 | $— |
| Issued |  | 47854 |
| Payable in-kind dividends | 2743 | 3935 |
| Fair value adjustments | 5605 | 1548 |
| Call premium (3%) | 1851 |  |
| Redemption (June 25, 2024) | (63536) |  |
| Balance at end of year | $— | $53337 |

---

The changes in the Company's Warrant liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Balance at beginning of year | $8064 | $5295 |
| Exercise of warrants | (150) |  |
| Fair value change | (5995) | 2769 |
| Balance at end of period | $1919 | $8064 |

---

The Preferred Stock, redeemed on June 25, 2024, was subordinate to the Company's indebtedness and senior to the Company's common stock or other equity. Holders of the Preferred Stock were entitled to cumulative dividends that accrued quarterly. Dividends were payable in-kind during the first year at a rate of 9.25%. At the Company's option, the dividends were payable in-kind or in cash during the second year at a rate of 9.75%. Dividends thereafter were to be payable in cash at a rate of 12.00%. The proceeds from the Preferred Stock issuance were approximately $53.4 million, including $10.0 million from existing related party stockholders. Offering costs paid by the Company of approximately $3.5 million were recorded in Other expense, net in the year ended December 31, 2023. The net proceeds from the Private Placement were used for the repayment of debt. The Preferred Stock was redeemable on or after the first and second anniversaries of the closing date at a rate of 103% and 102%, respectively.

The Warrants are immediately exercisable and upon an event such as a merger, consolidation, asset sale or similar change of control, the Warrants may be exercised and the holders may vote the underlying shares of common stock. In connection with the Private Placement, the Company provided the investors with certain registration rights relating to the Preferred Stock, the Warrants and the shares of the Company's common stock underlying the Warrants, that required the Company to file a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC within 30 days following the closing date of the Private Placement. The registration requirement was completed on May 19, 2023.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

During the year ended December 31, 2025, 176,658 of the Warrants were exercised in cashless exercises, resulting in the issuance of 32,573 of the Company's common stock at a weighted average fair value of $4.62 per share. There were 4,681,432 remaining Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2025.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

(16) REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company's typical performance obligations include the following:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Performance Obligation** | **When Performance Obligation is Typically** <br>**Satisfied** | <br>**When Payment is Typically Due** |
| ***Software and Product Revenue*** |  |  |
| Software licenses (perpetual or term) | For perpetual licenses, typically when made available for download (point in time); for term-based licenses, at the beginning of the specified term (point in time) | Generally, within 30-60 days of invoicing, except for term licenses which may be paid for over time |
| Software licenses (subscription) | Upon activation of hosted site (over time) | Generally, within 30-60 days of invoicing |
| Hardware | When control of the hardware passes to the customer; typically, upon delivery (point in time) | Generally, within 30-60 days of invoicing |
| Software upgrades | Upon transfer of control; typically, when made available for download (point in time) | Generally, within 30-60 days of invoicing |
| ***Customer Support Revenue*** |  |  |
| Customer support | Ratably over the course of the support contract (over time) | Generally, within 30-60 days of invoicing |
| ***Professional Services*** |  |  |
| Other professional services (excluding training services) | As work is performed (over time), typically on the input method based on hours incurred | Generally, within 30-60 days of invoicing (upon completion of services) |
| Training | As the training is delivered (over time), typically one to five days | Generally, within 30-60 days of services being performed |

---

#### Significant Judgments
The Company's contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to the customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment.

Judgment is required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation. The Company typically has more than one SSP for individual products and services due to the stratification of those products and services by customers and circumstances. In these instances, the Company may use information such as the size of the customer and geographic region in determining the SSP.

#### Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue is a contract liability representing amounts collected from or invoiced to customers in excess of revenue recognized. This results primarily from the billing of annual customer support agreements where the revenue is recognized over the term of the agreement. The value of deferred revenue will increase or decrease based on the timing of invoices and recognition of revenue.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

#### Disaggregation of Revenue
The Company disaggregates its revenue from contracts with customers based on the nature of the products and services and the geographic regions in which each customer is domiciled. The Company's total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was disaggregated geographically as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Year ended December 31, 2025** | <br>**Product**<br>**revenue** | <br>**Service**<br>**revenue**<br>**(maintenance)** | **Service**<br>**revenue**<br>**(professional**<br>**services)** | <br>**Total revenue** |
| United States | $179660 | $136452 | $86845 | $402957 |
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | 111235 | 69594 | 33322 | 214151 |
| Asia Pacific | 129298 | 38474 | 13213 | 180985 |
| Other | 14394 | 26031 | 6038 | 46463 |
|  | $434587 | $270551 | $139418 | $844556 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Year ended December 31, 2024** | <br>**Product**<br>**revenue** | <br>**Service**<br>**revenue**<br>**(maintenance)** | **Service**<br>**revenue**<br>**(professional**<br>**services)** | <br>**Total revenue** |
| United States | $201340 | $133182 | $61462 | $395984 |
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | 129824 | 71856 | 32999 | 234679 |
| Asia Pacific | 100766 | 39863 | 10941 | 151570 |
| Other | 15299 | 29681 | 6668 | 51648 |
|  | $447229 | $274582 | $112070 | $833881 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Year ended December 31, 2023** | <br>**Product**<br>**revenue** | <br>**Service**<br>**revenue**<br>**(maintenance)** | **Service**<br>**revenue**<br>**(professional**<br>**services)** | <br>**Total revenue** |
| United States | $161945 | $133737 | $48733 | $344415 |
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | 151938 | 75478 | 34485 | 261901 |
| Asia Pacific | 115923 | 39891 | 11269 | 167083 |
| Other | 15344 | 30546 | 7050 | 52940 |
|  | $445150 | $279652 | $101537 | $826339 |

---

The Company's product revenue from its direct sales program and from indirect sales through its channel partner program for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Indirect sales through channel partner program | $134154 | $170426 | $157495 |
| Direct sales | 300433 | 276803 | 287655 |
|  | $434587 | $447229 | $445150 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The Company's product revenue from sales to enterprise customers and from sales to service provider customers for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Sales to enterprise customers | $148758 | $176064 | $143853 |
| Sales to service provider customers | 285829 | 271165 | 301297 |
|  | $434587 | $447229 | $445150 |

---

The Company's product revenue and service revenue components by segment for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Product revenue: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cloud and Edge | 198163 | 211001 | 184730 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IP Optical Networks | 236424 | 236228 | 260420 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total product revenue | 434587 | 447229 | 445150 |
| Service revenue: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Maintenance: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cloud and Edge | 206604 | 212988 | 219939 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IP Optical Networks | 63947 | 61594 | 59713 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total maintenance revenue | 270551 | 274582 | 279652 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Professional services: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cloud and Edge | 106663 | 81168 | 72979 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IP Optical Networks | 32755 | 30902 | 28558 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total professional services revenue | 139418 | 112070 | 101537 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total service revenue | 409969 | 386652 | 381189 |

---

#### Revenue Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables, which are contract assets, and customer advances and deposits, which are contract liabilities, in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Amounts are billed as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals or upon achievement of contractual milestones. Billing may occur subsequent to revenue recognition, resulting in contract assets. The Company may receive advances or deposits from its customers before revenue is recognized, resulting in contract liabilities which are classified as deferred revenue. These assets and liabilities are reported in the Company's consolidated balance sheets on a contract-by-contract basis as of the end of each reporting period. Changes in the contract asset and liability balances during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were not materially impacted by any factors other than billing and revenue recognition. Nearly all of the Company's deferred revenue balance is related to services revenue, primarily customer support contracts. Unbilled receivables stem primarily from engagements where services have been performed; however, billing cannot occur until services are completed.

In some arrangements, the Company allows customers to pay for term-based software licenses and products over the term of the software license. The Company also sells SaaS-based software under subscription arrangements, with payment terms over the term of the SaaS agreement. Amounts recognized as revenue in excess of amounts billed are recorded as unbilled receivables. Unbilled receivables that are anticipated to be invoiced in the next twelve months are included in Accounts receivable on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The changes in the Company's accounts

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

receivable, unbilled receivables and deferred revenue balances for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <br>**Accounts**<br>**receivable** | **Unbilled**<br>**accounts**<br>**receivable** | **Deferred**<br>**revenue**<br>**(current)** | **Deferred**<br>**revenue**<br>**(long-term)** |
| Balance at January 1, 2025 | $176575 | $78143 | $119295 | $20991 |
| Increase (decrease), net | (15568) | (7265) | 5130 | 10663 |
| Balance at December 31, 2025 | $161007 | $70878 | $124425 | $31654 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <br>**Accounts**<br>**receivable** | **Unbilled**<br>**accounts**<br>**receivable** | **Deferred**<br>**revenue**<br>**(current)** | **Deferred**<br>**revenue**<br>**(long-term)** |
| Balance at January 1, 2024 | $186938 | $81483 | $113381 | $19218 |
| Increase (decrease), net | (10363) | (3340) | 5914 | 1773 |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | $176575 | $78143 | $119295 | $20991 |

---

The Company recognized approximately $115 million of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2025 that was recorded as deferred revenue at December 31, 2024 and approximately $110 million of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2024 that was recorded as deferred revenue at December 31, 2023. Of the Company's deferred revenue reported as long-term in its consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2025, the Company expects that approximately $14 million will be recognized as revenue in 2027, approximately $8 million will be recognized as revenue in 2028 and approximately $10 million will be recognized as revenue in 2029 and beyond.

The Company applies the optional exemption of not disclosing the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligation for its contracts with an original duration of less than one year. In 2024, the Company entered into a contract with an existing customer that has revenue allocated to remaining performance obligations, which includes unearned revenue and amounts that will be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods of $171 million and $285 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. At this time, the Company expects to recognize the majority of the revenue related to this contract in the years 2026 through 2028.

All freight-related customer invoicing is recorded as revenue, while the shipping and handling costs that occur after control of the promised goods or services transfer to the customer are reported as fulfillment costs, a component of Cost of revenue - product in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

#### Deferred Commissions Cost
Sales commissions earned by the Company's employees are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. These costs on our consolidated balance sheet have been deferred and are being amortized over the expected life of the customer contract, which is generally five years. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had $2.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of deferred sales commissions capitalized.

(17) OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has two operating and reportable segments, Cloud and Edge and IP Optical Networks, that align with the way the business is managed. The Company's CODM, its President and Chief Executive Officer, makes key operating decisions and assesses performance based upon these reportable segments.

The Cloud and Edge segment provides secure and reliable software and hardware products, solutions and services for enabling Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") communications, Voice over Long-Term Evolution ("VoLTE") and Voice Over 5G ("VoNR") communications, and Unified Communications and Collaboration ("UC&C") within service provider and enterprise networks and from the cloud. The Cloud and Edge products are increasingly software-centric and cloud-native for deployment on private, public or hybrid cloud infrastructures, in data centers, on enterprise premises

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

and within service provider networks. Ribbon's Cloud and Edge product portfolio consists primarily of its Session Border Controller ("SBC") products and its Network Transformation products, along with related services such as large data analytics, fraud detection and prevention, and element management. The portfolio also includes the new Acumen AIOps and Automation platform.

The IP Optical Networks segment provides high-performance, secure solutions for IP networking and optical transport, supporting wireless networks including 5G, metro and edge aggregation, core networking, data center interconnect, legacy transformation and transport solutions for wholesale carriers. This portfolio is offered to service provider, enterprise and industry verticals with critical transport network infrastructures including utilities, government, defense, transportation, and education and research.

The Company does not provide segment asset information as such information is not provided to the CODM and accordingly, asset information is not used in assessing segment performance. Segment revenue and expenses included in the tables below represent direct revenue and expense attributable to each segment. Please see Note 9 for information regarding the allocation of goodwill between segments.

The CODM utilizes adjusted gross profit to evaluate each segment's performance. The Company calculates adjusted gross profit by excluding from cost of revenue both amortization of acquired technology and stock-based compensation and may also exclude other items in future periods that the Company believes are not part of the Company's core business. The Company uses adjusted gross profit to develop its annual budget and quarterly forecasts. The CODM analyzes adjusted gross profit compared to the annual budget and quarterly forecasts to allocate resources. Ribbon's calculation of adjusted gross profit may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. See below for a reconciliation of segment adjusted gross profit to gross profit and loss before income taxes.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The tables below present significant segment expenses regularly reviewed by the CODM for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Segment revenue: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cloud and Edge | $511430 | $505157 | $477647 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IP Optical Networks | 333126 | 328724 | 348692 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Revenue | $844556 | $833881 | $826339 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Segment cost of revenue: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cloud and Edge | $188355 | $175940 | $177629 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IP Optical Networks | 235495 | 218429 | 240627 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost of revenue | $423850 | $394369 | $418256 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Segment adjusted gross profit: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cloud and Edge | $326717 | $338194 | $314594 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IP Optical Networks | 115293 | 127836 | 124436 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total segment adjusted gross profit | 442010 | 466030 | 439030 |
| *Reconciliation of segment adjusted gross profit to gross profit and loss before income taxes* |  |  |  |
| Stock-based compensation expense | (960) | (1625) | (2657) |
| Amortization of acquired technology | (20344) | (24893) | (28290) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gross profit | 420706 | 439512 | 408083 |
| Research and development expense | 178872 | 179941 | 190660 |
| Sales and marketing expense | 133075 | 137830 | 137460 |
| General and administrative expense | 64239 | 68740 | 54962 |
| Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 23849 | 25969 | 28601 |
| Acquisition-, disposal- and integration-related expense | 4337 |  | 4476 |
| Restructuring and related expense | 19658 | 10160 | 16209 |
| Interest expense, net | 44011 | 33821 | 27320 |
| Other (income) expense, net | (2226) | 29119 | 3768 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss before income taxes | $(45109) | $(46068) | $(55373) |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Segment depreciation expense: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cloud and Edge | $9554 | $9337 | $9798 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IP Optical Networks | 7174 | 4202 | 4307 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation expense | $16728 | $13539 | $14105 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

(18) MAJOR CUSTOMERS

The following customers contributed 10% or more of the Company's revenue in at least one of the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Verizon Communications Inc. | 17% | 14% | 11% |

---

At December 31, 2025 and 2024, no customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's accounts receivable balance. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral on accounts receivable. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts and such losses have historically been within management's expectations.

(19) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company grants stock-based compensation to employees, officers and non-employee directors, as well as consultants and advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries. On February 19, 2025 (the "Effective Date"), our Board adopted the Ribbon Communications Inc. 2025 Incentive Award Plan (the "2025 Incentive Award Plan"), which replaced the Amended and Restated 2019 Incentive Award Plan. The 2025 Incentive Award Plan provides for the award of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards ("RSAs"), performance-based stock awards, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance-based stock units ("PSUs") and other stock- or cash-based awards. The Company may also grant certain one-time stand-alone inducement awards outside of the 2025 Incentive Award Plan.

#### Executive Equity Arrangements

#### Performance-Based Stock Grants
In addition to granting RSAs and RSUs to its executives and certain of its employees, the Company also grants PSUs to certain of its executives and certain other employees. Vesting periods for RSAs, RSUs, and PSUs granted range from one to three years. PSUs granted consist of 60% that have both performance and service conditions (the "Performance PSUs") and 40% that have both market and service conditions (the "Market PSUs"). Each Performance PSU is comprised of three consecutive fiscal year performance periods beginning in the year of grant, with one-third of the Performance PSUs attributable to each fiscal year performance period. The Market PSUs have one three-year performance period, beginning January 1 in the year of grant and ending on December 31, three years thereafter. The number of shares of common stock underlying the PSUs that can be earned will not exceed 150% of the Performance or 200% Market PSUs. Shares subject to PSUs that fail to be earned will be forfeited.

#### Restricted Stock Units
The activity related to the Company's RSUs for the year ended December 31, 2025 was as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <br>**Shares** | **Weighted**<br>**Average**<br>**Grant Date**<br>**Fair Value** |
| Unvested balance at January 1, 2025 | 3997108 | $3.04 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Granted | 9489433 | $3.13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vested | (3334571) | $3.08 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Forfeited | (223714) | $2.80 |
| Unvested balance at December 31, 2025 | 9928256 | $3.12 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The total grant date fair value of restricted stock underlying RSUs that vested was $10.3 million, $15.5 million and $19.3 million, in the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

#### Performance-Based Stock Units
The activity related to the Company's PSUs for the year ended December 31, 2025 was as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <br>**Shares** | **Weighted**<br>**Average**<br>**Grant Date**<br>**Fair Value** |
| Unvested balance at January 1, 2025 | 3605892 | $3.75 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Granted | 2334302 | $4.04 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vested | (423677) | $3.52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Forfeited | (461794) | $3.53 |
| Unvested balance at December 31, 2025 | 5054723 | $3.93 |

---

The total grant date fair value of restricted stock underlying PSUs that vested was $1.5 million, $0.9 million and $2.6 million, in the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

#### Stock-Based Compensation
The consolidated statements of operations included stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Product cost of revenue | $159 | $300 | $510 |
| Service cost of revenue | 801 | 1325 | 2147 |
| Research and development | 2014 | 3166 | 4933 |
| Sales and marketing | 4647 | 4397 | 7111 |
| General and administrative | 11785 | 6898 | 7105 |
|  | $19406 | $16086 | $21806 |

---

At December 31, 2025, there was $30.2 million, net of expected forfeitures, of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested RSUs and PSUs. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.6 years. The Company issues authorized and unissued shares under its equity plans and at December 31, 2025, there were approximately 5.5 million total shares of common stock reserved for that purpose with no shares authorized only for issuance of shares upon exercise of stock options.

(20) COMMON STOCK REPURCHASES

In the second quarter of 2025, the Company's Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase up to $50 million of the Company's common stock (the "2025 Repurchase Program" or the "Repurchase Program"). Commencing on June 5, 2025 and continuing through December 31, 2027, the Repurchase Program is being funded with cash on hand or cash generated from operations. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company used $9.0 million, including transaction fees, to repurchase and retire 2.5 million shares of its common stock, under the Repurchase Program, with $41.0 million remaining for future repurchases as of December 31, 2025.

(21) LEASES

The Company has operating leases for corporate offices and research and development facilities and has historically had finance leases for certain equipment. Operating leases are reported separately in the Company's consolidated

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

balance sheets. Assets acquired under finance leases, if any, are included in Property and equipment, net, in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. A contract is determined to contain a lease component if the arrangement provides the Company with a right to control the use of an identified asset. Lease agreements may include lease and non-lease components. In such instances for all classes of underlying assets, the Company does not separate lease and non-lease components but rather, accounts for the entire arrangement under leasing guidance. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are initially measured based on the present value of the future minimum fixed lease payments (i.e., fixed payments in the lease contract) over the lease term at the commencement date. As the Company's existing leases do not have a readily determinable implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future minimum fixed lease payments. The Company calculates its incremental borrowing rate to reflect the interest rate that it would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment over a similar term and considers its historical borrowing activities and market data from entities with comparable credit ratings in this determination. The measurement of the right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made prior to the commencement date (excluding any lease incentives) and initial direct costs incurred. The Company assessed its right-of-use assets for impairment as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and determined no impairment has occurred.

Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease and the Company incorporates such options in the lease term when it has the unilateral right to make such an election and it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. In making this determination, the Company considers its prior renewal and termination history and planned usage of the assets under lease, incorporating expected market conditions.

For operating leases, lease expense for minimum fixed lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The expense for finance leases includes both interest and amortization expense components, with the interest component calculated based on the effective interest method and the amortization component calculated based on straight-line amortization of the right-of-use asset over the lease term. Lease contracts may contain variable lease costs, such as common area maintenance, utilities and tax reimbursements that vary over the term of the contract. Variable lease costs are not included in minimum fixed lease payments and as a result, are excluded from the measurement of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. The Company expenses all variable lease costs as incurred.

Certain leased facilities are being partially or fully vacated as part of the 2022 Restructuring Plan and for some of those facilities, the Company has no plans to enter into sublease agreements. Accordingly, the Company accelerated the amortization of those lease assets through the planned cease-use date of each facility, resulting in additional amortization expense of $1.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2023. No additional amortization was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. No variable lease costs were accrued in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 for future estimated variable expenses related to assets partially or fully vacated with no intent or ability to sublease.

All incremental accelerated amortization and accrual for all estimated future variable lease costs are included in Restructuring and related expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had accruals of $0.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for all future anticipated variable lease costs related to these facilities. The Company may incur additional future expense if it is unable to sublease other locations included in the Facilities Initiative.

The Company leases its corporate offices and other facilities under operating leases, which expire at various times through 2036.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The Company's right-of-use lease assets and lease liabilities at December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | <br>**Classification** | **2025** | **2024** |
| Assets: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease assets | Operating lease right-of-use assets | $46240 | $34544 |
| Liabilities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Current Operating | Operating lease liabilities | $11699 | $9443 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Non-Current Operating | Operating lease liabilities, net of current | 60159 | 37376 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Operating lease liabilities |  | $71858 | $46819 |

---

The components of lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Operating lease cost\* | $14300 | $16637 | $18767 |
| Short-term lease cost | 14105 | 13616 | 13978 |
| Variable lease costs (costs excluded from minimum fixed lease payments)\*\* | 4573 | 3308 | 3364 |
| Sublease income | (293) | (788) | (1376) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net lease cost | $32685 | $32773 | $34733 |

---

\* No accelerated amortization was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. Operating lease costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 include $1.0 million, of accelerated amortization for certain assets partially or fully vacated with no intent or ability to sublease. 

\*\* No variable costs were accrued in the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.

Cash flow information related to the Company's leases for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating cash flows from operating leases | $16482 | $18619 | $19021 |

---

The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 related to the addition of operating leases resulted in right-of-use assets ("ROUs") obtained in exchange for lease obligations of $20.6 million and $9.5 million, respectively, and operating lease liabilities recorded of $31.3 million and $9.5 million, respectively.

Other information related to the Company's leases as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Weighted average remaining lease term (years): |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | 6.91 | 5.35 |
| Weighted average discount rate: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | 9.50% | 7.73% |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

Future minimum fixed lease payments under noncancelable leases at December 31, 2025 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Operating**<br>**leases** |
| 2026 | $17957 |
| 2027 | 16730 |
| 2028 | 14032 |
| 2029 | 11624 |
| 2030 | 8448 |
| 2031 and beyond | 31539 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total lease payments | 100330 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Less: interest | (28472) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Present value of lease liabilities | $71858 |

---

(22) EMPLOYEE DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

The Company offers 401(k) savings plans to eligible employees. The Company matches 50% of each employee's contributions to the 401(k) program up to 4% of the employee's eligible earnings, for a maximum match of 2% of eligible earnings.

The Company recorded expense related to its employee defined contribution plans aggregating $3.2 million, $3.0 million and $3.0 million in the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

(23) NON-U.S. EMPLOYEE DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has defined benefit retirement plans that cover certain employees at various international locations. The Company's policy is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to satisfy the minimum amount required by applicable law and regulations or to directly pay benefits where appropriate. Benefits under the defined benefit plans are typically based either on years of service and the employee's compensation (generally during a fixed number of years immediately before retirement) or on annual credits. The range of assumptions that are used for these non-U.S. defined benefit plans reflect the different economic environments within the various countries.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

A reconciliation of the changes in the benefit obligations and fair value of the assets of the defined benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the funded status of the plans, and the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Changes in projected benefit obligations: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year | $22137 | $20769 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Service cost | 1389 | 1325 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest cost | 925 | 926 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net actuarial loss on obligation | 1862 | 343 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Settlement | (1197) | (945) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (394) | (281) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Projected benefit obligation, end of year | $24722 | $22137 |
| Changes in plan assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year | $14486 | $13609 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Actual return on plan assets | 2874 | 1367 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Employer contributions | 657 | 707 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Participant contributions | 36 | 29 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (1444) | (1226) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plan assets, end of year | $16609 | $14486 |
| Funded status at end of year | $(8113) | $(7651) |
| Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Prior service (credit) cost | $(2521) | $(2841) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net actuarial (gain) loss | (479) | (1148) |
|  | $(3000) | $(3989) |
| Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other assets (non-current pension asset) | $731 | $1567 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses and other (current pension liability) | (606) | (848) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other long-term liabilities (non-current pension liability) | (8238) | (8370) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net amount recognized | $(8113) | $(7651) |

---

The increase in the underfunded status of the Company's defined benefit plans at December 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024 was primarily due to normal benefit accruals combined with significant lump sum payments in Israel of $1.2 million.

Plans with underfunded or non-funded accumulated benefit obligations at December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Aggregate projected benefit obligation | $12839 | $11997 |
| Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation | $10479 | $9586 |
| Aggregate fair value of plan assets | $3995 | $2779 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

Plans with overfunded accumulated benefit obligations at December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Aggregate projected benefit obligation | $11883 | $10140 |
| Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation | $9781 | $8160 |
| Aggregate fair value of plan assets | $12614 | $11707 |

---

Net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Service cost | $1389 | $1325 | $1193 |
| Interest cost | 925 | 926 | 938 |
| Expected return on plan assets | (590) | (592) | (607) |
| Settlement (credit) charge | (138) | (234) | (417) |
| Amortization of prior service cost | (320) | (320) | (320) |
| Amortization of net (gain) loss | (161) | (150) | (165) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net periodic benefit costs | $1105 | $955 | $622 |

---

Expected benefit payments for the next ten years are as follows (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Years ending December 31,**  |  |
| 2026 | $1632 |
| 2027 | 1943 |
| 2028 | 2678 |
| 2029 | 2466 |
| 2030 | 2078 |
| 2031 to 2035 | 13017 |
|  | $23814 |

---

The changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before tax for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Net loss (gain) | $370 | $(432) | $22 |
| Amortization of net gain | 161 | 150 | 165 |
| Amortization of prior service credit | 320 | 320 | 320 |
| Settlement credit | 138 | 234 | 417 |
| Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) | $989 | $272 | $924 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The Company defers all actuarial gains and losses resulting from variances between actual results and economic estimates or actuarial assumptions. The unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are recorded as unrealized pension actuarial gains (losses) in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income. These unrecognized gains and losses are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost when the net gains and losses exceed 10% of the greater of the market value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year.

The principal weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Discount rate | 4.09% | 4.33% |
| Rate of compensation increase | 3.98% | 4.06% |
| Interest crediting rate | 1.25% | 1.25% |

---

The principal weighted average assumptions used to determine net period benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Discount rate | 4.33% | 4.65% | 4.74% |
| Expected long-term return on plan assets | 3.80% | 4.19% | 4.34% |
| Rate of compensation increase | 4.19% | 4.08% | 4.02% |
| Interest crediting rate | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% |

---

Assumed discount rates are used in the measurement of the projected and accumulated benefit obligations, as well as the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost. Estimated discount rates reflect the rates at which the pension benefits could be effectively settled. For each defined benefit plan, the Company chooses an estimated discount rate from a readily available market index rate, based upon high-quality fixed income investments, specific to the country or economic zone in which the benefits are paid and taking into account the duration of the plan and the number of participants.

The Company's plans in both the Netherlands and Switzerland are funded through insurance contracts, which have historically provided guaranteed interest credit. The fair value of these contracts is derived from the insurance companies' assessment of the minimum value of the benefits provided by the insurance contracts. Due to the plan amendment in 2020 that changed the benefit structure of the Netherlands plan, the Company no longer has any obligation related to this plan beyond the payment of insurance premiums. Therefore, there is no projected benefit obligation and no plan assets in the Netherlands. The methodology used to value the Switzerland plan assets assumes that the value of the plan assets equals the guaranteed insured benefits. For consistency, the same discount rate used in the valuation of the benefit obligations is used to place a value on the plan assets. The assets are assumed to grow each year in line with the discount rate, and therefore, the expected return on the assets is set equal to the discount rate. The fair value of the plan assets in Switzerland was $3.2 million at December 31, 2025 and $2.8 million at December 31, 2024. The Company classifies the fair value of its plan assets as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as discussed in Note 5.

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, employees in Switzerland made contributions aggregating $36,000 and $29,000 each year, respectively. Employee contributions to this plan are based on a fixed 5% of the relevant pensionable earnings. The Company funds this plan by contributing at least the minimum amount required by applicable regulations and as recommended by an independent actuary.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company contributed $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in total to its defined benefit plans. The Company expects to contribute $1.4 million in total to its defined benefit plans in 2026.

(24) INCOME TAXES

The components of loss from continuing operations before income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Loss before income taxes: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;United States | $88257 | $22685 | $(5363) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign | (133366) | (68753) | (50010) |
|  | $(45109) | $(46068) | $(55373) |

---

The (benefit) provision for income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Income tax (benefit) provision: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Current: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | $(7702) | $21619 | $9927 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State | (1489) | 3313 | 2790 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign | 10049 | 122 | 7312 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current | 858 | 25054 | 20029 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | (71702) | (13822) | (10417) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State | (10807) | (2266) | (1059) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign | (3094) | (799) | 2280 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred | (85603) | (16887) | (9196) |
| Total | $(84745) | $8167 | $10833 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

A reconciliation of the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations to the U.S. statutory federal rate for the year ended December 31, 2025 is as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2025** |
| Loss before income taxes | $(45109) |  |
| U.S. federal statutory tax rate | (9473) | 21.0% |
| United States |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;State and local income taxes | (11983) | 26.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Federal |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Effect of cross-border tax laws |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subpart F income | 2224 | (4.9) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income from branches | 1642 | (3.6) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Withholding tax | 788 | (1.7) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Worthless stock deduction | (90862) | 201.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign tax credit | (1301) | 2.9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax credits |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;R&D tax credit | (826) | 1.8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in valuation allowances | 3449 | (7.6) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nontaxable or nondeductible items |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value adjustment | (1259) | 2.8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 596 | (1.3) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other adjustments | (19) | 0.0 |
| Foreign tax effects |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;India |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Withholding tax | 1535 | (3.4) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;India audit settlement | 1160 | (2.6) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 1017 | (2.3) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ireland |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in valuation allowances | (1207) | 2.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capital loss carryforward | 1207 | (2.7) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | (151) | 0.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Israel |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Effect of rates different than statutory | (1940) | 4.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Permanent adjustments - foreign exchange | 1306 | (2.9) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in valuation allowances | 20978 | (46.5) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Withholding tax | (757) | 1.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Intercompany dividend | 1097 | (2.4) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nontaxable accruals | (490) | 1.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | (280) | 0.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other foreign jurisdictions | 1604 | (3.6) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in unrecognized tax benefits | (2800) | 6.2 |
| Income tax benefit | $(84745) | 187.9% |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The state and local jurisdictions that make up the majority (greater than 50%) of the state and local income tax category in the above table, for the year ended December 31, 2025, are as follows, beginning with the largest effect in descending order: Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and California.

A reconciliation of the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations to the U.S. statutory federal rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2024** | **2023** |
| U.S. statutory income tax rate | 21.0% | 21.0% |
| State income taxes, net of federal benefit | (0.8) | (2.1) |
| Foreign income taxes | 2.6 | (9.9) |
| Stock-based compensation | (4.2) | (5.4) |
| Tax credits | 2.2 | 7.7 |
| Uncertain tax positions | 15.2 | 2.0 |
| Valuation allowance | (37.2) | (27.0) |
| Other permanent adjustments | (14.2) | (1.3) |
| Permanent foreign exchange adjustments | (3.9) | (2.3) |
| Other, net | 1.5 | (2.3) |
| Effective income tax rate | (17.8)% | (19.6)% |

---

The amount of income taxes paid, net of refunds received, by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2025 is as follows (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended** <br>**December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** |
| Federal | $1600 |
| State | 792 |
| Foreign: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;India | 4574 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Russia | 775 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;All other foreign | 2781 |
|  | $10522 |

---

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The following is a summary of the significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net operating loss carryforwards | $491584 | $399412 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Capital loss carryforwards | 98862 | 100069 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tax credit carryforwards | 27410 | 25405 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Capitalized research and development expenses | 62480 | 71587 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred revenue | 2350 | 7687 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses | 13299 | 12106 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory | 1853 | 1899 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation | 1844 | 1299 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Fixed assets | 1333 | 624 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Lease liabilities | 18007 | 11993 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest Limitation Carryforward | 11283 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other temporary differences | 4066 | 1551 |
|  | 734371 | 633632 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Valuation allowance | (512621) | (493855) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax assets | 221750 | 139777 |
| Liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Intangible assets | (30384) | (37488) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease right-of-use assets | (11711) | (8712) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Unremitted foreign income | (11065) | (10536) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax liabilities | (53160) | (56736) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total net deferred tax assets | $168590 | $83041 |

---

The deferred tax assets and liabilities based on tax jurisdictions are presented in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Deferred income taxes - net noncurrent assets | $174318 | $88982 |
| Deferred income taxes - net noncurrent liabilities | (5728) | (5941) |
|  | $168590 | $83041 |

---

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the "Act") was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The Act reinstates bonus depreciation, allows for full expensing of R&D expenses, and increases the limitation of interest deductibility for 2025, amongst many other provisions. Since the Act became law during the third quarter of 2025, the Company accounted for the effects of the Act on our tax provision in the third quarter of 2025. The most significant impact of the Act for the Company is the ability to deduct the unamortized balance of capitalized R&D costs. The Company plans to accelerate this deduction over two years as permitted by the Act.

At December 31, 2025, the Company had U.S. federal net operating losses ("NOLs") of $462.1 million, including $362.4 million of indefinite-lived federal NOLs. The Company also had U.S. state NOLs of $271.5 million. In addition, the Company had $1.6 billion of Israel NOLs. The U.S. federal NOL carryforwards that are not indefinite-lived expire between 2026 and 2038. The U.S. state NOLs begin to expire in 2026, and the Company also has indefinite-lived state NOLs. The Israel NOLs do not expire.

The Company also has available federal, state and foreign income tax credit carryforwards of $27.4 million. The federal foreign tax credit carryforwards expire between 2030 and 2032. The state tax credits, which are primarily

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

research and development credits, begin to expire in 2026, while others can be carried forward until exhausted. The foreign income tax credits expire in various periods.

The Company has provided for income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries as of December 31, 2025, excluding Ireland and Israel. These subsidiaries, excluding Ireland and Israel, are cost-plus or limited risk distributors that are not anticipated to need to use excess funds locally. Accordingly, the Company is required to recognize and record deferred taxes in 2025. The deferred taxes, which are primarily future withholding taxes, are recorded on the entire outside basis differences related to the foreign subsidiaries, the largest of these differences being undistributed earnings. Undistributed profits of Ireland and Israel, as well as other outside basis differences in foreign subsidiaries, were indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Quantification of the deferred tax liability, if any, associated with indefinitely reinvested earnings and outside basis differences was not practicable.

Under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards are subject to review and possible adjustment by the Internal Revenue Service. As a result of the Sonus and GENBAND merger in 2017, the Company has $92.8 million of U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards remaining as of December 31, 2025 with an annual section 382 limitation of $9.7 million. The Company believes these NOLs are fully realizable. As a result of the ECI Acquisition in 2020, the Company has $9.6 million of U.S. federal NOLs remaining as of December 31, 2025 with an annual section 382 limitation of $1.1 million. The Company does not believe all of these NOLs are realizable and, therefore, have recorded a partial valuation allowance against these NOLs.

The Company performed an analysis to determine if, based on all available evidence, it considered it more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future period. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance against its U.S. deferred tax assets of $21.5 million at December 31, 2025 and $18.6 million at December 31, 2024. The increase to the U.S. valuation allowance is a result of the current year taxable loss, which does not allow the Company to utilize NOLs that are section 382 limited and therefore will expire unutilized in a future period. The Company also maintains a valuation allowance against certain of its foreign deferred tax assets, predominantly Israel, amounting to approximately $491 million at December 31, 2025 and approximately $475 million at December 31, 2024, respectively. The deferred tax assets recognized with no valuation allowance at December 31, 2025 and 2024 primarily relate to other foreign subsidiaries where recoverability is concluded to be more likely than not based on the Company's cost-plus compensation policy, as well as NOLs and tax credits in the U.S. that are expected to be utilized prior to expiration.

A reconciliation of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  | **Year ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1 | $5866 | $10932 | $12001 |
| Increases related to current year tax positions | 560 | 607 |  |
| Increases related to prior period tax positions |  | 53 | 52 |
| Decreases related to the lapse of the applicable statute of limitations |  | (1268) | (821) |
| Decreases related to prior period tax positions | (4126) | (4458) | (300) |
| Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31,  | $2300 | $5866 | $10932 |

---

The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for income taxes. The Company had $2.9 million, $6.7 million and $14.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, at December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Of these amounts, $2.4 million, $3.6 million and $10.5 million represent the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company recorded income tax expense (benefit) for potential penalties and interest of $(0.2) million, $(2.2) million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company had $0.7 million and $0.9 million accrued in Other long-term liabilities for penalties and interest at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that $0.9 million in tax positions related to its unrecognized tax benefits will be recognized within the next twelve months.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as various state and foreign jurisdictions. Generally, the tax years 2022 through 2025 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company's federal and state NOLs generated prior to 2020 could be adjusted on examination even though the year in which the loss was generated is otherwise closed by the statute of limitations.

As of December 31, 2025, the Company had ongoing income tax audits in certain foreign countries. Management believes that an adequate provision has been recorded for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations.

(25) RELATED PARTIES

The Company recognized revenue from its largest stockholder of $13.6 million, $11.3 million and $12.8 million in the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company's accounts receivable from its largest shareholder totaled $8.5 million and $5.5 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Additionally, as discussed in Note 15, certain related party stockholders participated in the Private Placement.

(26) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

#### Contingencies
*Liabilities for Royalty Payments to the IIA*

Prior to the ECI Acquisition, ECI had received research and development grants from the IIA. The Company assumed ECI's contract with the IIA, which requires the Company to pay royalties to the IIA on proceeds from the sale of products which the Israeli government has supported by way of research and development grants. The royalties for grants prior to 2017 were calculated at the rates of 1.3% to 5.0% of the aggregated proceeds from the sale of such products developed at certain of the Company's R&D centers, up to an amount not exceeding 100% of such grants plus interest at LIBOR. Effective for grants approved in 2017 and effective through 2023, interest was calculated at the higher of LIBOR plus 1.5% to 2.75%. For grants approved in 2024 and thereafter, interest is calculated based on SOFR. At December 31, 2025, the Company had $1.4 million of unpaid royalties accrued. The Company's maximum possible future royalties commitment at December 31, 2025 of $11.3 million, including interest of $0.8 million, was based upon estimates of future sales of products and services and the grants received from the IIA not yet repaid.

*Litigation*

The Company is often a party to disputes and legal proceedings that it considers routine and incidental to its business, including those described below. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the allegations made in the pending cases and intends to vigorously defend these lawsuits; however, the Company is currently unable to forecast the ultimate outcome of these or similar matters. Since it is difficult to predict the outcome of legal proceedings, it is possible that the ultimate outcomes could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Accordingly, with respect to these proceedings, the Company is currently unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of possible loss.

*Charter Complaint.* On September 19, 2022, Charter Communications Operating, LLC ("Charter") filed two complaints against two of our subsidiaries (Sonus Networks, Inc. and Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc.) alleging breach of contract with respect to indemnification obligations purportedly owed to Charter in connection with Charter's legal dispute with Sprint Communications Company L.P., which was settled by Charter in March 2022. One complaint was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, in New York County; the second complaint was filed by Charter as well as co-plaintiffs Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC and Bright House Networks, LLC, in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County. In both complaints, Charter is seeking monetary damages. The Company filed its answer to the first complaint file in New York on December 7, 2022 and to the second complaint filed in Delaware on January 9, 2023. On May 14, 2025, the Delaware court granted our dispositive motion for summary judgement and denied Charter's motion for partial summary

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

judgement. Charter appealed the Delaware court's decision, but on December 18, 2025, the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's judgment. This ended the case in Delaware. No trial date has been set for the case in New York.

*WideOpenWest Complaint.* On August 9, 2023, WideOpenWest, Inc. and WideOpenWest Finance, LLC (collectively, "WOW") filed a complaint against Ribbon alleging breach of contract with respect to indemnification obligations purportedly owed to WOW in connection with WOW's legal dispute with Sprint Communications Company L.P., which was settled by WOW in the second quarter of 2023. The complaint was filed in the 429th Judicial District of the District Court of the State of Texas, in Collin County, Texas and has since been transferred to the 493rd Judicial District Court in Collin County. In the complaint, WOW is seeking monetary damages. The Company filed its answer to the complaint on October 5, 2023. On October 14, 2024, the Company and WOW agreed to settle this matter. In connection with the settlement, the Company will pay WOW a total of $5.0 million, with $2.0 million paid at the time of settlement and the remaining $3.0 million paid over the next 18-months in equal quarterly installments.

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#### Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

#### Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

#### Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officers and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officers and principal financial officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officers and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2025.

#### Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officers and principal financial officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025. In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in *Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013)*. Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2025, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that audited our financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on management's internal control over financial reporting, which is included in this Item 9A under the caption "Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm."

#### Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Ribbon Communications Inc.

#### Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Ribbon Communications Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in *Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)* issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in *Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)* issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025, of the Company and our report dated February 26, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

**Basis for Opinion**

The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Dallas, Texas

February 26, 2026

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#### Item 9B. Other Information
During the three months ended December 31, 2025, none of the Company's directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) adopted, terminated or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933). During the three months ended December 31, 2025, the Company did not adopt, terminate or modify a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.

#### Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.

#### PART III

#### Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all officers, directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code is available at the Investor Relations section of our website, located at investors.ribboncommunications.com, under "Corporate Governance - Governance Highlights." We intend to make any disclosure required by law or Nasdaq Stock Market rules regarding any amendments to, or waivers from, any provisions of the code at the same location of our website.

Our board of directors has adopted insider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale and/or other dispositions of our directors, officers and employees, or the Company itself, that are reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and any listing standards applicable to us (the "Insider Trading Policy"). Our Insider Trading Policy is filed as Exhibit 19.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The information required by this Item 10 is included in our definitive Proxy Statement with respect to our 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference.

#### Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item 11 is included in our definitive Proxy Statement with respect to our 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference.

#### Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this Item 12 is included in our definitive Proxy Statement with respect to our 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference.

#### Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item 13 is included in our definitive Proxy Statement with respect to our 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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#### Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this Item 14 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement with respect to our 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference

**PART IV**

#### Item 15. Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules

#### 1) Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements of the Company are listed in the index under Part II, Item 8, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**2)** **Financial Statement Schedules**

None. All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required under the instructions, or the information is contained in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto included herein.

**3)** **List of Exhibits**

The Exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the signature page of this Annual Report, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

#### Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.

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#### EXHIBIT INDEX

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Exhibit No.** | **Description** |
| 2.1 | \*\* | [Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 14, 2019, by and among the Registrant, Ribbon Communications Israel Ltd., Eclipse Communications Ltd., ECI Telecom Group Ltd. and ECI Holding (Hungary) Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed November 14, 2019 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465919064368/a19-22879_1ex2d1.htm) |
| 3.1 |  | [Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K12B, filed October 30, 2017 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465917064455/a17-24632_1ex3d2.htm) |
| 3.2 |  | [Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed November 28, 2017 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465917070729/a17-27586_1ex3d1.htm) |
| 3.3 |  | [Second Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 4, 2023 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465923087871/tm2322779d1_ex3-1.htm) |
| 3.4 |  | [Third Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 30, 2025 with the SEC)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465925054927/tm2516554d1_ex3-1.htm)  |
| 3.5 |  | [Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 30, 2023 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465923039214/tm2310899d1_ex3-1.htm) |
| 3.6 |  | [Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 8, 2018 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000162828018002933/rbbn-ex3320171231.htm) |
| 4.1 |  | [Description of Capital Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed February 27, 2025 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000155837025001773/tmb-20241231xex4d1.htm) |
| 4.2 |  | [Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 30, 2023 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465923039214/tm2310899d1_ex4-1.htm) |
| 10.1 |  | [First Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2020, by and among the Registrant, JPMC Heritage Parent LLC, Heritage PE (OEP)Heritage Parent LLC, Heritage PE (OEP) III, L.P. and ECI Holding (Hungary) Kft (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 3, 2020 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465920028708/tm2011594d1_ex10-1.htm) |
| 10.2 | + | [Form of Indemnity Agreement for Officers and Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 8, 2018 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000162828018002933/rbbn-ex10520171231.htm) |
| 10.3 | + | [Amended and Restated 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed October 31, 2018 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805518000024/rbbn-ex10120180930.htm) |
| 10.4 | + | [Senior Management Cash Incentive Plan, dated October 27, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 8, 2018 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000162828018002933/rbbn-ex10720171231.htm) |
| 10.5 | + | [Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on October 31, 2017).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465917064966/a17-24632_2ex99d3.htm) |
| 10.6 | + | [Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Award Agreement Granted under the Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Sonus, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed July 29, 2016 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1105472/000110547216000054/sons-ex10220160630.htm) |
| 10.7 | + | [Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement Granted under the Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Sonus, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed July 29, 2016 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1105472/000110547216000054/sons-ex10320160630.htm) |

---

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10.8 + [Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance-Based Vesting) for Awards Granted under the Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Sonus, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed July 29, 2016 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1105472/000110547216000054/sons-ex10420160630.htm)

10.9 + [Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Time-Based Vesting) for Awards Granted under the Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 1, 2018 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805518000022/rbbn-ex10320180630.htm)

10.10 + [Edgewater Networks, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Option Plan, effective as of April 8, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed August 6, 2018 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465918049871/a18-18257_1ex99d1.htm)

10.11 + [Amendment to the Edgewater Networks, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Option Plan, dated December 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed August 6, 2018 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465918049871/a18-18257_1ex99d2.htm)

10.12 + [Senior Secured Credit Facilities Credit Agreement, dated June 21, 2024 by and among the Company, as a guarantor, Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc., as the borrower, HPS Investment Partners, LLC, as administrative agent, HPS Investment Partners, LLC and Whitehorse Capital Management, LLC, as lenders, joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 24, 2024 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465924074398/tm2417775d1_ex10-1.htm)

10.13 + [Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2019 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed October 31, 2019 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805519000030/rbbn-ex10120190930.htm)

10.14 + [Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2019 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed October 31, 2019 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805519000030/rbbn-ex10220190930.htm)

10.15 + [Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Time-Based Vesting) under the 2019 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed October 31, 2019 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805519000030/rbbn-ex10320190930.htm)

10.16 + [Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance-Based Vesting) under the 2019 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed October 31, 2019 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805519000030/ribbon-ex10420190930.htm)

10.17 + [Letter Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2020, among Ribbon Communications Inc., Sonus Networks, Inc. d/b/a Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc. and Bruce McClelland (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 19, 2020 with the SEC.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465920022894/tm209360d1_ex10-1.htm)

10.18 + [Severance Agreement, dated February 18, 2020, among Ribbon Communications Inc., Sonus Networks, Inc. d/b/a Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc. and Bruce McClelland (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 19, 2020 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465920022894/tm209360d1_ex10-2.htm)

10.19 + [Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance-Based Vesting) between Ribbon Communications Inc. and Bruce McClelland (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 19, 2020 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465920022894/tm209360d1_ex10-3.htm)

10.20 + [Employment Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2024, among Ribbon Communications Inc., Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc. and John Townsend (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 4, 2024 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465924106285/tm2425528d1_ex10-1.htm)

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10.21 + [Severance Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2024, among Ribbon Communications Inc., Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc. and John Townsend (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 4, 2024 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465924106285/tm2425528d1_ex10-2.htm)

10.22 + [Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance-Based Vesting) between the Company and John Townsend (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 4, 2024 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465924106285/tm2425528d1_ex10-3.htm)

10.23 + [Ribbon Communications Inc. Amended and Restated 2019 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement, filed June 2, 2020 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465920069034/tm2021552d1_ex99-1.htm)

10.24 + [Amendment No. 1 to the Ribbon Communications, Inc. Amended and Restated 2019 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 8, 2022 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465922044198/tm223573-1_def14a.htm)

10.25 + [Employment Agreement, dated May 26, 2020, between the Registrant and Patrick Macken (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed April 30, 2021 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805521000088/rbbn-ex10433121.htm)

10.26 + [Severance Agreement, dated May 26, 2020, between the Registrant and Patrick Macken (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed April 30, 2021 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805521000088/rbbn-ex10533121.htm)

10.27 + [Employment Agreement, dated July 21, 2020, between the Registrant and Sam Bucci (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed April 30, 2021 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805521000088/rbbn-ex10633121.htm)

10.28 + [Severance Agreement, dated September 7, 2020, between the Registrant and Sam Bucci (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed April 30, 2021 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805521000088/rbbn-ex10733121.htm)

10.29 +\* [Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Steve McCaffery.](rbbn-20251231xex10d29.htm)

10.30 +\* [Severance Agreement between the Registrant and Steve McCaffery.](rbbn-20251231xex10d30.htm)

10.31 + [Employment Agreement, dated November 2, 2022, between the Registrant and Dan Redington (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed February 27, 2025 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000155837025001773/tmb-20241231xex10d31.htm)

10.32 + [Severance Agreement, dated November 2, 2022, between the Registrant and Dan Redington (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed February 27, 2025 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000155837025001773/tmb-20241231xex10d32.htm)

10.33 [Form of Second Amended and Restated Registration Right Agreement, dated August 12, 2022, by an among Ribbon Communications Inc. and its stockholders that are parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2022 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465922091826/tm2223504d1_ex10-2.htm)

10.34 [Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated March 28, 2023, by and among Ribbon Communications Inc. and each purchaser identified on the signature pages thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 30, 2023 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465923039214/tm2310899d1_ex10-2.htm)

10.35 [Warrant Agreement, dated March 30, 2023, between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 30, 2023 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465923039214/tm2310899d1_ex10-3.htm)

10.36 + [Ribbon Communications Inc. 2025 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix C to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement filed April 14, 2025 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465925034540/tm252569-3_def14a.htm)

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| 10.37 | +\* | [Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Time-Based Vesting) under the 2025 Incentive Award Plan.](rbbn-20251231xex10d37.htm) |
| 10.38 | +\* | [Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance-Based Vesting) under the 2019 Incentive Award Plan.](rbbn-20251231xex10d38.htm) |
| 10.39 | + | [Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Stephen J. McCaffery dated October 31, 2025 (3-year Time-Based Vesting) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on December 10, 2025 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465925119996/tm2532892d1_ex99-1.htm) |
| 10.40 | + | [Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Stephen J. McCaffery dated October 31, 2025 (4-year Time-Based Vesting) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on December 10, 2025 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465925119996/tm2532892d1_ex99-2.htm) |
| 10.41 | + | [Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Stephen J. McCaffery dated October 31, 2025 (Performance-Based Vesting) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on December 10, 2025 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000110465925119996/tm2532892d1_ex99-3.htm) |
| 19.1 |  | [Ribbon Communications Inc. Insider Trading Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed February 27, 2025 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000155837025001773/tmb-20241231xex19d1.htm) |
| 21.1 | \* | [Subsidiaries of the Registrant.](rbbn-20251231xex21d1.htm) |
| 23.1 | \* | [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP](rbbn-20251231xex23d1.htm) |
| 31.1 | \* | [Certification of Ribbon Communications Inc. Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.](rbbn-20251231xex31d1.htm) |
| 31.2 | \* | [Certification of Ribbon Communications Inc. Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.](rbbn-20251231xex31d2.htm) |
| 32.1 | # | [Certification of Ribbon Communications Inc. Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.](rbbn-20251231xex32d1.htm) |
| 32.2 | # | [Certification of Ribbon Communications Inc. Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.](rbbn-20251231xex32d2.htm) |
| 97 |  | [Ribbon Communications Inc. Clawback Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed February 28, 2024 with the SEC).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1708055/000170805524000003/rbbn-ex9720231231.htm) |
| 101.INS | \* | Inline XBRL Instance Document |
| 101.SC | \* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
| 101.C | \* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
| 101.DEF | \* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
| 101.LAB | \* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase |
| 101.PRE | \* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |
| 104 | \* | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |

---

\* Filed herewith.

# Furnished herewith.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| + | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement filed in response to Item 15(a)(3) of the Instructions to the Annual Report on Form 10-K. |

---

\*\* Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish copies of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits upon request by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

#### SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC. | RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC. |
|  | By: | /s/ Bruce McClelland |
| February 26, 2026 |  | Bruce McClelland |
|  |  | President and Chief Executive Officer |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signatures** | **Title** | **Date** |
| /s/ Bruce McClelland | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | February 26, 2026 |
| Bruce McClelland | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | February 26, 2026 |
| /s/ John Townsend | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | February 26, 2026 |
| John Townsend | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | February 26, 2026 |
| /s/ Eric Marmurek | Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | February 26, 2026 |
| Eric Marmurek | Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | February 26, 2026 |
| /s/ Shaul Shani | Chairman | February 26, 2026 |
| Shaul Shani | Chairman | February 26, 2026 |
| /s/ Stewart Ewing | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| Stewart Ewing | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| /s/ Bruns H. Grayson | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| Bruns H. Grayson | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| /s/ Beatriz V. Infante | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| Beatriz V. Infante | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| /s/ Scott Mair | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| Scott Mair | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| /s/ Rick W. Smith | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| Rick W. Smith | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| /s/ Tanya Tamone | Director | February 26, 2026 |
| Tanya Tamone | Director | February 26, 2026 |

---

## Exhibit 10.29

Exhibit 10.29

**__________________________________**

**CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT**

**__________________________________**

Version effective June 2025 (non-sales)1

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**Parties**

**Ribbon Communications UK Limited**, Bray House, 4 Maidenhead Office Park, Maidenhead, Berkshire S16 3QH, United Kingdom (the "**Employer**" or "**Ribbon**" or "**Company**")

And

**Stephen McCaffery,** The Whitefields, Whitefield Road Stocktonheath, Cheshire, WA4 6NA (the "**Employee**").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. **Commencement Date** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 Your employment with the Company will commence on October 20, 2025 ("Commencement Date") subject to your consent to and satisfactory completion of a background check conducted by the Company in accordance with applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.2 Your period of continuous employment will likewise commence on October 20, 2025. This does not include any period of service with a previous employer and/or the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. **Job Details** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1 Your job title is Executive Vice President, Global Sales, and you will report to Bruce McClelland, CEO & President. In addition to your normal duties, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as the Company may reasonably require, including requiring you to perform duties for any other company within the Ribbon group.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2 Your normal place of work is your home address (as set forth above). You agree to inform the Company as soon as possible if your home address changes. The Company may require you to attend at a Ribbon office or nominated address from time to time for various reasons such as, but not limited to, customer meetings, trainings, team meetings, etc. If, at any time, the Company considers the homeworking arrangement set forth herein to be unsatisfactory or the requirements of your work change such that home-based work is no longer appropriate, the Company may give you 4 weeks' notice to change to a workplace-based arrangement at a nominated Company office. You agree to comply with the Company's Home-Based Working Policy (HR-CP-28).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.3 You will also be required to travel within the UK and abroad for the performance of your duties. However, you shall not be required to work outside the UK for a period of more than one month at a time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4 Subject to Section 18 below, during your employment, you shall not directly or indirectly be employed, engaged, concerned or interested in any other business or undertaking without the prior written agreement of a director of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. **FREEDOm TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1 You confirm that by taking up employment with the Company or performing your duties under this Contract you will not be in breach of any contract or any other binding obligation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. **Remuneration** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1 Your gross basic salary is £390,000.00 per year which shall accrue from day to day and be payable by equal monthly instalments in arrears by credit transfer to your bank or building society account on or about the last working day of each month after any necessary deductions for income tax, national insurance and any other authorised

Version effective June 2025 (non-sales)2

------

deductions have been made. Your annual basic salary will be prorated in 2025 based on your commencement date in 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2 You will be paid a one-time sign-on cash bonus in the amount of £150,000 (the "Sign-on Bonus") payable by way of a lump sum credit transfer to your bank or building society account on or about the last working day of January 2026, less any necessary deductions for income tax, national insurance and any other authorised deductions which should be made. If your employment is terminated by the Company for any reason except redundancy, or you serve notice to resign from the Company without Good Reason ("Good Reaso n" as defined in the Severance Agreement between you and the Company dated August 2025 (the "Severance Agreement")) within 12 months from the Commencement Date, you will be liable to repay the Sign-on Bonus to the Company in full on demand. The Company shall be entitled to recover all or part of the Sign-On Bonus by way of deduction from any salary or any other payments payable to you during any applicable notice period, on termination of your employment or otherwise. Any such deductions shall be without prejudice to the Company's entitlement to repayment of the balance of the Sign-On Bonus per the above. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sign-on Bonus does not guarantee you any right to continued employment with the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3 Effective January 1, 2026, you are eligible to earn annual target variable compensation ("Bonus") which may be assessed based on 75% of your then current basic annual salary (the "Target Amount") with maximum potential payouts of up to 200% of the Target Amount, subject always to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of Ribbon Communications' Short-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time (the "SMCIP"). Eligibility to earn a Bonus under the SMCIP is not a contractual entitlement, and reference to it herein does not convey any contractual rights. Ribbon reserves its rights to amend, revise, and/or withdraw the SMCIP in the future at its absolute discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.4 For 2025, provided you are continuously employed by the Company between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, you are eligible earn a Bonus at 100% of the Target Amount, prorated based on your days of employment in 2025, less any necessary deductions for income tax, national insurance and any other authorised deductions have been made. If payable, you will receive the 2025 Bonus in April 2026.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.5 You will receive a monthly car allowance in the gross amount of £1,000.00 by credit transfer to your bank or building society account on or about the last working day of each month after any necessary deductions for income tax, national insurance and any other authorised deductions have been made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.6 The Company may at any time deduct any sums which you owe to the Company from your salary or from any other payment due to be made to you by the Company. Such deductions include, but are not limited to, any overpayments, loans or advances made to you by the Company, the cost of repairing any damage or loss to the Company's property caused by you, any losses suffered by the Company as a result of any.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.7 Subject to your commencement of employment on the date set forth in Section 1.1 above, approval by the Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors of Ribbon Communications Inc. (the "Board") and subject always to the terms of Ribbon Communication Inc. 2025 Incentive Award Plan (or any successor plan thereto) (the "Plan") and any restricted share agreement and/or equity award agreement issued to you:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.7.1 You will, on October 15, 2025 (the "Grant Date"), be granted restricted stock units (the "Sign-On RSUs") that, upon vesting over four (4) years, will be settled in shares of common stock of Ribbon Communications Inc. ("Ribbon") with a value (as of the Grant Date) equal to US$1.5M, calculated consistent with such grants made to similarly situated employees of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, your grant will be subject to, and

Version effective June 2025 (non-sales)3

------

you will be required to, enter into a restricted share unit agreement in Ribbon's applicable form in connection with the grant of the Sign-On RSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.7.2 You will, on the Grant Date, be granted restricted stock units (the "RSUs") that, upon vesting over three (3) years, will be settled in shares of common stock of Ribbon with a value (as of the Grant Date) equal to US$375,000, calculated consistent with such grants made to similarly situated employees of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, your grant will be subject to, and you will be required to, enter into a restricted stock unit agreement in Ribbon's applicable form in connection with the grant of the RSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.7.3 You will, on the Grant Date, be granted performance stock units (the "Financial PSUs") that, upon vesting over three (3) years, will be settled in shares of common stock of Ribbon with a value (as of the Grant Date) equal to US$225,000 calculated consistent with such grants made to similarly situated employees of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, your grant will be subject to, and you will be required to enter into, a performance stock unit agreement in Ribbon's applicable form in connection with the grant of the Financial PSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.7.4 You will, on the Grant Date, be granted performance stock units (the "TSR PSUs") that upon vesting over three (3) years will be settled in shares of common stock of Ribbon with a value (as of the Grant Date) equal to US$150,000 calculated consistent with such grants made to similarly situated employees of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, your grant will be subject to, and you will be required to enter into, a performance stock unit agreement in Ribbon's applicable form in connection with the grant of the TSR PSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.7.5 Except as set forth herein, you shall not be entitled to any other equity awards from the Company during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Following the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, subject to Board or Committee approval, you will be eligible to receive annual equity incentive awards under the Plan at such times, in such amounts and forms, and on such terms as are determined by the Board or Committee, taking into account your role and responsibilities. You will be required to enter into equity award agreement(s) in the Company's then-applicable form in connection with the grant of any future awards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. **BENEFITS** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1 You are eligible to participate in the Company paid core benefits schemes, namely, medical insurance, life insurance, long term disability insurance, core vacation, sick pay, and core pension ("Core Benefits") subject to the terms and conditions of such Core Benefits from time to time in force. Details of the Core Benefits are set out in this Agreement (see Sections 10, 11 and 12 below) and/or on the Company's intranet.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.2 We also operate a flexible benefits system in accordance with rules in place from time to time where you can choose a number of benefits up to a particular value. Examples of these flexible benefits are set forth in Schedule 1 ("Flexible Benefits"), subject to the terms and conditions governing such benefits that are in place from time to time. Further details regarding the Flexible Benefits can be found on the Company's intranet.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3 The Company reserves the right in its absolute discretion (either in respect of the Core Benefit or Flexible Benefit generally or its application to you) to terminate its participation in any of the Core Benefits and/or Flexible Benefits or substitute other benefits, or alter the Core Benefits and/or Flexible Benefits available under any benefits schemes, or to vary the value that you are awarded to purchase such Flexible Benefits. The right to amend the Core Benefits and/or Flexible Benefits includes (but is

Version effective June 2025 (non-sales)4

------

not limited to) the right to change the level of benefits provided, and/or the identity of the benefits provider. If a Core or Flexible Benefits provider (e.g., an insurance company) refuses for any reason (whether under its own interpretation of the terms of the relevant insurance policy or otherwise) to provide the relevant Core Benefit(s) or Flexible Benefit(s) to you under the applicable scheme, the Company shall not be liable to provide, or compensate for the loss of, such Core Benefit(s) or Flexible Benefit(s). Any actual or prospective loss of entitlement to insurance benefits shall not limit or prevent the Company from exercising its right to terminate your employment in accordance with Section 13 below, or otherwise, and the Company shall not be liable to provide, or compensate for the loss of, such Core Benefits or Flexible Benefit(s).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.4 Any actual or prospective loss of entitlement to insurance benefits shall not limit or prevent the Company from exercising its right to terminate your employment in accordance with Section 13 below, or otherwise, and the Company shall not be liable to provide, or compensate for the loss of, such benefit(s).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. **training** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1 You must complete the Company's global new hire training, which will be paid for by the Company and issued to you via the Company's learning management system or provided to you by your manager. Further details of this training are set out in Schedule 2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.2 Unless otherwise notified to you, you will not be required to complete any further training.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.3 You may also be entitled to take part in various training courses which the Company may provide from time to time in-house. Specific details of what courses might be available can be found in the Company's learning management system from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. **expenses** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1 The Company shall reimburse you in respect of all expenses reasonably incurred by you in the proper performance of your duties, subject to you providing such receipts or other appropriate evidence as the Company may require in accordance with Ribbon's expense reimbursement policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. **Hours of Work** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.1 Your standard hours of work are normally 37.5 hours per week, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday inclusive with one hour break for lunch. From time to time you may be required to work such reasonable overtime on a normal working day or on a weekend or public holiday as may be considered necessary to fulfill your responsibilities. You will not be eligible for overtime payments for this work.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2 The Company reserves the right to vary your working hours in line with the demands of the business, and in circumstances set out in Section 9 *.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. **L AY-OFF AND SHORT-TIME WORKING** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.1 If there is a reduced need for employees to perform work of a particular kind on a temporary or permanent basis, or any other occurrence which affects normal working, we shall be entitled to lay you off or impose short-time working for such period as we shall decide.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.2 While you are laid off you shall not be required to work and shall have no right to remuneration subject to Section 9.5 .

Version effective June 2025 (non-sales)5

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.3 While you are on short-time working your working hours may be reduced as we see fit and your remuneration shall be correspondingly reduced subject to Section 9.5 .

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.4 We shall give not less than one week's notice of lay-off or short-time working. Thereafter we shall give not less than one week's notice of any further change to your hours including a return to normal working hours.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.5 During any period of lay-off or short-time working we shall pay statutory guarantee pay in accordance with legislation in force from time to time. The Company may in its discretion may decide to top up pay during any period of lay-off or short-time working.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. **Holidays and other paid leave** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.1 The Company's holiday year runs from January 1 to 31 December.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.2 Your basic paid holiday entitlement will be 20 days for each complete holiday year plus public and bank holidays normally observed in England as fall on a day which you would normally be expected to work (subject to Section 10.6 below) . In addition, on January 1 each year you will be eligible to receive ten (10) floating holidays for each complete holiday year. Your basic paid holiday entitlement will be pro-rated based on your commencement date in 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.3 You cannot carry forward more than five (5) days of untaken holiday from one holiday year to the following holiday year unless you have been prevented from taking it in the relevant holiday year by one of the following: a period of sickness absence or statutory maternity leave, paternity, adoption, parental or shared parental leave. In cases of sickness absence, carry-over is limited to four weeks' holiday per year less any leave taken during the holiday year that has just ended. Any such carried over holiday which is not taken within eighteen months of the end of the relevant holiday year will be lost. Unused floating days will not carry over from one calendar year to the next in any circumstances.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.4 On termination of your employment you will be entitled to be paid in lieu of accrued but untaken holiday for the holiday year in which termination takes place save that, where such termination is pursuant to Section 13.3 or follows your resignation in breach of Section 13.1 such accrued but untaken holiday shall be based on your minimum holiday entitlement under the Working Time Regulations for the holiday year in which termination takes place. If you have taken more holiday than your accrued entitlement at the date of termination of your employment, the Company shall be entitled to deduct the appropriate amount from any payments due to you. The amount of any payment in lieu or deduction for the purposes of this Section shall be calculated on the basis that each day of paid holiday is equal to 1/260 of your annual basic salary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.5 The Company may at any time require you to take annual leave on a particular day or days, provided the Company will give at least twice as many days' notice than the number of days' leave that you are being required to take. The Company may also require you to take all or part of your holiday entitlement during your notice period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.6 You will normally be entitled to full payment for any bank/public holidays which fall on a day that you would normally work. However, the Company may require you to work on a bank holiday in which case you will be given time off in lieu equivalent to the hours worked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.7 Any terms and conditions relating to other types of paid leave can be located in the following policies, copies of which can be found on the Company's intranet: Maternity Leave Policy, Paternity Leave Policy, Parental Leave Policy and Bereavement Leave Policy.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. **Sickness** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.1 If you are absent from work for whatever reason you must contact your manager or HR representative as soon as possible on the first day of absence to inform them of the reason for your absence and its expected duration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.2 If the absence is due to sickness or injury and lasts for less than seven (7) calendar days (including Saturday and Sunday) you must complete a self-certification form which will be provided to you by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.3 In the event of sickness absence from work continuing for more than seven (7) calendar days (including Saturday and Sunday), you are required to submit a medical certificate issued by your doctor. The certificate must be received by the Company by the eighth day of absence. Further certificates are required for each seven consecutive days of continued absence. The Company reserves the right to request medical certificates for shorter periods of absence.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.4 The Company may, with your consent, consult your doctor. The Company may, at any stage, where it is considered to be in the Company's or your best interests, require you to undergo a medical examination by an independent doctor, selected by the Company and at the Company's expense. You agree that any report produced in connection with any such examination may be disclosed to the Company and the Company may discuss the contents of the report with the relevant doctor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.5 Failure to comply with any or all of the requirements for notification of absence and sickness absence shall be regarded as a breach of your Contract of Employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.6 Provided you comply with and satisfy the Company's sick pay requirements and conditions, you will be eligible for sick pay comprising your normal basic salary (which shall include your entitlement to SSP) for 15 days in total in any 12 month rolling period. Thereafter you will be entitled to SSP only, for which purposes your qualifying days are Monday to Friday. Please refer to the then applicable benefits booklet (available on the intranet) for details regarding medium term illness pay, long term illness pay and/or additional income protection pay that may be available to employees, if any.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. **pensions** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.1 You are entitled to and will be automatically enrolled to become a member of the Company's Group Personal Pension Plan, subject to the rules of such scheme as amended from time to time. Full details of the scheme will be provided to you along with the appropriate details about opting out of automatic enrolment should you wish to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.2 Provided you do not opt out the Company will be entitled to deduct contributions from your salary for payment into the scheme on your behalf in accordance with your instructions and subject to the rules of the scheme in force from time to time, and the requirements of the Pensions Act 2008.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.3 The Company reserves the right to withdraw or amend any of the rules or benefits of the scheme and/or to terminate your participation in the scheme and/or to wind up the scheme itself subject to Government auto-enrolment requirements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.4 A contracting out certificate is not in force in relation to your employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. **Notice of Termination** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.1 Subject to Section 13.3 below, t he minimum period of notice to which you are entitled is three (3) months in writing or the amount of notice required under applicable law,

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whichever is greater. The minimum notice you are required to give the Company is three (3) months in writing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.2 The Company may at its discretion terminate your employment immediately by paying you in lieu of the notice period due under Section 13.1 (or any unexpired part of such notice period) a sum equal to your basic salary excluding any bonus or benefits for such period or part period. Such a payment will be subject to deductions for tax and national insurance at source as required by law and to any other authorised deductions .

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.3 Nothing in this Contract of Employment prevents the Company from terminating your employment without notice or payment in lieu of notice in the event of any serious breach by you of the terms of your employment or in the event of any act of gross misconduct by you.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.4 During any period of notice the Company reserves the right to ask you to remain away from work on "Garden Leave" and not to attend the office or in any other respect undertake any duties on behalf of the Company. During any period of Garden Leave:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) you shall remain an employee of the Company and your express and implied obligations under this Employment Contract shall remain in full force and effect including (but not limited to) your obligations of good faith, fidelity and confidentiality;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) you shall continue to receive normal salary and contractual benefits (less usual deductions for tax and employees' National Insurance contributions);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) you shall not contact any customers, suppliers, officers, employees, consultants, agents, distributors, shareholders, advisers or business contacts of the Company or any Associated Company, or undertake any work on behalf of the Company or any Associated Company, unless on the express instruction of, or with the prior consent of, the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) you will not undertake any work either on a self-employed basis or for any other company, firm, business entity or other organisation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) the Company may require you to carry out duties other than your normal duties in addition to or instead of those normal duties and the Company may, in its absolute discretion, appoint another employee of the Company to carry out some or all of your duties;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) you shall remain contactable by the Company during each working day and will inform the HR department **  immediately of any change to his contact details; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) you will not contact the press or other media or make any statement regarding the Company or any Associated Company, the Employee's employment with the Company or any Associated Company or its prospective termination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.5 Unless otherwise determined by the Board, in the event that your employment is terminated for any reason, you shall be deemed, effective as of the date of such termination, to resign (a) if a director, from the Board or similar board of directors of any direct or indirect parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company and (b) from any position with the Company or any direct or indirect parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, including as an officer of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parents, subsidiaries or affiliates. You agree to execute any documentation required to effect such resignations.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.6 You may also be entitled to additional payments on termination under the Severance Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, any Non-CIC Severance Payment or CIC Severance Payment respectively (as defined in the Severance Agreement) shall be inclusive of any applicable notice under this Employment Contract, any statutory redundancy payment which may be due, or any other termination or severance benefits to which you might otherwise be entitled from any Associated Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. **Disciplinary and Grievance Procedure** 

The Company's disciplinary and grievance procedures comply with the ACAS Code and are available from HR and on the Ribbon intranet site. These procedures do not form part of your contract of employment. We reserve the right to suspend you with pay for no longer than is reasonably necessary to investigate any allegation of misconduct against you or so long as is otherwise reasonable while any disciplinary procedure against you is outstanding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.** **Anti-Bribery** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.1 You understand and agree that you may not, directly or indirectly, offer, promise, grant, request, agree to receive or accept, anything of value (such as, but not limited to, money, a trip, a job with Ribbon) to or from anyone—including representatives of non-government owned commercial enterprises and government officials— in order to gain an improper, illegal or unethical advantage (such as the acquisition or retention of business or other business advantage) or to encourage a government official to perform an official function or to obtain an improper advantage.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.2 You agree that nothing of value should ever be promised, offered or provided to a government official (either directly or indirectly) by anyone at Ribbon in an attempt to improperly, illegally or unethically influence the government official to act or refrain from acting in connection with obtaining or retaining any business advantage.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.3 All offers and gifts of things of value to a government official or representative of a non-government owned commercial enterprise must comply with Ribbon's policies on gifts, meals and entertainment and/or marketing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.4 By executing this Employment Contract in the space provided below you confirm that you have read and understood Ribbon's Code of Conduct applicable to your employment with the Company. The Code of Conduct is available at https://ribboncommunications.com/company/company-policies/policies/code-conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.5 You understand that if you violate the Company's anti-bribery policy set out herein and in the Code that you will be subject to disciplinary consequences, up to and including dismissal, in accordance with applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. **Data Protection** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.1 We will collect and process information relating to you in accordance with the privacy notice provided to you under separate cover from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.2 You shall comply with Ribbon Communications Inc.'s data privacy policies and the Data Protection Act 2018 when handling personal data in the course of employment including personal data relating to any employee, worker, contractor, customer, client, supplier or agent of the Company. You will also comply with the Company's acceptable use policy, desktop and mobile device policy, information security policy, Code of Conduct, social media policy, external communications policy, access control policy, network security policy, systems security policy, and any other similar policy as enacted by the Company from time to time.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.3 Failure to comply with Ribbon Communications Inc.'s data protection policies or any of the policies listed above may be dealt with under our disciplinary procedure and, in serious cases, may be treated as gross misconduct leading to summary dismissal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17. **Confidentiality** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.1 You shall not make use of, divulge or communicate to any person (other than with the proper authority) any of the trade secrets or other confidential information of, or relating to the Company, or any of its customers or suppliers or its parents and affiliates (including but not limited to) details of customers, potential customers, consultants, suppliers, potential suppliers, product details, prices, discounts, specific product applications, voice technology processes, existing trade agreements, business processes or terms of business, which you may receive or become aware of as a result of being in the employment of the Company. The obligation of confidentiality shall continue to apply without limit in time after the termination of your employment except that it shall not apply in respect of information, which is or comes into the public domain for reasons other than your default.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.2 You agree to abide by the Company's Confidentiality of Proprietary Information Policy as amended from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.3 You must not remove from the Company's premises any documents, software or tangible items which belong to the Company, or which contain confidential information, without prior authorization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.4 If you leave the Company, you will deliver to the Company all drawings, notes, memoranda, specifications, devices, formulas and documents, together with all copies thereof, and any other material containing or disclosing any confidential information of, or relating to the Company, or any of its customers or suppliers or its parents or affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.5 The restriction in Section 17.1 does not apply to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) prevent you from making a protected disclosure under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) prevent you from reporting misconduct or a serious breach of regulatory requirements to any body responsible for supervising or regulating the matters in question;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) reporting in good faith an offence to a law enforcement agency;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) co-operating in good faith with a criminal investigation or prosecution; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) use or disclosure that has been authorised by the Company, is required by law or by your employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18. **Restrictions** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.1 You are required to devote your full time, attention and abilities to your job duties during working hours, and to act in the best interests of the Company and its Associated Companies at all times.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.2 The Company acknowledges and agrees that you may continue to own and/or operate your consultancy business which you have disclosed to the Company as of the date of this Contract of Employment provided that you are able to comply with your obligations under clause 18.1. Failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.3 If the nature of your consultancy business materially changes at any time during your employment, you agree to disclose such changes to the EVP, Chief Legal Counsel immediately in accordance with the Company's conflict of interest policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.4 You agree to comply with the post-termination obligations set out in Schedule 3.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.5 You agree that if you receive an offer of employment from, or offer to provide services to, any person, firm, company or other entity, which might reasonably be deemed to be a Competing Business (as defined in Schedule 3) (an "Offeror"), including in your capacity as a consultant (or otherwise) for your consulting business, (whether you accept it or not) during your employment with the Company or during the twelve months following the date upon which your employment with the Company terminates (the "Termination Date"), you will:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.5.1 provide to the Offeror details of the substance of the restrictions contained in Schedule 3; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.5.2 notify the Company of the offer and the identity of the Offeror, and provide such other details as the Company may reasonably request.

This obligation is without prejudice to your obligations of confidentiality and general obligation to immediately disclose any conflict of interest to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.6 You agree that if your employment is transferred to any other person, firm, company or other entity, pursuant to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 you will, if required, enter into an agreement with such other person, firm, company or other entity, that will contain provisions that provide protection to the new employer equivalent to that provided to the Company and any Associated Company in Schedule 3.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19. **Intellectual Property** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19.6 Any proprietary rights whatsoever, including without limitations patents, copyright and design rights in any invention, design, discovery or improvement, secret process, computer program, documentation or confidential information which any employee conceives, discovers or creates during or in consequence of employment with the Company belongs to the Company absolutely. You must promptly communicate to the Company all information concerning such proprietary rights and if requested provide all such assistance as considered necessary by the Company to secure the vesting of such rights in the Company. The provisions of this condition are without prejudice to sections 39-44 of the Patents Act 1977 concerning the employee's rights to inventions and to compensation for certain inventions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19.7 Any breach of copyright or misuse of intellectual property may be treated as a breach of your Contract of Employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**20.** **COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS** 

The Company reserves the right at any time to access and monitor e-mail messages sent or received (in whatever form) by you and any messages or information accessed or downloaded by you from the Internet, as well as the contents of any computer provided to you by the Company, for the purposes of carrying out your duties. Your privacy cannot therefore be guaranteed. Use of your computer, the e-mail system and access to the Internet is expressly subject to your consenting to this Section 20 and to the Companies policies on acceptable use of IT and social media in force from time to time.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21. **collective agreement** 

There is no collective agreement which directly affects your employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22. **third party rights** 

The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 shall not apply to this Contract. No person other than you and the Company shall have any rights under this Contract, and this Contract shall not be enforceable by any person other than you and the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23. **Variation** 

Without prejudice to any specific powers of variation contained in this Contract, the Company reserves the general right to make reasonable changes to this Contract and any other agreed terms and conditions of employment on giving you reasonable notice in writing of any such change.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24. **miscellaneous** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.1 In this Contract, "Associated Company" means any firm, company, corporation or other organisation:-

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.1.1 which is directly or indirectly controlled by the Company; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.1.2 which directly or indirectly controls the Company; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.1.3 which is directly or indirectly controlled by a third party who also directly or indirectly controls the Company; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.1.4 of which the Company or any other Associated Company owns or has a beneficial interest in 20% or more of the issued share capital or 20% or more of its capital assets; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.1.5 which is the successor in title or assign of the firms, companies, corporations or other organisations referred to above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.2 The Company may at its sole discretion transfer this Contract to any Associated Company at any time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.3 This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law and the parties hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

**SIGNED** by and on behalf of the parties:

_<u>/s/ Patrick Macken</u>______________________________

For and on behalf of Ribbon

Communications (UK) LtdDate

I, Stephen McCaffery, hereby agree to the above terms:

Signature: <u>/s/ Stephen McCaffery</u>__________Date:

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#### Schedule 1

#### Flexible Benefits
**Participation in a flexible benefit scheme, under which you may choose from a selection of benefits. The Company will pay the cost of these benefits, up to a total value of a percentage of your base salary. The benefits on offer currently include:**

● Additional Pension contributions;

● Increase in Life Insurance to multiples of salary from 1x - 7x base salary;

● Increase in Income Protection Insurance;

● Additional Critical Illness Insurance in multiples of salary from 1x - 3x base, plus option to add spouse;

● Private Medical Insurance for Dependants;

● Employee and Family Dental Insurance; and

● Bicycle to Work Program.

**Schedule 2**

#### Compulsory training entitlements paid for by the Company

#### Global – All new hires
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

---

| |
|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Global New Hire Campaign – Learning Campaign**  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Introduction to ISO 27001 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ribbon Data Classification Training |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ribbon Cybersecurity Training |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ribbon Summary Data Protection Training |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Introduction to Private Company Responsibilities |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ribbon (Cloud & Edge) Environmental Management System Training. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ribbon C&E Quality Management System (QMS) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ribbon Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Training |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Code of Conduct Tutorial |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ribbon Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Training |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Confidential Information Training |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ribbon Conflict of Interest Policy Training |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Compliant and Responsible Use of AI at Ribbon |

---

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#### Schedule 3
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.** **The Restrictions** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 1.1. No working for or setting up a Competing Business

**You agree that during the six months following the Termination Date you will not, directly or indirectly, for your own benefit or that of others, in competition with the Company or any Associated Company:** 

(a)(i) be employed by; (ii) be engaged by; or (iii) otherwise provide services to, a Competing Business which is being carried out or to be carried out in any Restricted Territory; or

(b)(i) set up; or (ii) carry on, a Competing Business which is being carried out or to be carried out in any Restricted Territory.

1.2No dealing with Customers and Prospective Customers

**You agree that during the twelve months following the Termination Date you will not, in any Capacity, in competition with the Company or any Associated Company:**

(a)(i) develop; or (ii) provide, products or services for any Customer or Prospective Customer; or

(b)otherwise (i) deal with; (ii) accept; or (iii) facilitate the acceptance of the custom of, any Customer or Prospective Customer.

**1.3**No solicitation of Customers and Prospective Customers

**You agree that during the twelve months following the Termination Date you will not, in any Capacity, in competition with the Company or any Associated Company:**

(a)(i) solicit; or (ii) assist in soliciting, the custom or business of any Customer or Prospective Customer (which shall include, without limitation, excluding the Company or any Associated Company from a new business opportunity); or

(b)(i) seek to reduce the amount of business which a Customer or Prospective Customer conducts or intends to conduct with the Company or any Associated Company; or (ii) adversely affect the terms on which a Customer or Prospective Customer conducts its business with the Company or any Associated Company.

**1.4**No solicitation of Key People

#### You agree that during the twelve months following the Termination Date you will not, in any Capacity:
(a)(i) solicit; (ii) attempt to solicit; (iii) assist in soliciting; (iv) entice away; or (v) try to entice away, from the Company or any Associated Company any Key Person; or

(b)be personally involved to a material extent in (i) accepting into employment; (ii) recruiting; (iii) engaging; or (iv) otherwise using the services of, any Key Person.

1.5**No connection after termination**

#### Following the Termination Date you will not:
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) **represent yourself, or permit yourself to be represented, as being employed or engaged by the Company or any Associated Company (except where agreed by such a company);** 

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) **represent, promote, advertise or refer to your previous connection with the Company or any Associated Company in a way which seeks to utilise the goodwill of such a company;** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) **knowingly do anything that might reasonably be expected to damage the goodwill or reputation of the Company or any Associated Company; or** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **carry on, or cause or permit to be carried on, any business using any name or branding which is or has been used by the Company or any Associated Company or which is in the reasonable opinion of the Company calculated or likely to cause confusion with such a name or branding in the minds of members of the public or imply a connection with the Company or any Associated Company.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.6**  **General terms applicable to the restrictions** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) **The duration of the restrictions set out in this Schedule will be reduced by any period during which you have been required by the Company (pursuant to Section 13.4 of the Contract to which this Schedule is appended) both not to attend work and not to perform any duties of employment.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) **You agree that the obligations contained in this Schedule are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and any Associated Company. You confirm that you have had the opportunity to take independent legal advice on the terms of this Schedule.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) **None of the obligations contained in this Schedule prevent you from holding any shares or other securities in any company.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **Each restriction in this Schedule is intended to and will apply after the Termination Date, regardless of whether your termination is lawful. The restrictions will apply even if termination results from a breach of a provision of the Contract to which this Schedule is appended.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **None of the restrictions in this Schedule shall prevent you from doing anything for which the Company has given its prior written consent, and the Company encourages you to seek such consent.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.1**  **Interpreting the Restrictions** 

In this Schedule:

Save as defined in this Schedule, any capitalised terms have the same definition as in the Contract to which this Schedule is appended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.1  **"Capacity"** means whether you are acting (i) directly or indirectly (through any other person, firm or company); (ii) alone or jointly with others; (iii) as principal, agent, consultant, officer, director, shadow director, partner, LLP member, independent contractor, worker or employee; or (iv) for your own benefit or that of others.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.2  **"Competing Business"** means any business which competes with or is preparing to compete with (i) any business carried on by the Company or any Associated Company on the Termination Date; or (ii) any business which, on the Termination Date, the Company or any Associated Company is proposing to carry on and has taken material steps towards conducting; and in each of cases (i) and (ii) in respect of which business of the Company or Associated Company you:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)had material responsibilities (including, without limitation, supervisory or management responsibilities) or carried out material duties; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)otherwise obtained Relevant Confidential Information,

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in each case in the course of your employment at any time in the Relevant Period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.3  **"Customer"** means any customer or client of the Company or an Associated Company:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)with whom you have had material dealings; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) **in respect of whom you have obtained Relevant Confidential Information,** 

in each case at any time during the Relevant Period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.4  **"Key Person"** means any employee of the Company or any Associated Company;** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)with whom you have had material dealings; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) **in respect of whom you have obtained Confidential Information about their skills, role, responsibilities, expertise, or other Confidential Information or material non public information relevant to their potential recruitment or engagement,** 

in each case at any time during the Relevant Period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.5  **"Prospective Customer"** means any person, firm, company or other entity with whom the Company or any Associated Company has had any negotiations or material discussions regarding the possible supply of products or services by the Company or any Associated Company and:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)with whom you have had material dealings; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) **in respect of whom you have obtained Relevant Confidential Information,** 

in each case at any time during the Relevant Period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.6  **"Relevant Confidential Information"** means Confidential Information which would be of value to any business which competes or is preparing to compete with the Company or an Associated Company, including, without limitation, Confidential Information that would enable it to:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)review, amend, change or introduce products, services, systems, processes, proposals, forecasts, terms of trade or strategies (including, but not limited to, marketing and/or sales strategies); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)otherwise gain a competitive advantage.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.7  **"Relevant Period**" means the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.8  **"Restricted Territory"** means:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)the United Kingdom; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)any other country where the Company or an Associated Company carries out business and in relation to which you have had material responsibilities (including, without limitation, supervisory or management responsibilities) or carried out material duties during the Relevant Period; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)any other country where the Company or an Associated Company carries out business and in relation to which you acquired Relevant Confidential Information during the Relevant Period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.1.9**  **"Termination Date"** means the date upon which your employment with the Company terminates.** 

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**2.2.** **Associated Companies**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2.1 **The Company contracts as trustee and agent for the benefit of each Associated Company.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2.2 **You acknowledge that the provisions of this Schedule constitute severable undertakings given for the benefit of the Company and all other Associated Companies and may be enforced by the Company on its own behalf or on behalf of any Associated Company.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2.3 **The benefit of each agreement and obligation imposed upon you under this Schedule may be assigned to and enforced by all successors and assigns for the time being of the Company and its Associated Companies and such agreements and obligations will operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of your employment.** 

**2.3** **Remedy**

**You acknowledge and agree that monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy for a breach of any of the obligations contained in this Schedule, and that for any breach of such obligations, the Company and its Associated Companies will, in addition to other remedies as may be available to it, be entitled to an injunction, restraining order, or other equitable relief, restraining you from committing or continuing to commit any breach of the covenants. You agree that proof will not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Schedule would be difficult to calculate and would be an inadequate remedy.**

**2.4** **Severability**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4.1 **The restrictions in paragraph 1 of this Schedule are considered by the parties to be fair and reasonable in all the circumstances. Each of the restrictions contained in paragraph 1, including the sub-paragraphs thereof and each of the restrictions listed by roman numeral, constitutes an entirely separate, severable and independent covenant. If any covenant is found to be invalid this will not affect the validity or enforceability of any of the other covenants.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4.2 **Each of the sub-paragraphs of the definitions contained in paragraph 2.1, including the matters identified by roman numeral, constitutes a separate, severable and independent part of the definition. If any such part of a definition would render a covenant invalid, this will not affect the validity or enforceability of the covenant by reference to any other part of the definition.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4.3 **It is agreed that if any such restrictions by themselves, or taken together, are for any reason unenforceable, but would be enforceable if part or parts of the wording were deleted, the relevant restriction or restrictions shall apply with such deletion(s) as may be necessary to make it or them valid and enforceable.** 

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## Exhibit 10.30

**Exhibit 10.30**

**Severance Agreement**

THIS SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (the "*Severance Agreement*") is entered into as of October 20, 2025 (the "*Effective Date*") between Ribbon Communications UK Limited (the "*Company*") and Stephen McCaffery ("*Executive*" or "*you*").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Definitions. The following capitalized terms used herein shall have the following meanings:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)"*Annual Bonus*" means the annual variable cash compensation you may be eligible to receive as determined from time to time by the Company, subject to the Short-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended from time to time), whether acting through Ribbon Communication Inc.'s ("Ribbon") Board of Directors (the "*Board*"), a committee thereof or otherwise, based on the achievement of certain Ribbon Entity and/or individual performance objectives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)*"Base Pay*" means your annual base compensation, as determined from time to time by the Company, whether acting through the Board, a committee thereof or otherwise, regardless of whether all or any portion thereof may be deferred under any deferred compensation plan or program of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)"*Cause*" means termination of your employment by the Company upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) your commission of bribery in violation of the Code of Conduct (or similar policy) of the Company or other Ribbon Entity employing you at the relevant time and/or local law and regulation including, without limitation, the UK Bribery Act, (ii) your engaging in acts in the course of your employment with any Ribbon Entity that constitute theft, fraud or embezzlement, (iii) your intentional or negligent misconduct which materially and adversely affects any Ribbon Entity and which is not cured (to the extent curable) within thirty (30) days following your receipt of written notice of such misconduct, (iv) your unauthorized disclosure of any Ribbon Entity's proprietary information of a confidential nature, which unauthorized disclosure has a material and adverse effect on any Ribbon Entity, (v) your material violation of any Ribbon Entity policy, agreement or procedure which is not cured (to the extent curable) within thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice of such violation, (vi) your excessive absenteeism, (vii) your material neglect of duty, (viii) your failure to devote substantially all of your working time to the business of the Ribbon Entities or to otherwise perform the duties of your position to the satisfaction of the Board (or your direct supervisor) which is not cured (to the extent curable) within thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice of such failure, (ix) your insubordination or failure to perform and carry out any directive of the Board (or your direct supervisor), (x) your abuse of alcohol, or unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of illegal drugs, at the premises of any Ribbon Entity or otherwise while performing (or holding yourself out as performing) services for or on behalf of any Ribbon Entity, (xi) your commission of any act that has resulted in (or could reasonably be expected to result in) conviction of a criminal offence involving moral turpitude, (xii) your failure to cooperate with any of the Ribbon Entities and/or their professional advisors in any investigation (whether internal or external) or any formal legal or investigative proceeding, or (xiii) your engagement in any conduct, including any violation of applicable law, that may reasonably result in material and adverse injury to the business or reputation of any Ribbon Entity or (xiv) any material breach of your Employment Contract. The determination of whether a termination of your employment is for Cause shall be made by the Board (or its designee) in its sole discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)"*Change in Control*" shall have the meaning set forth in the Incentive Award Plan.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e)"*Change in Control Protection Period*" means the period beginning on the date of the consummation of the Change in Control and ending on the first anniversary of such Change in Control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f)"*Date of Termination*" means the date of termination of your employment for any reason.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g)*"Employment Contract"* means the contract of employment between you and the Company dated October 20, 2025, as amended from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h)"*Equity Awards*" means all stock options, restricted stock units, performance stock units and such other equity-based awards granted pursuant to the Incentive Award Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, "Equity Awards" shall not include any cash or cash-based awards granted pursuant to the Incentive Award Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)"*Good Reason*" means:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. At any time other than the Change in Control Protection Period, the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions without your prior written consent: (A) a material reduction in your then-effective Base Pay (excluding any such reduction in connection with across-the-board Base Pay reductions for all or substantially all similarly situated employees), or (B) the relocation of your primary place of employment (currently your home address located at The Whitefields, Whitefield Road Stocktonheath, Cheshire, WA4 6NA (the "Home Address")) to a location more than 30 miles from the Home Address. For the avoidance of doubt (B) shall not include a move of primary location from the Home Address to the Company's office currently located at 4 Maidenhead Office Park, Maidenhead, Berkshire, United Kingdom, SL6 3QH ("Maidenhead Office") or vice versa; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. during the Change in Control Protection Period, the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions without your prior written consent: (A) a material reduction in your then-effective Base Pay or target Annual Bonus, (B) the relocation of your primary place of employment to a location (currently the Home Address) more than 30 miles from the Home Address. For the avoidance of doubt (B) shall not include a move of primary location from the Home Office to the Maidenhead Office or vice versa; (C) a material diminution in your authority, duties or responsibilities for the Ribbon Entities, or (D) any material breach of any written agreement by and between any Ribbon Entity and you;

<u>provided</u> that, in each case of subsections (i) and (ii), you shall not have Good Reason unless and until (x) you give the Company written notice describing the occurrence of Good Reason within 30 days after such occurrence first occurs, (y) such occurrence is not corrected by the Company within 30 days after the Company's receipt of such notice, and (z) you resign from employment with the Company no later than 30 days after the expiration of such 30-day correction period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j)*"Incapacity"* means an illness (mental or physical) or incapacity, which results in you being unable to perform your duties as an employee of the Company for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days, whether or not consecutive, in any twelve (12) month period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k)"*Incentive Award Plan*" means Ribbon Communications Inc. ("Ribbon") 2019 Incentive Award Plan as amended from time to time (or any successor equity incentive plan of Ribbon).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l)"*Ribbon Entities*" means Ribbon Communications Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m)*Severance Period*" means (i) six (6) months beginning on the Date of Termination, if the Date of Termination is prior to the 18 month anniversary of your Start Date; and (ii) 12 months beginning on the Date of Termination, if the Date of Termination is on or after the two (2) year anniversary of your Start Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Term of Agreement</u>. The term of this Severance Agreement will commence as of the Effective Date and shall continue in effect until the earlier of (a) the third anniversary of the Effective Date; and (b) the date on which all payments or benefits required to be made or provided hereunder have been made or provided in their entirety (the "*Initial Term* "). Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on each subsequent anniversary thereafter, this Severance Agreement shall automatically renew and extend for a period of twelve (12) additional months (each such twelve (12)-month period, collectively with the Initial Term, the "*Term*") unless written notice of non-renewal is delivered from either party to the other not less than six (6) months prior to the applicable date on which extension of the then-existing Term would occur, and (ii) in no event will the Term end prior to the first anniversary of the date of consummation a Change in Control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Termination and Eligibility for Severance</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)<u>Accrued Benefits</u>. Upon any termination of your employment, you will be paid (i) any and all earned and unpaid portion of your Base Pay through the Date of Termination; (ii) any accrued but unused vacation pay owed to you in accordance with the Employment Contract; and (iii) any allowable and unreimbursed business expenses incurred through the Date of Termination that are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with the Company's applicable expense reimbursement policies. Hereafter, items (i) through (iii) in this Section 3 are referred to as "*Accrued Benefits*.'' If termination of your employment is for any reason other than (A) by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Incapacity) or (B) by you for Good Reason, you will be entitled to receive <u>only</u> the Accrued Benefits.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)<u>Severance Payment</u>. Subject always to Sections 3(c), and 5 of the Agreement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)If the Company terminates your employment without Cause (other than as a result of your death or Incapacity) or if you terminate your employment with Good Reason, in each case, outside of the Change in Control Protection Period, then, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, the Company or Ribbon (as appropriate) will provide you the following severance and related post-termination benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The Company shall, during the Severance Period, pay to you an amount equal to (A) your Base Pay as in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination (or, in the case of termination by you with Good Reason due to material reduction in Base Pay in accordance with Section 1(j)(i), your Base Pay in effect immediately prior to such reduction) (such payment to be deemed to be inclusive of any applicable notice under your Employment Contract and/or any statutory redundancy payment which may be due) (the "*Non-CIC Severance Payment*"), and (B) an amount equal to the Annual Bonus you would have received, if any, had you remained employed through the end of the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, prorated based on the number of days you worked during such fiscal year and calculated based on actual

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achievement of the Ribbon Entity performance targets relating to such Annual Bonus (and assuming any individual, personal performance targets are achieved at target) (the "*Pro Rata Bonus*");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The Company shall pay you an amount equal to the aggregate sum of the Company's share of medical, dental and vision insurance premiums for you and your dependents for the Severance Period (as if you had remained employed and based on coverage as of immediately prior to termination). For the avoidance of doubt, if immediately prior to the termination of your employment you were required to contribute towards the cost of such premiums as a condition of receiving such insurance, the Continued Benefit Payment hereunder will not cover any such contributions. The cash payment provided for in this Section 3(b)(i)(2) or Section 3(b)(ii)(2), as applicable, is referred to herein as the "*Continued Benefit Payment*". For the avoidance of doubt the Continued Benefit Payment is in lieu of any insurance cover and you will not continue to be covered by the Company's insurance after the Date of Termination;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Unless otherwise explicitly set forth in the award agreement for the applicable Equity Award, each outstanding unvested Equity Award held by you immediately prior to the Date of Termination that is subject to vesting based solely upon your continuous service with the Company (collectively, "*Time-Based Equity Awards*") that would have vested during the Severance Period had you remained employed shall remain outstanding and on the Severance Commencement Date, (I) to the extent you have timely executed the Release Agreement (as defined below), such Time-Based Equity Awards shall automatically vest and become exercisable (as applicable) or (II) to the extent you have not timely executed the Release Agreement, such Time-Based Equity Awards will be forfeited for no consideration; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Unless otherwise explicitly set forth in the award agreement for the applicable Equity Award, each outstanding unvested Equity Award held by you immediately prior to the Date of Termination that is subject to vesting in whole or in part based on achievement of performance objective(s) (collectively, "*Performance-Based Equity Awards*") and is eligible to vest based on achievement of such performance objective(s) for performance periods ending prior to the Date of Termination or in which the Date of Termination occurs shall remain outstanding and on the Severance Commencement Date, (I) to the extent you have timely executed the Release Agreement, (x) the portion of such unvested Performance-Based Equity Award that is eligible to vest based on achievement of performance objective(s) for performance periods ending prior to the Date of Termination shall remain eligible to vest and be settled (as applicable) in accordance with its terms based on actual performance, without regard for any requirement of continued employment, and (y) a prorated amount of the portion of such unvested Performance-Based Equity Award that is eligible to vest based on achievement of performance objective(s) for the applicable performance periods in which the Date of Termination occurs shall remain eligible to vest through the end of the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs and be settled (as applicable) in accordance with its terms as if the last day of such fiscal year was the last day of the applicable performance period(s), based on performance targets established by the Company and/or Ribbon and actual performance through the end of such fiscal year, without regard for any requirement of continued employment, or (II) to the extent you have not timely executed the Release Agreement, such Performance-Based Equity Awards will be forfeited for no consideration. The portion of each unvested Performance-Based Equity Award described in subsection (y) above shall be prorated based on the number of days of your employment during the

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performance period as compared to the total number of days in such performance period, with such prorated portion of such Performance-Based Equity Awards eligible to vest and become exercisable at the end of the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, based on the actual level of achievement of such performance objective(s) as of end of the applicable fiscal year (with the applicable performance objective(s) prorated for any shortened performance period). Any such determination by the Company and/or Ribbon shall be final and binding on all persons (including, without limitation, you). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, settlement upon vesting (if any) of such Performance-Based Equity Awards described in subsection (ii) shall occur no later than March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year of the Date of Termination. For the avoidance of doubt, any Performance-Based Equity Award with respect to which performance vesting conditions have been determined to be fully satisfied prior to or as of the Date of Termination (or, which, in connection with a Change in Control or otherwise, was converted into an Equity Award solely subject to time-based vesting) shall be deemed to be a Time-Based Equity Award for purposes of this Severance Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)Subject to the provisions of Sections 3(c), (I) the Non-CIC Severance Payment shall be paid in equal installments during the Severance Period in accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices beginning on the first payroll date following the 60th day following the Date of Termination (such payroll date, the "*Severance Commencement Date*") (II) the Pro Rata Bonus, shall be paid at the same time as annual bonus payments are made to similarly situated employees of the Company for the applicable year, but in no event shall be paid earlier than January 1 or later than December 31 of the calendar year following the year of termination, and (III) the Continued Benefit Payment shall be paid in lump sum on the Severance Commencement Date, in each case, less applicable withholdings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)If the Company terminates your employment without Cause (other than as a result of your death or Incapacity) or if you terminate your employment with Good Reason, in each case, during the Change in Control Protection Period, then, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, the Company or Ribbon (as appropriate) will provide you the following severance and related post-termination benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The Company shall pay to you a cash lump sum payment in an amount equal to (A) the sum of twelve (12) months of your Base Pay as in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination (such payment to be deemed to be inclusive of any applicable notice under your Employment Contract and/or any statutory redundancy payment which may be due) and your target Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs (or in the case of termination by you with Good Reason due to material reduction in Base Pay and/or target Annual Bonus in accordance with 1(j)(ii), your Base Pay and/or target Annual Bonus in effect immediately prior to such reduction, as applicable) (the "*CIC Severance Payment*"), and (B) the Pro Rata Bonus;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The Company shall pay you the Continued Benefit Payment. For the avoidance of doubt, if immediately prior to the termination of your employment you were required to contribute towards the cost of such premiums as a condition of receiving such insurance, the Continued Benefit Payment hereunder will not cover any such contributions. For the avoidance of doubt the Continued Benefit Payment is in lieu of any insurance cover and you will not continue to be covered by the Company's insurance after the Date of Termination; and

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Unless otherwise explicitly set forth in the award agreement for the applicable Equity Award, and to the extent you have timely executed the Release Agreement, any unvested Equity Awards outstanding immediately prior to the Date of Termination shall automatically become fully vested and exercisable (as applicable) as of the Date of Termination; provided that any Performance-Based Equity Award shall vest assuming a target level of achievement for each applicable performance objective(s). To the extent you have not timely executed the Release Agreement, such Equity Awards will be forfeited for no consideration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Subject to the provisions of Sections 3(c) (I) the CIC Severance Payment shall be made in a lump sum on the Severance Commencement Date, (II) the Pro Rata Bonus, shall be paid at the same time as annual bonus payments are made to similarly situated employees of the Company for the applicable year, but in no event shall be paid earlier than January 1 or later than December 31 of the calendar year following the year of termination, and (III) the Continued Benefit Payment shall be paid in lump sum on the Severance Commencement Date, in each case, less applicable withholdings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)<u>Release</u>. For the avoidance of doubt, any Non-CIC Severance Payment or CIC Severance Payment respectively, shall be inclusive of any applicable notice under your Employment Contract, any statutory redundancy payment which may be due, or any other termination or severance benefits to which you might otherwise be entitled from any Ribbon Entity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company and Ribbon's provision of the Severance Benefits will be contingent upon your timely execution of a general waiver and release of claims agreement in a form to be provided by the Company (a "*Release Agreement*"), subject to the terms set forth herein. You will have twenty-one (21) days following your receipt of the Release Agreement to execute it yourself and to ensure that your legal advisor also certifies the Release Agreement in accordance with English law. If you and your legal advisor do not execute the Release Agreement within twenty one (21) days of receipt, any amounts payable pursuant to Section 3(b)(i) or Section 3(b)(ii) shall not be paid and you shall be required to pay to Ribbon, immediately upon demand therefor, the amount of any payments or benefits you received in connection with any portion of Equity Awards that was eligible to vest pursuant to Section 3(b) (including, without limitation, proceeds received or realized by you from the sale or surrender of any shares underlying such Equity Awards in connection with applicable tax withholding).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)The provisions of this Section 3 shall supersede in their entirety any severance payment provisions in any severance plan, severance policy, severance program or other severance arrangement maintained by the Company or any of its affiliates (or any of their respective predecessors). The Company and Ribbon Entities shall have no further obligation to you in the event of termination of your employment for any reason at any time, other than those obligations specifically set forth in this Section 3.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.<u>Mitigation</u>. You shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in Section 3 by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in Section 3 be reduced by any compensation earned by you as the result of employment by another employer or by retirement benefits after the Date of Termination or otherwise, subject to Section 5; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that any loans, advances or other amounts owed by you to the Company or any Ribbon Entities may be offset by the Company and its affiliates against amounts payable to you under Section 3 to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.<u>Restrictive Covenants and Other Conditions</u>. You acknowledge and agree that Sections 17, 18 and 19 and Schedule 3 of the Employment Contract remain in full force and effect (the "*Restrictive Covenants*").

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In the event of (a) your material breach of the Restrictive Covenants, (b) your engagement in any act or omission after the Date of Termination that would have constituted "Cause" under subsections (ii) through (iv), (xii) or (xiii) of the definition thereof (without regard for any cure periods therein) for termination of your employment had you remained employed after the Date of Termination, or (c) the Company's determination in good faith that facts or circumstances existed on the Date of Termination that, if known by the Company on the Date of Termination, would have constituted Cause, the Company or Ribbon as appropriate shall be entitled to cease all payments and benefits pursuant to Section 3(b), all Equity Awards that vested pursuant to Section 3(b) and any shares of Ribbon stock you received with respect thereto shall immediately be forfeited, without payment therefor, and you shall be required to pay to Ribbon, immediately upon demand therefor, the amount of any proceeds realized by you from the sale of any such shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.<u>Withholding</u>. The Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts payable under this Severance Agreement any applicable income tax, social security contributions or other taxes or charges.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. <u>Miscellaneous</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) This Severance Agreement, together with the Employment Contract, will constitute our entire agreement as to your employment by the Company and will supersede any prior agreements or understandings, whether in writing or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof, other than with respect to any agreements between you and the Company with respect to confidential information, intellectual property, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, nondisclosure of proprietary information, inventions and injunctive relief.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Severance Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The provisions of this Severance Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions may be determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of this Severance Agreement shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable and except to the extent necessary to reform or delete such illegal or unenforceable provision, this Severance Agreement shall remain unmodified and in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) This Severance Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the written consent of the other, assign or otherwise transfer this Severance Agreement or its obligations, duties and rights under this Severance Agreement; provided, however, that in the event of the merger, consolidation, transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the Company may assign its rights and obligations hereunder and, in the event <br> of such assignment, this Severance Agreement shall, subject to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successor and such successor shall be solely <br> obligated to discharge and perform all of the promises, covenants, duties and obligations of the Company hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) All notices shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally (including by courier), by overnight receipted courier service (such as UPS or Federal Express) or sent by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid, to the Company at 6500 Chase Oaks Blvd, Suite 100, Plano, Texas 75023 Attn: Head of Legal, and to you at the most current address we have in your employment file. Any such notice shall be deemed given when so

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delivered personally, or, if by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid mailed, forty-eight (48) hours after the date of deposit in the mail. Any party may, by notice given in accordance with this paragraph to the other party, designate another address or person for receipt of notices hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) This Severance Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Each party irrevocably agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England over any claim or matter (including any non-contractual claim) arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.<u>Acceptance</u>. You may accept the terms and conditions described herein by confirming your acceptance in writing. Please send your countersignature to this Severance Agreement to the Company, or via e-mail to me, which execution will evidence your agreement with the terms and conditions set forth herein.

\* \* \* \* \*

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Severance Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

EXECUTIVE:

<u>/s/ Stephen McCaffery</u> 

COMPANY:

By: <u>/s/ Patrick Macken</u> 

*Signature Page to Severance Agreement*

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## Exhibit 10.31

![Graphic](rbbn-20251231xex10d31002.jpg) **EXHIBIT 10.31** 

**Confidential**

November 2, 2022

Dan Redington

*Via* email: dtr1004@gmail.com

Dear Dan,

On behalf of Ribbon Communications Inc. ("Ribbon") and Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc. ("RCOC" and Ribbon and RCOC, together with its affiliates who may employ you from time to time, the "Company"), I am pleased to provide you with this written offer of employment (this "Agreement") as Ribbon's Executive Vice President of Global Sales, effective as of November 28, 2022 (the "Start Date"). This Agreement is entered into as of the date set forth above and shall be effective as of the Start Date.

1.<u>Compensation</u>. During your employment with the Company:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Base Salary*. Your initial base salary will be at the annualized rate of $405,000 (your base salary, as may be adjusted from time to time, "Base Salary"), less applicable local, state and federal withholdings, paid in accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices. Your Base Salary will be subject to review and adjustment by Ribbon's Board of Directors (the "Board") or Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Committee") in its sole discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *Annual Bonus*. Effective January 1, 2023, you will be eligible to receive annual variable cash bonus based on achievement of certain corporate and/or individual objectives ("Annual Bonus"). Subject to achievement of such objectives for the applicable year, the target Annual Bonus shall equal seventy-five percent (75%) of your Base Salary. The Annual Bonus for each fiscal year will be based on the achievement of objectives determined by the Board or the Committee. Your Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid as soon as reasonably practicable following Ribbon's public disclosure of its financial results for the applicable bonus period and the Board's or Committee's approval of the bonus under the then-applicable Ribbon bonus plan, subject to your continued employment with the Company through the date of such payment (except as otherwise set forth in any written agreement by and between the Company and you).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) *Equity Awards*. Subject to your commencement of employment on the Start Date and approval by the Committee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) You will, on December 15, 2022 (the "Grant Date"), be granted restricted stock units (the "Sign On RSUs") that, upon vesting, will be settled in shares of common stock of Ribbon with a value (as of the Grant Date) equal to $375,000, calculated consistent with such grants made to similarly situated employees of the Company. Subject to your active and continuous employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date, the Sign On RSUs will vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, your grant will be subject to, and you will be required to, enter into a restricted stock unit agreement in the Company's applicable form in connection with the grant of the Sign On RSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) You will be granted restricted stock units (the "RSUs") that, upon vesting, will be settled in shares of common stock of Ribbon with a value (as of the Grant Date) equal to $350,000,

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calculated consistent with such grants made to similarly situated employees of the Company. The RSUs will be granted on December 15, 2022. Subject to your active and continuous employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date, the RSUs will vest as follows: (A) 1/3<sup>rd</sup> of your RSUs on the first anniversary of the Grant Date (the "Initial Vesting Date"); and (B) the remaining 2/3<sup>rd</sup> of your RSUs vesting in four (4) equal installments on each six (6) month anniversary of the Initial Vesting Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, your grant will be subject to, and you will be required to, enter into a restricted stock unit agreement in the Company's applicable form in connection with the grant of the RSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) You will, following January 1, 2023, be granted performance share units (the "PSUs") that, upon vesting, will be settled in shares of common stock of Ribbon with a value (as of the Grant Date) equal to $350,000 calculated consistent with such grants made to similarly situated employees of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, your grant will be subject to, and you will be required to, enter into a performance stock unit agreement in the Company's applicable form in connection with the grant of the Sign On PSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Except as set forth herein, you shall not be entitled to any other equity awards from the Company during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Following the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, subject to Board or Committee approval, you will be eligible to receive annual equity incentive awards under the Plan at such times, in such amounts and forms, and on such terms as are determined by the Board or Committee, taking into account your role and responsibilities. You will be required to enter into equity award agreement(s) in the Company's then-applicable form in connection with the grant of any future awards described in this Section 1(c)(iv).

2.<u>Benefits</u>. During your employment with the Company, you will be entitled to the following benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)You will be entitled to vacation consistent with Company policy and limitations, under which you will initially accrue (3) weeks of vacation per year beginning on the Start Date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)You will be entitled to participate as an employee of the Company in all health and welfare benefit plans and receive fringe benefits and perquisites generally provided to similarly situated employees of the Company in accordance with applicable Company plan, policy or program, which currently include group health, life and dental insurance, and a 401(k) plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company retains the right to change, add or cease any particular compensation or benefit for its employees in its sole discretion; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)The Company will reimburse you for all reasonable travel, business development, meals, entertainment and other expenses incurred by you in connection with the performance of your duties and obligations on behalf of the Company. You will comply with such limitations and reporting requirements with respect to expenses as may be established by the Company from time to time and will promptly provide all appropriate and requested documentation in connection with such expenses.

3.<u>Employment Relationship</u>. The Company's obligations under this Agreement are contingent upon your satisfactory completion of our pre-employment reference check and background check investigation and your verification of your identity and employment eligibility. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed to create an express or implied employment contract for a specific period of time. Employment at the Company is considered "at will" and either you or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, subject to compliance with the Severance Agreement. As a full-

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time employee of the Company, you will be expected to devote your full business time and energies to the business and affairs of the Company. As the Company's organization evolves, its reporting structure may change and you may be assigned such other management duties and responsibilities as the Company may determine, in addition to performing duties and responsibilities reflected above.

4.<u>Termination and Eligibility for Severance</u>. The parties acknowledge and agree that they will enter into a severance agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as *Attachment 1* (the "Severance Agreement") on the Start Date. Except as set forth in the Severance Agreement, you will not be entitled to any severance or other termination payments or benefits from the Company or any of its affiliates.

5.<u>Previous Employment.</u> By accepting employment with the Company, you represent the following: (a) any notice period you are required to give or to serve with a previous employer has expired and that by entering into or performing any of your duties for the Company, you will not be in breach of any other obligation binding on you; (b) you will not use or disclose any confidential information in breach of any agreement you may have with a previous employer or any other person; and (c) you are not currently party to or bound by the terms of any non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement or other agreement with a previous employer or any other party which could impair or interfere in any manner with your ability to fully satisfy your obligations and duties hereunder.

6.<u>Confidentiality</u>. The Company considers the protection of its confidential information and proprietary materials to be very important. Therefore, as a condition of your employment, you and the Company will become parties to the Confidentiality, Non-Competition and Assignment of Inventions Agreement, as set forth on *Attachment 2* hereto. This attached agreement must be signed and returned to the Company as soon as practicable following the Start Date.

7. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>Indemnity</u>. As an executive of the Company, the Company will provide you with an Indemnity Agreement on the Company's standard form.

8.<u>General</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) This Agreement, together with the agreements referenced herein, will constitute our entire agreement as to your employment by the Company and will supersede any prior agreements or understandings, whether in writing or oral.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement and your employment are contingent upon the Company's standard onboarding processes, which may include background and reference checks and satisfactory proof of your right to work in the United States. You agree to provide any documentation or information at the Company's reasonable request to facilitate these processes (if any).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions may be determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable. Except as modified hereby, this Agreement shall remain unmodified and in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the written consent of the other, assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement or its obligations,

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duties and rights under this Agreement; provided, however, that in the event of the merger, consolidation, transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the Company may assign its rights and obligations hereunder and, in the event of such assignment, this Agreement shall, subject to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successor and such successor shall be solely obligated to discharge and perform all of the promises, covenants, duties and obligations of the Company hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) All notices shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally (including by courier), by overnight receipted courier service (such as UPS or Federal Express) or sent by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid, to the Company at the following address: Ribbon Communications Legal Department, 3605 E. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074, and to you at the most current address we have in your employment file. Any such notice shall be deemed given when so delivered personally or, if by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid mailed, forty-eight (48) hours after the date of deposit in the mail. Any party may, by notice given in accordance with this paragraph to the other party, designate another address or person for receipt of notices hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) <u>Arbitration</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. Any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof which cannot be settled by mutual agreement will be finally settled by binding arbitration in the county where you performed your principal work duties for the Company, under the jurisdiction of the American Arbitration Association or other mutually agreeable alternative arbitration dispute resolution service, before a single arbitrator appointed in accordance with the arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association or other selected service, modified only as herein expressly provided. You acknowledge receipt of the applicable AAA Employment Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures which may be found at the AAA website here https://www.adr.org/Rules. The arbitrator may enter a default decision against any party who fails to participate in the arbitration proceedings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. The Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq. shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this arbitration clause. The decision of the arbitrator on the points in dispute will be final, non-appealable and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii. The fees and expenses of the arbitration will be borne as provided in the AAA Costs of Arbitration section, and each party will bear the fees and expenses of its own attorney, unless the arbitrator finds that a statutory award of attorneys' fees and/or costs is appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iv. The parties waive their rights to a class or collective action. The parties agree that claims may not be joined, consolidated, or heard together with claims of any other current or former employee of the Company or other third party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;v. The parties agree that this Section 8(g) has been included to resolve any disputes between them with respect to this Agreement or your employment, and that this Section 8(g) will be grounds for dismissal of any court action commenced by either party with respect to this Agreement, other than post-arbitration actions seeking to enforce an arbitration award or actions seeking an injunction or temporary restraining

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order and other than claims for unemployment insurance benefits or workers compensation benefits or other claims which by law cannot be subject to a mandatory arbitration agreement. In the event that any court determines that this arbitration procedure is not binding, or otherwise allows any litigation regarding a dispute, claim, or controversy covered by this Agreement to proceed, the parties hereto hereby waive, to the maximum extent allowed by law, any and all right to a class or collection action or a trial by jury in or with respect to such litigation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;vi. The parties will keep confidential, and will not disclose to any person, except as may be required by law or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or other government agencies, the existence of any controversy hereunder, the referral of any such controversy to arbitration or the status or resolution thereof; notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall restrict you from communicating with a government agency or engaging in protected concerted activity that cannot be waived by such an agreement not to disclose.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of laws provisions thereof or of any other jurisdiction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Company is an equal opportunity employer.

9.<u>Acceptance</u>. You may accept the terms and conditions described herein by confirming your acceptance in writing. Please send your countersignature to this Agreement to the Company, or via e-mail to me, which execution will evidence your agreement with the terms and conditions set forth herein.

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![Graphic](rbbn-20251231xex10d31002.jpg) 

Sincerely,

 <u>/s/ Bruce McClelland</u>________

Bruce McClelland

On behalf of Ribbon Communications Inc. and Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc.

Accepted as of the first date set forth above by:

<u>/s/ Dan Redington</u>___________

Dan Redington

*Signature Page to Employment Letter*

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![Graphic](rbbn-20251231xex10d31002.jpg) 

**Attachment 1**

**Severance Agreement**

[*see attached*]

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![Graphic](rbbn-20251231xex10d31002.jpg) **EXHIBIT 10.31** 

**Attachment 2**

**Confidentiality, Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation And Assignment of Inventions Agreement**

[*see attached*]

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## Exhibit 10.32

![Graphic](rbbn-20251231xex10d32001.jpg) **EXHIBIT 10.32**

**Severance Agreement**

THIS SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (the "*Severance Agreement*" or "*Agreement*") is entered into as of November 28, 2022, and effective as of the Start Date (as defined in the Employment Letter), between Ribbon Communications Inc. ("*Ribbon*"), Ribbon Communications Operating Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ribbon Communications Inc., ("*RCOC*", and together with Ribbon, the "*Company*") and Dan Redington ("*Executive*" or "*you*").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Definitions. The following capitalized terms used herein shall have the following meanings:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)"*Annual Bonus*" means the annual variable cash compensation you are eligible to receive as determined from time to time by the Company, whether acting through Ribbon's Board of Directors (the "*Board*"), a committee thereof or otherwise, based on the achievement of certain Ribbon Entity and/or individual performance objectives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)*"Base Pay*" means your annual base compensation, as determined from time to time by the Company, whether acting through the Board, a committee thereof or otherwise, regardless of whether all or any portion thereof may be deferred under any deferred compensation plan or program of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)"*Cause*" means termination of your employment by the Company upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) your commission of bribery in violation of the Code of Conduct (or similar policy) of the Company or other Ribbon Entity employing you at the relevant time and/or local law and regulation including, without limitation, the UK Bribery Act, (ii) your engaging in acts in the course of your employment with any Ribbon Entity that constitute theft, fraud or embezzlement, (iii) your intentional or negligent misconduct which materially and adversely affects any Ribbon Entity and which is not cured (to the extent curable) within thirty (30) days following your receipt of written notice of such misconduct, (iv) your unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information of a confidential nature relating to any Ribbon Entity, which unauthorized disclosure has a material and adverse effect on any Ribbon Entity, (v) your material violation of any Ribbon Entity policy, agreement or procedure which is not cured (to the extent curable) within thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice of such violation, (vi) your excessive absenteeism, (vii) your material neglect of duty, (viii) your failure to devote substantially all of your working time to the business of the Ribbon Entities or to otherwise perform the duties of your position to the satisfaction of the Board (or your direct supervisor) which is not cured (to the extent curable) within thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice of such failure, (ix) your insubordination or failure to perform and carry out any directive of the Board (or your direct supervisor), (x) your abuse of alcohol, or unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of illegal drugs, at the premises of any Ribbon Entity or otherwise while performing (or holding yourself out as performing) services for or on behalf of any Ribbon Entity, (xi) your commission of any act that has resulted in (or could reasonably be expected to result in) conviction of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude or pleading "no contest" to a felony charge or other criminal charge involving moral turpitude, (xii) your failure to cooperate with any of the Ribbon Entities and/or their professional advisors in any investigation (whether internal or external) or any formal legal or investigative proceeding, or (xiii) your engagement in any conduct, including any violation of applicable law, that may reasonably result in material and adverse injury to the business or reputation of any Ribbon Entity. The determination of whether a termination of your employment is for Cause shall be made by the Board (or its designee) in its sole discretion.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)"*Change in Control*" shall have the meaning set forth in the Incentive Award Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control constitutes a payment or benefit event with respect to any payment or benefit hereunder that provides for the deferral of compensation that is subject to Section 409A, to the extent required to avoid the imposition of additional taxes under Section 409A, such transaction or event will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a "change in control event" within the meaning of Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e)"*Change in Control Protection Period*" means the period beginning on the date of the consummation of the Change in Control and ending on the first anniversary of such Change in Control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f)"*Code*" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g)"*Date of Termination*" means the date of termination of your employment for any reason.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h)*"Disability"* means an illness (mental or physical) or incapacity, which results in you being unable to perform your duties as an employee of the Company for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days, whether or not consecutive, in any twelve (12) month period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)"*Employment Letter*" means that certain Employment Letter Agreement by and between you and the Company, dated November 2, 2022.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j)"*Equity Awards*" means all stock options, restricted stock units, performance stock units and such other equity-based awards granted pursuant to the Incentive Award Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, "Equity Awards" shall not include any cash or cash-based awards granted pursuant to the Incentive Award Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k)"*Good Reason*" means:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. At any time other than the Change in Control Protection Period, the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions without your prior written consent: (A) a material reduction in your then-effective Base Pay (excluding any such reduction in connection with across-the-board Base Pay reductions for all or substantially all similarly situated employees), or (B) the relocation of your primary place of employment to a location more than 30 miles from Plano, TX; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. during the Change in Control Protection Period, the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions without your prior written consent: (A) a material reduction in your then-effective Base Pay or target Annual Bonus, (B) the relocation of your primary place of employment to a location more than 30 miles from your then-present work location, (C) a material diminution in your authority, duties or responsibilities for the Ribbon Entities, or (D) any material breach of any written agreement by and between any Ribbon Entity and you;

<u>provided</u> that, in each case of subsections (i) and (ii), you shall not have Good Reason unless and until (x) you give the Company written notice describing the occurrence of Good Reason within 30 days after such occurrence first occurs, (y) such occurrence is not corrected by the Company within 30 days after the Company's receipt of such notice, and (z) you terminate employment no later than 30 days after the expiration of such 30-day correction period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l)"*Incentive Award Plan*" means Ribbon Communications Inc. 2019 Incentive Award Plan, as may be amended from time to time (or any successor equity incentive plan of Ribbon).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m)"*Restrictive Covenants Agreement*" shall mean the Confidentiality, Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Assignment of Inventions Agreement dated November 28, 2022, as referenced in Section 6 of the Employment Letter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n)"*Ribbon Entities*" means Ribbon Communications Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o)"*Section 409A*" has the meaning set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p)"*Severance Period*" means (i) six (6) months beginning on the Date of Termination, if the Date of Termination is prior to the 18 month anniversary of your Start Date; and (ii) 12 months beginning on the Date of Termination, if the Date of Termination is on or after the two (2) year anniversary of your Start Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Term of Agreement</u>. The term of this Agreement will commence as of the Effective Date and shall continue in effect until the earlier of (a) the third anniversary of the Effective Date; and (b) the date on which all payments or benefits required to be made or provided hereunder have been made or provided in their entirety (the "*Initial Term* "). Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on each subsequent anniversary thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew and extend for a period of twelve (12) additional months (each such twelve (12)-month period, collectively with the Initial Term, the "*Term*") unless written notice of non-renewal is delivered from either party to the other not less than six (6) months prior to the applicable date on which extension of the then-existing Term would occur, and (ii) in no event will the Term end prior to the first anniversary of the date of consummation a Change in Control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Termination and Eligibility for Severance</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Accrued Benefits</u>. Upon any termination of your employment, you will be paid (i) any and all earned and unpaid portion of your Base Pay through the Date of Termination; (ii) any accrued but unused vacation pay owed to you in accordance with Company practices up to and including the Date of Termination; and (iii) any allowable and unreimbursed business expenses incurred through the Date of Termination that are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with the Company's applicable expense reimbursement polic ies. Hereafter, items (i) through (iii) in this Section 3 are referred to as "*Accrued Benefits*.'' If termination of your employment is for any reason other than (A) by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability) or (B) by you for Good Reason, you will be entitled to receive <u>only</u> the Accrued Benefits.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)<u>Severance Payment</u>. Subject to Sections 3(c), 6 and 7 of the Agreement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)If the Company terminates your employment without Cause (other than as a result of your death or Disability) or if you terminate your employment with Good Reason, in each case, outside of the Change in Control Protection Period, then, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, the Company will provide you the following severance and related post-termination benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The Company shall, during the Severance Period, pay to you an amount equal to (A) your Base Pay as in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination (or, in the case of termination by you with Good Reason due to material reduction in Base Pay, your Base Pay in effect immediately prior to such reduction) (the "*Non-CIC Severance Payment*"), and (B) an amount equal to the Annual Bonus you would have received, if any, had you remained employed through the end of the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, prorated based on the number of days you worked during such fiscal year and calculated based on actual achievement of the Ribbon Entity

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performance targets relating to such Annual Bonus (and assuming any individual, personal performance targets are achieved at target) (the "*Pro Rata Bonus*");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The Company shall pay you an amount equal to the aggregate sum of the Company's share of medical, dental and vision insurance premiums for you and your dependents for the Severance Period (as if you had remained employed and based on coverage as of immediately prior to termination). For the avoidance of doubt, if immediately prior to the termination of your employment you were required to contribute towards the cost of premiums as a condition of receiving such insurance, the payment hereunder will not cover any such contributions. The cash payment provided for in this Section 3(b)(i)(2) or Section 3(b)(ii)(2), as applicable, is referred to herein as the "*Continued Benefit Payment*";

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Unless otherwise explicitly set forth in the award agreement for the applicable Equity Award, each outstanding unvested Equity Award held by you immediately prior to the Date of Termination that is subject to vesting based solely upon your continuous service with the Company (collectively, "*Time-Based Equity Awards*") that would have vested during the Severance Period had you remained employed shall remain outstanding and on the Severance Commencement Date, (I) to the extent you have timely executed and not revoked the Release Agreement (as defined below), such Time-Based Equity Awards shall automatically vest and become exercisable (as applicable) or (II) to the extent you have not timely executed or have revoked the Release Agreement, such Time-Based Equity Awards will be forfeited for no consideration; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Unless otherwise explicitly set forth in the award agreement for the applicable Equity Award, each outstanding unvested Equity Award held by you immediately prior to the Date of Termination that is subject to vesting in whole or in part based on achievement of performance objective(s) (collectively, "*Performance-Based Equity Awards*") and is eligible to vest based on achievement of such performance objective(s) for performance periods ending prior to the Date of Termination or in which the Date of Termination occurs shall remain outstanding and on the Severance Commencement Date, (I) to the extent you have timely executed and not revoked the Release Agreement, (x) the portion of such unvested Performance-Based Equity Award that is eligible to vest based on achievement of performance objective(s) for performance periods ending prior to the Date of Termination shall remain eligible to vest and be settled (as applicable) in accordance with its terms based on actual performance, without regard for any requirement of continued employment, and (y) a prorated amount of the portion of such unvested Performance-Based Equity Award that is eligible to vest based on achievement of performance objective(s) for the applicable performance periods in which the Date of Termination occurs shall remain eligible to vest through the end of the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs and be settled (as applicable) in accordance with its terms as if the last day of such fiscal year was the last day of the applicable performance period(s), based on performance targets established by the Company and actual performance through the end of such fiscal year, without regard for any requirement of continued employment, or (II) to the extent you have not timely executed or have revoked the Release Agreement, such Performance-Based Equity Awards will be forfeited for no consideration. The Company shall prorate the portion of each unvested Performance-Based Equity Award described in subsection (y) above based on the number of days of your employment during the performance period as compared to the total number of days in such performance period, with such prorated portion of such Performance-Based Equity Awards eligible to vest and become exercisable at the end of the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, based on the actual level of achievement of such performance objective(s) as of end of the applicable fiscal year (with the applicable performance objective(s) prorated for any shortened performance period). Any such determination by

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the Company shall be final and binding on all persons (including, without limitation, you). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, settlement upon vesting (if any) of such Performance-Based Equity Awards described in subsection (ii) shall occur no later than March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year of the Date of Termination (or otherwise in compliance with Section 409A as required by their terms). For the avoidance of doubt, any Performance-Based Equity Award with respect to which performance vesting conditions have been determined to be fully satisfied prior to or as of the Date of Termination (or, which, in connection with a Change in Control or otherwise, was converted into an Equity Award solely subject to time-based vesting) shall be deemed to be a Time-Based Equity Award for purposes of this Severance Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)Subject to the provisions of Sections 3(c) and 7, (I) the Non-CIC Severance Payment shall be paid in equal installments during the Severance Period in accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices beginning on the first payroll date following the 60th day following the Date of Termination (such payroll date, the "*Severance Commencement Date*"), and with the first installment including any amounts that would have been paid had the Release Agreement been effective and irrevocable on the Date of Termination, (II) the Pro Rata Bonus shall be paid at the same time as annual bonus payments are made to similarly situated employees of the Company for the applicable year, but in no event shall be paid earlier than January 1 or later than December 31 of the calendar year following the year of termination, and (III) the Continued Benefit Payment shall be paid in lump sum on the Severance Commencement Date, in each case, less applicable federal, state and other applicable withholdings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)If the Company terminates your employment without Cause (other than as a result of your death or Disability) or if you terminate your employment with Good Reason, in each case, during the Change in Control Protection Period, then, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, the Company will provide you the following severance and related post-termination benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The Company shall pay to you a cash lump sum payment in an amount equal to (A) the sum of twelve (12) months of your Base Pay as in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination and your target Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs (or in the case of termination by you with Good Reason due to material reduction in Base Pay and/or target Annual Bonus, your Base Pay and/or target Annual Bonus in effect immediately prior to such reduction, as applicable) (the "*CIC Severance Payment*"), and (B) the Pro Rata Bonus;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The Company shall pay you an amount equal to the aggregate sum of the Company's share of medical, dental and vision insurance premiums for you and your dependents for the period commencing on the Date of Termination and ending on the first anniversary thereof (as if you had remained employed and based on coverage as of immediately prior to termination). For the avoidance of doubt, if immediately prior to the termination of your employment you were required to contribute towards the cost of premiums as a condition of receiving such insurance, the payment hereunder will not cover any such contributions; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Unless otherwise explicitly set forth in the award agreement for the applicable Equity Award, any unvested Equity Awards outstanding immediately prior to the Date of Termination shall automatically become fully vested and exercisable (as applicable) as of the Date of Termination; provided that any Performance-Based Equity Award shall vest assuming a target level of achievement for each applicable performance objective(s).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Subject to the provisions of Sections 3(c) and 7, (I) the CIC Severance Payment shall be made in a lump sum on the Severance Commencement Date, (II) the Pro Rata Bonus shall be paid at the same time as annual bonus payments are made to similarly situated employees of the Company for the applicable year, but in no event shall be paid earlier than January 1 or later than December 31 of the calendar year following the year of termination, and (III) the Continued Benefit Payment shall be paid in lump sum on the Severance Commencement Date, in each case, less applicable federal, state and other applicable withholdings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)<u>Release</u>. Any amounts payable pursuant to Section 3(b)(i) or Section 3(b)(ii), as applicable (collectively, the "*Severance Benefits*"), shall be in lieu of notice or any other severance benefits to which you might otherwise be entitled from any Ribbon Entity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company's provision of the Severance Benefits will be contingent upon your timely execution and non-revocation of a general waiver and release of claims agreement in a form to be provided by the Company (a "*Release Agreement*"), subject to the terms set forth herein. You will have twenty-one (21) days (or, in the event that your termination of employment is "in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program" (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended), forty-five (45) days) following your receipt of the Release Agreement to consider whether or not to accept it. If the Release Agreement is signed and delivered by you to the Company, you will have seven (7) days from the date of delivery to revoke your acceptance of such agreement (the "*Revocation Period*"). If you do not timely execute or if you subsequently revoke the Release Agreement, you shall be required to pay to the Company, immediately upon demand therefor, the amount of any payments or benefits you received in connection with any portion of Equity Awards that was eligible to vest pursuant to Section 3(b) (including, without limitation, proceeds received or realized by you from the sale or surrender of any shares underlying such Equity Awards in connection with applicable tax withholding).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)The provisions of this Section 3 shall supersede in their entirety any severance payment provisions in any severance plan, severance policy, severance program or other severance arrangement maintained by the Company or any of its affiliates (or any of their respective predecessors). The Company shall have no further obligation to you in the event of termination of your employment for any reason at any time, other than those obligations specifically set forth in this Section 3.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.<u>Resignation from Board, Officer and Other Positions</u>. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, in the event that your employment is terminated for any reason (whether during or after the Term), you shall be deemed, effective as of the date of such termination, to resign (a) if a director, from the Board or similar board of directors of any direct or indirect parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company and (b) from any position with the Company or any direct or indirect parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, including as an officer of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parents, subsidiaries or affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.<u>Mitigation</u>. You shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in Section 3 by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in Section 3 be reduced by any compensation earned by you as the result of employment by another employer or by retirement benefits after the Date of Termination or otherwise, subject to Section 6; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that any loans, advances or other amounts owed by you to the Company may be offset by the Company and its affiliates against amounts payable to you under Section 3 to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.<u>Restrictive Covenants and Other Conditions</u>. You acknowledge and agree that you are a party to that certain Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and such agreement remains in full force and effect. In the event of (a) your material breach of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, (b) your engagement in any act or omission after the Date of Termination that would have constituted "Cause" under subsections (ii) through (iv), (xii) or (xiii) of the definition thereof (without regard for any cure periods therein) for

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termination of your employment had you remained employed after the Date of Termination, or (c) the Company's determination in good faith that facts or circumstances existed on the Date of Termination that, if known by the Company on the Date of Termination, would have constituted Cause, the Company shall be entitled to cease all payments and benefits pursuant to Section 3(b), all Equity Awards that vested pursuant to Section 3(b) and any shares of Company stock you received with respect thereto shall immediately be forfeited, without payment therefor, and you shall be required to pay to the Company, immediately upon demand therefor, the amount of any proceeds realized by you from the sale of any such shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.<u>Section 409A Tax Implications</u>. Any payments or benefits required to be provided under this Agreement that is subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be provided only after the date of your "separation from service" with the Company as defined under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder (collectively, "*Section 409A*"). The following rules shall apply with respect to distribution of the payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to you under this Agreement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)To the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A. Each installment of the payments and benefits provided hereunder shall be treated as a separate "payment" for purposes of Section 409A. If and to the extent (i) any portion of any payment, compensation or other benefit provided to you pursuant to this Agreement in connection with your termination of employment constitutes "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A and (ii) you are a specified employee as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, in each case as determined by the Company in accordance with its procedures, by which determinations you agree that you are bound, such portion of the payment, compensation or other benefit shall not be paid until the first business day that is six (6) months plus one (1) day or more after the date of "separation from service" (as determined under Section 409A) (the "*New Payment Date*"), except such earlier date as Section 409A may then permit. The aggregate of any payments that otherwise would have been paid to you during the period between the date of separation from service and the New Payment Date shall be paid to you in a lump sum on such New Payment Date, and any remaining payments will be paid on their original schedule.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Company and its employees, agents and representatives make no representations or warranty and shall have no liability to you or any other person if any provisions of or payments, compensation or other benefits under this Agreement are determined to constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A but do not satisfy the conditions of that section. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that following the Effective Date the Board determines that this Agreement may be subject to Section 409A, the Board may (but is not obligated to), without your consent, adopt such amendments to this Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Board determines are necessary or appropriate to (i) exempt this Agreement from Section 409A and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to this Agreement or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A and thereby avoid the application of any penalty taxes under Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.<u>Section 280G</u>. If any payment or benefit you would receive or retain under this Severance Agreement, when combined with any other payment or benefit you receive or retain in connection with a "change in control event" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and the regulations and guidance thereunder ("*Section 280G*"), would (a) constitute a "parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (b) but for this Section 8, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the "*Excise Tax*"), then such Payment shall be either payable in full or in such lesser amount as would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax, results in your receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the Payment notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. All determinations required to be made under this Section 8, including whether and to what extent the Payment shall be reduced and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by a

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nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or consulting firm experience in matters regarding Section 280G of the Code as may be designated by the Company (the "*280G Advisor*"). The 280G Advisor shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to you and the Company at such time as is requested by the Company. All fees and expenses of the 280G Advisor shall be borne solely by the Company. Any final determination by the 280G Advisor shall be binding upon you and the Company. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 8, the 280G Advisor may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good-faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.<u>Withholding</u>. The Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement any federal, state, local or foreign withholding or other taxes or charges that the Company is required to withhold. The Company shall be entitled to rely on an opinion or advice of counsel if any questions as to the amount or requirement of withholding arise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. <u>Miscellaneous</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) This Agreement, together with any written employment agreement or offer letter to which you may be a party and any agreements referenced herein, will constitute our entire agreement as to your employment by the Company and will supersede any prior agreements or understandings, whether in writing or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof, other than with respect to any agreements between you and the Company with respect to confidential information, intellectual property, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, nondisclosure of proprietary information, inventions and injunctive relief, including, without limitation, the Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions may be determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable and except to the extent necessary to reform or delete such illegal or unenforceable provision, this Agreement shall remain unmodified and in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the written consent of the other, assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement or its obligations, duties and rights under this Agreement; provided, however, that in the event of the merger, consolidation, transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the Company may assign its rights and obligations hereunder and, in the event of such assignment, this Agreement shall, subject to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successor and such successor shall be solely obligated to discharge and perform all of the promises, covenants, duties and obligations of the Company hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) All notices shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally (including by courier), by overnight receipted courier service (such as UPS or Federal Express) or sent by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid, to the Company at the following address: Ribbon Communications Legal Department, 3605 E. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074, Attn: Head of Legal, and to you at the most current address we have in your employment file. Any such notice shall be deemed given when so delivered personally or, if by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid mailed, forty-eight (48) hours after the date of deposit in the mail. Any party may, by notice given in accordance with this paragraph to the other party, designate another address or person for receipt of notices hereunder.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Arbitration.</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof which cannot be settled by mutual agreement will be finally settled by binding arbitration in the county where you performed your principal work duties for the Company, under the jurisdiction of the American Arbitration Association or other mutually agreeable alternative arbitration dispute resolution service, before a single arbitrator appointed in accordance with the arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association or other selected service, modified only as herein expressly provided. You acknowledge receipt of the applicable AAA Employment Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures which may be found at the AAA website here https://www.adr.org/Rules. The arbitrator may enter a default decision against any party who fails to participate in the arbitration proceedings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. The Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq. shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this arbitration clause. The decision of the arbitrator on the points in dispute will be final, non-appealable and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii. The fees and expenses of the arbitration will be borne as provided in the AAA Costs of Arbitration section, and each party will bear the fees and expenses of its own attorney, unless the arbitrator finds that a statutory award of attorneys' fees and/or costs is appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iv. The parties waive their rights to a class or collective action. The parties agree that claims may not be joined, consolidated, or heard together with claims of any other current or former employee of the Company or other third party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;v. The parties agree that this Section 10(f) has been included to resolve any disputes between them with respect to this Agreement or your employment, and that this Section 10(f) will be grounds for dismissal of any court action commenced by either party with respect to this Agreement, other than post-arbitration actions seeking to enforce an arbitration award or actions seeking an injunction or temporary restraining order and other than claims for unemployment insurance benefits or workers compensation benefits or other claims which by law cannot be subject to a mandatory arbitration agreement. In the event that any court determines that this arbitration procedure is not binding, or otherwise allows any litigation regarding a dispute, claim, or controversy covered by this Agreement to proceed, the parties hereto hereby waive, to the maximum extent allowed by law, any and all right to a class or collection action or a trial by jury in or with respect to such litigation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;vi. The parties will keep confidential, and will not disclose to any person, except as may be required by law or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or other government agencies, the existence of any controversy hereunder, the referral of any such controversy to arbitration or the status or resolution thereof; notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall restrict you from communicating with a government agency or engaging in protected concerted activity that cannot be waived by such an agreement not to disclose.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of laws provisions thereof or of any other jurisdiction .

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.<u>Acceptance</u>. You may accept the terms and conditions described herein by confirming your acceptance in writing. Please send your countersignature to this Agreement to the Company, or via e-mail to me, which execution will evidence your agreement with the terms and conditions set forth herein.

\* \* \* \* \*

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Severance Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

EXECUTIVE:

<u>/s/ Dan Redington</u> 

COMPANY:

By: <u>/s/ Bruce McClelland</u> 

Name: Bruce McClelland

Title:President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

*Signature Page to Severance Agreement*

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## Exhibit 10.37

Exhibit 10.37

**Ribbon Communications Inc.**<br>**2025 Incentive Award Plan**

**Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement <br>(Time-Based Vesting)**

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made effective as of the date set forth in the table below (the "Grant Date") between Ribbon Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and the participant listed in the table below (the "Participant").

Participant: <br> Grant Effective Date: <br> Number of Restricted Stock Units:

<u>RECITALS</u>

WHEREAS, the Company has adopted the Ribbon Communications Inc. 2025 Incentive Award Plan (the "Plan"), which Plan is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Agreement (capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings as set forth in the Plan); and

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to grant to the Participant the restricted stock units described herein pursuant to the Plan and the terms set forth below;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.*Award of Restricted Stock Units.* Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement and in consideration of employment services rendered and to be rendered by the Participant to the Company and its subsidiaries, the Company hereby grants to the Participant restricted stock units (the "Restricted Stock Units") as set forth in the table above. Each Restricted Stock Unit entitles the Participant to one share of Company Common Stock upon vesting in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Vesting of Restricted Stock Units*.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon the vesting of the Award, as described in this Section, the Company shall deliver for each Restricted Stock Unit that becomes vested, one (1) share of Company Common Stock. The Company Common Stock shall be delivered as soon as practicable following each vesting date or event set forth below, but in any case within 30 days after such date or event.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject to Section 2(c) and Section 3, (i) one-third of the Restricted Stock Units shall become vested and payable to the Participant on the first anniversary of the Grant Date and (ii) one-sixth of the Restricted Stock Units shall become vested and payable to the Participant every six months thereafter, in each case, so long as the Participant remains employed with the Company and its subsidiaries through such applicable vesting date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notwithstanding Section 2(b), and except as set forth in an employment agreement and/or severance agreement between Participant and the Company, effective immediately prior to the consummation of an Acquisition, the unvested Restricted Stock Units that would vest within twelve (12) months following the date of such Acquisition shall immediately vest and become exercisable. Thereafter, the remaining unvested Restricted Stock Units shall continue to vest pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth above; provided that such vesting schedule shall be shortened by twelve (12) months.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, this Award may be not be exercised, vested, paid or otherwise settled, or any shares of Common Stock issued with respect thereto, until the stockholders of the Company approve the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Termination of Employment*.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to Section 2(c) and the terms of any employment or severance agreement between Participant and the Company, and notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, upon the termination of the Participant's employment for any reason, the Award, to the extent not yet vested, shall immediately and automatically terminate and be forfeited for no consideration; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that the Board may, in its sole and absolute discretion agree to accelerate the vesting of the Award, upon termination of employment or otherwise, for any reason or no reason, but shall have no obligation to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)For purposes of the Plan and the Award, a termination of employment shall be deemed to have occurred on the date upon which the Participant ceases to perform active employment duties for the Company or its subsidiaries following the provision of any notification of termination or resignation from employment, and without regard to any period of notice of termination of employment (whether expressed or implied) or any period of severance or salary continuation. The occurrence of a termination of employment shall be determined by the Board in accordance with Section 3 of the Plan. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Award, this Agreement or any other agreement (written or oral) to the contrary, the Participant shall not be entitled (and by accepting an Award, thereby irrevocably waives any such entitlement) to any payment or other benefit to compensate the Participant for the loss of any rights under the Plan as a result of the termination or expiration of an Award in connection with any termination of employment. No amounts earned pursuant to the Plan or any Award shall be deemed to be eligible compensation in respect of any other plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*No Assignment.* Except as expressly permitted under the Plan, this Agreement may not be assigned by the Participant by operation of law or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*No Rights to Continued Employment.* The granting of this Award evidenced hereby and this Agreement shall impose no obligation on the Company or any of its affiliates to continue the employment or service of the Participant and shall not lessen or affect any right that the Company or any of its affiliates may have to terminate the service of such Participant. The Participant shall remain an "at will" employee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Governing Law.* This Agreement will be governed by and interpreted and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware (without reference to principles of conflicts or choice of law) as to all matters, including, but not limited to, matters of validity, construction, effect, performance and metrics.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Tax Obligations.* As a condition to the granting of the Award and the vesting thereof, the Participant acknowledges and agrees that he/she is responsible for the payment of income and employment taxes (and any other taxes required to be withheld) payable in connection with the vesting and/or settlement of an Award. Accordingly, the Participant agrees to remit to the Company or any applicable subsidiary an amount sufficient to pay such taxes. Such payment shall be made to the Company or the applicable subsidiary of the Company in a form that is reasonably acceptable to the Company, as the Company may determine in its sole discretion, consistent with Section 11(e) of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing (but subject to Section 11(e) of the Plan), the Company may, in its discretion, retain and withhold from delivery at the time of vesting that number of shares of Company Common Stock having a fair market value equal to the taxes owed by the Participant, which retained shares shall fund the payment of such taxes by the Company on behalf of the Participant. The Participant acknowledges that he or she is responsible for reviewing with his or her own tax advisors the federal, state, local and other tax consequences of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Participant acknowledges that he or she is not relying on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Notices.* Any notification required by the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effective upon personal delivery or within three (3) days of deposit with the United States Postal Service or the local equivalent of the United States Postal Service, by registered or certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid. A notice shall be addressed to the Company, Attention: General Counsel, at its principal executive office and to the Participant at the address he or she most recently provided to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Failure to Enforce Not a Waiver.* The failure of the Company to enforce at any time any provision of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Amendments.* This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written agreement signed by the Company and the Participant; provided, however, that the Board may amend or alter this Agreement and the Award granted hereunder at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Authority.* The Board has complete authority and discretion to determine Awards, and to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. The determination of the Board as to any matter relating to the interpretation or construction of the Plan or this Agreement shall be final, binding and conclusive on all parties. All references in this Agreement to the "Board" shall mean the Board or a Committee or officers referred to in Section 3(c) of the Plan to the extent that the Board's powers or authority under this Agreement have been delegated to such Committee or officers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Successors.* This Agreement will bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, permitted assigns, heirs, devisees, and legal representatives. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Entire Agreement*. Except as set forth herein, this Agreement and the Plan supersede all prior agreements, whether written or oral and whether express or implied, between the Participant and the Company relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Rights as a Stockholder.* The Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock of the Company underlying or relating to any Award (including, without limitation, rights to vote or dividends) until the issuance of a stock certificate to the Participant in respect of such Award (or such shares of Common Stock are evidenced through book entry).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Clawback*. The Award (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by the Participant upon any receipt of the Award or upon the receipt or resale of Common Shares underlying the Award) shall be subject to the provisions of any claw-back policy implemented by the Company, including, without limitation, any claw-back policy adopted to comply with the requirements of applicable law, including without limitation the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Severability*. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are deemed to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Section 409A*.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Agreement is intended to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code (together with the Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder (including, without limitation, any such regulations or other guidance issued after the Grant Date, "Section 409A") and, to the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A.

------

 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If and to the extent (i) any portion of any payment, compensation or other benefit provided to the Participant pursuant to this Agreement in connection with his or her employment termination constitutes "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A and (ii) the Participant is a specified employee as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, in each case as determined by the Company in accordance with its procedures, by which determinations the Participant (through accepting the Award) agrees that he or she is bound, such portion of the payment, compensation or other benefit shall not be paid before the day that is six months plus one day after the date of "separation from service" (as determined under Section 409A) (the "New Payment Date"), except as Section 409A may then permit. The aggregate of any payments that otherwise would have been paid to the Participant during the period between the date of separation from service and the New Payment Date shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum on such New Payment Date, and any remaining payments will be paid on their original schedule.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if at any time the Board determines that the Restricted Stock Units (or any portion thereof) may be subject to Section 409A, the Board shall have the right in its sole discretion (without any obligation to do so or to indemnify the Participant or any other person for failure to do so) to adopt such amendments to this Agreement, or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, as the Board determines are necessary or appropriate for Restricted Stock Units to be exempt from the application of Section 409A or to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed to transfer any liability for failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A from the Participant or any other individual to the Company or any of its affiliates, employees or agents.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Captions*. The captions of the sections of this Agreement are for reference only and will not affect the interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is effective as of the date first above written.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

By: ________________________&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Name: Patrick Macken

Title: EVP, Chief Legal Officer

[Restricted Stock Unit Agreement – Time-Based Vesting]

------

## Exhibit 10.38

Exhibit 10.38

**Ribbon Communications Inc.**

**2025 Incentive Award Plan**

**Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance-Based Vesting)**

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), is made effective as of the date set forth in the table immediately below (the "Grant Date"), between Ribbon Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and the participant named in the table immediately below (the "Participant").

---

| |
|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Participant: |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Grant Effective Date: |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Number of Restricted Stock Units Subject to Vesting Based on Company Performance Metrics ("Annual Performance PSUs"): |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Number of Restricted Stock Units Subject to Vesting Based on Company Performance Metrics ("TSR PSUs"): |

---

<u>RECITALS</u>

WHEREAS, the Company has adopted the Ribbon Communications Inc. 2025 Incentive Award Plan Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Plan"), which Plan is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Agreement (capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings as set forth in the Plan); and

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to grant to the Participant the restricted stock units described herein pursuant to the Plan and the terms set forth below;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.*Award of Restricted Stock Units* Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement and in consideration of employment services rendered and to be rendered by the Participant to the Company, the Company hereby grants to the Participant the restricted stock units (the "Restricted Stock Units" or "PSUs") set forth in the table immediately above. Each Restricted Stock Unit entitles the Participant to such number of shares of Common Stock, subject to continued employment, upon vesting as is determined pursuant to Section 2 hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.*Vesting of Restricted Stock Units.*

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. Upon the vesting of the Award, as described in this Section and <u>Schedule 1</u> attached hereto, the Company shall deliver for each Restricted Stock Unit that vests, the number of shares of Common Stock as is determined pursuant to <u>Schedule 1</u>. The Common Stock shall be delivered as soon as practicable following the Vesting Date (as defined in <u>Schedule 1</u>), but in any case within 30 days after such date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. Subject to Section 2(c) and Section 3, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest in accordance with the terms set forth in <u>Schedule 1</u> attached hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. Notwithstanding Section 2(b), upon the Participant's termination of employment, the Award shall become subject to the acceleration of vesting to the extent provided in <u>Schedule 1</u> attached hereto or under the terms of the Participant's employment and/or severance agreement with the Company, subject to any terms and conditions set forth in the Plan or imposed by the Board (including in <u>Schedule 1</u> hereto).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, this Award may be not be exercised, vested, paid or otherwise settled, or any shares of Common Stock issued with respect thereto, until the stockholders of the Company approve the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.*Termination of Employment.* Subject to Section 2(c) and notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, upon the termination of the Participant's employment with the Company and its subsidiaries, the Award, to the extent not yet vested, shall immediately and automatically terminate; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that the Board may, in its sole and absolute discretion agree to accelerate the vesting of the Award, upon termination of employment or otherwise, for any reason or no reason, but shall have no obligation to do so.

For purposes of the Plan and the Award, a termination of employment shall be deemed to have occurred on the date upon which the Participant ceases to perform active employment duties for the Company or its subsidiaries following the provision of any notification of termination or resignation from employment, and without regard to any period of notice of termination of employment (whether expressed or implied) or any period of severance or salary continuation. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Award, this Agreement or any other agreement (written or oral) to the contrary, the Participant shall not be entitled (and by accepting an Award, thereby irrevocably waives any such entitlement) to any payment or other benefit to compensate the Participant for the loss of any rights under the Plan as a result of the termination or expiration of an Award in connection with any termination of employment. No amounts earned pursuant to the Plan or any Award shall be deemed to be eligible compensation in respect of any other plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.*No Assignment.* Except as expressly permitted under the Plan, this Agreement may not be assigned by the Participant by operation of law or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.*No Rights to Continued Employment.* The granting of this Award evidenced hereby and this Agreement shall impose no obligation on the Company or any of its affiliates to continue the employment or service of the Participant and shall not lessen or affect any right that the Company

------

or any of its affiliates may have to terminate the service of such Participant. The Participant shall remain an "at will" employee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.*Governing Law.* This Agreement will be governed by and interpreted and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware (without reference to principles of conflicts or choice of law) as to all matters, including, but not limited to, matters of validity, construction, effect, performance and metrics.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.*Tax Obligations.* As a condition to the granting of the Award and the vesting and settlement thereof, the Participant acknowledges and agrees that he or she is responsible for the payment of income and employment taxes (and any other taxes required to be withheld) payable in connection with the vesting and settlement of an Award. Accordingly, the Participant agrees to remit to the Company or any applicable subsidiary an amount sufficient to pay such taxes. Such payment shall be made to the Company or the applicable subsidiary of the Company in a form that is reasonably acceptable to the Company, as the Company may determine in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may retain and withhold from delivery at the time of vesting or settlement that number of shares of Common Stock having a fair market value equal to the taxes owed by the Participant, which retained shares shall fund the payment of such taxes by the Company on behalf of the Participant. The Participant acknowledges that he or she is responsible for reviewing with his or her own tax advisors the federal, state, local and other tax consequences of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Participant acknowledges that he or she is not relying on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.*Notices.* Any notification required by the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effective upon personal delivery or within three (3) days of deposit with the United States Postal Service or, if outside the United States, the local equivalent of the United States Postal Service, by registered or certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid. A notice shall be addressed to the Company, Attention: General Counsel, at its principal executive office and to the Participant at the address he or she most recently provided to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.*Failure to Enforce Not a Waiver.* The failure of the Company to enforce at any time any provision of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.*Amendments.* This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written agreement signed by the Company and the Participant; provided, however, that the Board may amend or alter this Agreement and the Award granted hereunder at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.*Authority.* The Board has complete authority and discretion to determine Awards, and to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. The determination of the Board as to any matter relating to the interpretation or construction of the Plan or this Agreement shall be final, binding and conclusive on all parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.*Successors.* This Agreement will bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, permitted assigns, heirs, devisees, and legal representatives.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.*Entire Agreement*. Except as set forth herein, this Agreement and the Plan supersede all prior agreements, whether written or oral and whether express or implied, between the Participant and the Company relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the Participant has entered into an employment agreement with the Company and the terms noted in such employment agreement are inconsistent with or conflicts with this Agreement, then the terms of the employment agreement will supersede the inconsistent or conflicting terms set forth herein as determined by the Board in accordance with Section 3(a) of the Plan. In all other respects, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.*Rights as a Stockholder.* The Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock underlying or relating to any Award until the issuance of a stock certificate to the Participant in respect of such Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.*Erroneously Awarded Compensation*. The Award (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by Participant upon any receipt of the Award or upon the receipt or resale of shares of Common Stock underlying the Award) shall be subject to the provisions of any claw-back policy implemented by the Company, including, without limitation, any claw-back policy adopted to comply with the requirements of applicable law, including without limitation the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.*Severability*. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are deemed to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.*Section 409A*.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. This Agreement is intended to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code (together with the Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder (including, without limitation, any such regulations or other guidance issued after the Grant Date, "Section 409A") and, to the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. If and to the extent (i) any portion of any payment, compensation or other benefit provided to the Participant pursuant to this Agreement in connection with his or her employment termination constitutes "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A and (ii) the Participant is a specified employee as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, in each case as determined by the Company in accordance with its procedures, by which determinations the Participant (through accepting the Award) agrees that he or she is bound, such portion of the payment, compensation or other benefit shall not be paid before the day that is six months plus one day after the date of "separation from service" (as determined under Section 409A) (the "New Payment Date"), except as Section 409A may then permit. The aggregate of any payments that otherwise would have been paid to the Participant during the period between the date of separation from service and the New Payment Date shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum

------

on such New Payment Date, and any remaining payments will be paid on their original schedule.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if at any time the Board determines that the Restricted Stock Units (or any portion thereof) may be subject to Section 409A, the Board shall have the right in its sole discretion (without any obligation to do so or to indemnify the Participant or any other person for failure to do so) to adopt such amendments to this Agreement, or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, as the Board determines are necessary or appropriate for Restricted Stock Units to be exempt from the application of Section 409A or to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed to transfer any liability for failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A from the Participant or any other individual to the Company or any of its affiliates, employees or agents.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.*Captions*. The captions of the sections of this Agreement are for reference only and will not affect the interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19.*Signature in Counterparts*. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. This Agreement will not be binding on either party unless and until signed by both parties.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is effective as of the date first above written.

**RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.**

By: ___________________________________

Name: Patrick W. Macken

Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary

Agreed and acknowledged as of the date first above written:

<u>________________________________</u>

**[PARTICIPANT]**

------

**Schedule 1**

US-DOCS\106551488.7

------

## Exhibit 21.1

**EXHIBIT 21.1**

RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS INC.

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| <br>| <br>|
| **Name**<br>| **Jurisdiction of Incorporation**<br>|
| **ECI de Argentina **S.A.**<br>| Argentina<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Australia Pty **Ltd**<br>| Australia<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications do Brasil **Ltda.**<br>| Brazil<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Canada **ULC**<br>| Canada<br>|
| **Ribbon Networks Communications Chile **Limitada**<br>| Chile<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Shanghai Co., **Ltd.**<br>| China<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Shanghai Co., LTD Hangzhou **Branch**<br>| China<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Sur America **Ltda.**<br>| Colombia<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Costa Rica **S.A.**<br>| Costa Rica<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Czech Republic **s.r.o.**<br>| Czech Republic<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications France **EURL**<br>| France<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Germany **GmbH**<br>| Germany<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Hong Kong **Limited**<br>| Hong Kong<br>|
| **Ribbon Communication Pvt. **Ltd.**<br>| India<br>|
| **ECI Telecom India Private **Limited**<br>| India<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications International **Ltd.**<br>| Ireland<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Israel **Ltd.**<br>| Israel<br>|
| **ECI Telecom Group **Ltd.**<br>| Israel<br>|
| **ECI Telecom **Ltd.**<br>| Israel<br>|
| **Negev Telecom **Ltd.**<br>| Israel<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Italy **S.R.L.**<br>| Italy<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Kabushiki **Kaisha**<br>| Japan<br>|
| **ECI Telecom Kenya **Limited**<br>| Kenya<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Malaysia Sdn. **Bhd.**<br>| Malaysia<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Mexico S. de R.L. de **C.V.**<br>| Mexico<br>|
| **GENBAND Canada **B.V.**<br>| Netherlands<br>|
| **Ribbon Networks **B.V.**<br>| Netherlands<br>|
| **GENBAND NS **B.V.**<br>| Netherlands<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications **B.V.**<br>| Netherlands<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Philippines, **Inc.**<br>| Philippines<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications **sp.z.o.o.**<br>| Poland<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Rus Limited Liability **Company**<br>| Russia<br>|
| **ECI Telecom 2005 **LLC**<br>| Russia<br>|
| **Ribbon Networks Saudi Arabia for Information **Technology**<br>| Saudi Arabia<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Singapore Pte. **Ltd.**<br>| Singapore<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Spain, **S.L.**<br>| Spain<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Switzerland **GmbH**<br>| Switzerland<br>|
| **Ribbon Networks Co., **Ltd.**<br>| Taiwan<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc. (Thailand **Branch)**<br>| Thailand<br>|
| **Ribbon Networks B.V. Dubai **Branch**<br>| UAE<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications UK **Limited**<br>| UK<br>|
| **ECI Telecom Ukraine **LLC**<br>| Ukraine<br>|
| **N.E.T. APLA, Inc. – Uruguay **Branch**<br>| Uruguay<br>|

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ('<br>', '**Name**<br>') | ('<br>', '**Jurisdiction of Incorporation**<br>') |
| **Network Equipment Technologies, **Inc.**<br>| US; Delaware<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Operating Company, **Inc.**<br>| US; Delaware<br>|
| **Ribbon Communications Federal **Inc.**<br>| US; Delaware<br>|
| **Sonus Networks, **Inc.**<br>| US; Delaware<br>|
| **Genband **Inc.**<br>| US; Massachusetts<br>|
| **ECI Telecom Holdings B.V. Vietnam Rep. **Office**<br>| Vietnam<br>|
| **The Representative Office of Ribbon Networks B.V. in Hanoi **City**<br>| Vietnam<br>|

---

------

## Exhibit 23.1

**EXHIBIT 23.1**

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-267415 and 333-271117 on Form S-3 and Registration Statement Nos. 333-221240, 333-226624, 333-232946, 333-238888, 333-266412, 333-282856, 333-288488, and 333-292053 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 26, 2026, relating to the financial statements of Ribbon Communications Inc. and the effectiveness of Ribbon Communications Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ribbon Communications Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2025.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Dallas, Texas

February 26, 2026

------

## Exhibit 31.1

**EXHIBIT 31.1**

**CERTIFICATION**

I, Bruce McClelland, certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ribbon Communications Inc.;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 26, 2026

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Bruce McClelland |
| Bruce McClelland |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
| (Principal Executive Officer) |

---

------

## Exhibit 31.2

**EXHIBIT 31.2**

**CERTIFICATION**

I, John Townsend, certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ribbon Communications Inc.;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 26, 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| oh<br>|  |
|  | /s/ John Townsend |
|  | John Townsend |
|  | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
|  | (Principal Financial Officer) |

---

------

## Exhibit 32.1

**EXHIBIT 32.1**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO**

**SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ribbon Communications Inc. (the "Company") for the period ended December 31, 2025 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), the undersigned, Bruce McClelland, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to his knowledge:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: February 26, 2026

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Bruce McClelland |
| Bruce McClelland |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
| (Principal Executive Officer) |

---

------

## Exhibit 32.2

**EXHIBIT 32.2**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO**

**SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ribbon Communications Inc. (the "Company") for the period ended December 31, 2025 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), the undersigned, John Townsend, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to his knowledge:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: February 26, 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Ohn <br>|  |
|  | /s/ John Townsend |
|  | John Townsend |
|  | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
|  | (Principal Financial Officer) |

---

------