# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001828536
**File Stem:** 0001828536-26-000022
**Filing Date:** 2026-3
**Character Count:** 698493
**Document Hash:** 6a3821255ea781b1b5edc43af73ceeeb
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001828536-26-000022.hdr.sgml**: 20260318

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001828536-26-000022

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 10-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 154

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251231

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260318

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260318

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001828536
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** MISCELLANEOUS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES [3690]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 04 Manufacturing
- **EIN:** 853230987
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-39982
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26769273

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4165 EAST THOUSAND OAKS BLVD.
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 100
- **CITY:** WESTLAKE VILLIAGE
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 91362
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 805-852-0000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4165 EAST THOUSAND OAKS BLVD.
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 100
- **CITY:** WESTLAKE VILLIAGE
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 91362

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Novus Capital Corp II
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20201015

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? nrgv-20251231

<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**___________________________________**

**FORM 10-K**

**___________________________________**

**(Mark One)**

⌧ **ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025**

**OR**

□ **TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the transition period from _________ to _________**

**Commission file number 001-39982**

**___________________________________**

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**___________________________________**

**(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **85-3230987** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| **4165 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 100**<br> **Westlake Village, California** | **91362** |
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |

---

**(805) 852-0000**

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

**___________________________________**

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

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share | NRGV | New York Stock Exchange |

---

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 □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 □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 ⌧ No □

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes ⌧ No □

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

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 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 on 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 □ No ⌧

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2025, based on the closing price of $0.72 for shares of the Registrant's Class A common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $67.6 million. Shares of common stock beneficially owned by each executive officer, director, and holder of more than 5% of our common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

The registrant had 172,975,047 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, outstanding as of March 13, 2026.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | | Page |
| <u>[Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_13)</u> | <u>[Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_13)</u> | [3](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_13) |
| <u>[Part I](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_651)</u> | | |
| Item 1. | <u>[Business](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_657)</u> | [5](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_657) |
| Item 1A. | <u>[Risk Factors](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_664)</u> | [15](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_664) |
| Item 1B. | <u>[Unresolved Staff Comments](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_670)</u> | [46](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_670) |
| Item 1C. | <u>[Cybersecurity](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_676)</u> | [47](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_676) |
| Item 2. | <u>[Properties](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_691)</u> | [48](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_691) |
| Item 3. | <u>[Legal Proceedings](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_697)</u> | [48](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_697) |
| Item 4. | <u>[Mine Safety Disclosures](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_703)</u> | [48](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_703) |
| <u>[Part II](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_16)</u> | | |
| Item 5. | <u>[Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_738)</u> | [49](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_738) |
| Item 6. | <u>[\[Reserved\]](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_744)</u> | [49](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_744) |
| Item 7. | <u>[Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_106)</u> | [49](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_106) |
| Item 7A. | <u>[Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_145)</u> | [70](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_145) |
| Item 8. | <u>[Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_19)</u> | [72](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_19) |
| Item 9. | <u>[Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_763)</u> | [124](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_763) |
| Item 9A. | <u>[Controls and Procedures](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_148)</u> | [124](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_148) |
| Item 9B. | <u>[Other Information](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_169)</u> | [125](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_169) |
| Item 9C. | <u>[Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_778)</u> | [125](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_778) |
| <u>[Part III](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_151)</u> | | |
| Item 10. | <u>[Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_154)</u> | [126](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_154) |
| Item 11. | <u>[Executive Compensation](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_157)</u> | [126](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_157) |
| Item 12. | <u>[Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owner and Management and Related Stockholder Matters](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_160)</u> | [126](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_160) |
| Item 13. | <u>[Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_163)</u> | [126](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_163) |
| Item 14. | <u>[Principal Accounting Fees and Services](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_166)</u> | [126](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_166) |
| <u>[Part IV](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_791)</u> | | |
| Item 15. | <u>[Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_172)</u> | [127](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_172) |
| Item 16. | <u>[Form 10-K Summary](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_807)</u> | [131](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_807) |
| <u>[Signatures](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_175)</u> | <u>[Signatures](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_175)</u> | [132](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_175) |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS**

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including statements regarding our future results of operations or financial condition, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that are in some cases beyond our control and may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will" or "would" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in our strategy, expansion plans, customer opportunities, future operations, future financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the implementation, market acceptance and success of our business model and growth strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to develop and maintain our brand and reputation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• developments and projections relating to our business, our competitors, and industry;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the impact of macroeconomic uncertainty, including with respect to uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies and tariffs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in tax laws and government regulations and the impact of those changes on us, including as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the clean-energy tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• investment in development projects that may not achieve commercial operations in our predicted timeframe or at all;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our efforts to diversify our supply chain to lessen the impact of tariffs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection and not infringe on the rights of others;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• expectations regarding the time during which we will be an emerging growth company under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the international nature of our operations and the impact of war or other hostilities on our business and global markets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to obtain funding for our operations and future growth; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our business, expansion plans and opportunities, including our expansion into owned and operated projects.

You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the section titled "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Additionally, our discussions of environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") assessments, goals and relevant issues herein or in other locations, including our corporate website, are informed by various ESG standards and frameworks (including standards for the measurement of underlying data), and the interests of various stakeholders. References to "materiality" in the context of such discussions and any related assessment of ESG "materiality" may differ from the definition of "materiality" under the federal securities laws for SEC reporting purposes. Furthermore, much of this information is subject to assumptions, estimates or third-party information that is still evolving and subject to change. For example, we note that standards and expectations regarding greenhouse gas ("GHG") accounting and the process for measuring and counting GHG emissions and GHG emissions reductions are evolving, and it is possible that our approaches both to measuring our emissions and any reductions may be at some point, either currently

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or in the future, considered not in keeping with best practices. In addition, our disclosures based on any standards may change due to revisions in framework requirements, availability or quality of information, changes in our business or applicable government policies, or other factors, some of which may be beyond our control.

In addition, statements that "we believe" and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. While we believe that information provides a reasonable basis for these statements, that information may be limited or incomplete. Our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements. Any forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this document, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking information or statements, whether written or oral, to reflect any change, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

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**PART I**

**ITEM 1. BUSINESS**

**Organization**

Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, "Energy Vault" or the "Company") is a Delaware corporation. On February 11, 2022, we completed a business combination with Energy Vault, Inc. (the "Merger") and, in connection with the closing, changed our name from Novus Capital Corporation II to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.

**Mission**

Our mission is to build, own, and energize the world's critical energy infrastructure.

**About Us**

Energy Vault delivers a diversified portfolio of energy storage solutions to third parties, including proprietary gravity, battery, and green hydrogen-based technologies, supported by our technology-agnostic energy management software and integration capabilities. Beginning in 2024, we initiated a multi-year transition from primarily delivering projects through build-and-transfer arrangements and licensing models toward a more integrated model that includes selectively developing, owning, and operating energy storage assets, while continuing to provide technology, integration, software, and long-term services to customers. We believe this strategy is supported by our experience across multiple storage technologies, system integration and controls capabilities, and established global presence, as well as access to project-level capital through our Asset Vault platform.

Through this integrated model, we offer utilities, independent power producers, and large energy users solutions that may include standalone energy storage, integrated generation and storage configurations, and related power infrastructure. We manage projects across the lifecycle, from sourcing and development through permitting and interconnection, engineering and construction management, commissioning, and operations, and we provide software enabled monitoring, controls, and services intended to support asset availability, operational efficiency, and lifecycle performance.

**Build, Own, and Operate Projects** 

In 2025, we advanced our "Own & Operate" strategy by placing our first two owned energy storage systems into commercial operation. Through our Asset Vault platform, launched in 2025 with a $300 million preferred equity commitment from Orion Infrastructure Capital and affiliated funds (collectively "OIC"), we are pursuing a targeted deployment of approximately 1.5 GW of energy storage capacity across the U.S., Australia, and Europe.

In May 2025, our Cross Trails Battery Energy Storage System ("Cross Trails") in Snyder, Texas achieved commercial operation, marking the first asset placed in service under our Own & Operate strategy. The 57 MW / 114 MWh two-hour battery energy storage system ("BESS") is supported by a 10-year offtake agreement with Gridmatic, an AI-enabled power marketer. The offtake agreement is the first physically settled revenue floor contract to be signed for a BESS in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas ("ERCOT") region. Cross Trails serves as the first deployment of our second-generation B-VAULT AC product and is operated using our VaultOS Energy Management System.

The Calistoga Resiliency Center ("CRC") is a hybrid microgrid energy storage facility located in Calistoga, California that integrates hydrogen fuel cells with lithium-ion batteries. We designed the CRC in cooperation with the City of Calistoga and Pacific Gas & Electric ("PG&E") to provide reliable power with zero on-site emissions during public safety power shutoff ("PSPS") events caused by elevated wildfire risks. CRC achieved commercial operation in September 2025 and is operated by the Company under a long-term energy services arrangement with PG&E as the utility partner and distribution system operator. The facility provides 8.5 MW of power at peak capacity with approximately 48 hours of duration, with water as the byproduct at the point of use. In July 2025, CRC received California Public Utilities Commission approval to pursue market-based participation in the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) energy and ancillary services markets, which is expected to provide additional revenue when the facility is not operating in island mode for resiliency events.

In Australia, we acquired the Stoney Creek Battery Energy Storage System ("Stoney Creek") from Enervest Group. The acquisition was announced in March 2025 and completed in August 2025 following approval from the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board. Stoney Creek is a 125 MW / 1.0 GWh (8-hour) BESS project to be located in New South Wales ("NSW"), Australia, and is being developed under the framework of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, supported by a 14-year long-term energy service agreement with Australian Energy Market Operator ("AEMO") Services.

In October 2025, we acquired SOSA Energy Center ("SOSA"), a 150 MW / 300 MWh BESS project to be located in Madison County, Texas (ERCOT North), representing the first project formally acquired under our Asset Vault platform.

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Originally developed by Savion, a subsidiary of Shell plc, construction began in the fourth quarter of 2025 and commercial operation is expected in the second quarter of 2027.

In February 2026, we and our Australian development partner, Bridge Energy Pty Ltd, were awarded a 14-year Long-Term Energy Service Agreement by AusEnergy Services for the Ebor Battery Energy Storage System project in New South Wales, Australia. The 100 MW / 870 MWh project is expected to provide eight hours of dispatchable capacity and is expected to commence operations in 2028, subject to obtaining necessary contractual and regulatory approvals. We hold an exclusive option to acquire and construct the project, which will utilize our proprietary B-VAULT technology and EMS, and will be owned and operated under our Asset Vault platform.

We are actively discussing projects with public sector and private developers in many markets to continue to expand our owned project portfolio, including those in the U.S., Australia, and Europe.

**Asset Vault Platform**

In 2025, we launched Asset Vault, a majority-owned subsidiary dedicated to developing, building, owning, financing, and operating energy storage system projects. In support of this strategy, we entered into a preferred equity investment arrangement with OIC, providing a $300 million capital framework to fund the acquisition and development of a portfolio of energy storage assets. Asset Vault supports a vertically integrated model in which the Company can self-perform engineering, procurement, and construction activities ("EPC") and provide long-term service arrangements, while also owning and operating assets to generate recurring cash flows, subject to project financing, permitting, interconnection, offtake execution, and other factors.

**AI Compute Infrastructure and Modular Data Centers**

We are evaluating opportunities to develop, build, own, and operate modular "powered shell" data center infrastructure designed to support high density compute workloads, including artificial intelligence applications. These modular data centers are intended to be deployed in standardized, scalable configurations and may be delivered as powered facilities with customer supplied compute equipment. We intend to commercialize these projects through long term contracted arrangements, which may include power purchase agreements or tolling style structures with data center operators and other compute focused customers. This initiative represents our entry into the AI infrastructure market and is expected to complement our Asset Vault platform through long term, contracted powered shell deployments.

We expect these projects to leverage our integration capabilities and digital operating platform and our energy storage hardware and software platforms and, where appropriate, to be paired with energy storage and other generation and resiliency configurations.

In connection with this initiative, we have entered into a strategic framework agreement with Crusoe to pursue modular data center projects, which we expect to enable phased deployments beginning in 2026. Under the framework, we expect to support the phased deployment of Crusoe Spark modular AI factory units at our technology center in Snyder, Texas. The initial program is scalable up to 25 MW of total load and is intended to support Crusoe Cloud customer demand, including managed inference services. We currently expect the initial deployment to be located at our Snyder, Texas site near Crusoe's Abilene, Texas data center campus, although the timing and scope of any deployment will depend on final site design, customer contracting, interconnection and permitting, equipment availability, and project financing.

**Our Energy Storage Solutions**

We sell and license our energy storage solutions to third parties, in addition to selectively owning and operating energy storage systems that incorporate our energy storage equipment and software. Our diversified portfolio of energy storage solutions is designed to enhance grid stability and efficiency.

Once energy is stored in our solutions, it can be discharged to the grid in a controlled and reliable manner when needed. Our energy storage solutions are designed to accommodate a wide variety of power sources and support multiple use cases, including renewable integration, peak capacity support, ancillary services, and resiliency applications.

Our solutions include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***B-VAULT:*** Our electrochemical BESS solution designed to meet short-duration energy storage needs, typically in the range of one to four hours, including both AC and DC-coupled configurations. B-VAULT is designed to utilize purpose-built battery and inverter systems with an architecture intended to lower costs, improve performance, and promote project safety, and is offered as a suite of fully integrated battery energy storage equipment designed for reliability, flexibility, and availability. In addition, in December 2025 we launched B-VAULT FlexGrid, a configuration designed for industrial, commercial, and small-utility applications in the 2–25 MW range.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***G-VAULT***: Our proprietary gravity energy storage system ("GESS") solutions are designed to address longer-duration energy storage needs and are generally intended to support multi-hour shifting applications. G-VAULT is a family of gravity energy storage products that use a mechanical process of lifting and lowering composite blocks or water to store and dispatch electrical energy and is designed as a long-life infrastructure asset. We have commercialized certain gravity energy storage technology and associated material science primarily through licensing arrangements and continue to evaluate partnership models for co-development and technology deployment. During 2025, the Company completed a commercial demonstration unit in Snyder, Texas, which is being used to showcase and demonstrate the Company's gravity storage products to potential customers (the "Snyder CDU"). Also during 2025, the Company formed a joint venture with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, an architecture and engineering firm, to design, research, develop, and commercialize gravity energy storage system technology for use in high-rise building towers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***H-VAULT:*** Our hydrogen or hybrid energy storage system ("HESS") solutions, including systems that integrate hydrogen fuel cells with battery storage, are designed to meet customer-specific resiliency and duration requirements. H-VAULT combines fast-response battery functionality with longer-duration capabilities enabled by hydrogen-fuel-cell configurations. For example, the CRC is a hybrid system integrating battery storage with hydrogen fuel cells designed to provide multi-day resiliency support during Public Safety Power Shutoff events.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***• Software Solutions:*** Our proprietary, technology-agnostic software solutions are designed to monitor, control, and optimize energy storage and generation assets across multiple use cases. Our software solutions include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ ***VaultOS Energy Management System ("EMS")***: EMS provides real-time monitoring, operational control, and optimized dispatch across an array of generation and short to ultra-long duration energy storage assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ ***Vault-Bidder:*** Vault-Bidder uses artificial intelligence to leverage diverse, live data from directly monitored assets and external drivers to provide dispatch and revenue optimization. Vault-Bidder utilizes price forecasts to generate optimal bids for participating markets and can serve a diversity of use cases, including (but not limited to): island grids, stand-alone storage, and hybrid power plants.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ ***Vault-Manager:*** Vault-Manager converts diverse, real-time data into clear asset performance visibility and insights, facilitating improved decision-making regarding maintenance, augmentation, and expansion. Advanced battery asset management capabilities offer comprehensive visibility into performance, reliability, maintenance, financial, and environmental key performance indicators at the portfolio, site, and asset levels.

**Industry Overview**

The utility scale energy storage industry continues to expand, driven by accelerating electricity demand, the ongoing global transition toward renewable generation, and heightened focus on grid reliability and resilience. In the United States, recent federal and reliability sector publications emphasize that load growth expectations have increased, with data centers and artificial intelligence workloads, electrification, and new large industrial and manufacturing facilities among the most cited drivers of incremental demand.

In parallel, the build out of renewable resources continues to increase the need for flexible capacity. Because wind and solar output can be intermittent and location dependent, grid-scale energy storage is increasingly deployed to balance supply and demand, support transmission constrained regions, provide ancillary services, and improve system resiliency. These dynamics are reflected in reporting by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on planned U.S. utility-scale capacity additions, which in recent years have largely been driven by solar photovoltaic and battery storage.

Software and controls remain increasingly important as storage penetration grows and market participation becomes more complex. As renewable generation and energy storage portfolios expand, owners and operators continue to seek software solutions that support dispatch decisions and enable optimization, enhance asset performance, and support participation across evolving wholesale market products and operational requirements.

Our ability to expand revenue depends on continued adoption of energy storage solutions and our ability to source, execute, and operate energy storage projects with attractive economics. Market growth continues to be supported by improving energy storage economics, including declining technology costs and continued standardization for battery storage technologies, and increased energy demand driven by data centers and the need for grid stabilization.

Government policies, regulations, and financial incentives also remain important drivers of energy storage deployment. In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 ("IRA") related energy tax incentives continue to support investment in energy storage, including incentives applicable to standalone storage and potential bonus credits, including domestic content, for qualifying projects. To the extent that government incentives are reduced, eliminated, or permitted to expire,

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including as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ("OBBBA") and its changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and the clean energy credits established under the IRA, or if eligibility requirements become more restrictive, customer demand and project economics could be adversely affected, including as a result of changes in governmental policy priorities.

These changes include, among others, permanently restoring an EBITDA-based business interest deduction limitation, permanently restoring 100% bonus depreciation for certain property, permanently restoring immediate expensing for certain domestic research and experimental expenditures, and changes with respect to incentives. The OBBBA also implemented new foreign entity of concern ("FEOC")/prohibited foreign entity ("PFE") restrictions that apply to all technology-neutral credits (Section 45Y and Section 48E of the Code) (the "Technology Neutral Credits"), the advanced manufacturing credit (Section 45X of the Code), and other related incentives. Such FEOC/PFE rules deny the availability of Tech Neutral Credits by, inter alia, imposing restrictions on ownership, debt, and effective control (including through the grant of rights through various agreements or licensing rights that are otherwise retained by such entities) in respect of certain PFEs, including, but not limited to, Chinese entities. Under these rules, project owners or component suppliers with disqualifying foreign-entity ties must satisfy new sourcing, ownership, and debt tests or potentially forfeit credit eligibility. Preliminary interim guidance has been released by the U.S. Department of Treasury and IRS that further clarified methods for calculating material assistance cost ratios and provided a safe harbor for purposes of determining a taxpayer's material assistance from a "prohibited foreign entity." The U.S. Department of Treasury and the IRS have indicated that more comprehensive guidance relating to these limitations is forthcoming which will be relevant to our business and operations. Legacy IRA credits under Sections 45 and 48 of the Code for projects with construction commenced by December 31, 2024, remain fully grandfathered and unaffected by the FEOC/PFE regime. It is possible that our stock ownership could change in the future such that we become a PFE. Final eligibility and compliance will depend on forthcoming U.S. Department of Treasury, IRS, and FERC (as defined below) guidance on domestic-content metrics, PFE ownership testing rules, PFE material-assistance certifications, and storage-specific interconnection standards. We continue to monitor these developments. Some of these changes could dampen demand for battery energy storage systems in the U.S., while other changes preserve robust support for standalone battery storage.

We believe we are well positioned to capitalize on these industry trends through our competitive pricing and scalability, the attributes of our energy storage solutions that span short duration and longer duration use cases, and our integrated capabilities across development, system design and integration, software, and long-term operations and maintenance, including under our Own & Operate strategy. Our strategy is intended to enable us to apply our technology and operating capabilities across both owned assets and customer projects, while continuing to utilize third party suppliers and other partners where appropriate. The OBBBA, which was enacted on July 4, 2025, contains a broad range of changes to U.S. federal income tax laws, including with respect to incentives enacted under the IRA.

**Strategy, Strengths, and Differentiation** 

We leverage our differentiated technologies, integration capabilities, and software to provide economical solutions across short, long, and ultra-long-duration energy storage needs through (i) sales and licensing of our energy storage products and software and (ii) selective ownership and operation of energy storage assets. In 2025, we advanced our Own & Operate strategy through the launch of our Asset Vault platform.

We expect the energy storage market to be characterized by high growth and rapidly evolving use cases and requirements. Many market participants are primarily focused on solutions built around a single storage technology and/or rely on third-party platforms for software controls and optimization. By contrast, we have designed a technology-agnostic software platform intended to orchestrate and optimize the management of multiple energy storage and generation asset types across diverse applications. This approach is intended to broaden the use cases and duration scenarios that can be addressed by renewable generation and to support grid reliability use cases, including peak capacity, resiliency, and outage support.

Our strategy is supported by an integrated offering across development, system design and integration, software, and long-term operations and maintenance, including under our Own & Operate strategy. In 2025, we demonstrated execution across the project lifecycle after reaching the commercial operation milestone for Cross Trails and CRC.

Our range of solutions and commercial models is intended to provide customers and partners flexibility to address current needs while supporting future requirements as markets and regulations evolve. We also continued expanding our commercialization pathways in 2025, including acquisitions and development activity in Australia (Stoney Creek) and Texas (SOSA), and expansion through licensing our B-VAULT technology in India. For these reasons, we believe we are well positioned to compete successfully in the evolving market for energy storage solutions.

**Own & Operate Asset Site Selection and Investment Criteria** 

We have developed investment criteria intended to support disciplined capital deployment into attractive energy storage projects on a discretionary basis, including through our Asset Vault platform. We evaluate a range of market, project,

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development, and economic factors, including jurisdiction-specific regulatory and policy considerations; market structure and monetization pathways (including contracted offtake, tolling, and merchant exposure); capacity and duration requirements; siting and constructability; permitting and environmental diligence; interconnection status and grid constraints; expected revenue stack (including energy, ancillary services, and capacity, where applicable); counterparty credit considerations; and the availability and monetization of government incentives, subsidies, and tax credits (including IRA-related credits and potential bonus credits). We also consider project delivery and operating factors such as EPC and supply chain execution risk, technology configuration, performance and degradation/augmentation assumptions, and long-term operations and maintenance requirements.

In addition to majority ownership opportunities, we may pursue minority equity investments alongside strategic partners when aligned with our return objectives, which is designed to allow us to participate in customer project economics while also providing traditional third-party project services, integration, software, and turnkey technology solutions.

**Third-Party Project Delivery**

For projects delivered to third-party customers, we primarily rely on two delivery models: (i) EPC delivery and (ii) engineered equipment ("EEQ") delivery. Under an EPC model, we serve as the general contractor in which we rely on third-party EPC firms and subcontractors to perform construction activities, while our dedicated teams provide project management, engineering and integration oversight, and commissioning support. Under an EEQ model, we are responsible for delivery of the equipment within our scope of supply and for resolving issues within that scope, and we may also provide specialized technical and commissioning services for the project.

**Business Model**

As a result of our ability to deliver energy storage solutions to third parties and selectively own and operate energy storage assets, our business model includes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Sales and delivery of energy storage solutions to third-parties, including (i) constructing and delivering fully operational energy storage systems under an EPC model and (ii) delivering energy storage equipment under an EEQ model, which may also include related commissioning and technical support services.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Development, ownership, and operation of energy storage assets intended to generate recurring cash flows through contracted arrangements and/or market participation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Minority equity investments in customer projects where we also provide EPC, EEQ, software, and/or long-term services, allowing us to participate in project economics while strengthening alignment with strategic customers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Software revenue, including licensing and subscription arrangements for asset management and use case applications.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Service revenue, including long-term service arrangements that may include maintenance, monitoring, performance management, and other lifecycle services.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Intellectual property revenue, including licenses and royalties associated with our energy storage technologies and related know-how.

**Manufacturing and Customer Support**

Our manufacturing, assembly, and construction model is designed to support scalable global execution and local deployment requirements. The components of our B-VAULT, and H-VAULT solutions are primarily sourced from third-party suppliers and can be procured from multiple sources worldwide. We typically procure batteries at the cell, module, or rack level and engage qualified contractors and integrators to assemble batteries and related balance-of-system components into outdoor enclosures and other modular equipment that are shipped to project sites for installation and commissioning. We also seek to mitigate supply chain constraints for certain components (including high-voltage equipment) through multi-sourcing and strategic supply arrangements.

The physical structure of our gravity energy storage solutions is based on our proprietary designs, with many components manufactured by suppliers to our specifications. Certain components are produced at supplier facilities, while others may be produced closer to, or at, the project site. Most electrical system components are generally off-the-shelf in nature and can be procured from multiple sources worldwide.

In EPC arrangements, construction at project sites typically involves establishing regional and country-level infrastructure to support local deployments through a contracting model, supported by our project management and engineering oversight. In 2025, we expanded regional support capabilities, including the establishment of a service and logistics center in central Switzerland to support deployments and after-sales service across the EMEA region.

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We provide our customers with limited assurance warranties to ensure our products are free of defects. We also provide maintenance, customer support, and repair services for energy storage systems, including preventative maintenance and software upgrades, when customers enter into long-term service arrangements and software licensing agreements. Our long-term service offerings are designed to provide customers with flexible scope options that may include preventive and corrective maintenance, performance and availability support, and operational support over an asset's lifecycle.

**Supply Chain** 

We seek to maximize our involvement in key aspects of the global, domestic, regional, and local supply chains that support our solutions. Through our supply chain procurement and supplier qualification processes, we aim to provide customers with vetted sources of integrated components for their energy storage needs while maintaining flexibility and resiliency in sourcing. Given our technology-agnostic approach, we source equipment from a variety of global suppliers and seek to avoid undue reliance on any single supplier, geography, or component, although availability and pricing for certain components may be subject to market conditions. While we seek to diversify sourcing, certain components have historically been sourced from limited geographies. On February 9, 2026, we executed a definitive supply agreement with Peak Energy securing 1.5 gigawatt-hours of Peak Energy's U.S. manufactured sodium-ion battery systems.

The markets our suppliers serve are materially impacted by government legislation, regulation, and trade policy. We monitor enacted and proposed legislation in the countries and regions in which we operate and seek to structure our sourcing and project delivery strategies to optimize project economics and compliance. In the United States, IRA-related incentives, as amended by the OBBBA, continue to support investment in energy storage, including the Technology Neutral Credits applicable to energy storage technology the construction of which began after December 31, 2024 and potential bonus credits (including domestic content) for qualifying projects, and the IRS has issued additional guidance regarding the domestic content requirements and related safe harbors.

However, evolving Technology Neutral Credit eligibility requirements and restrictions related to FEOCs/PFEs may affect the availability of certain tax credits, including the Technology Neutral Credits, and may influence supply chain decisions for projects, including those seeking to monetize tax incentives.

We are also subject to changes in international trade regulations, import controls, taxes, tariffs, and quotas, including tariffs on steel, aluminum, and batteries, as well as other trade actions that may affect the cost and availability of certain components. Changes in U.S. tariff policy applicable to China-origin lithium-ion batteries and related components increased volatility in the cost and availability of certain inputs used in our solutions and contributed to delays or cancellations of certain third-party sales opportunities due to anticipated cost increases. In addition, certain export-control measures impacting battery-related materials and equipment could further affect lead times and supply availability. In response, we have evaluated alternative sourcing options, including suppliers with manufacturing capabilities outside of China, to mitigate tariff and trade-related impacts; however, we cannot assure that these mitigation efforts will be available on commercially reasonable terms. For additional discussion of risks relating to our supply chain and exposure to international pressures, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors."

**Marketing and Sales**

We seek to position Energy Vault as a long-term strategic partner for customers and counterparties across the energy storage value chain, including utilities, independent power producers, developers, and commercial and industrial customers. Our marketing and sales approach is intended to support both (i) third-party project delivery and equipment sales and (ii) our Own & Operate strategy through Asset Vault, including engagement with capital partners and project counterparties.

Our marketing strategy includes the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Brand Visibility, Awareness, and Education*: Through branding, web marketing, and thought-leadership content, we engage a broad set of stakeholders and seek to build awareness of our technology, project delivery capabilities, and software solutions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Drive Demand*: Our outreach strategy is designed to drive qualified lead generation and accelerate customer adoption through targeted marketing initiatives, including digital campaigns and industry engagement.

To achieve this, we employ the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Integrated Marketing*: We take a targeted approach to integrated marketing campaigns intended to maximize efficiency of spend while increasing visibility in key markets, generating qualified leads, and supporting commercial conversion.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Lead Generation Model*: Our campaigns are designed to drive customer engagement through multiple channels, including our website and digital outreach, as well as industry conferences, events, partner referrals, and other direct and indirect channels.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Sales Model*: Our sales model focuses on energy storage projects where customer objectives and use cases benefit from our integrated solution offerings, including system design and integration, software-enabled controls and optimization, and lifecycle service capabilities. We pursue opportunities across multiple customer segments and applications, including utility-scale deployments and configurations designed for commercial and industrial and small-utility applications.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Geographic Focus*: While we maintain global coverage, our geographic focus for our B-VAULT business includes North America, Europe, and Australia. We also continue to expand commercialization pathways through licensing and royalty arrangements in international markets, including India. Our geographic focus for our G-VAULT business remains centered around jurisdictions in which we have executed license and/or royalty arrangements and where project development pathways align with our commercialization strategy.

**Target Customers**

Our target customers include independent power producers and developers, utilities and municipal utilities, grid operators and other load-serving entities, government and public-sector organizations, and industrial and commercial organizations with significant electricity needs. Our solutions are designed to be technology-agnostic and configurable across a range of applications and durations, which we believe positions us to address a broad set of customer requirements as energy storage adoption continues to expand globally. In addition, under our Own & Operate strategy, we may contract with offtake counterparties and other market participants in connection with assets we own and operate.

**Competition**

We expect competition in the energy storage industry to remain intense and to continue evolving as deployments scale, use cases expand, and market participants respond to changing policy, trade, and supply chain conditions. Competitive dynamics in short-duration BESSs have been influenced by continued manufacturing scale, declining lithium-ion battery pack prices, and vertical integration, which can support deployment growth but also increase pricing pressure across the supply chain. For example, BloombergNEF reported in December 2025 that stationary storage battery pack prices declined materially in 2025, reflecting a rapidly changing cost environment for storage system providers.

We believe the principal competitive factors in the energy storage market include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Total project and lifecycle economics, including equipment and integration cost, operating cost, warranty terms, and expected performance over the project life;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Safety, reliability, and quality, including compliance with applicable codes, standards, and permitting requirements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• System performance and flexibility, including duration, efficiency, operating characteristics, and integration with renewable generation and the grid;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Track record, bankability, and customer references, including demonstrated ability to deliver and operate projects at scale;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Project execution capabilities, including engineering and integration expertise, commissioning, and schedule certainty;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Supply chain resiliency and compliance, including supplier diversification, lead times, and the ability to meet evolving domestic content, trade, and import requirements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Software, controls, and optimization capabilities, including the ability to support participation across market products and operational requirements; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Lifecycle service capabilities, including long-term operations, maintenance, monitoring, and performance support.

For our third-party energy storage delivery business, our key competitors within the shorter duration BESS market include Tesla, Inc., Fluence Energy, Inc., FlexGen Power Systems, Inc., Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd., and other integrators and OEMs, as well as battery manufacturers and suppliers that may compete on certain projects or influence competitive dynamics through pricing and supply availability.

Within the longer duration energy storage market there are system manufacturers with products in various states of viability utilizing various technologies including ESS Inc., Eos Energy Enterprises Inc., Hydrostor Inc., Primus Power, Form Energy, Inc., Gravitricity Ltd., and other solid-state battery manufacturers.

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For our Own & Operate business, competition comes from existing and emerging independent power producers and other asset owners and developers that pursue similar contracted and merchant opportunities. We believe our integrated approach, including development, engineering and integration, software, and long term operations and maintenance capabilities, and our focus on emerging critical energy infrastructure segments such as data centers, differentiate us from our peers in both domestic and international markets.

Some of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories and greater financial, technical, marketing, and other resources than we do. These factors may allow competitors to respond more quickly to new technologies or changing customer requirements, engage in more extensive research and development efforts, undertake more far-reaching marketing campaigns, and adopt more aggressive pricing policies, which may enable them to compete more effectively for energy storage projects.

**Intellectual Property ("IP")**

We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, unfair competition, and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual restrictions with our employees, contractors and third parties, to establish, maintain, and protect our proprietary rights. Our success depends in part upon our ability to obtain, maintain, and enforce proprietary protection for those aspects of our technology and software that provide us with a competitive advantage, to mitigate the risk of infringement of the proprietary rights of others, and to prevent others from infringing or misappropriating our proprietary rights.

We have developed a patent portfolio to protect certain elements of our proprietary technology. As of December 31, 2025, we had 32 issued patents and 19 active patent applications pending in the U.S. Outside the U.S., we have 26 issued patents and 28 active patent applications pending in other countries throughout the world. We have five Patent Cooperation Treaty ("PCT") patent applications pending. Our issued patents are expected to start expiring in 2039.

We primarily rely on copyright, trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures and contractual restrictions to protect our software. We also pursue the registration of our domain names and trademarks and service marks in the United States and internationally. As part of our overall strategy to protect our IP, we may take legal actions to prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating our IP or from otherwise gaining access to our technology.

**Regulatory Environment and Compliance**

Federal, state, and local government statutes and regulations concerning electricity materially influence the markets for our products and services. These statutes and regulations directly affect our owned asset business and indirectly affect our third-party sales business. Regulatory frameworks often relate to electricity pricing, market participation requirements, competition with utilities, and the interconnection of customer-owned generation and storage. In the United States, governments and regulatory bodies, including state public utility commissions and federal agencies, periodically modify these statutes, regulations, tariffs, and market rules, which may affect the economics of energy storage projects and the value proposition of our solutions.

Each of our owned installations and our customers' installations must be designed, constructed, and operated in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, codes, standards, guidelines, policies, and laws. To install and operate energy storage systems, we, our customers, or our partners (as applicable) must obtain permits and approvals from authorities having jurisdiction, including approvals related to building and fire codes and operational safety standards. Industry codes and standards applicable to BESS, including those addressing installation safety, fire and life safety risk mitigation, and associated test methods referenced in applicable fire codes, continue to evolve.

Energy storage systems typically require interconnection agreements and related approvals from applicable utilities, transmission providers, or grid operators in order to operate. Interconnection processes may require technical studies and may result in network upgrade requirements, and the timing and cost to achieve interconnection can be impacted by regulatory requirements and queue conditions. In the United States, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") has adopted significant interconnection reforms (including Order No. 2023) intended to address interconnection queue backlogs and improve certainty in interconnection processes, which may influence timelines, costs, and data requirements for energy storage and generation projects. In addition, a pending FERC rulemaking proceeding (in Docket No. RM26-4), may materially affect the economics of any projects that are designed to serve behind-the-meter loads.

For owned assets and certain customer projects, our operations may also be affected by wholesale market participation rules and reliability requirements applicable to independent system operators and regional transmission organizations (including, but not limited to, ERCOT). Changes in market rules may impact the prices our BESS assets pay for charging energy or receive for discharging energy or ancillary services.

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Our operations are subject to stringent and complex federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing occupational health and safety and labor practices. For example, we are subject to requirements under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended, and comparable state laws that protect and regulate employee health and safety.

There are government regulations pertaining to the storage, transportation, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials. We and our suppliers, as applicable, are required to comply with these regulations in connection with operating and servicing energy storage systems and delivering systems into the market. For example, U.S. regulations address the management of waste batteries under "universal waste" requirements, and regulatory requirements relating to end-of-life management and recycling continue to evolve.

Increasing government regulation and enforcement related to supply chain transparency and import compliance (including forced-labor-related restrictions) may also impact sourcing, lead times, and compliance processes. For additional discussion of risks relating to governmental regulation and compliance, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors."

***U.S. Energy Storage Regulation and Legislation***

The U.S. Congress, Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), Department of Energy, FERC, and state and local authorities continue to review, implement, and modify policies, incentives, regulations, and legislation that can affect the economics and deployment of energy storage, including through tax credits, permitting and interconnection rules, and wholesale market participation frameworks. The timing, interpretation, and implementation of these programs can vary across administrations and may involve phased guidance and rulemaking over time. As a result, there can be uncertainty regarding eligibility, compliance requirements, and the timing and magnitude of benefits available to any particular project.

***Federal Energy Tax Incentives and Related Guidance***

U.S. federal tax incentives remain an important driver for energy storage investment. The IRA expanded and extended certain clean energy incentives, including enabling investment tax credits for standalone energy storage subject to eligibility requirements. In addition, for property that began construction after December 31, 2024, the tax credit regime generally transitioned to "clean electricity" Technology Neutral Tax Credits.

In 2024 and 2025, the U.S. Department of Treasury and the IRS issued significant additional guidance and regulations relevant to energy storage project economics and structuring. This includes, among other items, rules and clarifications addressing eligibility and definitions applicable to investment tax credits, including guidance clarifying that certain co-located energy storage configurations may remain eligible even when sharing power conditioning equipment with a co-located qualified facility.

The Technology Neutral Tax Credits generally include a base credit rate with the potential for an increased credit amount where prevailing wage and apprenticeship ("PWA") requirements are satisfied (often described as a five-times multiplier relative to the base amount), subject to applicable rules and exceptions.

Projects may also be eligible for bonus credits under certain circumstances. For example, the domestic content bonus may be available where required steel, iron, and manufactured product thresholds are met, and the U.S. Department of Treasury and the IRS have issued and updated elective safe harbor approaches intended to simplify certain aspects of domestic content determinations. The energy community bonus may also be available for projects located in qualifying areas, and the IRS has issued guidance and FAQs related to energy community determinations. In addition, the Section 48E low-income communities bonus credit amount program can increase the Section 48E credit by 10% or 20% for certain qualifying smaller facilities, subject to program rules and allocation requirements.

The IRA also enabled monetization mechanisms that can be relevant to project financing, including credit transferability and elective payment (often referred to as "direct pay") for certain taxpayers, each of which includes compliance requirements (including, in many cases, pre-filing registration).

***2025 Legislative Developments and Evolving Compliance Requirements***

On July 4, 2025, the OBBBA was signed into law (Public Law 119-21) and became effective in 2025. Among other tax changes, the OBBBA modified certain Technology Neutral Credits, among others, and introduced additional compliance requirements, imposing restrictions on ownership, debt, and effective control and including supply chain and sourcing restrictions and limitations related to material assistance from PFEs. The applicability of these requirements depends on the specific credit and project facts, including timing considerations such as when construction begins. The U.S. Department of Treasury and the IRS have issued guidance in this area, and additional guidance and implementation practices continue to evolve.

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***Tariffs and Trade Policy***

U.S. trade policy and tariff regimes can impact the cost and availability of energy storage components and project inputs. For example, the United States has finalized tariff actions under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act ("Section 301 tariffs") covering certain China-origin products, including an increase in the tariff rate applicable to lithium-ion non-electric vehicle batteries to 25% effective January 1, 2026. In addition, U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 ("Section 232 tariffs"), were increased to 50% effective June 4, 2025 (subject to certain country-specific provisions).

Separately, on February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ("IEEPA"), finding that IEEPA did not authorize the president to impose such tariffs.

While this decision does not impact the Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs, it is uncertain how future repercussions of the ruling and other changes in trade policy would impact our operations, supply chain, and cash flows.

Given the evolving nature of tariff policy, changes in tariffs, import restrictions, and related trade measures could increase our costs, disrupt our supply chain, and adversely affect project economics and customer demand.

**Environmental, Social, and Governance**

Energy Vault is committed to sustainability as reflected in our mission, our focus on responsible business management practices, and our approach to integrating sustainability as a key objective in product design and operations. We seek to operate as a responsible partner to our suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders as we execute our strategy and scale our solutions, including through our growing Own & Operate activities. We publish environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") data, goals, and progress annually in a sustainability report, which is available on our website.

In 2025, the Company received a Corporate Sustainability Assessment Score of 74 (out of 100) as reported by 2025 S&P Global Sustainable1. S&P Global's scoring framework measures sustainability performance relative to industry peers within its applicable industry classification. The Company was featured in S&P Global's 2025 Sustainability Yearbook and received the sole Industry Mover designation for achieving the strongest year over year improvement in the machinery and electrical equipment industry.

The Company's sustainability strategy is organized around three pillars: (i) Purpose, (ii) Products, and (iii) Partnerships.

***Purpose*** 

We seek to embed responsible business practices across our organization and to integrate ESG considerations into our business operations, product development processes, and reporting. Our Sustainability Team works to evaluate relevant impacts and priorities and to implement monitoring and reporting processes to track progress. We also maintain cross-functional engagement intended to support coordination across key functions (including operations, supply chain, and product teams), and to enhance internal accountability for executing our sustainability priorities.

In addition, we maintain and continuously improve management systems and governance processes intended to support responsible operations, including quality, environmental, occupational health and safety, information security, anti-bribery, and compliance management systems certifications (including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 37001, and ISO 37301).

***Products*** 

We seek to deliver high-quality energy storage and software solutions designed to support grid reliability and enable increased renewable energy penetration. We maintain quality and environmental management systems intended to support consistent execution and continuous improvement across our operations.

We invest in research and development intended to improve the sustainability attributes of our solutions, including evaluation of materials and end-of-life considerations where applicable. As part of our sustainability program, we conduct lifecycle assessments on products to evaluate and optimize the sustainability impacts of our technology across the product lifecycle.

***Partnerships*** 

We believe collaboration with suppliers, customers, and other partners is important to scaling energy storage deployments responsibly. Our sustainability initiatives consider relevant global external frameworks and standards and are intended to support transparency and continuous improvement. We are a participant in the United Nations Global Compact and aim to align our practices with its principles.

We have also established emissions-reduction targets and our near-term Scope 1 and Scope 2 targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative ("SBTi").

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***ESG Reporting***

Maintaining an environment of transparency and accountability allows us to share our commitments and progress with all stakeholders. Our focus on transparency with respect to sustainability and ESG is reflected by the publication of an annual Sustainability Report, which is available on our website; however, information contained on our website is not incorporated into this filing by reference.

**Human Capital Management**

At Energy Vault, we believe our employees are critical to executing our strategy and supporting our customers. We seek to foster a positive, equitable, and safe work environment and to maintain regular communication with employees through various channels such as emails, manager communications, and periodic all-hands meetings to support transparency and engagement.

***Employees***

As of December 31, 2025, we employed 142 full-time employees and six part-time employees, distributed across six different countries. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or collective bargaining agreement. We have not encountered any employment-related work stoppages, and we believe we maintain constructive relations with our employees.

***Culture and Engagement***

We maintain ongoing culture and engagement programming designed to reinforce our purpose, vision, mission, and values and to support a culture of recognition and continuous feedback. These efforts include structured workshops and employee resources intended to promote consistent leadership and communication practices across the organization.

***Compensation and Benefits***

We offer compensation and benefits programs intended to be competitive within relevant labor markets and to support our talent strategy. Our compensation programs are designed to align employee incentives with business objectives and Company performance. We provide base pay that is intended to be competitive based on position, skill set, experience, and geographic location, and we may also provide annual incentive awards and equity awards.

We also offer employee benefits that vary by country and region. These benefits may include a 401(k) plan, pension plan, life insurance, medical and dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings accounts, vacation pay, holiday pay, and parental leave.

**Corporate Information**

We file or furnish periodic reports and amendments thereto, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). In addition, the SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically. Our website is located at *http://energyvault.com* and our reports, amendments thereto, proxy statements, and other information are also made available, free of charge, on our investor relations website at http://investors.energyvault.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such information with the SEC. The information posted on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report or any of our other securities filings unless specifically incorporated herein by reference.

**ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS**

*Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, as well as the other information in this Annual Report, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The occurrence of any of the events or developments described below, or of additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects. In such an event, the market price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.* 

**Risk Factor Summary**

Below is a summary of the principal factors that make an investment in our common stock speculative or subject to risk. This summary does not address all of the risks facing our business. You should consider the risks in this summary together with the detailed discussion of risks that immediately follows this summary in this section titled "*Risk Factors,"* as well as the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our limited operating history and our rapidly evolving industry make it difficult to evaluate our business, the risks and challenges we may face, and future prospects.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The engineering of our systems is in continuous refinement to improve system cost and efficiency. There is no guarantee that we will be successful in implementing all improvements under the expected schedule.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Changes to United States tariff and import/export regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our systems' performance may not meet our customers' expectations or needs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• There is no assurance that non-binding letters of intent and other indications of interest, including awards, submitted proposals or short-lists, will result in binding orders or sales. Customers may cancel or delay the non-binding letters of intent and other indications of interest in our sales pipeline. As a result, our operating results and cash flows may be materially lower than our expected results of operations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The failure or inability of our suppliers to deliver necessary components or raw materials for construction of our energy storage systems and their failure or inability to deliver them in a timely manner or to the quality standards required, could cause installation delays, cancellations, penalty payments and damage to our reputation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our business is subject to risks associated with construction, cost overruns and delays, including those related to obtaining government permits and approvals, electrical interconnection, and other contingencies that may arise in the course of completing installations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our B-VAULT, G-VAULT and H-VAULT products are based on established principles that are deployed in a novel way to create new technologies to store energy and potential customers may be hesitant to make a significant investment in our technology or abandon the technology they are currently using.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could have a significant adverse effect on our business and the price of our common stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We are an early-stage company with a history of losses, and expect to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future, and we may not be able to achieve profitability in the future.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our total backlog, bookings, and developed pipeline may not be indicative of our future revenue, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our developed pipeline of awarded or shortlisted third-party EPC, EEQ, and long-term service opportunities, and the long-term economics associated with potential projects identified for our Own & Operate portfolio, may be subject to change and be impacted by anticipated equipment and commodity costs, tariffs, as well as changes in foreign currency exchange rates in markets in which we source materials or conduct business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• As we conduct business in a host of geographies and may engage in activity with those operating sensitive energy infrastructure, including markets subject to capital controls, our ability to collect payments or conduct business may be impacted or change without advance notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our energy storage products involve a lengthy sales and installation cycle, and if we fail to close sales on a regular and timely basis it could harm our business. Moreover, the long sales cycles for our energy storage products may cause us to incur significant expenses without offsetting revenues.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our owned projects are based on our estimates of construction costs, timelines, future revenues, and operating costs. If those estimates are inaccurate, our anticipated revenues and profits may be materially and adversely affected.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Our systems include complex software and technology systems and do not have a meaningful history of operation, and there can be no assurance such systems and technology will perform as expected or that software, engineering or other technical defects will not be discovered until after a system is installed and operated by a customer or by us. If our energy storage systems contain manufacturing or construction defects, our business and financial results could be harmed. In addition, the development and updating of these systems will require us to incur potentially significant costs and expenses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If any of our products are or are alleged to be defective in design or manufacturing or experience other failures, we may be compelled to undertake corrective actions, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results, reputation and financial condition.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If we fail to protect, defend, maintain, or enforce IP rights on which our business depends, including against existing or future competitors, our growth and success may be adversely affected.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Third parties may assert that we are infringing upon their IP rights, which could divert management's attention, cause us to incur significant costs, and prevent us from selling or using the technology to which such rights relate.

**Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry**

***Our limited operating history and our rapidly evolving industry make it difficult to evaluate our business, the risks and challenges we may face and future prospects.***

Prior to the first half of 2022, we focused principally on developing and proving our fundamental gravity energy storage technology, marketed as our G-VAULT products, which we are seeking to further refine and commercialize. Beginning in 2022, we expanded our offerings to include BESSs and hydrogen or HESSs. In 2024, we launched our B-Nest product, which we no longer market. We began a multi-year transition from providing this technology portfolio solely to third parties through a build-and-transfer model or licensing model. To date, we have only completed five BESSs, only one HESS in Calistoga, California, and only two gravity energy storage solutions, one of which has since been decommissioned. As a result, we have a limited history operating our business and constructing energy storage systems, and therefore a limited history upon which you can base an investment decision.

Our future growth in a nascent and rapidly-evolving industry is dependent on a number of factors, including rising demand for clean electric power solutions that can provide electric power with lower carbon emissions and replacement of conventional generation sources and the adoption speed of digital software applications to modernize the efficiency of power assets and the electric grid. Among other renewable energy market trends, we expect our business results to be driven by declines in the cost of generation of renewable power, decreases in the cost of manufacturing battery modules and cells, customer needs for services and digital applications, commercial, legal, regulatory, and political pressure for the reduced use of and reliance on fossil fuels and electric power generation that relies on fossil or other non-renewable fuels, and a rapidly growing energy storage market driven by increasing demand from utilities, independent power producers, and large energy users. However, predicting future revenues and appropriately forecasting and budgeting for our expenses is difficult, and we have limited operating history to predict trends that may emerge and take hold and materially affect our business. Our future operations and strategy are therefore subject to all of the risks inherent in light of the expenses, difficulties, complications and delays frequently encountered in connection with the growth of any new business in a nascent industry, as well as those that are specific to our business in particular.

***Our projections are subject to significant risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties. As a result, our projected revenues, market share, expenses and profitability may differ materially from our expectations.***

Our projections are subject to significant risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties. Such projections reflect our current views with respect to future events or our future financial performance, are based on assumptions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by our projections. We may not actually achieve the plans, expectations or objectives contained in our projections, and the underlying assumptions may prove incorrect. Such deviations may be due to factors outside our control or currently unknown to us. For example, our actual revenues, market share, timing for achieving business milestones, expenses and profitability may differ materially from our expectations. Therefore, undue reliance should not be placed on any of our projections.

As we develop and own more storage projects ourselves, we make projections about construction costs and timelines, and future revenues and operating costs. The profitability of our projects are highly sensitive to these projections and if our actual results or performance differ materially from our projections, then the profitability of our owned projects could be materially less than our projections or result in losses to the Company.

***Our business model depends on acceptance of our technology by our customers, retaining existing customers, obtaining new customers, and the success of our business model.***

As a recent market entrant in a developing industry, our results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon our success in establishing or entering new markets (including data center developers), developing and commercializing our energy storage systems, and undertaking marketing activities. We face significant risks associated with our business strategy of targeting utilities, independent power producers, and large energy users, such as data center developers, and deploying our energy storage systems at a scale that leads to broad market acceptance and profitability. The relative success of our energy systems will be dependent upon a number of factors, including their ability to provide our customers with reliable and dependable energy storage for the durations that they require, while still being cost-effective, and our ability to effectively manage any customer concerns.

In addition to the development and acceptance of our core energy storage technologies, we anticipate further developing and marketing our digital platform for the management and optimization of energy storage systems. If this platform is not

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adopted by users of our energy storage products or on a standalone basis, we may not recoup our investment in its development and our results of operations may be negatively impacted.

***Our energy storage systems involve a lengthy sales and installation cycle, and if we fail to close sales on a regular and timely basis it could harm our business. Moreover, the long sales cycles for our energy storage systems and other factors may result in significant fluctuations in our results from period to period.***

While our customers are increasingly familiar with our technology, the period between initial discussions with a potential customer and the sale of even a single product typically depends on a number of factors, including the potential customer's attitude towards innovative products, their budget and decision as to the type of financing it chooses to use, as well as the arrangement of such financing. While our customers are evaluating our products, we have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, substantial sales, marketing, and research and development expenses to customize our products to the customer's needs. As a result, these long sales cycles may cause us to incur significant expenses without ever receiving revenue to offset those expenses.

This lengthy decision making process is followed by substantial fulfillment periods. Currently, we believe the time between the entry into a sales contract with a customer and the installation of our BESSs could range from 9 to 18 months, subject to significant risks.

These lengthy sales and installation cycles increase the risk that our customers fail to satisfy their payment obligations or cancel orders before the completion of the transaction or delay the planned date for installation.

In addition, we expect that long sales cycles and the expected limited number of customers for our energy storage systems will cause fluctuations in our operating results from period to period. As a result of how we recognize revenue and other factors beyond our control, small fluctuations in the timing of the completion of our sales transactions could also cause operating results, financial condition and results of operations to vary materially from period to period.

In addition to the other risks described herein, the following factors could also cause our financial condition and results of operations to fluctuate on a quarterly basis:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the timing of customer installations of our energy storage systems, which may depend on many factors such as availability of inventory, product quality or performance issues, or local permitting requirements, utility requirements, environmental, health and safety requirements, weather and customer facility construction schedules, customer interconnection timing, availability and schedule of our third-party general contractors;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• size of particular customer installations and number of sites involved in any particular quarter;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• delays or cancellations of purchases and installations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the timing of when control of uninstalled materials transfers to the customer;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• fluctuations in our service costs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• weaker than anticipated demand for our energy storage systems due to changes in government regulation, incentives and policies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• weaker than anticipated demand for our energy storage systems due to our customers' inability to finance their projects;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• interruptions in our supply chain;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the timing and level of additional purchases by existing customers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• unanticipated expenses incurred due to changes in governmental regulations, permitting requirements by local authorities at particular sites, utility requirements and environmental, health and safety requirements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• disruptions in our sales, production, service or other business activities resulting from our inability to attract and retain qualified personnel;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• shortage of raw materials from our suppliers and associated price increases due to fluctuations in commodities prices; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• availability of spare parts from our suppliers.

Finally, our revenue, key operating metrics, and other operating results in future quarters may fall short of the expectations of investors and financial analysts, which could have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock.

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***We depend on a limited number of customers for the majority of our revenue, and the loss of any one of these customers could substantially reduce our revenue and impact our liquidity.***

The loss of any significant customers or partners or reduction in our business activities could cause our revenues to decrease significantly and increase our losses from operations. If our products are not successful and we cannot broaden our customer base, we will continue to depend on a few customers for the majority of our revenues. Additionally, if we are unable to negotiate favorable business terms with these customers in the future, our revenues and gross profits may be insufficient to allow us to achieve and/or sustain profitability, continue operations, or remain a going concern.

***The engineering of our systems is in continuous refinement to improve system cost and efficiency. There is no guarantee that we will be successful in implementing all improvements under the expected schedule.***

Our business depends on our ability to succeed in implementing our energy storage systems and introduce innovative and competitive energy storage technologies. As our energy storage systems are highly complex, this process is costly and time-consuming.

Any future energy storage deployments may incur more costs than we expect. Our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected if we do not successfully implement our systems or to the extent that such implementation occurs later or costs more than we expect, or if innovations by our competitors achieve broader or earlier market acceptance. Examples of costs that we cannot control include the costs of electronics due to global allocation shortages or costs associated with construction delays.

***If we are not able to reduce our cost structure in the future, our ability to become profitable may be impaired.***

Over time, we must effectively manage the equipment and construction costs of our energy storage systems to expand our market. While we have sought, and will continue to seek, to manage our costs, the cost of components and raw materials, for example, could increase in the future. Any such increases could slow our growth and cause our financial results and operational metrics to suffer. In addition, we may face increases in our other expenses, including increases in wages or other labor costs, as well as installation, marketing, sales or related costs. We may continue to make significant investments to drive growth in the future. To the extent that the price of electricity from the grid is low in certain markets, we will need to continue to reduce our costs to maintain our expected margins in those markets. Increases in any of these costs or our failure to achieve projected cost reductions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and harm our business and prospects. If we are unable to reduce our cost structure sufficiently in the future, we may not be able to achieve profitability, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects.

***Operational costs can be difficult to predict and may include costs from requirements related to the decommissioning of our systems.***

We rely heavily on complex machinery for our operations and our production involves a significant degree of uncertainty and risk in terms of operational performance and costs. When fully operational, our energy storage systems will consist of large-scale machinery comprised of many components assembled on-site for our customers or for our owned projects. The components of our energy storage systems are likely to suffer unexpected malfunctions from time to time and will depend on repairs and spare parts to resume operations, which may not be available when needed. Unexpected malfunctions of our energy storage systems or their constituent components may significantly affect the intended operational efficiency and performance. In addition, our energy storage systems may need to be decommissioned from time to time, and the related costs could be significant given the size and complexity of our energy storage systems. Operational performance and costs, including those related to project stoppage, can be difficult to predict and are often influenced by factors outside of our control, such as, but not limited to, scarcity of natural resources, environmental hazards and remediation, costs associated with construction, commissioning, testing or decommissioning of machines, labor disputes and strikes, difficulty or delays in obtaining governmental permits, damages or defects in electronic systems, industrial accidents, fire, seismic activity and natural disasters. Should operational risks materialize, it may result in the personal injury to or death of workers, the loss of production equipment, damage to demonstration facilities, monetary losses, delays and unanticipated fluctuations in production, environmental damage, administrative fines, increased insurance costs and potential legal liabilities, all which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition or prospects.

Furthermore, in recent periods, our internal operations have grown in complexity. We may in the future continue to grow our operations, both in terms of complexity and headcount. Any continued growth could increase our operational costs and failure to manage such growth could lead to additional costs in the future.

***Our energy storage systems have significant upfront costs. We will need to obtain financing to fund our own projects and our customers may need to obtain financing to help finance purchases. If we or our customers are unable to procure third-party financing or if the cost of such financing exceeds our estimates, our business would be adversely affected.***

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Our energy storage systems have significant upfront costs, and certain customers may need, or may prefer to acquire, third-party financing to purchase our systems. We will need to obtain third-party financing to continue our transition to owning assets as well as selling energy storage products.

Therefore, our growth, including the deployment of our energy storage systems, may to an extent depend on our own and our customers' ability to attract third-party financing partners. The ability to obtain third-party financing depends on many factors that are outside of our control, including the ability of third parties to utilize tax credits and other government incentives, interest rate and/or currency exchange fluctuations, the borrower's perceived creditworthiness and the condition of credit markets generally. We expect that the financing of customer purchases of our energy storage systems or our own projects will be subject to customary conditions such as the borrower's credit quality, and if these conditions are not satisfied, such customers may be unable to finance purchases of our energy storage systems and we may not be able to fund our own projects, which would have an adverse effect on our revenue. To the extent neither our customers or us are able to arrange future financings for any of our current or potential projects, our business would be negatively impacted.

In attempting to attract new customers to support our growth, we intend to refine our customer offerings based on experience. Moreover, new types of product offerings may require our customers to find partners willing to finance these new projects, which may have different terms and financing conditions from prior transactions. If the terms of these transactions or the structure of these projects fails to attract financiers, we may not be able to proceed with growing our business and our potential for growth may be limited. Additionally, financing options are also limited by the borrower's willingness to commit to making fixed payments regardless of the performance of the energy storage systems or our performance of our obligations under the customer agreement.

Further, our sales process for transactions that require financing require that we and our customers make certain assumptions regarding the cost of financing capital. If the cost of financing ultimately exceeds our estimates, we may be unable to proceed with some or all of the impacted projects or our revenue from such projects may be less than our estimates. Actual financing costs for potential customers may vary from our estimates due to factors outside of our control, including changes in customer creditworthiness, macroeconomic factors, the returns offered by other investment opportunities available to our financing partners, and other factors.

If we or our customers are unable to procure financing partners willing to finance deployments of our products or if the cost of such financing exceeds our estimates, our business would be negatively impacted.

***The economic benefit of our energy storage systems to us and to our customers depends on the cost of electricity available from alternative sources, including local electric utility companies, which cost structure is subject to change.***

The electricity stored and released by our systems may not currently be cost-competitive in some geographic markets, and we may be unable to reduce our costs to a level at which our energy storage systems would be competitive in such markets. To the extent that either we as an owner or our customers anticipate selling power into markets as a merchant generator, our customers and the Company may not be able to achieve the anticipated level of revenues and profits. As such, unless the cost of electricity in these markets rises or we are able to generate demand for our energy storage systems based on benefits other than electricity cost savings, our potential for growth may be limited.

***Our energy storage systems' performance may not meet our customers' expectations or needs.***

Our energy storage systems will be subject to various operating risks that may cause them to generate less value for our customers than expected. These risks include a failure or wearing out of our equipment or the equipment that our equipment connects into, an inability to find suitable replacement equipment or parts, or disruption in our distribution systems. Any extended interruption or failure of our projects or our customer's projects, including systems we operate under long term service agreements, for any reason to generate the expected amount of output could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have experienced outages in the past, including at our Cross Trails BESS, and could continue to do so in the future. In addition, our customers' willingness to acquire additional systems or services from us may be impacted in the future if any of our systems incur operational issues that indicate expected future cash flows from the system are less than the carrying value. Any such outcome could adversely affect our operating results or ability to attract new customers.

***If our estimates of the useful life for our energy storage systems are inaccurate or we do not meet service and warranties and performance guarantees, our business and financial results could be adversely affected.***

We provide limited warranties and performance guarantees for our energy systems. We make investment decisions for our owned projects based in part on an estimate of the useful life of our products. To date, we have deployed five operational BESSs and our estimates about product performance and life may prove to be incorrect. Failure to meet these warranties and performance guarantee levels for our customers may require the purchase price to be adjusted downward based on agreed-upon performance targets, or require us to make cash payments to the customer based on actual performance, as

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compared to expected performance. Failure to meet these expected performance levels on our owned projects could materially and adversely impact the expected performance of such projects.

***We intend to explore alternative, co-active use case opportunities for our systems, but there is no assurance that such opportunities exist or that they would be as beneficial to us as we expect.***

We intend to explore alternative, co-active use case opportunities for our energy storage systems. For example, we intend to explore opportunities in energy-intensive industries such as vertical farming, data centers, direct air carbon capture where our systems may be able to benefit from existing infrastructure, including physical enclosures and electrical systems, that are built into the designs for our energy storage systems. Even after we spend time and resources exploring such opportunities, there is no assurance that they exist on terms that are commercially acceptable to us. Moreover, even if we enter into agreements to make use of such opportunities, such opportunities may not be as beneficial to us as we expected at the time of entering into the underlying agreement. Any of the foregoing may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results or operations and prospects.

***There is no assurance that non-binding letters of intent and other indications of interest, including awards, submitted proposals or short-lists, will result in binding orders or sales. Customers may cancel or delay the non-binding letters of intent and other indications of interest in our sales pipeline. As a result, our operating results and cash flows may be materially lower than our expected results of operations.***

Our success depends on our ability to generate revenue and operate profitably, which depends in part on our ability to identify target customers and convert such contacts into meaningful orders or expand on current customer relationships. To date, we have only deployed five operational BESSs. While our contracts do provide that our customers will be obligated to pay us certain fees in the event of termination for their convenience, such fees may not be sufficient to cover our costs and we would not realize the expected revenue associated with such cancelled contracts. Potential and contracted customers may abandon their indications of interest, or fail to honor contractual obligations and non-binding letters of interest may be cancelled or delayed by a customer for any reason or its terms may be amended in a manner adverse to us in connection with negotiating a definitive sales agreement. For that reason, there can be no assurance that any current or future indications of interest (including awards, submitted proposals or short-lists) or non-binding letters of intent will result in binding orders or sales. Furthermore, in light of our limited operating history, it is difficult for us to predict the rates at which the non-binding letters of intent or other indications of interest in our pipeline will result in binding orders or sales. It is also difficult for us to predict how quickly we will be able to fill binding orders in the event that we obtain multiple orders. In addition, revenue is expected to be recognized in stages, and customers may in some cases delay actual cash payments regardless of progressive billings. Additionally, a customer's ability to make payments could decline during the sales process, even to the point of insolvency or bankruptcy. As a result, our operating results and cash flow may be materially lower than we expect.

***Our future growth depends upon our ability to maintain relationships with third parties, and the terms and enforceability of many of these relationships are not certain.***

We expect to rely on engineering, procurement, and construction, or EPC, firms as third-party general contractors to install energy storage systems at our own and our customers' sites. We are likely to work with a limited number of such EPC firms, which may impact our ability to facilitate installations as planned. Our work with contractors or their sub-contractors may have the effect of our being required to comply with additional rules (including rules unique to our customers), working conditions, site remediation and other union requirements, which can add costs and complexity to an installation project. In the future, the timeliness, thoroughness and quality of installation-related services performed by our general contractors and their sub-contractors may not meet our expectations and standards and it may be difficult to find and train third-party general contractors that meet our standards at a competitive cost.

In addition, a key component of our growth strategy is to develop or expand our relationships with third parties. For example, we are investing resources in establishing strategic relationships with market players across a variety of industries, including, large renewable project developers, data center developers, commercial agents, environmental organizations and unions, to generate new customers or to grow our business. These programs may not roll out as quickly as planned or produce the results we anticipated. A significant portion of our business depends on attracting new partners and retaining existing partners, and such relationships may not be predicated on enforceable agreements or any agreements at all.

***We depend upon component and product manufacturing and logistical services provided by third parties, many of whom are located outside of the U.S.***

A significant amount of our components, including batteries utilized in our BESS offerings, and products are manufactured in whole or in part by a few third-party manufactures. Many of these manufacturers are located outside of the U.S. If a catastrophic event occurs relative to these third-party manufacturers, or the political, social, or economic conditions shift

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within their respective geographies or between trade partners, we could experience business interruptions, delayed delivery of products, or other adverse impacts to our ongoing business. We have also outsourced much of our transportation and logistics management. While these arrangements may lower operating costs, they also reduce our direct control over production and distribution. Such diminished control could have an adverse effect on the quality or quantity of our products as well as our flexibility to respond to changing conditions. In addition, we rely on third-party manufacturers to adhere to the terms and conditions of the agreements in place with each party. For example, although arrangements with such manufacturers may contain provisions for warranty expense reimbursement, we may remain responsible to the customer for warranty service in the event of product defects. Any unanticipated product or warranty liability, whether pursuant to arrangements with contract manufacturers or otherwise, could adversely affect our reputation, financial condition, and operating results.

***We may be unable to achieve our strategic priorities in emerging markets.***

Emerging markets are a significant focus of our strategic plan. The developing nature of these markets presents a number of risks. We may be unable to attract, develop, and retain appropriate talent to manage our businesses in emerging markets. Deterioration of social, political, labor, or economic conditions in a specific country or region may adversely affect our operations or financial results. Emerging markets may not meet our growth expectations, and we may be unable to maintain such growth or to balance such growth with financial goals and compliance requirements. Among the risks in emerging market countries are bureaucratic intrusions and delays, contract compliance failures, engrained business partners that do not comply with local or U.S. law, fluctuating currencies and interest rates, limitations on the amount and nature of investments, restrictions on permissible forms and structures of investment, unreliable legal and financial infrastructure, regime disruption and political unrest, uncontrolled inflation and commodity prices, fierce local competition by companies with better political connections, and corruption. In addition, the costs of compliance with local laws and regulations in emerging markets may negatively impact our competitive position as compared to locally owned manufacturers.

***The failure or inability of our suppliers to deliver necessary components or raw materials for construction of our energy storage systems and their failure or inability to deliver them in a timely manner could cause installation delays, cancellations, penalty payments and damage to our reputation.***

We rely on a limited number of third-party suppliers for some of the components and raw materials such as batteries, inverters, enclosures, and transformers for our BESSs. If any of our suppliers fail or are unable to provide sufficient components or raw materials at the level of quality required, or if our suppliers fail or are unable to or unwilling to provide us with the contracted quantities (as we have limited or in some case no alternatives for supply), or if our suppliers cancel the contracted quantities without sufficient lead time to order the materials from another supplier, or if our suppliers fail or are unable to deliver the components or raw materials in a timely manner, then delays, cancellations, penalty payments, or damage to our reputation could occur, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations. If we fail to develop or maintain our relationships with any of our suppliers, or if there is otherwise a shortage, lack of availability, or cancellation of the purchase of any required raw materials or components, we may be unable to manufacture our energy storage systems or such products may be available only at a higher cost or after a long delay.

Additionally, there are increasing expectations in various jurisdictions that companies monitor the environmental and social performance of their suppliers, including sourcing of materials and compliance with a variety of labor practices, as well as consider a wider range of potential environmental and social matters, including the end-of-life considerations for products. In addition, increasing concern and focus on limiting forced labor may result in additional regulations targeting the markets we operate in and from which we source products and materials. Certain existing laws impose prohibitions on the importation of goods made with forced labor or compulsory prison labor, including the Tariff Act of 1930, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act ("UFLPA"), and other global laws against forced labor. The UFLPA places restrictions on imports from Xinjiang, a key source of materials in global supply chains. Compliance can be costly, require us to establish or augment programs to diligence or monitor our suppliers, or to design supply chains to avoid certain regions altogether. Failure to comply with such regulations can result in fines, reputational damage, import ineligibility for our products or product components, or otherwise adversely impact our business. Current or future supply chain interruptions that could be exacerbated by global political tensions, such as the situation in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, including the current conflict between the U.S. and Iran, and public health emergencies, could also negatively impact our ability to acquire necessary raw materials and components. Such delays could prevent us from delivering our energy storage systems to customers within required time frames and cause order cancellations. Developing required raw materials and constructing required components for our products are time and capital intensive. Accordingly, the number of suppliers we have for some of our components and materials is limited and, in some cases, sole sourced. We may be unable to obtain comparable components from alternative suppliers without considerable delay, expense, or at all. If our suppliers face difficulties obtaining the credit or capital necessary to expand their operations when needed, they could be unable to supply necessary raw materials and components needed to support our planned sales and services operations, which would negatively impact our sales volumes and cash flows.

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***Our systems often rely on interconnections to distribution and transmission facilities that are owned and operated by third parties, and as a result, are exposed to interconnection and transmission facility development and curtailment risks.***

A primary potential use case for our energy storage systems involves interconnection with electric distribution and transmission facilities owned and operated by regulated utilities, and independent system operators, necessary to deliver the electricity that our energy storage systems produce. A failure or delay in the operation or development of these distribution or transmission facilities could result in a loss of revenues or breach of a contract because such a failure or delay could limit the amount of electricity that our energy storage systems deliver or delay the completion of our construction projects. In addition, certain of our energy storage systems' generation may be curtailed without compensation due to distribution and transmission limitations, reducing our revenues and impairing our ability to capitalize fully on a particular project's potential. Such a failure or curtailment at levels above our expectations could adversely affect our business.

***Our business is subject to risks associated with construction, cost overruns and delays, including those related to obtaining government permits and approvals, electrical interconnection, and other contingencies that may arise in the course of completing installations.***

Our business is subject to risks relating to construction, cost overruns and delays. The installation and operation of our energy storage systems at a particular site are generally subject to oversight and regulation in accordance with national, state, tribal, and local laws and ordinances relating to building codes, health and safety, environmental protection, FERC and specific Independent System Operators ("ISOs") regulation and related matters, and typically requires obtaining and keeping in good standing various local and other governmental approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits, that vary by jurisdiction. In some cases, these approvals and permits require periodic renewal. It is difficult and costly to track the requirements of every individual authority having jurisdiction over energy storage system installations, to design our energy storage systems to comply with these varying standards, which may change over time, and for us and our customers to obtain all applicable approvals and permits. We cannot predict whether or when all permits and approvals required for a given project will be granted or whether the conditions associated with the permits and approvals will be achievable. The denial of a permit or approval or utility connection that is essential to a project or the imposition of impractical conditions would impair our or our customer's ability to develop the project. In addition, we cannot predict whether the permitting and approvals process will be lengthened due to complexities and appeals. Delay in the review and permitting process for a project can impair or delay our or our customers' abilities to develop that project or increase the cost so substantially that the project is no longer attractive. Furthermore, unforeseen delays in the review and permitting process could delay the timing of the installation of our energy storage systems and could therefore adversely affect the timing of the recognition of revenue related to hardware acceptance by our customer, or our own ability to generate revenue from our owned projects which could adversely affect our operating results in a particular period. Delays relating to construction may also bring about cost overruns, which could further adversely affect our business.

In addition, the successful installation of our energy storage systems is dependent upon the availability of and timely connection to the local electric grid. Before beginning construction on an energy storage system, we may be unable to obtain in a timely fashion or at all the required consent and authorization of local utilities to ensure successful interconnection to energy grids to enable the successful discharge of renewable energy to customers. Any delays in our customers' ability to connect with utilities, delays in the performance of installation-related services or poor performance of installation-related services will have an adverse effect on our results and could cause operating results to vary materially from period to period.

***The size of our G-VAULT products may negatively impact our ability to enter into contracts with customers or obtain government permits and approvals.***

Our G-VAULT products require a considerably larger space for their deployment than comparable systems based on certain technologies such as lithium-ion technology, and this can result in a significant delay in the permitting process. In addition, the size of our G-VAULT products may represent an impediment for deployment in denser areas or areas with restrictions on the height of buildings. And, in light of the size of our systems, we generally require hard soil or the ability to get to bedrock in order to deploy our systems. These factors may negatively impact our ability to enter into customer contracts or obtain government permits and approvals, each of which may materially affect our business.

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***Our G-VAULT and H-VAULT products are based on established principles that are deployed in a novel way to create new technologies to store energy and potential customers may be hesitant to make a significant investment in our technology or abandon the technology they are currently using.***

The design of our G-VAULT and H-VAULT products are based on established principles that are deployed in a novel way; the products are intended to provide longer energy storage durations than are provided by other types of energy storage systems.

Potential customers who previously invested in alternatives to our innovative products may not deem a transition to our existing or future advanced energy storage solutions to be cost-effective. In particular, recently the costs of lithium-ion batteries has declined precipitously making our advanced products less cost efficient in comparison. Moreover, given the limited history of our advanced products, potential customers may be hesitant to make a significant investment in our products. Our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects could be adversely affected to the extent that customers, for any reason, do not adopt our systems or migrate to our systems from another energy storage technology.

***We face additional risks to the extent that customers choose to purchase energy storage and dispatch of electricity from systems we build and in which we retain an ownership interest rather than purchase an energy storage system.***

In certain circumstances we enter into tolling arrangements in which customers purchase the energy storage and dispatch of electricity from us while we retain an ownership interest in the system. To date, we have entered into two such tolling arrangements, but we are actively looking at additional opportunities.

We could face additional risks when we own and operate energy storage systems, as compared to when the customer owns and operates energy storage systems that we build. For example, we may need to seek equity and/or debt financing to fund the construction and operation of any energy storage systems built in connection with a project for a customer who chooses to enter into a tolling arrangement. Such financing may not be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Moreover, we expect that any such indebtedness would be secured by a lien on the related energy storage system, and the governing debt agreement may contain covenants imposing operating and financial restrictions on our operations. In addition, until any such debt is repaid, we may not be able to generate meaningful cash flow from the project. Moreover, the failure of our customers to make payments could trigger an event of default under such governing debt agreements, which could result in the acceleration of repayment of our outstanding indebtedness or even entitle our lender to foreclose on the collateral securing our debt. In addition, to the extent equity financing is also used, our right to receive cash flows from the project could be subordinated to the other equity investors.

Additionally, there could be a material adverse effect on our operating results and our cash flows to the extent we own and operate our energy storage systems for the benefit of customers under tolling arrangements. For example, we would not expect to receive any payments from the customer until the system is completed and expenses relating to insurance premiums, personnel, and our interest payments under debt agreements would be increased, and such increases may be material. We could also be required to provide ongoing maintenance and repair services or could face liability for any damages or injuries if the system malfunctions. Additionally, we would be subject to the risks of termination of the agreement by the customer and the inability to replace the customer would result in the system failing to generate revenue. We may also incur liabilities as a result of a performance failure or other breach of our obligations in connection with the operation of the system.

We may also be subject to additional legal and regulatory restrictions to the extent we own and operate an energy storage system, including relating to the transmission of energy. Such legal and regulatory restrictions could increase the costs of compliance and potentially subject us to threatened or actual litigation or administrative proceedings, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

***Increased attention to, and scrutiny of, ESG matters could increase our costs, harm our reputation, impact our share price or access to or cost of capital, or otherwise adversely impact our business.***

Companies across industries are facing increasing scrutiny from a variety of stakeholders related to their ESG and sustainability practices. Expectations regarding ESG initiatives and disclosures and consumer demand for alternative forms of energy may result in increased costs (including but not limited to increased costs related to compliance, stakeholder engagement, contracting and insurance), changes in demand for certain products, enhanced compliance or disclosure obligations, or other adverse impacts to our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

While we may at times engage in initiatives (such as voluntary disclosures, certifications, or goals, among others) to improve the ESG profile of our company or to respond to stakeholder expectations, such initiatives may be costly and may not have the desired effect. Expectations regarding Company management of ESG matters continues to evolve rapidly, in many instances due to factors that are out of our control. For example, we may ultimately be unable to complete certain initiatives or targets, or execute on any opportunities we have identified, either on the timelines initially announced or at

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all, due to technological difficulties, unforeseen costs, inaccurate forecasts, or other constraints, which may be within or outside of our control. Such initiatives and targets are often aspirational and we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet or make progress against any such initiatives or targets. Moreover, actions or statements that we may take based on expectations, assumptions, hypothetical scenarios, or third-party information that we currently believe to be reasonable may subsequently be determined to be erroneous or be subject to misinterpretation. If we fail to, or are perceived to fail to, comply with or advance certain ESG initiatives (including the timeline and manner in which we complete such initiatives), or to not keep pace with peers on ESG initiatives and/or disclosures, we may be subject to various adverse impacts, including reputational damage and potential stakeholder engagement and/or litigation. For example, there have been increasing allegations of greenwashing against companies making certain ESG claims due to a variety of perceived deficiencies in performance, efficacy, or methodology, including as stakeholder perceptions of sustainability continue to evolve.

Certain market participants, including major institutional investors and capital providers, use third-party benchmarks and processes to assess companies' ESG profiles in making investment or voting decisions. Unfavorable ESG ratings or recommendations could lead to increased negative investor sentiment towards us, which could negatively impact our share price as well as our access to and cost of capital or the ability to complete projects. To the extent ESG matters negatively impact our reputation, it may also impede our ability to compete as effectively to attract and retain employees, customers, and/or business partners, which may adversely impact our operations. While many stakeholders expect companies to pursue ESG initiatives, some stakeholders and regulators (both domestic and international) have expressed or pursued opposing views, legislation, and investment expectations with respect to ESG-related matters. Certain employment or business policies, as well as those who believe they should be curbed, including government actors, and the complex regulatory and legal frameworks applicable to such initiatives continue to evolve. More recent political developments could mean that we face increasing criticism or litigation risks from both advocates and opponents of such matters, including various governmental agencies. Such sentiment may focus on our environmental commitments (such as reducing GHG emissions) or our pursuit of certain employment or business practices or social initiatives that are alleged to be political or polarizing in nature or are alleged to violated laws based, in part, on changing priorities of, or interpretation by, federal agencies or state governments. Unfavorable press about ratings or assessments of our ESG practices, regardless of whether or not we comply with legal requirements, may lead to negative investor sentiment toward us, which could have a negative impact on our business. We may ultimately be subject to regulations that are not uniform in nature or reflective of shared regulatory goals. Our efforts to respond to varying requirements may not be successful and/or may subject us to additional stakeholder engagement. Additionally, many of our customers and suppliers may be subject to similar expectations, which may augment or create additional risks, including risks that may not be known to us.

***Should we pursue acquisitions in the future, it would be subject to risks associated with acquisitions.***

We may acquire additional assets, products, technologies, or businesses that are complementary to our existing business. In particular, we are actively seeking new opportunities for our Build-Own-Operate model. The process of identifying and consummating acquisitions and the subsequent integration of new assets and businesses into our own business would require attention from management and could result in a diversion of resources from our existing business, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our operations. Acquired assets or businesses may not generate the expected financial results. Acquisitions could also result in the use of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, the occurrence of goodwill impairment charges, amortization expenses for other intangible assets and exposure to potential unknown liabilities of the acquired business.

If we complete future acquisitions, we may not ultimately strengthen our competitive position or achieve our goals and business strategy. We may be subject to claims or liabilities assumed from an acquired company, product, or technology; acquisitions we complete could be viewed negatively by our customers, investors, and securities analysts; and we may incur costs and expenses necessary to address an acquired company's failure to comply with laws and governmental rules and regulations. Additionally, we may be subject to litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees, former stockholders or other third parties, which may differ from or be more significant than the risks our business faces. If we are unsuccessful at integrating future acquisitions in a timely manner, or the technologies and operations associated with such acquisitions, our revenue and operating results could be adversely affected. Any integration process may require significant time and resources, which may disrupt our ongoing business and divert management's attention, and we may not be able to manage the integration process successfully or in a timely manner. We may not successfully evaluate or utilize the acquired technology or personnel, realize anticipated synergies from the acquisition, or accurately forecast the financial impact of an acquisition transaction and integration of such acquisition, including accounting charges and any potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets recognized in connection with such acquisitions. We may have to pay cash, incur debt, or issue equity or equity-linked securities to pay for any future acquisitions, each of which could adversely affect our financial condition or the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, the sale of equity or issuance of equity-linked debt to finance any future acquisitions could result in

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dilution to our stockholders. The occurrence of any of these risks could harm our business, operating results, and financial condition.

***Our operations are international, and expanding operations in some international markets could expose us to additional risks.***

Our operations are international, and we continue to expand our business internationally as we seek to partner with customers, suppliers and other partners around the world. We currently have operations in Switzerland, Australia, United Kingdom, sales agents in other territories, and our signed purchase order and letters of intent are with counterparties around the world. Managing further international expansion will require additional resources and controls including additional support, manufacturing, and assembly facilities. Any expansion internationally could subject our business to risks associated with international operations, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• conformity with applicable business customs, including translation into foreign languages and associated expenses;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• lack of availability of government incentives and subsidies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• challenges in arranging, and availability of, financing for our customers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• potential changes to our established business model;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• cost of alternative power sources, which could be meaningfully lower outside the United States;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• availability and cost of raw materials, labor, equipment for manufacturing or assembling our energy storage systems;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations in an environment of diverse culture, laws, and customers, and the increased travel, infrastructure, finance, and legal and compliance costs associated with international operations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• installation challenges which we have not encountered before which may require the development of a unique model for each country;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• compliance with multiple, potentially conflicting and changing governmental laws, regulations, and permitting processes including construction, environmental, banking, employment, tax, safety, security, grid minimum performances, and data privacy and protection laws and regulations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• compliance with U.S. and foreign anti-bribery laws including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Anti-Bribery Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• greater difficulties in securing or enforcing our IP rights in certain jurisdictions, or greater chance of potential infringement of third-party IP rights in new jurisdictions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• difficulties in funding our international operations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• difficulties in collecting payments in foreign currencies and associated foreign currency exposure;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• restrictions on repatriation of earnings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• compliance with potentially conflicting and changing laws of taxing jurisdictions where we conduct business and compliance with applicable U.S. tax laws as they relate to international operations, the complexity and adverse consequences of such tax laws, and potentially adverse tax consequences due to changes in such tax laws;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• increases or decreases in our expenses caused by fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in tariffs and import/export regulations imposed by local governments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in regulations regarding the use of waste materials in our products;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in regulations that would prevent us from doing business in specified countries;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• failure of the supply chain in local countries to provide us with materials of a sufficient quality and quantity delivered on timelines we expect;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the impacts of government spending on infrastructure projects and more broadly, including any impacts of government debt defaults or budget crises (including in the United States);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the outbreak of war or other hostilities, including the current conflict between the U.S. and Iran; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• regional economic and political conditions.

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As a result of these risks, any potential future international expansion efforts that we may undertake may not be successful.

In addition, nearly all of our letters of intent are denominated in U.S. dollars, and certain of our definitive agreements could be denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. A strengthening of the U.S. dollar could increase the cost of our solutions to our international customers, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, if an increased portion of our operating expenses is incurred outside the United States and is denominated in foreign currencies, we would be subject to increased financial impacts resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. If we become more exposed to currency fluctuations and are not able to successfully hedge against the risks associated with currency fluctuations, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

***Our future growth is dependent upon the pace and depth of energy storage technologies, which are emerging industries, as well as our competition. If the markets for energy storage do not develop as we expect, or if they develop more slowly than we expect, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.***

Our future growth depends upon factors in our industry, including with respect to our competition, the speed at which the market adopts energy storage for grid reliability, our ability to penetrate such market and the state of energy storage technologies. Because energy storage is an emerging industry, it is evolving and characterized by rapidly changing technologies, changing government regulation and industry standards, and changing consumer demands and behaviors. If this market does not develop as we expect, including if it develops more slowly than we expect, demand for our energy storage systems or any digital platform that we may develop, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.

Additionally, the energy storage market is largely driven by installed capacity of renewable electricity generation and increasing demand for renewable sources of power. Since many of these renewable sources of power are intermittent, like wind and solar, the energy produced by them must be stored for use when there is demand. Should government requirements for these intermittent power sources be relaxed or social desires for lower-carbon sources of energy decline, there could be a detrimental impact on one of our primary markets.

***Even if renewable energy and energy storage become more widely adopted, our energy storage technology may not achieve widespread market acceptance or may be less cost-effective as compared to competing technologies.***

Our business depends on the acceptance of our products in the marketplace. Even if renewable energy and energy storage become more widely adopted than they have been to date, potential customers may choose energy storage products from our competitors that are based on their technologies. If they do so, it may be difficult to later transition such potential customers to products offered by us. Moreover, the marketplace for renewable energy storage products is rapidly evolving, and competing technologies of which we are currently unaware may emerge in the future. If the energy storage technology that supports our products does not achieve market acceptance, then our business and results of operations would be materially adversely affected.

The growth and profitability of our business are dependent upon our technology being more cost-effective than competing energy storage technologies. To the extent our offerings are not eligible for various regulatory incentives, while those of our competitors are, it may adversely impact our competitiveness or otherwise adversely impact our business.

***We operate in highly competitive energy industries and there is increasing competition. Many of our competitors and future competitors may have significantly more financial and other resources than we do and if we do not compete effectively, our competitive positioning and our operating results will be harmed.***

The energy markets in which we compete continue to evolve and are highly competitive. Many of our current and potential competitors are large entities at a more advanced stage in development and commercialization than we are and in some cases have significantly more financial and other resources, including larger numbers of managerial and technical personnel, to increase their market share. For example, several companies, such as ESS Inc., Eos Energy Enterprises Inc., Hydrostor Inc. and Primus Power, have each announced plans and demonstrated prototypes of products that would compete in the energy storage market, and battery vendors with whom we compete, such as Tesla, Inc., Fluence Energy, Inc., LG Chem, Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited, have already commercialized their respective energy storage solution products. Companies such as Tesla, Inc., Fluence Energy, Inc. and Wartsila Corporation have developed or are developing their own energy management software. If our competitors continue to penetrate the renewable energy, energy storage and energy management software markets, we may experience a reduction in potential and actual market share. Furthermore, certain industry participants against whom we do not currently compete (including, in some cases, our suppliers) may shift their strategic focus and begin competing directly with us. To date, we have focused our efforts on recruiting management and other employees, business planning, raising capital, selecting applicable third-party technologies, establishing and attempting to establish partnerships with potential suppliers, customers and ecosystem partners, developing our gravity, battery, and green hydrogen energy storage systems, a digital platform, and general corporate development.

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We expect competition in energy storage technology to intensify due to a regulatory push for lower-carbon energy sources, including intermittent sources such as wind and solar, continuing globalization, and consolidation in the energy industry. Developments in alternative technologies or improvements in energy storage technology made by competitors may materially adversely affect the sales, pricing and gross margins of our future energy storage systems and any digital platform. If a competing process or technology is developed that has superior operational or price performance, our business would be harmed.

Furthermore, our energy storage technology also competes with other emerging or evolving technologies, such as thermal storage, chemical storage, and carbon capture storage and sequestration. If we are unable to keep up with competitive developments, including if such technologies achieve lower prices or enjoy greater policy support than our technology, our competitive position and growth prospects may be harmed, which would adversely affect our business, prospects and financial condition.

Some of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories and greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. These factors may allow our competitors to respond more quickly or efficiently than we can to new or emerging technologies. These competitors may engage in more extensive research and development efforts, undertake more far-reaching marketing campaigns and adopt more aggressive pricing policies, which may allow them to more effectively compete for new energy storage projects and energy management software customers.

We intend to continue committing significant resources to establish a competitive position. There is no assurance we will successfully identify the right partners, or that products and technologies developed by others will not render our energy storage systems and any digital platform that we may develop obsolete or noncompetitive, any of which would adversely affect our business, prospects and operating results.

***If we are unable to attract and retain key employees and hire qualified management, technical, engineering, and sales personnel, including a highly skilled management team with diverse experience in the energy storage sectors, our ability to compete and successfully grow our business could be harmed.***

We believe that our success and our ability to reach our strategic objectives are highly dependent on the contributions of our key management, technical, engineering and sales personnel. The loss of the services of any of our key employees could disrupt our operations, delay the development and introduction of our products and services, including with respect to our prototype products, and negatively impact our business, prospects and operating results. In particular, we are highly dependent on the services of Robert Piconi, our Chief Executive Officer. None of our key employees is bound by an employment agreement for any specific term. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully attract and retain senior leadership necessary to grow our business. Furthermore, there is increasing competition for talented individuals in our field, and competition for qualified personnel is especially intense in the renewable energy and energy storage industry in the U.S., Australia, and Switzerland, where our offices are located. Our failure to attract and retain our executive officers and other key technology, sales, marketing and support personnel, could adversely impact our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results.

We believe that it is vital to our operating success that we recruit and retain key personnel, including a highly skilled management team with diverse experience in the renewable energy and energy storage sectors. If we fail to maintain a highly skilled management team, we may not be able to achieve our strategic objectives, which would negatively impact our business and operating success. In addition, because our industry is still in a nascent stage, there is and will continue to be a scarcity of skilled personnel with experience in our industry. If we lose a member of our management team or key employee, it may prove difficult for us to replace such employee with a similarly qualified individual with experience in the renewable energy and energy storage industry, which could impact our business and operating success.

***Labor disputes could disrupt our ability to serve our customers and/or lead to higher labor costs.***

As of December 31, 2025, we employed 142 full-time employees and six part-time employees, none of whom are represented by unions or collective bargaining agreements. If a union sought to organize any of our other employees, such organizing efforts or collective bargaining negotiations could potentially lead to work stoppages and/or slowdowns or strikes by certain of our employees. Additionally, the EPC firms that we rely upon to install our energy storage systems may have employees represented by unions or collective bargaining agreements. Any work stoppages and/or slowdowns by certain of our employees or certain employees at the EPC firms we contract with, could adversely affect our ability to serve our customers.

Further, settlement of actual or threatened labor disputes or an increase in the number of our employees covered by collective bargaining agreements could lead to higher labor costs and could impair productivity and flexibility.

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***Changes in business, economic, or political conditions, including overall changes in demand, are beyond our control and could impact our business, resulting in lower revenues and other adverse effects to our results of operations.***

Economic uncertainty and associated macroeconomic conditions, including heightened inflation, capital markets volatility, interest rate and currency rate fluctuations, and economic slowdown or recession, have resulted and may continue to result in unfavorable conditions that negatively affect demand for our products and exacerbate some of the other risks that affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Both domestic and international markets experienced inflationary pressures in 2022 and parts of 2023 and, while inflation has moderated recently, inflation rates in the U.S., as well as in other countries in which we operate, may increase again in the near-term. In addition, the Federal Reserve in the U.S. and other central banks in various countries have raised, and may again raise, interest rates in response to concerns about inflation, which, coupled with reduced government spending and volatility in financial markets, has had and may continue to have the effect of further increasing economic uncertainty and heightening these risks. Interest rate increases or other government actions taken to reduce inflation have resulted in recessionary pressures in many parts of the world. Furthermore, currency exchange rates have been especially volatile in the recent past, and these currency fluctuations have affected, and may continue to affect, the reported value of our assets and liabilities, as well as our cash flows.

A significant downturn in the domestic or global economy may cause our customers to pause, delay, or cancel spending on our offerings or seek to lower their costs by exploring alternatives. Reductions in energy demand due to economic downturns or increased interest rates can make projects in which we invest to be less profitable than our expectations, if at all. To the extent purchases of our offerings are perceived by customers and potential customers as discretionary, our revenue may be disproportionately affected by delays or reductions in energy storage spending. Also, competitors may respond to challenging market conditions by lowering prices and attempting to lure away our customers.

Similarly, our business depends on the overall business and global or regional political conditions, which are beyond our control.

We cannot predict the timing, strength, or duration of any economic slowdown or any subsequent recovery generally, or any industry in particular or how global business and political conditions may change. To the extent that general business, economic or political conditions, including overall changes in demand for our products, decline, our business, financial condition and results of operations, including revenues, could be materially adversely affected.

***The productivity of our facilities or our customers' facilities, the operation of our supply chain, the demand, performance and availability of our products, our services, our systems and our business in general may be affected by factors outside of our control, which could result in harm to our business and financial results.***

The productivity of our facilities or our customers' facilities, the operation of our supply chain, the demand, performance and availability of our products, our services, our systems and our business in general could be adversely affected by events outside of our control, such as natural catastrophic events, geographical instability, wars, and other calamities*.* We cannot assure you that, collectively, our process and procedures to recover from a disaster or catastrophe will be adequate to protect us from the effects of fire, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failures, cyberattacks and other information security incidents, break-ins, war, riots, terrorist attacks, pandemics, or similar events outside of our control, certain of which may become more frequent or intense as a result of climate change. The severity of such factors and frequency at which they occur are also outside our control. If such factors occur our business, financial condition and results of operations, including revenues, could be materially adversely affected.

***We are subject to a series of risks related to climate change.***

There are inherent climate-related risks wherever business is conducted. Certain of our facilities, as well as third-party infrastructure on which we rely, are located in areas that have experienced, and are projected to continue to experience, various meteorological phenomena (such as drought, heatwaves, wildfire, storms, flooding, freezes, and winter storms, among others) or other catastrophic events that may disrupt our or our suppliers' operations (as well as grid connections), require us to incur additional operating or capital expenditures, result in facility shutdowns, decrease productivity, result in operational risks and increased risks to employee safety, or otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Climate change may increase the frequency and/or intensity of such events. For example, in certain areas, there has been an increase in power shutoffs associated with wildfire prevention. Climate change may also result in various chronic changes to the physical environment, such as changes to water levels, air quality, and/or ambient temperature and precipitation patterns. Physical risks may also compound and contribute to further or more intense impacts. While we may take various actions to mitigate our business risks associated with climate change, this may require us to incur substantial costs and may not be successful, due to, among other things, the uncertainty associated with the longer-term projections associated with managing climate risk. For example, to the extent such events become more frequent or intense, we may not be able to procure insurance to cover all potential losses on terms we deem acceptable.

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We are subject to certain risks associated with the energy transition. We anticipate there will be costs associated with transitioning to lower emissions technologies, as well as risks associated with newer technologies, including risks that particular technologies we invest in may not ultimately prove successful or financially viable, as well as other risks that may not presently be known to us. Similarly, the price and availability of various inputs for the products we offer, including electricity and various metals, vary in response to market trends, which may result in higher costs and/or operational disruptions, or other adverse impacts. These impacts may also be exacerbated by various responses from policymakers, including in manners that may, for national security or other factors, do not promote the availability or affordability of such materials.

Additionally, we expect to be subject to increased regulations, reporting requirements, standards, or expectations regarding the environmental impacts of our business. For example, policymakers in various jurisdictions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, European Union, and the State of California, among others, have adopted or are considering adopting greenhouse gas ('GHG") pricing mechanisms, GHG emission limits, and/or requirements for the disclosure of certain climate-related information, which may require us to incur significant additional costs to comply and impose increased oversight obligations on our management and board of directors ("Board"). Such regulations may also impact our supply chain and the cost of various materials used in our offerings; while we are working to find alternatives to certain materials, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to find suitable alternatives at a cost, quality, or timeframe that is acceptable to us. Government efforts to promote climate resiliency may also result in increased regulatory obligations across a range of laws, not all of which may be primarily climate-related. The expectations of various stakeholders, including customers and employees, regarding such matters likewise continues to evolve. In addition, previously proposed or adopted requirements, including regulations addressing GHG emissions and climate-related disclosures, have been or may be withdrawn, legally challenged, or subject to potential repeal in certain jurisdictions, and such regulatory reversals, together with uncertainty surrounding the future status of these requirements, could reduce demand for renewable energy, including energy storage products such as ours, which could adversely affect our business. Changing market dynamics, global and domestic policy developments, and the increasing frequency and impact of meteorological phenomena have the potential to disrupt our business, the business of our suppliers and/or customers, or otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

***Fuel prices, including volatility in the cost of diesel or natural gas or a prolonged period of low gasoline and natural gas costs, could decrease incentives to transition to renewable energy.***

A portion of the current and expected demand for renewable energy results from concerns about volatility in the cost of gasoline and other petroleum-based fuel, the dependency of the United States on oil from unstable or non-aligned countries, government regulations and economic incentives promoting fuel efficiency and alternative forms of energy, as well as concerns about climate change resulting in part from the burning of fossil fuels. We believe that our energy storage systems promote grid reliability, even when fossil fuels are used to generate electricity, but energy storage projects are particularly suited for intermittent alternative energy sources like wind and solar. If the cost of gasoline and other petroleum-based fuel decreases significantly, the outlook for the long-term supply of oil to the United States improves, the government eliminates or modifies its regulations or economic incentives related to fuel efficiency and alternative forms of energy or there is a change in the perception in the cost-benefit analysis regarding the effects of burning fossil fuels on the environment, the demand for renewable energy, including energy storage products such as ours, could be reduced, and our business and revenue may be harmed.

***Our insurance coverage, customer indemnifications or other liability protections may be unavailable or inadequate to cover all of our significant risks, which could adversely affect our profitability and overall financial position.***

We endeavor to obtain insurance to cover significant risks and liabilities (including, for example, natural disasters, cybersecurity, defective hardware and software and products liability). Not every risk or liability can be insured, and insurance coverage is not always reasonably available. The policy limits and terms of coverage reasonably obtainable may not be sufficient to cover actual losses or liabilities. Even if insurance coverage is available, we are not always able to obtain it at a price or on terms acceptable to us or without increasing exclusions. Disputes with insurance carriers over the availability of coverage, and the insolvency of one or more of our insurers may affect the availability or timing of recovery, as well as our ability to obtain insurance coverage at reasonable rates in the future. In some circumstances we may be entitled to certain legal protections or indemnifications from our suppliers through contractual provisions, laws or otherwise. However, these protections are not always available, are difficult to negotiate and obtain, are typically subject to certain terms or limitations, including the availability of funds, and may not be sufficient to cover our losses or liabilities. If insurance coverage, customer indemnifications and/or other legal protections are not available or are not sufficient to cover risks or losses, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.

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**Risks Related to Our Financial Condition and Liquidity**

***Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could have a significant adverse effect on our business and the price of our common stock.***

As a public reporting company, we are subject to the rules and regulations established from time to time by the SEC and NYSE. These rules and regulations require, among other things, that we have, and periodically evaluate, procedures with respect to our internal control over financial reporting. Reporting obligations as a public company are likely to continue to place a considerable strain on our financial and management systems, processes and controls, as well as on our personnel.

In addition, as a public company we are required to document and test our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act so that our management can certify as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

In connection with the preparation of our financial statements and the audit of our financial results for 2022, we had identified a material weakness in our internal controls relating to the recognition of revenue from certain licensing contracts. Although the material weakness has been remediated as of December 31, 2023, there can be no assurance that we will not identify additional material weaknesses in the future.

In future periods, if our senior management is unable to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting, or to certify the effectiveness of such controls, or if additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting are identified, we may be required to restate our financial statements and could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, a loss of public and investor confidence, and to litigation from investors and stockholders, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and the price of our common stock.

In addition, if we do not maintain adequate financial and management personnel, processes and controls, we may not be able to manage our business effectively or accurately report our financial performance on a timely basis, which could cause a decline in our common stock price and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, our business has grown rapidly over the last several years and may continue to grow in the future. In the event of further growth, our internal controls over financial reporting may not be adequate to support our operations. Failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC, the NYSE or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.

***We are an early stage company with a history of losses, and expect to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future, and we may not be able to achieve profitability in the future.***

Since our inception in October 2017, we have incurred significant net losses and have used significant cash in our business. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had accumulated deficits of $487.4 million and $383.8 million, respectively, and net losses attributable to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. of $103.6 million and $135.8 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. We expect to continue to expand our operations, including by investing in manufacturing, sales and marketing, research and development and infrastructure to support our growth. We anticipate that we will incur net losses for the foreseeable future and there is no guarantee that we will achieve or maintain profitability. Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability in the future will depend on a number of factors, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• successfully implementing our products on a commercial scale;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• achieving meaningful sales volume;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the successful and timely development of our suite of software solutions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• attracting customers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• expanding into geographical markets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability or the ability of future customers to obtain financing in a timely basis and with attractive terms to enable them and us to develop energy storage technologies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the cost of producing our energy storage systems;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• successful continued development and deployment of our energy storage systems, including our B-VAULT, G-VAULT, and H-VAULT products;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ability to execute on our strategy to reduce costs, in the amount and on the timing projected;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• improving the efficiency and predictability of our construction processes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• entering into agreements with suppliers and service providers for the maintenance of our systems and other strategic relationships;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• improving the effectiveness of our sales and marketing activities and any independent sales representatives that we may engage;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• attracting and retaining key talent in a competitive marketplace;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the amount and timing of stock-based compensation expenses;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• identifying new opportunities for other business to integrate our product into their operations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• fluctuations in the costs of steel and raw materials, including due to the enactment of tariffs under the new U.S. presidential administration and retaliatory tariffs in response thereto; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• delays associated with obtaining construction permits and potential regulatory review.

***The implementation of our business plan and strategy may require additional capital. If we are then unable to achieve sufficient sales to generate that capital or otherwise raise capital, it may create substantial doubt about our ability to pursue our business objectives and achieve profitability or to continue as a going concern. If adequate capital is not available to us, including due to the cost and availability of funding in the capital markets, our business, operating results and financial condition may be harmed.***

The development, design, construction, and sale of our energy storage systems is a capital-intensive business. As a result, we can be expected to continue to incur substantial operating expenses without generating sufficient revenues to cover expenditures. As we transition to owning our own energy storage assets, our capital needs will continue to increase. Over time, we may need to raise additional funds, including through entry into new joint venture arrangements, through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities or through obtaining credit from financial institutions to fund, together with our principal sources of liquidity, ongoing costs such as capital expenditures on our owned projects, research and development relating to our products and technologies, the construction and tooling of prototypes, the implementation of our systems for our future customers, any significant unplanned or accelerated expenses, and new strategic investments. We cannot be certain that additional capital will be available on attractive terms, if at all, when needed, which could be dilutive to stockholders, and our financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. Disruptions in the global capital markets and credit markets as a result of an economic downturn, economic uncertainty, changing interest rate yield curves, changing or increased regulations, or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our cash resources or access to additional capital needed for business in the future.

The Company maintains the majority of its cash and cash equivalents in accounts with major U.S. and multi-national financial institutions, with a significant portion invested in money market funds holding U.S. Treasury bills, and similarly rated agency indebtedness.

If adequate capital is not available to us, it may create substantial doubt among third parties, including suppliers and potential customers, about our ability to pursue our objectives, to achieve profitability or to continue as a going concern. Such doubt could materially and adversely impact our business, reputation and prospects.

***Our total backlog, bookings and developed pipeline may not be indicative of our future revenue, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.***

Our backlog represents (i) contracted but unrecognized revenue from third party projects and services yet to be completed, (ii) unrecognized revenue or other income from IP licensing agreements, and (iii) unrecognized revenue from tolling arrangements for projects operated by Energy Vault or affiliates, in each case, that is associated with contracted bookings and contingent option bookings (as defined below). Backlog includes contracted backlog and contingent option backlog. Contracted backlog reflects unrecognized revenue associated with binding, fully executed agreements. Contingent option backlog reflects unrecognized revenue associated with projects where the Company holds an enforceable exclusive purchase right and intends to exercise that right, even if the option has not been exercised as of period end, and is contingent on the Company exercising the applicable purchase right and subsequent project execution. If the Company does not exercise an option, or if the underlying terms or assumptions change such that inclusion is no longer appropriate, the related contingent option backlog is removed or updated in the period of change. Backlog includes any potential future variable payments from tolling and offtake arrangements that the Company believes is probable of being realized. Probable future variable payments are forecasted by an independent third-party firm using simulation software that factors in current and projected energy market dynamics, historical and forecasted volatility, and location specific data. The Company considers the low-end simulation results to be probable. Potential future IP royalties are not included in backlog. As of December 31, 2025, backlog totaled $1.3 billion. Backlog is a common measurement used in our industry. Our methodology for determining backlog may not, however, be comparable to the methodologies used by others. Effective in the second quarter of 2024, we updated our methodology for computing backlog. Under our previous methodology, our backlog was equivalent to our remaining performance obligations under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

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("GAAP"). We believe our new methodology for computing backlog allows us to better evaluate the growth of our Company and estimate future revenue.

Net bookings represent the sum of contracted bookings and contingent option bookings, net of cancellations, measured in total aggregate contract value and total MWhs. Contracted bookings are from customer contracts signed during the period. Contingent option bookings are from projects where the Company holds an enforceable exclusive purchase right and intends to exercise that right, even if the option has not been exercised as of period end. For the year ended December 31, 2025 net bookings totaled $1.1 billion.

Developed pipeline represents uncontracted, potential revenue, from third-party projects where potential prospective customers have either awarded the Company a project or shortlisted the Company for consideration, but not, in either case, having awarded the Company a binding order. Developed pipeline also includes potential tolling revenue from projects where the Company is in advanced negotiations to build, own, and operate energy storage systems. Developed pipeline is an internal management metric that we construct using information from our global sales team and is monitored by management to understand the potential anticipated growth of our Company and to estimate potential future revenue. Developed pipeline is influenced by the prevailing foreign exchange rates and equipment prices and may vary from period to period if these inputs change. As of December 31, 2025, developed pipeline totaled $2.4 billion.

There can be no assurance that our backlog, bookings and developed pipeline will result in actual revenue in the future in any particular period, or at all. This is because the actual receipt, timing, and amount of revenue under contracts included under backlog, bookings and developed contracts are subject to various contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Our failure to realize revenue from contracts included in the total amounts estimated under backlog, bookings and developed pipeline could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, our contracts with customers are subject to delays and cancellations. Generally, a customer can cancel an order prior to installation, and, notwithstanding the fact that a customer's termination for convenience may obligate the customer to pay us certain fees, we may be unable to recover some of our costs in connection with design, permitting, installation, and site preparations incurred prior to cancellation. Cancellation rates in our industry could increase in any given period, due to factors outside of our control including an inability to install an energy storage system at the customer's chosen location because of permitting or other regulatory issues, unanticipated changes in the cost or availability of alternative sources of electricity available to the customer, or other reasons unique to each customer. Our operating expenses are based on anticipated sales levels, and certain of our expenses are fixed. If we are unsuccessful in closing sales after expending significant resources or if we experience delays or cancellations, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

***Our ability to use certain of our current and future net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards may be limited and could adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.***

As of December 31, 2025, the Company had federal net operating losses of $155.6 million, state net operating losses of $58.9 million, and foreign net operating losses of $13.6 million. The federal net operating loss carryforwards do not expire, but are subject to a limitation on their use equal to 80% of the taxable income in the year of use. The state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2042. $10.6 million of the foreign net operating loss carryforwards do not expire. The remaining foreign net loss carryforwards began to expire in 2025. Additionally, as of December 31, 2025, we had U.S. federal research tax credit carryforwards of $2.8 million, which begin to expire in 2042, and U.S. state research tax credit carryforwards of $0.7 million, which can be carried forward indefinitely.

Utilization of our NOL and tax credit carryforwards depends on many factors, including our future income, which cannot be assured. In addition, Sections 382 and 383 of the Code, generally impose an annual limitation on the amount of NOL carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards that may be used to offset taxable income when a corporation has undergone an "ownership change" (as determined under Section 382 of the Code). An ownership change generally occurs if one or more stockholders (or groups of stockholders) who are each deemed to own at least 5% of such corporation's stock change their ownership by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest ownership percentage within a rolling three-year period. In the event that we were to undergo an ownership change, utilization of our NOL carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards would be subject to an annual limitation under Sections 382 and 383 of the Code. Any unused annual limitation may be carried over to later years. We may experience ownership changes in the future as a result of future changes in our stock ownership, some of which are outside of our control. Similar provisions of U.S. state and non-U.S. tax law may apply and future regulatory changes could also limit our ability to utilize NOL and tax credit carryforwards. Accordingly, we may not be able to utilize a material portion of our NOL or tax credit carryforwards to offset future taxable income, which could adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.

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***Changes to applicable tax laws or regulations or the interpretation thereof or the imposition of new or increased taxes or fees could increase our future tax liabilities and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and cash flows.***

We are subject to various complex evolving U.S. federal, state and local tax laws, policies, statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances, each of which could be changed, modified, interpreted or applied adversely to us, in each case, possibly with retroactive effect. From time to time, U.S. federal and state level legislation has been proposed that would, if enacted into law, make significant changes to tax laws, including to certain key U.S. federal and state income tax provisions currently applicable to us. It is unclear whether any such changes will be enacted and, if enacted, how soon any such changes could take effect. Additionally, U.S. states or non-U.S. jurisdictions in which we operate or own assets may impose new or increased taxes or fees on our operations. The passage of any such legislation or other changes or modifications of current tax laws, any significant variance in our interpretation of current tax laws or a successful challenge of one or more of our tax positions by the IRS or other tax authorities could increase our future tax liabilities and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

***We may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition, results of operations and stock price, which could cause you to lose some or all of your investment.***

Unexpected risks may arise that cause us to write down or write off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in losses. Even though these charges may be noncash items and not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our securities. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other covenants to which we may be subject. Accordingly, our stockholders could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares.

***Incorrect estimates or assumptions by management in connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements could adversely affect our reported assets, liabilities, income, revenue or expenses.***

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make critical accounting estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income, revenues or expenses during the reporting periods. Incorrect estimates and assumptions by management could adversely affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income, revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. If we make incorrect assumptions or estimates, our reported financial results may be over- or understated, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

***Government control of currency conversion and expatriation of funds may affect our liquidity.***

We have customers and subsidiaries located in jurisdictions that impose or may impose controls on the convertibility of the local currency into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of the jurisdiction. Therefore, we may experience delays, restrictions or limitations in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency to the Company, which could have a material effect on our liquidity and our business. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency in countries in which we transact, or the impossibility or difficulties in complying with the requirements and approvals of local authorities may delay, restrict or limit the ability of our customer to covert the amount owed to us to U.S. dollars and remit such amount to us, thus materially affecting our liquidity and business.

**Risks Related to Our IP and Technology**

***We may be unable to protect, defend, maintain or enforce IP rights on which our business depends, including as against existing or future competitors, which may adversely affect our growth and success.***

We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and unfair competition laws, as well as confidentiality and other contractual provisions with our customers, suppliers, employees, and others to establish, maintain, and enforce our IP and proprietary rights. However, our rights under these laws and agreements afford us only limited protection and the actions we take to establish, maintain, and enforce our IP rights may not be adequate. For example, our owned or licensed IP rights could be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, and we may be unable to detect when our IP rights are infringed or misappropriated. Additionally, we may be unable to effectively assert our IP rights or our IP rights may not be sufficient to provide us with a competitive advantage, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.

The laws of some countries do not protect IP rights as fully as do the laws of the United States. Therefore, our IP rights may not be as strong or as easily enforced outside of the United States and efforts to protect against the unauthorized use of our IP rights, technology and other proprietary rights may be more expensive and difficult outside of the United States. Further, we have not established our IP rights in all countries in the world, and competitors may copy our designs and technology and operate in countries in which we have not prosecuted out IP. Failure to adequately protect our IP rights could result in our competitors using our IP to offer products, and competitors' ability to design around our IP would

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enable competitors to offer similar or better energy storage products, in each case potentially resulting in the loss of some of our competitive advantage and a decrease in our revenue, which would adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

***Our patents and patent applications, if issued, may not provide adequate protection to create a barrier to entry. The provisional and non-provisional patent applications that we own may not issue as patents or provide adequate protection to create a barrier to entry, which may hinder our ability to prevent the sale of competing products.***

We cannot be certain that our pending patent applications will result in issued patents or that any of our issued patents will afford sufficient protection against competitors with similar technology. In addition, patent applications filed in foreign countries are subject to laws, rules, and procedures that differ from those of the United States, and thus we cannot be certain that foreign patent applications related to issued U.S. patents will be issued in other regions. Furthermore, even if our patent applications are granted, some foreign countries provide significantly less effective patent enforcement than in the United States.

We intend to continue to regularly assess opportunities for seeking patent and other IP protections for certain aspects of our technology, designs and methodologies that we believe provide a meaningful competitive advantage. However, our ability to do so may be limited until such time as we are able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or otherwise raise sufficient capital to continue to invest in our IP as seeking and maintaining such protection can be expensive. For example, maintaining patents in the United States and other countries requires the payment of maintenance fees and annuities, which may result in loss of our patent rights if we are unable to pay. If we are unable to so invest in our IP, our ability to protect it or prevent others from infringing on our proprietary rights may be impaired.

In addition, patents issued to us may be infringed upon or designed around by others and others may obtain patents that we need to license or design around, either of which could increase our costs and may adversely affect our business, our prospects, and our operating results.

***We may be subject to third-party claims of infringement, misappropriation or other violation of IP rights, or other claims challenging our agreements related to IP, which may be time-consuming and costly to defend, and could result in substantial liability.***

Companies, organizations, or individuals, including our competitors, hold numerous patents or other IP rights related to technology used in our industry, some of which may prevent, limit, or interfere with our ability to make, use, develop, or sell our products or services, which could make it more difficult for us to operate our business. Those holding IP rights allegedly relating to our products or services could, in the future, make claims or bring suits alleging infringement, misappropriation, or other violations of such rights, or otherwise assert their rights by seeking royalties or injunctions, which may become more likely if we gain greater recognition in the market. If a claim is successfully brought in the future and we or our products or services are determined to have infringed, misappropriated, or otherwise violated a third party's IP rights, we may be required to do one or more of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• cease selling or using our products or services that incorporate the challenged IP;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• pay substantial damages;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• obtain a license from the holder of the relevant IP rights, which may not be available on reasonable terms or at all; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• redesign our products, services, or means of production, which may not be possible or cost-effective.

Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition. In addition, any litigation or claims, even if lacking merit, could harm our reputation, result in substantial costs and divert resources and management attention.

We also license technology from third parties and incorporate components supplied by third parties into our products. We may in the future face claims that our use of such technology or components infringes or otherwise violates the rights of others, which would subject us to the risks described above. We may in some cases seek indemnification from our licensors or suppliers under our contracts with them, but our rights to indemnification or our suppliers' resources may be unavailable or insufficient to cover our costs and losses.

***We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants, or advisors have wrongfully used or disclosed proprietary information or know-how of their current or former employers or claims asserting ownership of what we regard as our own IP rights.***

Many of our employees, consultants, and advisors are currently or were previously employed or engaged at other companies in our field, including our competitors or potential competitors. Although we take commercially reasonable

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measures designed to ensure that our employees, consultants, and advisors do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, we may still be subject to claims that we or these individuals have used or disclosed IP rights, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of any such individual's current or former employer. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable IP rights or personnel. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.

In addition, while it is our policy to require our employees and contractors who may be involved in the conception or development of IP rights to execute agreements assigning such IP rights to us, we may be unsuccessful in executing such an agreement with each party who, in fact, conceives or develops IP rights that we regard as our own. Additionally, the assignment agreements may be breached, and we may be forced to bring claims against third parties, or defend claims that they may bring against us, to determine the ownership of what we regard as our IP rights. Any of the foregoing could harm our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.

***We utilize open-source software, which may pose particular risks to our proprietary software and solutions.*** 

Like many of those in our industry, we use open-source software in our solutions. Companies that incorporate open-source software into their solutions have, from time to time, faced claims challenging the use of open-source software and compliance with open-source license terms. Some licenses governing the use of open-source software contain requirements that the licensee make available source code for modifications or derivative works created based upon the open-source software or that the licensee license such modifications or derivative works under the terms of a particular open-source license or other license granting third parties certain rights of further use ("copyleft restrictions"). Although we monitor our use of open-source software, we cannot ensure that all such software is free of copyleft restrictions . Additionally, the terms of many open-source licenses to which we are subject have not been interpreted by U.S. or foreign courts. There is a risk that open-source software licenses could be construed in a manner that imposes unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to market or provide our solutions as currently marketed or provided. Companies that incorporate open-source software into their products have, in the past, faced claims seeking enforcement of open-source license provisions and claims asserting ownership of open-source software incorporated into their product. If an author or other third party were to allege that we had not complied with the conditions of an open-source license, we could incur significant legal costs defending ourselves against such allegations. In the event such claims were successful, we could be subject to significant damages or be enjoined from the distribution of our software. As a result of our current or future use of open-source software, we may face claims or litigation, be required to release our proprietary source code, pay damages for breach of contract, re-engineer our solutions, discontinue making our solutions available in the event re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis, or take other remedial action. Any such re-engineering or other remedial efforts could require significant additional research and development resources, and we may not be able to successfully complete any such re-engineering or other remedial efforts. Further, in addition to risks related to license requirements, use of certain open-source software can lead to greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open-source licensors generally do not provide warranties or controls on the origin of software. Any of these risks could be difficult to eliminate or manage, and, if not addressed, could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***Cyberattacks and other security breaches affecting, or significant interruptions to, information technology systems on which we rely could have an adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition, including through harm to our reputation and exposure to liability.***

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect, store, and transmit confidential information, including IP, proprietary business information, and personal information of customers, our employees, and contractors (collectively, "Confidential Information"). We also rely on computer systems, hardware, software, technology infrastructure, and online sites and networks for both internal and external operations that are critical to our business and the operation of our energy storage systems (collectively, "IT Systems"). We own and manage some of these IT Systems but also rely on third parties for a range of IT Systems and related products and services. We face numerous and evolving cybersecurity risks that threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our IT Systems and Confidential Information, including computer malware and viruses (e.g., ransomware), malicious code, misconfigurations, bugs or other vulnerabilities, physical or electronic break-ins, cyberattacks, phishing attacks and other social engineering schemes, employee theft or misuse, human error, fraud, denial or degradation of service attacks and attacks by sophisticated nation-state and nation-state-supported actors, terrorism, war, infrastructure changes and capacity constraints, telecommunication and electrical failures, and similar attacks or disruptions. Any of these could lead to interruption and delays in our services and operations and the loss, misuse or theft of Confidential Information.

Such attacks against online networks have become more prevalent and there is an increased likelihood they may occur on our IT Systems or those of our third-party service providers in the future. Furthermore, because the techniques used to

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obtain unauthorized access to, or to sabotage, systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. We may also experience security breaches that may remain undetected for an extended period. Even if identified, we may be unable to adequately detect, investigate, or remediate incidents or breaches due to attackers increasingly using tools and techniques—including artificial intelligence—that are designed to circumvent controls, to avoid detection, and to remove or obfuscate forensic evidence.

We and certain of our service providers are from time to time subject to cyberattacks and security incidents. While we do not believe that we have experienced any significant system failure, accident or security breach to date, any successful attempt by cyber-attackers or other disruption to our services or IT Systems, could harm our business, result in regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, expose us to legal liability, cause us to incur material costs, including to provide required notifications to third-parties including data subjects, result in the misappropriation of funds or other IP, be expensive to investigate and remedy and damage our reputation or brand and ability to attract and retain customers. Insurance may not be sufficient to cover significant expenses and losses related to cyberattacks or other interruptions to our systems. Efforts to prevent cyber-attackers from entering IT Systems are expensive to implement, and there can be no assurance that our cybersecurity risk management program and processes, including our policies, controls or procedures, will be fully implemented, complied with or effective in protecting our IT Systems and Confidential Information, and we may not be able to ensure the implementation or enforcement of the same with respect to our third-party vendors.

We continue to implement processes and procedures designed to enable us to quickly recover from a disaster or catastrophe and continue business operations. We have tested this capability under controlled circumstances. However, there are several factors ranging from human error to data corruption that could materially impact the efficacy of such processes and procedures, including by lengthening the time services are partially or fully unavailable to customers and users. It may be difficult or impossible to perform some or all recovery steps and continue normal business operations due to the nature of a particular cyber incident, disaster or catastrophe, especially during peak periods, which could cause additional reputational damage, or loss of revenues, any of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial results. In addition, we have experienced rapid growth and may continue to grow in the future. In the event of such growth, our IT Systems may not be adequate, as currently designed, to protect us from data security breaches and other disruptions. In the future our energy storage systems and any digital platform that we develop may experience outages and other performance problems due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, third-party service providers, human or software errors and capacity constraints. We may also face changes in our energy storage systems, which could lead to damages, accidents and or system disruptions.

We have service agreements with data center developers and other third-party service providers, and interruptions to their services, their network providers or with the systems allocating capacity among their users, including us, could adversely affect our ability to serve our customers or perform our administrative work. Our third-party service providers could decide to close their facilities without adequate notice. Any financial difficulties, such as bankruptcy or reorganization, faced by our third-party service providers or any of the service providers with whom they contract may have negative effects on our business, the nature and extent of which are difficult to predict. If our third-party service providers are unable to keep up with our needs for capacity, this could have an adverse effect on our business. In the event that our agreements with any of our third-party service providers are terminated, or we add additional cloud infrastructure service providers, we may experience significant costs or downtime in connection with the transfer to, or the addition of, new cloud infrastructure service providers. Any of the above circumstances or events may harm our reputation and brand or increase our costs, and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***Our systems include complex software and technology systems and do not have a meaningful history of operation, and there can be no assurance such systems and technology will perform as expected or that software, engineering or other technical defects will not be discovered until after a system is installed and operated by a customer. If our energy storage systems contain engineering or construction defects, our business and financial results could be harmed. In addition, the development and updating of these systems will require us to incur potentially significant costs and expenses.***

To date, we have deployed five fully operational BESSs. Our products may contain defects in design, engineering, or construction that may cause them not to perform as expected or may require repair. Additionally, our energy storage systems use a substantial amount of software to operate which may require modification and updates over the life of such systems. Software products are inherently complex and often contain defects and errors when first introduced. These defects and errors can manifest in any number of ways in our products, including through diminished performance, security vulnerabilities, malfunctions, or even permanently disabled products. Additionally, it is difficult for us to evaluate the manufacturing and construction of our energy storage systems until there are working examples that have been manufactured, constructed, and used by us and/or our customers.

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There can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix any defects in the hardware or software of our energy storage systems, and such defects may not become apparent until a system is installed and operated by a customer. Our energy storage systems may not perform consistent with customers' expectations or consistent with other energy storage systems which may become available. Any product defects or any other failure of our energy storage systems to perform as expected could harm our reputation and result in negative publicity, lost revenue, delivery delays, product liability claims and significant warranty and other expenses, and could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects. Any defects, errors, or other vulnerabilities discovered in our software after release could allow third parties to manipulate or exploit our software, resulting in lower revenue and exposing us to claims for damages, any of which could seriously harm our business. We also could face claims for product liability, tort, or breach of warranty. Defending a lawsuit, regardless of its merit, is costly and may divert management's attention and seriously harm our reputation and our business.

In addition, further development and updating of our energy storage systems will require us to incur potentially significant costs and expenses.

***Any failure to offer high-quality technical support services may adversely affect our relationships with our customers and adversely affect our financial results.***

We anticipate that our customers will depend on our support organization to resolve any technical issues relating to the hardware and software included in our systems. In addition, our sales process is likely to depend highly on the quality of our hardware and software-enabled services, on our business reputation, and on strong recommendations from our existing customers. Any failure to maintain high-quality and highly-responsive technical support, or a market perception that we do not maintain high-quality and highly-responsive support, could adversely affect our reputation, our ability to sell our products to existing and prospective customers, and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We intend to offer technical support services alongside our systems. While we have a designated team of engineers to support our customers, they may be unable to respond quickly enough to accommodate short-term increases in demand for support services, particularly as we increase the size of our customer base. We also may be unable to modify the format of our support services to compete with changes in support services provided by competitors. At our current stage, it is difficult to predict demand for technical support services and if demand were to increase significantly beyond our expectations, we may be unable to provide satisfactory support services to our customers. Additionally, increased demand for these services, without corresponding revenue, could increase costs and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

***If any of our products are or are alleged to be defective in design or manufacturing or experience other failures, we may be compelled to undertake corrective actions, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results, reputation and financial condition.***

Our energy storage systems are complex and incorporate technology and components that may contain design and manufacturing-related defects and errors and may in the future contain undetected defects or errors. Additionally, we have limited experience from which to evaluate the long-term performance of our energy storage systems. There can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix any defects in any of our energy storage systems prior to the sale to potential consumers.

Generally, we do not manufacture the components of our energy storage systems and we rely on suppliers and subcontractors to manufacture such components. We provide installation, construction, and commissioning services for our customers that purchase our products. Although we have implemented quality control initiatives to help prevent defects and issues, defects and issues may still occur in the future that may result in significant expenses or disruptions of our operations.

Since we do not manufacture certain components of our energy storage systems, our ability to seek recourse for liabilities and recover costs from our suppliers and subcontractors depends on our contractual rights as well as the financial condition and integrity of such suppliers and subcontractors. Furthermore, our suppliers and subcontractors may be unable or not required to correct manufacturing defects or other failures of such components of our energy storage systems in a manner satisfactory to our customers, which could adversely affect customer satisfaction, market acceptance, and our business reputation.

For BESSs, on rare occasions, lithium-ion batteries can rapidly release the energy they contain by venting smoke and flames in a manner that can ignite nearby materials as well as other lithium-ion batteries. Any defective performance could subject us to lawsuits, product recalls, or redesign efforts, all of which would be time consuming and expensive. Additionally, negative public perception regarding the suitability of the components in our energy applications could adversely affect our business and reputation.

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Any defects or errors in product or services offerings, or the perception of such defects or errors, or other performance problems could result in any of the following, each of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• expenditure of significant financial and product development resources, including recalls, in efforts to analyze, correct, eliminate, or work around errors or defects;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• significant re-engineering work;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• loss of existing or potential customers or partners;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• interruptions or delays in sales;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• delayed or lost revenue;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• delay or failure to attain market acceptance;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• delay in the development or release of new functionality or improvements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• negative publicity and reputational harm;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• sales credits or refunds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• security vulnerabilities, data breaches, and exposure of confidential or proprietary information;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• diversion of development and customer service resources;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• breach of warranty claims;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• legal claims and regulatory actions under applicable laws, rules, and regulations; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the expense and risk of litigation.

**Risks Related to Government Regulation**

***Changes to U.S. tariff and import/export regulations may have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.***

The United States has enacted significant tariffs and proposed changes to previously existing tariffs. In particular, the United States has finalized Section 301 tariff actions covering certain China-origin products, including a scheduled increase in the tariff rate applicable to lithium-ion non-electric vehicle batteries to 25% effective January 1, 2026. In addition, Section 232 tariffs were increased to 50% effective June 4, 2025 (subject to certain country-specific provisions).

Further, President Trump has continued to rely on the tariff power to drive trade negotiations globally resulting in fluctuating tariff rates especially with respect to tariff rates on imports from China.

As of the date of this Annual Report, discussions remain ongoing in respect of certain trade restrictions and tariffs on imports from China, and President Trump has announced the imposition of a global 10% tariff that may be increased to 15%. There are also potential retaliatory tariffs that may be enacted in response to such actions. In light of these events, there continues to exist significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and other countries with respect to such trade policies, treaties, and tariffs. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between the impacted nations and the United States. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our access to suppliers or customers and have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn would negatively impact us. We have operations, customers and suppliers in the U.S., China and other countries.

***Our future financial performance may depend in part on the continued availability of rebates, tax credits and other government incentives and/or regulations relating to renewable energy and/or energy storage. The reduction, elimination, modification, expiration, or determination of inapplicability of such government incentives and/or regulations, or the potential of any such reduction, elimination, modification, expiration, or determination of inapplicability of such government incentives and/or regulations, could cause our revenue to decline and harm our business, operating results, and cash flows.***

U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. governments provide incentives and/or implement regulations relating to mandating or encouraging the use of renewable energy and/or energy storage to owners, end users, distributors, system integrators, and manufacturers of renewable energy and energy storage products and solutions to promote renewable electricity and energy storage in the form of rebates, tax credits, and other financial incentives, such as system performance payments and payments for renewable energy credits associated with renewable energy generation, as well as through

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procurement requirements and market structures. The range and duration of these incentives and regulations varies widely by jurisdiction. Our business may rely on these incentives and/or regulations. However, such incentives and/or regulations may expire on a particular date, end when the allocated funding is exhausted, or be reduced or terminated as a result of legal challenges, the adoption of new statutes or regulations, changes to existing regulations, new regulatory guidance, or the passage of time. Reductions, modification, terminations, or determination of inapplicability of government incentives and/or regulations may occur without warning. There is no guarantee that such policies, regulations, and incentives will continue to exist in current form, if at all. The reduction, elimination, modification, expiration, or determination of inapplicability of such government incentives and/or regulations, or the potential of any such reduction, elimination, modification, expiration, or determination of inapplicability of such government incentives and/or regulations, could cause our revenue to decline and harm our business, operating results, and cash flows.

For example, the IRA, adopted by the U.S. Congress in August 2022, contained a number of tax incentive provisions that directly support the adoption of energy storage solutions and services, including the Technology Neutral Credits and changes to the previous Section 48 non-"technology neutral" ITC. Among such changes were provisions that allow a taxpayer that placed in service a standalone energy storage technology with a minimum capacity of 5 kWh to claim an ITC, if certain requirements are met. On July 4, 2025, the OBBBA was signed into law and significantly modified certain provisions of the IRA, including those related to energy storage. Some of these changes could dampen demand for battery energy storage systems in the U.S., while other changes preserve robust support for standalone battery storage.

The OBBBA also implemented new FEOC/PFE restrictions that apply to all Technology Neutral Credits under Section 45Y and Section 48E of the Code, the advanced manufacturing credit (Section 45X of the Code), and other related incentives. Such FEOC/PFE rules are intended to deny tax credits to projects that are owned or controlled by certain foreign entities, or that source components from or make payments to such entities, including, but not limited to, Chinese entities. Under these rules, project owners or component suppliers with disqualifying foreign-entity ties must satisfy new sourcing and ownership tests or potentially forfeit credit eligibility; however, legacy IRA credits under Sections 45 and 48 of the Code for projects with construction commenced by December 31, 2024, remain fully grandfathered and unaffected by the FEOC/PFE regime. It is possible that our stock ownership could change in the future such that we become a PFE. Final eligibility and compliance will depend on forthcoming U.S. Department of Treasury, IRS, and FERC guidance on domestic-content metrics, PFE ownership testing rules, PFE material-assistance certifications, and storage-specific interconnection standards.

There is continuing uncertainty on certain aspects of the IRA and related guidance and the OBBBA and forthcoming related guidance. The full impact of the modifications to the tax credits and FEOC/PFE restrictions in the OBBBA, its accompanying guidance, and potential future changes in law that may apply to our business and operations as well as our customers' and suppliers' businesses cannot be known with certainty and we may not recognize the full extent of benefits we currently anticipate, which may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We are continuing to evaluate the potential overall impact and applicability of these tax credits, as modified by the OBBBA, and any potential future changes in law on our business and operations.

***We could be liable for environmental, health, and safety ("EHS") issues resulting from our operations, which could impact our reputation, our business, and our operating results.***

We are subject to EHS laws and regulations in jurisdictions in which we operate, including those governing worker safety, air emissions, discharges to water, and the transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. EHS laws also cover other topics, such as soil, noise, and impacts to natural resources, including various wildlife species, or areas, any of which we may be or become subject to in connection with our operations and projects. EHS laws and regulations can be complex and often change. These laws can give rise to strict, joint and several liability for administrative oversight costs, cleanup costs, property damage, bodily injury, fines, and penalties. Capital and operating expenses needed to comply with EHS laws and regulations can be significant, and violations may result in substantial fines and penalties or third-party damages.

Our operations involve the use of hazardous, flammable, and explosive materials in our battery and green hydrogen storage solutions. Our operations also produce hazardous wastes. We cannot eliminate the risk of contamination or injury from the generation, storage, use, transportation, release, or disposal of such materials. In the event of contamination or injury resulting from our or our third-party manufacturers' use of, or associated with the generation, storage, use, transportation, release or disposal of, hazardous materials, we could be held liable for any resulting damages, and any liability could exceed our resources. We also could incur significant costs associated with administrative, civil, or criminal fines, penalties, and sanctions. We maintain workers' compensation insurance to cover us for costs and expenses we may incur due to injuries to our employees resulting from exposure to hazardous materials with a policy limit that we believe is customary for similarly situated companies and adequate to provide us with insurance coverage for foreseeable risks;

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however, this insurance may not provide adequate coverage against potential liabilities and not all workers have or may agree to our workers' compensation policy.

In addition, maintaining compliance with applicable EHS laws requires significant time and management resources and could cause delays in our ability to build out, equip and operate our facilities as well as service our installed energy storage systems, which would adversely impact our business, our prospects, our financial condition, and our operating results. In addition, EHS laws and regulations such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act in the United States impose liability on several grounds without regard to fault, including for the investigation and cleanup of contaminated soil and ground water, for building contamination, for impacts to human health and for damages to natural resources. We could incur liability under EHS laws and regulations if contamination is discovered in the future at properties formerly or currently owned, leased or operated by us, or properties to which hazardous substances were sent by us. Such liability can be strict, joint and several. We are subject to various occupational health and safety laws which may require us to incur additional costs, disrupt operations, or otherwise adversely impact our business.

Many of our customers who have agreed to purchase our energy storage systems have high standards, and any EHS noncompliance by us could harm our reputation and impact a current or potential customer's buying decision. Additionally, in many cases we contractually commit to performing all necessary installation work on a fixed-price basis, and unanticipated costs associated with environmental remediation, worker safety, and/or EHS compliance expenses may cause the cost of performing such work to exceed our revenue. The costs of complying with EHS laws, regulations, and customer requirements, and any claims concerning noncompliance or liability with respect to contamination in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or our operating results.

Further, most existing environmental laws and regulations preceded the introduction of energy storage technology and were adopted to apply to technologies existing at the time. These laws therefore do not necessarily reflect the realities of new technologies, and as policymakers work to adapt or establish regulatory frameworks or standards that apply to energy storage, we may be subject to various challenges. For example, it is possible that regulators could delay or prevent us from conducting our business in some way pending agreement on, and compliance with, shifting or expanding regulatory requirements. Safety laws and compliance related to energy storage may change over time, including standards related to lithium ion batteries and fire safety and minimizing the risk of starting or being impacted by a fire. Such actions could delay the sale to and installation by us or our customers of energy storage systems, require their modification or replacement, result in fines or trigger claims of warranties and defaults under customer contracts. Any of these developments could adversely affect our business, financial performance, and results of operations.

***Our services depend on the creation of renewable energy by third parties, and changes to regulations and policies affecting renewable energy may adversely impact our business.***

The installation and operation of our energy storage systems and the creation of renewable energy that they store may also require obtaining and maintaining applicable governmental approvals and permits, including EHS approvals and permits, which vary by jurisdiction. The denial of or delays in obtaining a permit essential to a project or the imposition of impractical conditions impairs the ability of those who provide renewable power to us and our customers or our own ability to develop a project. Further, unforeseen delays in the review and permitting process for renewable energy projects could increase the costs of the renewable energy that we store. Such delays may arise from litigation challenging project permits or approvals or from factors beyond our control, such as changes in policies and regulations regarding renewable energy projects, including energy storage systems. For example, on January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order prohibiting federal agencies from issuing permits or approvals for wind energy projects pending a review of federal permitting procedures; though the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts subsequently vacated the order in December 2025. We cannot predict when or whether federal or other governmental authorities may take similar actions with respect to other forms of renewable energy, but any policies limiting the production of renewable energy may adversely impact our business.

***Action by governmental authorities and local residents to restrict construction or use of our systems or the projects/facilities that rely on our systems in their localities could substantially harm our business and financial results.***

In the United States and elsewhere, the construction and implementation of our systems is subject to local laws, regulations, rules and agreements regarding zoning, permitting and land use. From time to time, various interest groups lobby for or against amendments to such rules that would allow potential customers to implement our systems in locations desirable to them. In certain cases, potential customers may need to petition for changes or waivers to such rules in order to be allowed to implement our systems. In all cases, governmental authorities and local residents may oppose the implementation of our systems by our potential customers, which could cause delays, potential damage to our relationships with customers and increased costs to us and our customers. If laws, regulations, rules, or agreements significantly restrict or discourage our potential customers in certain jurisdictions from purchasing and implementing our systems, or such customers from constructing the projects/facilities that will utilize our systems, it would have a material adverse effect on

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our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, future macroeconomic pressures and public policy concerns could continue to lead to new laws and regulations, or interpretations of existing laws and regulations, that could limit our future customers' use of our systems.

***Any actual or perceived failure to comply with laws, regulations and rules relating to privacy, information security, and data protection could subject us to liability, damage our reputation, increase our costs and otherwise adversely affect our business opportunities, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the ongoing costs of complying with such laws, regulations and rules could be significant.***

We are and may become subject to various state, federal and foreign laws regarding privacy, information security and data protection. In particular, our handling of data relating to individuals is subject to a variety of laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, and information security, and we may become subject to additional obligations, including contractual obligations, relating to our maintenance and other processing of this data. For example, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation, imposes stringent requirements for processing the personal data of individuals within the European Economic Area ("EEA") or in the context of our activities within the EEA and provides for significant penalties, among other things, for noncompliance.

In the U.S., certain states have adopted privacy and security laws and regulations, which govern the privacy, processing and protection of personal information. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, creates individual privacy rights for California individuals (including employees), increases the privacy and security obligations of entities handling certain personal information, and creates a new California data protection agency authorized to issue substantive regulations which could result in increased privacy and information security enforcement.

Laws, regulations, and other actual and potential obligations relating to privacy, data protection, and data security are evolving rapidly, and the regulatory landscape regarding privacy, data protection, and data security is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We expect to be subject to new laws and regulations, or new interpretations of laws and regulations, in the future in various jurisdictions. These laws, regulations, and other obligations, and changes in their interpretation, could require us to modify our operations and practices, restrict our activities, and increase our costs in the future, and it is possible that these laws, regulations, and other obligations may be inconsistent with one another or be interpreted or asserted to be inconsistent with our business or practices. Any actual or perceived inability to adequately address privacy and security concerns or comply with applicable privacy and information security laws, rules and regulations, our internal policies and procedures, or our contracts governing our processing of personal information, could result in negative publicity, government investigations and enforcement actions, claims by third parties and damage to our reputation, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial position and reputation.

Additionally, our use of AI and machine learning may result in significant legal and regulatory risks. The legal landscape regarding the ownership, use and protection of AI-generated innovations remains uncertain in U.S. and foreign courts. If we fail to obtain or maintain protection for technologies developed through or reliant upon AI, our competitors may more easily design around our IP, diminishing our competitive advantage. Additionally, the regulation of AI is rapidly evolving. For example, international regulations like the EU AI Act, may increase our research and development costs, require disclosures that make it harder to protect our trade secrets, or result in fines and litigation if we fail to comply.

***We are subject to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, as well as export control laws, customs laws, sanctions laws and other laws governing our operations. If we fail to comply with these laws, we could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, other remedial measures and legal expenses, any of which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.***

We are subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, and other similar laws and regulations in various jurisdictions in which we operate, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), and other anti-corruption laws and regulations. These laws generally prohibit us and our officers, directors, employees and business partners acting on our behalf, including agents, from corruptly offering, promising, authorizing or providing anything of value to obtain or retain business or otherwise obtain favorable treatment and require companies to maintain accurate books and records and a system of internal controls or adequate procedures to prevent bribery.

We are also subject to economic sanctions laws, export control laws and regulations, as well as customs regulations, in the various jurisdictions in which we operate, including those administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, His Majesty's Treasury of the United Kingdom, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union (and its member states) and other relevant sanctions authorities.

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We have implemented and maintain policies and procedures designed to promote compliance by us and our directors, officers, employees, representatives, consultants and agents with the FCPA, the Bribery Act and other anti-corruption laws, as well as economic sanctions and export controls. We cannot assure you, however, that any such policies and procedures will be sufficient or that directors, officers, employees, representatives, consultants and agents have not engaged, and will not engage, in conduct for which we may be held responsible, nor can we assure you that our business partners have not engaged, and will not engage, in conduct that could materially affect their ability to perform their contractual obligations to us or result in our being held liable for such conduct. Violations of the FCPA, Bribery Act, other anti-corruption laws, economic sanctions, export control laws and/or anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws or regulations may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, as well as damage to our business continuity or brand, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

***Litigation, regulatory actions and compliance issues could subject us to significant fines, penalties, judgments, remediation costs, negative publicity and requirements resulting in increased expenses.***

We have been and continue to be involved in legal proceedings, administrative proceedings, claims and other litigation that arise in the ordinary course of business. In addition, since our energy storage system is a new type of product in a nascent market, we may in the future need to seek the amendment of existing regulations or, in some cases, the creation of new regulations, in order to operate our business in some jurisdictions. Such regulatory processes may require public hearings concerning our business, which could expose us to subsequent litigation.

Unfavorable outcomes or developments relating to proceedings to which we are a party or transactions involving our products, such as judgments for monetary damages, injunctions, or denial or revocation of permits, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. To the extent such proceedings also generate negative publicity, our reputation and business could also be adversely affected. In addition, handling compliance issues and the settlement of claims could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

***Government reviews, inquiries, investigations, and actions could harm our business or reputation.***

As we operate in various locations around the world, our operations in certain countries are subject to significant governmental scrutiny and may be adversely impacted by the results of such scrutiny. The regulatory environment with regard to our business is evolving, and officials often exercise broad discretion in deciding how to interpret and apply applicable regulations. From time to time, we receive formal and informal inquiries from various government regulatory authorities, as well as self-regulatory organizations, about our business and compliance with laws, regulations or standards.

Any determination that our operations or activities, or the activities of our employees, are not in compliance with existing laws, regulations or standards could result in the imposition of substantial fines; civil or criminal liability; interruptions of business; loss of supplier, vendor, customer or other third-party relationships; termination of necessary licenses and permits; or similar results; all of which could potentially harm our business and/or reputation. Even if an inquiry does not result in these types of determinations, regulatory authorities could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a manner materially adverse to our business and could create negative publicity, which could harm our business and/or reputation.

**Risks Related to Ownership of Our Securities**

***Concentration of ownership among our named executive officers, directors, and their affiliates may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions.***

As of December 31, 2025, our named executive officers, directors and their affiliates as a group beneficially own approximately 13.2% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, these stockholders are able to exercise a significant level of control over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, appointment and removal of officers, any amendment of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and approval of mergers and other business combination transactions requiring stockholder approval. This control could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in management and will make the approval of certain transactions difficult or impossible without the support of these stockholders.

***The Company qualifies as an "emerging growth company" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and in reliance on SEC guidance, takes advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies, as well as "smaller reporting companies," which could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance to the performance of other public companies.***

We qualify as an "emerging growth company" as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Out Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act"). As such, the Company is eligible for and intends to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies for as long as it continues to be an emerging growth company, including (a) the exemption

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from the auditor attestation requirements with respect to internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (b) the exemptions from say-on-pay, say-on-frequency and say-on-golden parachute voting requirements and (c) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements. The Company will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of June 30 of that fiscal year, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1.235 billion or more during such fiscal year (as indexed for inflation), (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in the prior three-year period or (iv) December 31, 2026. In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the exemption from complying with new or revised accounting standards provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act as long as the Company is an emerging growth company. An emerging growth company can therefore delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period and, therefore, the Company may not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.

Even after the Company no longer qualifies as an emerging growth company, we may in the future qualify as a "smaller reporting company," which would allow it to continue to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements. Moreover, smaller reporting companies may choose to present only the two most recent fiscal years of audited financial statements in their Annual Reports on Form 10-K.

Investors may find the Company's common stock less attractive because the Company will rely on these exemptions, which may result in a less active trading market for our common stock and its price may be more volatile.

***There can be no assurance that our common stock will be able to continue to comply with the continued listing standards of the NYSE.***

The shares of our common stock and warrants are listed on the NYSE. If the NYSE delists the common stock from trading on its exchange for failure to meet the listing standards, we and our stockholders could face significant material adverse consequences including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a determination that our common stock is a "penny stock," which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a limited amount of analyst coverage; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

***If, securities or industry analysts cease publishing research or reports about the Company, its business, or its market, or if they change their recommendations regarding the Company's securities adversely, the price and trading volume of the Company's securities could decline.***

Research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about the Company, its business, market or competitors may influence the public market for our securities. If securities or industry analysts cease coverage of the Company, the price and trading volume of our publicly traded securities would likely be negatively impacted. If any of the analysts who may cover the Company adversely change their recommendation regarding our securities, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, the price of our publicly traded securities would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover the Company were to cease coverage of the Company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, the Company could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the price or trading volume of our publicly traded securities to decline.

***Because we have no current plans to pay cash dividends on the Company's common stock for the foreseeable future, you may not receive any return on investment unless you sell the Company's common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.***

The Company may retain future earnings, if any, for future operations and expansion and has no current plans to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Any decision to declare and pay dividends will be made at the discretion of the Company's Board and will depend on, among other things, the Company's results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors that the Company's Board may deem relevant. In addition, the Company's ability to pay dividends may be limited by covenants of any existing and future outstanding indebtedness it or

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its subsidiaries incur. As a result, you may not receive any return on an investment in the Company's common stock unless you sell your shares of common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.

***The Company may issue additional shares of common stock or other equity securities without your approval, which would dilute your ownership interests and may depress the market price of the Company's common stock.***

As of December 31, 2025, the Company had warrants outstanding to purchase an aggregate 15,238,774 shares of our common stock. In addition, as of December 31, 2025, the Company was able to issue an aggregate of up to 42,995,959 shares of common stock pursuant to our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2022 Incentive Plan"), 8,000,000 shares of common stock pursuant to our 2022 Employment Inducement Award Plan (the "2022 Inducement Plan"), and 8,000,000 shares of common stock pursuant to our 2025 Employment Inducement Award Plan (the "2025 Inducement Plan"), which amounts are inclusive of previously granted awards and which may be subject to increase from time to time. The amount available for issuance under the 2022 Incentive Plan does not include outstanding options granted under 2017 Stock Incentive Plan or our 2020 Stock Incentive Plan that could become available for issuance under the 2022 Incentive Plan to the extent such options expire without exercise or are withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations due upon exercise. The Company may also issue additional shares of common stock or other equity securities of equal or senior rank in the future in connection with, among other things, future acquisitions or repayment of outstanding indebtedness, without stockholder approval, in a number of circumstances.

The issuance of additional shares or other equity securities of equal or senior rank would have the following effects:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• existing stockholders' proportionate ownership interest in the Company will decrease;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the amount of cash available per share, including for payment of dividends in the future, may decrease;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding share of common stock may be diminished; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the market price of the Company's common stock may decline.

***Our stock price may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance. You may lose some or all of your investment.***

The trading price of our common stock is likely to be volatile. The stock market recently has experienced extreme volatility. This volatility often has been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. You may not be able to resell your shares at an attractive price due to a number of factors such as the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our operating and financial performance and prospects;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our quarterly or annual earnings or those of other companies in our industry compared to market expectations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• conditions that impact demand for our services;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• future announcements concerning our business, our customers' businesses, or our competitors' businesses;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the public's reaction to our press releases, other public announcements, and filings with the SEC;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the market's reaction to our reduced disclosure and other requirements as a result of being an "emerging growth company" under the JOBS Act or relying on "smaller reporting company" exemptions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the size of our public float;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• coverage by or changes in financial estimates by securities analysts or failure to meet their expectations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• market and industry perception of our success, or lack thereof, in pursuing our growth strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in laws or regulations which adversely affect the energy storage industry generally or Energy Vault specifically;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations, or principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• impacts from bank failures, reducing the financing options for the Company and its customers and suppliers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in senior management or key personnel;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• issuances, exchanges or sales, or expected issuances, exchanges, or sales of our capital stock;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in our dividend policy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• sales of shares of our common stock by significant stockholders;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• adverse resolution of new or pending litigation against us; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in general market, economic, and political conditions in the United States and global economies or financial markets, including those resulting from inflation including the effects of upward changes to the interest rate curves, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, acts of war, and responses to such events.

These broad market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of our securities, regardless of our operating performance. In addition, price volatility may be greater if the public float and trading volume of the common stock is low. As a result, you may suffer a loss on your investment.

***Activist stockholders may attempt to effect changes to our company, which could adversely affect our corporate governance, results of operations, and financial condition.***

Campaigns by stockholders to effect changes at publicly traded companies are sometimes led by investors through various corporate actions, including Board nominations and proxy contests. We may become subject to one or more campaigns by stockholders who desire to increase stockholder value in the short term. If we become engaged in a proxy contest with an activist stockholder in the future, our business and operations could be adversely affected as responding to such contests or other activist stockholder actions would be costly and time-consuming, and we would expect that such actions would disrupt our operations and divert the attention of management and our employees from executing our strategic plans and product launch. In addition, if individuals are elected to our Board with a specific agenda or without relevant experience or expertise, it may adversely affect the ability of the Board to function effectively, as well as our ability to effectively and timely implement our strategic plans, which are focused on building stockholder value. Any perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of stockholder activism or changes to the composition of our Board may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business and instability or lack of continuity with respect to our products which may cause concerns for our customers or be exploited by our competitors. As a result, we could experience significant volatility and a decline of our stock price, the loss of potential business opportunities and difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified personnel and customers.

***Anti-takeover provisions in our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of the Company, which may be beneficial to our stockholders, more difficult and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove the Company's current management.***

Our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that may delay or prevent an acquisition of the Company or a change in its management. These provisions may make it more difficult for stockholders to replace or remove members of its Board. Because the Board is responsible for appointing the members of the management team, these provisions could in turn frustrate or prevent any attempt by its stockholders to replace or remove its current management. In addition, these provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of Company common stock. Among other things, these provisions include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the limitation of the liability of, and the indemnification of, its directors and officers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a prohibition on actions by its stockholders except at an annual or special meeting of stockholders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a prohibition on actions by its stockholders by written consent; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the ability of the Board to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could be used to institute a "poison pill" that would work to dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer, effectively preventing acquisitions that have not been approved by the Board.

Moreover, because the Company is incorporated in Delaware, it is governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits a person who owns 15% or more of its outstanding voting stock from merging or combining with the Company for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person acquired 15% or more of the Company's outstanding voting stock, unless the merger or combination is approved in a prescribed manner. This could discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring or merging with the Company, whether or not it is desired by, or beneficial to, its stockholders. This could also have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for the Company's common stock, including transactions that may be in its stockholders' best interests. Finally, these provisions establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the Board or for proposing matters that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings. These provisions would apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders.

**ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS**

None.

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**ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY**

***Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy***

We have developed and implemented a cybersecurity risk management program intended to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our critical systems and information. Our cybersecurity risk management program includes a cybersecurity incident response plan.

We design and assess our program based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework ("NIST CSF"). This does not imply that we meet any particular technical standards, specifications, or requirements, only that we use the NIST CSF as a guide to help us identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks relevant to our business.

Our cybersecurity risk management program is integrated into our overall enterprise risk management program, and shares common methodologies, reporting channels, and governance processes that apply across the enterprise risk management program to other legal, compliance, strategic, operational, and financial risk areas.

Our cybersecurity risk management program includes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• risk assessments designed to help identify material cybersecurity risks to our critical systems, information, products, services, and our broader enterprise IT environment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a security team principally responsible for managing our (i) cybersecurity risk assessment processes, (ii) security controls, and (iii) response to cybersecurity incidents;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the use of external service providers, where appropriate, to assess, test or otherwise assist with aspects of our security controls;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• cybersecurity awareness training of our employees, incident response personnel, and senior management;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a cybersecurity incident response plan that includes procedures for responding to cybersecurity incidents; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a third-party risk management process for service providers, suppliers, and vendors who have access to our critical systems and information.

We have not identified risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any prior cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our operations, business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. For more information, see our risk factor titled "Cyberattacks and other security breaches could have an adverse effect on our business and operations, harm our reputation, and expose us to liability."

***Cybersecurity Governance***

Our Board considers cybersecurity risk as part of its risk oversight function and has delegated to the Audit Committee oversight of cybersecurity and other information technology risks. The Audit Committee oversees management's implementation of our cybersecurity risk management program.

The Audit Committee receives regular reports from the Chief Information Officer ("CIO") on our cybersecurity risks. In addition, the CIO updates the Audit Committee, as necessary, regarding any material cybersecurity incidents, as well as any incidents with lesser impact potential.

The Audit Committee reports to the full Board regarding its activities, including those related to cybersecurity. The full Board also receives briefings from the CIO on our cyber risk management program. Board members receive presentations on cybersecurity topics from our CIO, internal security staff, or external experts as part of the Board's continuing education on topics that impact public companies.

Our management team, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), CIO, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Legal Officer, is responsible for assessing and managing our material risks from cybersecurity threats. The CIO, in collaboration with the Audit Committee, has primary responsibility for our overall cybersecurity risk management program and supervises both our internal cybersecurity personnel and our retained external cybersecurity consultants.

Energy Vault's CIO has more than 25 years of cybersecurity and risk management experience across multiple market verticals, including extensive experience overseeing critical and complex cybersecurity teams spanning multiple federal agencies and private industry. Further, the Audit Committee has a combined fifteen years of experience in organizational cybersecurity and risk management.

Our management team supervises efforts to prevent, detect, mitigate, and remediate cybersecurity risks and incidents through various means, which may include briefings from internal security personnel; threat intelligence and other

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information obtained from governmental, public, or private sources, including external consultants engaged by us; and alerts and reports produced by security tools deployed in the information environment.

**ITEM 2. PROPERTIES**

Our principal offices are located in Westlake Village, California, Vienna, Virginia, and Lugano, Switzerland. The Westlake Village office serves as our U.S. headquarters and the Lugano office serves as our international headquarters. The Westlake Village facility consists of 10,042 square feet and is under a lease that expires in December 2029. The Lugano facility is under a lease that expires in July 2027. The Vienna facility is under a lease that expires in January 2027.

**ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS**

Energy Vault has been and continues to be involved in legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, the outcome of which, if determined adversely to Energy Vault, would not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on Energy Vault's business, financial condition, and results of operations. From time to time, Energy Vault may become involved in additional legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business.

**ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES**

Not applicable.

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**PART II**

**ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES**

**Market Information for Common Stock**

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "NRGV."

**Holders of Record**

At March 13, 2026, there were 103 holders of record of our common stock.

**Dividend Policy**

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock to date. The payment of cash dividends in the future is dependent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements, the terms of any indebtedness, and general financial condition. The payment of any cash dividends will be within the discretion of the Board at such time. In addition, the Board is not currently contemplating and does not anticipate declaring any stock dividends in the foreseeable future.

**Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds**

There were no unregistered sales of the Company's equity securities during 2025, other than those previously reported in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

**Repurchase of Equity Securities**

There were no repurchases of the Company's equity securities during 2025.

**ITEM 6. [RESERVED]**

**ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS**

*The following discussion and analysis provide information which Energy Vault's management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of Energy Vault's consolidated results of operations and financial condition as of December 31, 2025 and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. The discussion and analysis should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes that are included elsewhere in this Annual report on Form 10-K. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements based upon Energy Vault's current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Energy Vault's actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. You should review the section titled "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" for a discussion of forward-looking statements and the section titled "Risk Factors," for a discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis and elsewhere in this Annual Report. Energy Vault's historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any period in the future. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Annual Report to "we," "our," "us," "the Company," or "Energy Vault" refer to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries both prior to the consummation of and following the Merger (as defined below).*

**Our Business**

Energy Vault delivers a diversified portfolio of energy storage solutions to third parties, including proprietary gravity, battery, and green hydrogen-based technologies, supported by our technology-agnostic energy management software and integration capabilities. Beginning in 2024, we initiated a multi-year transition from primarily delivering projects through build-and-transfer arrangements and licensing models toward a more integrated model that includes selectively developing, owning, and operating energy storage assets, while continuing to provide technology, integration, software, and long-term services to customers. We believe this strategy is supported by our experience across multiple storage technologies, system integration and controls capabilities, and established global presence, as well as access to project-level capital through our Asset Vault platform.

Through this integrated model, we offer utilities, independent power producers, and large energy users solutions that may include standalone energy storage, integrated generation and storage configurations, and related power infrastructure. We manage projects across the lifecycle, from sourcing and development through permitting and interconnection, engineering and construction management, commissioning, and operations, and we provide software enabled monitoring, controls, and services intended to support asset availability, operational efficiency, and lifecycle performance.

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**Key Factors and Trends Affecting our Business**

We believe that our performance and future success depend upon several factors that present significant opportunities for us, but also pose risks and challenges including those discussed below and in Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors."

***Impact of Tariffs***

U.S. trade policy and tariff actions have affected the cost and availability of certain inputs used in our B-VAULT products and related project delivery. Beginning February 4, 2025, the United States imposed additional duties on imports from China and Hong Kong under IEEPA, which were increased effective March 4, 2025. In parallel, the United States imposed additional IEEPA based reciprocal duties on China origin goods in April 2025, which escalated to significantly higher levels by April 10, 2025. The United States and China subsequently announced tariff reductions and pauses beginning in mid-May 2025, and in November 2025 the United States implemented additional executive actions that (i) reduced the IEEPA fentanyl related additional duty rate on China origin imports and (ii) extended the reduced reciprocal duty framework through November 10, 2026, subject to the terms and conditions of the arrangement.

These tariff actions and related uncertainty materially affected our operations. Several third party sales projects within our backlog and developed pipeline experienced delays or cancellations due to the anticipated increase in costs associated with importing B-VAULT products from China. In addition, separate from IEEPA based duties, Section 301 tariff rates applicable to certain China origin products continued to evolve. For example, pursuant to U.S. Trade Representative actions finalized in 2024, the Section 301 duty rate applicable to lithium ion non electric vehicle batteries increased to 25% effective January 1, 2026. Depending on product classification and the interaction of applicable tariff programs, cumulative duty burdens can be significant and can materially affect project pricing and competitiveness.

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court held that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, and IEEPA based tariffs were invalidated. The decision does not affect Section 301 tariffs Section 232 tariffs. The Supreme Court decision did not address the process for obtaining refunds of IEEPA based duties previously paid, and the timing and availability of any potential duty relief remain uncertain. In response, the U.S. government has indicated it may continue to impose tariffs using other statutory authorities, which could affect future tariff levels, compliance requirements, and our ability to forecast costs and secure long term sales contracts.

In addition to U.S. tariffs, China has implemented and proposed export control measures affecting certain upstream materials and manufacturing inputs relevant to batteries, including graphite related controls that can affect availability, lead times, and cost. In response to the evolving trade environment, we are actively exploring alternative sourcing options, including vendors with manufacturing capabilities outside of China, to mitigate tariff and trade restriction impacts. As of the filing date of this Annual Report, we have not successfully imported our B-VAULT products from non-Chinese suppliers on an economical basis.

Should trade tensions escalate further, or if additional tariffs, trade restrictions, export controls, or retaliatory measures are implemented or reinstated, our ability to source B-VAULT products or sell them at competitive prices could be adversely affected, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and cash flows.

***U.S. Energy Storage Regulation and Legislation***

U.S. federal, state, and local authorities continue to review, implement, and modify policies, incentives, regulations, and legislation that can affect the economics and deployment of energy storage, including through tax credits, permitting and interconnection rules, and wholesale market participation frameworks. The timing, interpretation, and implementation of these programs can vary across administrations and may involve phased guidance and rulemaking over time. As a result, there can be uncertainty regarding eligibility, compliance requirements, and the timing and magnitude of benefits available to any particular project. We cannot guarantee we will realize any or all of the anticipated benefits or incentives under any such enacted regulations or legislation. These uncertainties can affect customer decision timelines, the ability to structure and finance projects, and the documentation required to support credit eligibility and monetization.

The IRA, adopted by the U.S. Congress in August 2022, contained a number of tax incentive provisions that directly support the adoption of energy storage solutions and services. Before the enactment of the IRA, the Section 48 ITC did not apply to standalone energy storage projects. The IRA added Section 48(a)(3)(A)(ix) to allow a taxpayer that placed in service a standalone energy storage technology with a minimum capacity of 5 kWh to claim the ITC, if certain requirements are met.

Projects may also qualify for increased credit amounts and bonus credits, subject to detailed requirements. For example, projects may be eligible for increased credit amounts where prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements are satisfied, and certain projects may qualify for bonus credits, including domestic content, subject to applicable rules and certification

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requirements. The IRS continues to publish and update guidance and resources that can affect the application of these rules to energy storage projects.

In 2025, Congress enacted the OBBBA, which introduced additional changes and compliance considerations affecting energy related tax incentives. Among other items, the OBBBA imposed FEOC/PFE concepts and related restrictions that apply to Technology Neutral Credits under Sections 45Y and 48E of the Code and the advanced manufacturing credit under Section 45X of the Code, including ownership, debt, and effective control restrictions (including through the grant of rights through various agreements or licensing rights that are otherwise retained by such entities) in respect of PFEs. The OBBBA also limits the availability of Technology Neutral Credits for projects that receive material assistance from a PFE. The applicability of the FEOC/PFE restrictions is dependent on statutory effective dates and project timing, including beginning of construction dates. Legacy credits under Sections 45 and 48 of the Code for projects that began construction by December 31, 2024 are generally governed under the prior framework, subject to applicable rules, and are not subject to the FEOC/PFE restrictions. The U.S. Department of Treasury and IRS guidance in this area continues to evolve, including guidance addressing FEOC/PFE restrictions. Additional rulemaking and market practice may affect how these requirements are applied and documented. We cannot guarantee we will realize any or all of the anticipated benefits or incentives under any such enacted regulations or other guidance. We continue to monitor these developments.

***Third-Party Project Delivery***

In our third-party business, we primarily rely on two models for project delivery, which are (i) EPC delivery and (ii) EEQ delivery. Under the EPC model, we generally rely on third-party EPC firms to construct our storage systems, under our supervision with dedicated teams tasked with project management. Under the EEQ model, we are responsible for the delivery of the equipment we provide, as well as resolving issues within our scope of supply.

Our cost projections for our third-party business and for our owned projects are heavily dependent upon raw materials (such as steel), equipment (such as motors, batteries, inverters, and power electronic devices), and technical and construction service providers (such as engineering, procurement, construction firms). Changes in the cost or availability of these inputs, including due to tariffs, supply constraints, or inflation, can affect project pricing, delivery schedules, and margins, depending on contract terms and the timing of procurement.

***Energy Storage Industry***

The utility scale energy storage industry continues to expand, driven by increased demand for electricity, global transitions toward renewable energy, and increased focus on grid resilience.

Recent reliability sector publications, including the North American Electric Reliability Corporation 2025 Long Term Reliability Assessment published in January 2026, indicate that load growth expectations have increased meaningfully, with data centers, electrification, and new large industrial and manufacturing facilities among the most cited drivers of incremental demand.

In December 2025, the Australian Energy Market Operator published the Draft 2026 Integrated System Plan, which describes development pathways for the National Electricity Market through 2050. The Draft 2026 Integrated System Plan indicates that material growth in dispatchable capacity and energy storage is expected to be required to support reliability and the integration of higher levels of renewable generation over time, reflecting ongoing expansion in the market for utility scale energy storage.

Over the past decade, deployment of renewable energy resources has accelerated and there has been an industry wide push for decarbonization, which is increasing the demand for grid scale energy storage. A major obstacle to transitioning to renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar is the intermittent availability of these types of energy sources. Energy storage solutions are needed to balance the production intermittency of variable renewable energy to support a clean energy future and a balanced electrical grid infrastructure. Both government mandates and companies focused on reducing energy use, cost, and emissions are expected to propel the shift to renewable sources of power.

Additionally, software solutions play a vital role in assisting energy storage owners in managing the growing complexities of renewable energy and energy storage markets. As renewable and energy storage asset portfolios expand globally, these stakeholders will need software solutions that enhance asset performance and boost revenue while reducing total ownership costs.

Our expansion of revenue depends on the ongoing adoption of energy storage solutions by our customers and our ability to source, execute, and operate energy storage projects with attractive economics. The growth of the energy storage market that we address is primarily driven by the decreasing cost of energy storage technologies, government mandates, financial incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and efforts to enhance grid stability and efficiency. These dynamics are driving demand for increased energy storage capacity and duration.

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***Competition***

The market for our products and services is competitive, and we may face increased competition as new and existing competitors introduce energy storage solutions, components, and project delivery models. Competitive dynamics in the battery energy storage market continue to be influenced by manufacturing scale, changes in battery and component pricing, vertical integration, and evolving trade and supply chain conditions, which can increase pricing pressure, compress margins, and affect delivery timelines. In addition, as we expand our Own and Operate activities through Asset Vault, we also compete with existing and emerging independent power producers, developers, and asset owners for project sites, interconnection capacity, offtake arrangements, and project financing. As we expand our software and services offerings, we also face competition from software providers, original equipment manufacturers, and integrators that offer software enabled controls, optimization, and asset management solutions. If we are not able to compete effectively, if our market share declines due to increased competition, or if competition reduces margins or delays project execution, our revenue, results of operations, and ability to generate profits and cash flows could be adversely affected.

***Regulatory Environment and Compliance***

Federal, state, and local statutes and regulations concerning electricity materially influence the market for our products and services. These requirements directly affect our owned asset business and indirectly affect our third party sales business, particularly with respect to permitting, siting, and interconnection of energy storage systems, as well as compliance with applicable codes and safety standards. Regulatory frameworks also affect how energy storage participates in wholesale markets, including market rules administered by regional transmission organizations and independent system operators and related Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversight, which can influence dispatch, revenues, and operational requirements for storage resources.

Each of our owned installations and our customers' installations must be designed, constructed, and operated in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, codes, standards, guidelines, and laws. To develop, install, and operate energy storage systems, we, our customers, or our partners, as applicable, are required to obtain permits and approvals from authorities having jurisdiction, including zoning and land use approvals, building and electrical permits, fire and life safety approvals, and environmental permits where applicable. Energy storage systems typically require interconnection studies and agreements with the applicable transmission provider or local utility, and interconnection timelines and requirements may be affected by evolving interconnection processes and reforms.

**Recent Developments**

***Asset Vault***

In October 2025, we launched Asset Vault, a fully consolidated subsidiary dedicated to developing, building, owning, and operating energy storage assets. In support of this strategy, we entered into a preferred equity investment arrangement with Orion Infrastructure Capital and affiliated funds (collectively "OIC"), providing a $300 million capital framework to fund the acquisition and development of a portfolio of energy storage assets. Asset Vault supports a vertically integrated model in which the Company can self-perform EPC activities and provide long-term service arrangements, while also owning and operating assets to generate recurring cash flows, subject to project financing, permitting, interconnection, offtake execution, and other factors. Additionally, pursuant to the contribution agreement, in exchange for 1.2 billion common units of Asset Vault, Energy Vault contributed to Asset Vault:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 100% of the equity interests of Calistoga Resiliency Center Holdco, LLC;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 100% of the equity interests of Cross Trails Energy Storage Project Holdco, LLC;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 100% of the equity interests of Energy Vault Stoney Creek HoldCo Pty Ltd;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• 100% of the equity interests of Energy Vault Stoney Creek Holdings Unit Trust;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• and 100% of any right, title, and interest in a certain future battery energy storage system following its acquisition by Energy Vault.

Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, in connection with OIC's initial contribution of $35.0 million with respect to its Series A Preferred Units, the Company issued to OIC an aggregate of 5.6 million warrants to purchase common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $4.24 per share. OIC's warrants are entitled to a cashless exercise, are subject to a three-year holding period, and are exercisable until October 9, 2030.

***SOSA***

On October 23, 2025, the Company acquired all of the membership interests in SOSA from Savion, LLC ("Savion") pursuant to a membership interest purchase agreement. The acquisition provides the Company with development rights to a 150 MW / 300 MWh BESS ("SOSA BESS") to be located in Madison County, Texas.

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The purchase price for the membership interests consists of both upfront and contingent components. The Company paid $4.7 million at closing. In addition, the member interest purchase agreement provides for a contingent consideration payment due within 30 days of the SOSA BESS reaching commercial operations. Under the membership interest purchase agreement, the total purchase price is $6.3 million if the SOSA BESS reaches commercial operations before June 1, 2026, or $5.7 million if it reaches commercial operations after June 1, 2026. Construction on the SOSA BESS began in early January 2026 and the Company currently expects it to reach commercial operations in the second quarter of 2027, therefore the final purchase price is expected to be $5.7 million.

***EBOR New South Wales Project***

In February 2026, we and our Australian development partner, Bridge Energy Pty Ltd, were awarded a 14-year Long-Term Energy Service Agreement by AusEnergy Services for the Ebor Battery Energy Storage System project in New South Wales, Australia. The 100 MW / 870 MWh project is expected to provide eight hours of dispatchable capacity and is expected to commence operations in 2028, subject to obtaining necessary contractual and regulatory approvals. We hold an exclusive option to acquire and construct the project, which will utilize our proprietary B-VAULT technology and EMS, and will be owned and operated under our Asset Vault platform.

***Strategic Development Agreement with Peak Energy***

On February 9, 2026, we announced that we executed a definitive supply agreement with Peak Energy securing 1.5 gigawatt-hours of Peak Energy's U.S. manufactured sodium-ion battery systems.

***Strategic Framework Agreement with Crusoe***

On February 11, 2026, we announced a strategic framework agreement with Crusoe, Inc. ("Crusoe") for the phased deployment of Crusoe Spark modular data centers at Energy Vault's technology center in Snyder, Texas. The initial program is scalable up to 25 MWs of total load to be operated inside Crusoe's proprietary Spark modular AI factory product, with planned deployments expected in 2026.

***Issuance of Convertible Debentures***

In three transactions from September 22, 2025 to December 30, 2025, we issued an aggregate of $65.0 million of convertible debentures (the "Convertible Debentures") to YA PN II, Ltd., an affiliate of Yorkville Advisors Global, LP. On February 19, 2026, we redeemed approximately $45.0 million of the Debentures. Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources of Liquidity—Convertible Debentures" below for additional information.

***Issuance of 5.250% Senior Convertible Notes due 2031***

On February 17, 2026, we closed an upsized offering of $140.0 million of our 5.250% Senior Convertible Notes due 2031 (the "Senior Convertible Notes") in a private placement to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The offering was upsized from the previously announced offering size of $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Convertible Notes. The initial purchasers subsequently exercised their option to purchase an additional $10.0 million of Senior Convertible Notes, in a transaction that closed on February 27, 2026. Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources of Liquidity—Convertible Senior Notes" below for more information.

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**Key Operating Metrics**

The following tables present our key operating metrics for the periods presented (value in thousands):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** |
| | **Value** | **MWh** | **Value** | **MWh** |
| **Net Bookings** | | | | |
| Contracted bookings | $579853 | 1226 | $406183 | 1281 |
| Contingent option bookings | 489960 | 800 |  |  |
| Cancellations |  |  | (182238) | (400) |
| Net bookings | $1069813 | 2026 | $223945 | 881 |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Value** | **MWh** | **Value** | **MWh** |
| Developed Pipeline | $2409374 | 5152 | $2085908 | 9194 |
| Backlog <sup>(1)</sup> | 1305515 | 3399 | 433886 | 1574 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Backlog as of December 31, 2025 includes $490.0 million related to a project where the Company has the exclusive right to exercise an option to acquire the project and the Company intends to exercise its option.

***Bookings***

Net bookings represent the sum of contracted bookings and contingent option bookings, net of cancellations, measured in total aggregate contract value and total MWhs. Contracted bookings are from customer contracts signed during the period. Contingent option bookings are from projects where the Company holds an enforceable exclusive purchase right and intends to exercise that right, even if the option has not been exercised as of period end.

The aggregate contract value includes any potential future variable payments from tolling and offtake arrangements that the Company believes are probable of being realized. Probable future variable payments are forecasted by an independent third-party firm using simulation software that factors in current and projected energy market dynamics, historical and forecasted volatility, and location specific data. The Company considers the low-end simulation results to be probable. Potential future IP royalties are not included in bookings. Due to the long-term nature of our contracts, bookings are a key metric that allows us to understand and evaluate the growth of our Company and our estimated future revenue related to our customer contracts.

***Developed Pipeline***

Developed pipeline represents uncontracted potential revenue from third-party projects where potential prospective customers have either awarded the Company a project or shortlisted the Company for consideration. It also includes potential tolling revenue from projects where the Company is in advanced negotiations to build, own, and operate energy storage systems. Developed pipeline is an internal management metric that we construct using information from our global sales team and is monitored by management to understand the potential anticipated growth of our Company and to estimate potential future revenue. Developed pipeline is influenced by the prevailing foreign exchange rates and equipment prices and may vary from period to period if these inputs change.

Developed pipeline may not generate margins equal to our historical operating results. We have only recently begun to track our developed pipeline on a consistent basis as a performance measure, and as a result, we do not have significant experience in determining the level of realization that we may achieve on these potential contracts. Our customers may experience project delays or cancel orders as a result of external market factors and economic or other factors beyond our control.

***Backlog***

Backlog represents (i) contracted but unrecognized revenue from third party projects and services yet to be completed, (ii) unrecognized revenue or other income from IP licensing agreements, and (iii) unrecognized revenue from tolling arrangements for projects operated by Energy Vault or affiliates, in each case, that is associated with contracted bookings and contingent option bookings (as defined above). Backlog includes contracted backlog and contingent option backlog. Contracted backlog reflects unrecognized revenue associated with binding, fully executed agreements. Contingent option backlog reflects unrecognized revenue associated with projects where the Company holds an enforceable exclusive purchase right and intends to exercise that right, even if the option has not been exercised as of period end, and is contingent on the Company exercising the applicable purchase right and subsequent project execution. If the Company

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does not exercise an option, or if the underlying terms or assumptions change such that inclusion is no longer appropriate, the related contingent option backlog is removed or updated in the period of change.

Backlog includes any potential future variable payments from tolling and offtake arrangements that the Company believes are probable of being realized. Probable future variable payments are forecasted by an independent third-party firm using simulation software that factors in current and projected energy market dynamics, historical and forecasted volatility, and location specific data. The Company considers the low-end simulation results to be probable. Potential future IP royalties are not included in backlog. Backlog is a common measurement used in our industry. Our methodology for determining backlog may not, however, be comparable to the methodologies used by others.

We cannot guarantee that our bookings, backlog, or developed pipeline will result in actual revenue in the originally anticipated period, or at all. Our customers may experience project delays or cancel orders as a result of external market factors and economic or other factors beyond our control. Many of our projects require government approvals, third-party financing, and other contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. If our bookings, backlog, or developed pipeline fail to result in revenue as anticipated or in a timely manner, we could experience a reduction in revenue, profitability, and liquidity. See "Risk Factors - Our total backlog, bookings, and developed pipeline may not be indicative of our future revenue, which could have a material impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations" in this Annual Report.

**Key Components of Results of Operations**

***Revenue***

The Company generates revenue from the sale of our energy storage products, tolling arrangements related to owned projects, the licensing of the Company's software solutions and IP, and from long-term service agreements to operate and maintain customer owned energy systems. To date, the Company has primarily generated revenue from the sale of our BESSs and from licensing our IP.

The Company sells its BESSs under (i) an EPC model and (ii) an EEQ model. When the Company sells a BESS under the EPC model, the Company recognizes revenue over time as we transfer control of our product to the customer. Under an EEQ model, the Company recognizes revenue related to equipment sales upon delivery to the customer and service revenue over time as we provide specialized technical services to the customer.

The Company enters into tolling and power purchase agreements ("PPA") under which counterparties may sell energy stored in the Company's energy storage systems or request that the Company dispatch energy on their behalf. Each agreement is evaluated to determine whether it qualifies as a lease under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842, *Leases* ("ASC 842") or a customer contract under ASC 606, *Revenue from Contracts with Customers* ("ASC 606"). As of December 31, 2025, two energy storage systems were operating commercially: one accounted for as an operating lease under ASC 842 and one accounted for as a customer contract under ASC 606.

For the arrangement accounted for under ASC 606, fixed consideration is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. For the arrangement accounted for as a lease under ASC 842, fixed consideration is recognized as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term and variable lease payments are recognized in the period the underlying energy is delivered.

When the Company licenses its IP, revenue is recognized at the point in time at which the customer obtains control of the licensed technology. When the Company licenses its software solutions or provides operation and maintenance services, the transaction price for each contract is recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract.

Our revenue is affected by changes in the price, volume, and mix of products and services purchased by our customers, which is driven by the demand of our products, geographic mix of our customers, strength of competitor's product offerings, and the availability of government incentives to the end-users of our products.

Our revenue growth is dependent on continued growth in the number of energy storage systems constructed each year and our ability to increase our share of demand in the geographic regions where we currently compete and plan to compete in the future. Additionally, our revenue growth is dependent on our ability to find attractive projects to build, own, and operate.

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***Cost of Revenue***

Cost of revenue primarily consists of product costs, materials and supplies, depreciation and amortization, and costs associated with subcontractors, direct labor, and product warranties. Product costs include the cost of purchased equipment, as well as tariffs and shipping costs directly attributable to that equipment.

Our cost of revenue is affected by underlying costs of equipment and materials such as batteries, inverters, enclosures, transformers, and cables, as well as the cost of subcontractors to provide construction services. We do not currently hedge against changes in the price of raw materials as we do not purchase raw materials. We purchase energy storage system components from our suppliers.

***Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin***

Gross profit and gross profit margin may vary from period to period due to the timing of transferring control of significant uninstalled equipment to customers under contracts to sell energy storage systems. When control of significant uninstalled equipment is transferred to customers in a EPC project, the Company recognizes revenue in an amount equal to the cost of that equipment. The profit margin inherent in these materials is deferred until the Company fulfills its obligation to install the materials during construction of the energy storage systems. Generally, margins in an EPC project are lower in the beginning and middle stages as the equipment is delivered, and margins are higher in the later stages as the Company performs the construction, installation, and commissioning services. As a result, gross profit and gross profit margin will vary from period to period.

Additionally, gross profit and gross profit margin may vary from period to period due to our sales volume, product prices, product costs, product mix, geographical mix, and change in estimates for warranty liabilities.

***Sales and Marketing ("S&M") Expenses***

S&M expenses consist primarily of internal personnel-related costs for marketing, sales, and related support teams, as well as external costs such as professional service fees, trade shows, marketing and sales-related promotional materials, public relations expenses, and website operating and maintenance costs. Personnel-related expenses include salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation expenses.

***Research and Development ("R&D") Expenses***

R&D expenses consist primarily of internal and external expenses incurred in connection with our research activities and development programs that include material costs directly related to product development, testing and evaluation costs, construction costs including labor and transportation of material, overhead related costs and other direct expenses consisting of personnel-related expenses and consulting expenses relating to study of product safety, reliability and development. Personnel-related expenses consist of salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation expense.

***General and Administrative ("G&A") Expenses***

G&A expenses consist of information technology expenses, legal and professional fees, travel costs, and personnel-related expenses for our corporate, executive, finance, and other administrative functions, including expenses for professional and contract services. Personnel-related expenses consist of salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation expense. To a lesser extent, general and administrative expenses include investor relations costs, insurance costs, rent, office expenses, and maintenance costs.

***Provision for Credit Losses***

Provision for credit losses represents the expense recognized to account for potential losses on accounts receivable, contract assets, and customer financing receivable due to customer defaults or credit deterioration. This provision reflects management's estimate of expected credit losses based on historical trends and forward-looking assessments.

***Depreciation, Amortization, and Accretion Expense (Excluding Amounts Included in Cost of Revenue)***

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense consists of depreciation associated with property and equipment (excluding energy storage system depreciation which is included in cost of revenue), amortization of intangible assets, and accretion of an asset retirement obligation.

***Change in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value***

Change in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value represents a gain or loss from the change in fair value of the Company's convertible debentures, warrant liabilities, and derivative assets and liabilities.

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***Interest Expense***

Interest expense consists of contractual interest expense and amortization of non-cash debt and financing costs related to short and long-term loans, insurance premium financings, and finance leases.

***Interest Income***

Interest income primarily consists of interest income from our money market funds and interest-bearing savings accounts.

***Other income (expense)***

Other income (expense) includes foreign currency gains and losses and non-recurring non-operating gains and losses.

**Results of Operations**

***Consolidated Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2024***

The following table sets forth our results of operations for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **$ Change** |
| Revenue | $203671 | $46199 | $157472 |
| Cost of revenue | 155681 | 40012 | 115669 |
| Gross profit | 47990 | 6187 | 41803 |
| Operating expenses: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sales and marketing | 13698 | 15839 | (2141) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Research and development | 14635 | 25999 | (11364) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General and administrative | 81180 | 62971 | 18209 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 9409 | 29980 | (20571) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation, amortization, and accretion (excluding amounts included in cost of revenue) | 3435 | 1058 | 2377 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on impairment and sale of long-lived assets |  | 336 | (336) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating expenses | 122357 | 136183 | (13826) |
| Loss from operations | (74367) | (129996) | 55629 |
| Other income (expense): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | (8464) | (123) | (8341) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | 1100 | 5537 | (4437) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value | (8179) | (1025) | (7154) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment of equity securities |  | (11730) | 11730 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income (expense), net | (5985) | 1591 | (7576) |
| Loss before income taxes | (95895) | (135746) | 39851 |
| Provision for income taxes | 7763 | 67 | 7696 |
| Net loss | $(103658) | $(135813) | $32155 |

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***Revenue***

The Company recognized revenue for the product and service categories as follows for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Sale of energy storage products | $196198 | $44592 |
| Tolling and PPA revenue | 2337 |  |
| Operation and maintenance services | 1284 | 1090 |
| Software licensing | 540 | 402 |
| IP licensing | 3312 | 115 |
| Total revenue | $203671 | $46199 |

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Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $203.7 million, an increase of $157.5 million from $46.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by a $151.6 million increase in energy storage product sales due to the ramp-up of the Company's EPC projects in Australia and the completed delivery of equipment under an EEQ contract in the U.S., a $3.2 million increase in IP licensing revenue following the B-VAULT licensing agreement in the first quarter of 2025, and $2.3 million of tolling and PPA revenue from the Cross Trails and CRC, which both began commercial operations in 2025.

Revenue from two customers accounted for 56% and 32% of total revenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2025 and revenue from two customers accounted for 75% and 19% of total revenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2024.

***Cost of Revenue***

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $155.7 million, an increase of $115.7 million from $40.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by higher costs from energy product sales, consistent with the ramp up of energy storage product sales in 2025.

***Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin***

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $48.0 million, an increase of $41.8 million from $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was driven primarily by higher contributions from energy storage product sales, higher margin IP licensing revenue, and lower warranty expense compared to the prior year, including a favorable adjustment in 2025 resulting from a change in estimated warranty costs. These favorable impacts were partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense associated with Cross Trails and CRC, which began commercial operations in 2025.

Gross profit margin increased to 23.6% for the year ended December 31, 2025 from 13.4% for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily reflecting higher margins on energy product sales, a higher mix of IP licensing revenue in 2025, which carries no associated cost of revenue, and lower warranty expense compared to the prior year.

***Sales and Marketing Expenses***

Sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $13.7 million, a decrease of $2.1 million from $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was driven primarily by cost control measures and lower S&M headcount, which together reduced personnel-related expenses by $0.5 million, consulting fees by $0.5 million, and external marketing and public relations costs by $0.7 million.

***Research and Development Expenses***

Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $14.6 million, a decrease of $11.4 million from $26.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was driven primarily by cost control measures and lower R&D headcount, which reduced personnel-related expenses by $7.0 million, engineering and development costs by $3.3 million, and software costs by $0.5 million.

***General and Administrative Expenses***

General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $81.2 million, an increase of $18.2 million from $63.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was driven primarily by higher personnel-related costs of $12.1 million due to increased G&A headcount, a $3.0 million increase in legal and professional fees, a

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$1.6 million increase in project development costs, a $0.9 million increase in consulting costs, and a $0.6 million increase in software costs. The increase in G&A headcount and costs are primarily related to the Company's strategic shift toward an Own & Operate business model.

***Provision for Credit Losses***

Provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $9.4 million, a decrease of $20.6 million from $30.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. In 2025, the provision for credit losses was driven by a $5.5 million provision related to the Company's customer financing receivable and $3.8 million related to the Company's convertible note receivable from DG Fuels. The Company fully reserved the customer financing receivable in 2025 due to continued non-collection from the customer, and the Company fully reserved the DG Fuels convertible note receivable and accrued interest due to the investee's financial difficulties.

In 2024, the provision for credit losses was driven by a $24.1 million provision related to a refundable deposit advanced to a customer and a $4.7 million provision related to the Company's customer financing receivable.

***Depreciation, Amortization, and Accretion Expense (Excluding Amounts Included in Cost of Revenue)***

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense (excluding amounts included in cost of revenue) for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $3.4 million, an increase of $2.4 million from $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was driven primarily by depreciation on the Snyder CDU, which was placed into service in 2025.

***Interest Expense***

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $8.5 million, an increase of $8.3 million from $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 reflects higher interest costs associated with debt financings obtained in 2025, whereas in 2024 the Company's borrowings were limited to insurance premium financing arrangements with minimal interest costs.

***Interest Income***

Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $1.1 million, a decrease of $4.4 million from $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2025 reflects lower average interest-bearing cash balances compared to 2024.

***Change in Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value***

Change in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value was a loss of $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, an increase of $7.2 million compared to a loss of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The loss in 2025 was driven by a $4.4 million loss on the Company's convertible debentures and a $3.8 million loss on the Company's liability-classified warrants. The loss in 2024 was fully attributable to the change in fair value of the Company's conversion option in DG Fuels accounted for as a derivative.

***Other Income (Expense), Net***

Other expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $6.0 million, a change of $7.6 million from other income, net of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Other expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily reflects $2.1 million in costs related to selling shares under the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement, $1.9 million in transaction costs that were expensed related to the issuance of the redeemable non-controlling interest, a $1.5 million loss on debt extinguishment, and $1.1 million of foreign exchange losses, partially offset by a $0.4 million gain on the sale of R&D equipment.

Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily reflects a $1.5 million gain recognized on the derecognition of a related-party contract liability.

***Provision for Income Taxes***

Provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $7.8 million, an increase of $7.7 million from $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in the income tax provision primarily relates to a valuation allowance recorded against the Company's deferred tax assets to reduce the Company's ITCs to their net realizable value upon their transfer to a third-party purchaser.

**Liquidity and Capital Resources** 

***Sources of Liquidity***

Historically, Energy Vault has financed its net cash used in operating and investing activities primarily through the issuance and sale of equity, proceeds from the reverse recapitalization and private investment in public equity ("PIPE")

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transaction completed in 2022, and debt financings. In 2025, we also entered into a preferred equity investment arrangement at Asset Vault to support the development, acquisition, and ownership of energy storage assets.

For corporate-level liquidity, we have accessed unsecured debt financings. Our indebtedness ranks senior to our common equity. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of debt securities, such instruments could also rank senior to our common equity and may include covenants or other terms that impose restrictions on our operations. Volatility in the credit markets and broader financial services sector could impact the availability and cost of both debt and equity financing in the future.

In addition to corporate-level liquidity, in 2025 we launched Asset Vault, a fully consolidated subsidiary dedicated to developing, building, owning, and operating energy storage assets. In support of this strategy, we entered into a preferred equity investment arrangement with OIC, providing a $300 million capital framework to fund the acquisition and development of a portfolio of energy storage assets. We have raised, and expect to continue to raise, project-level capital to support the development, construction, ownership, and operation of energy storage assets, including through Asset Vault and other project-specific financing vehicles. Such project-level capital has included preferred equity and project-level secured debt incurred by the subsidiaries that hold the applicable project assets (including subsidiaries of Asset Vault). This project-level debt is generally secured by the underlying energy storage systems and related project assets and is intended to be supported by, and repaid from, project cash flows, and may include customary limited-recourse provisions (including specified sponsor or project-party indemnities and other limited obligations) rather than full recourse to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. While project-level financing can enable us to scale owned-asset deployments and manage corporate liquidity needs, the availability and cost of such financing depend on a variety of factors, including project readiness, permitting and interconnection status, contracted offtake and other revenue arrangements, counterparty credit, market conditions and interest rates, and evolving tax credit eligibility requirements and trade policy.

To support non-cash backed performance bonding and surety obligations required under project EPC agreements, the Company partners with Marsh to access bonding and surety instruments issued by top-rated insurance firms. .

As part of our ongoing business operations, the Company had a sales backlog of $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2025. Management expects this backlog to contribute to the future funding of our business, supported by a robust developed pipeline, which we anticipate to convert into additional contracted backlog as new agreements are executed.

Energy Vault has historically incurred negative operating cash flows and operating losses and may continue to incur operating losses in the future. The Company may seek to raise additional capital through combinations of equity and/or debt financings, subject to prevailing market conditions. Issuance of equity securities could result in dilution to existing stockholders and may include rights, preferences, or privileges senior to those of the Company's common stock.

Management believes that its cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of December 31, 2025, together with expected cash flows from operations and existing funding arrangements, will be sufficient to fund operating activities and meet obligations for at least the next twelve months from the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. This assessment does not assume any future proceeds from the exercise of outstanding warrants.

***Tax Credit Transfer Commitment***

On March 28, 2025, the Company entered into a Tax Credit Transfer Commitment, on behalf of its majority and wholly-owned subsidiary companies, with a third-party purchaser pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell the ITCs generated by CRC, Cross Trails and the Snyder CDU. On February 26, 2026, the Company collected $11.8 million in proceeds from the transfer of the Cross Trails ITC to the third-party purchaser. As of the date of the Annual Report, the sales of the eligible ITCs generated by the CRC HESS and Snyder CDU are expected to close following the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions.

***At-the-Market Facility and Equity Purchase Agreements***

On November 12, 2024, we entered into an open market sales agreement ("Sales Agreement") with Jefferies LLC, as sales agent (the "Sales Agent"), pursuant to which we may, from time to time, sell shares of our common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $50.0 million through the Sales Agent under an "at-the-market" equity offering program. We may seek, from time to time, to raise additional capital either under the Sales Agreement or otherwise.

On March 31, 2025, we entered into the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement, the Company has the right at its sole discretion, but not the obligation, to sell to Hudson, and Hudson is obligated to purchase, up to $25.0 million of newly issued shares of the Company's common stock, from time to time during the term of the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement, subject to certain limitations and conditions.

In connection with the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to register the Commitment Shares and the shares issuable pursuant to the Hudson

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Equity Purchase Agreement. The securities to be offered pursuant to the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement will be offered pursuant to our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3/A (File No. 333-273089), which was filed with the SEC on July 14, 2023 and declared effective on July 20, 2023.

During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company received proceeds of $6.8 million from the sale of common stock under the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement.

On August 6, 2025, the Company entered into the Helena Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the Helena Purchase Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to sell to Helena, and Helena is obligated to purchase, up to $25.0 million of newly issued shares of the Company's common stock, from time to time over a 36-month term, subject to certain limitations and conditions. The obligations under the Helena Purchase Agreement are subject to a standstill period and will not commence until the later of (i) ninety days from the execution of the agreement, or (ii) the termination or expiration of the Company's existing Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement.

The Company's Convertible Debentures (defined in sections below) restrict the Company from selling shares under the Hudson and Helena Equity Purchase Agreements unless the note holder provides consent.

***CRC Bridge Loan***

On March 31, 2025, CRC, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a $27.8 million credit agreement with Jefferies, as administrative agent, collateral agent, and lender. The CRC Bridge Loan was intended to provide interim financing until long-term debt could be arranged. The CRC Bridge Loan carried a 9.5% annual interest rate and had a scheduled maturity date of April 23, 2025. After deducting closing fees, net proceeds totaled $26.8 million. On April 4, 2025, the Company refinanced the full outstanding balance of the CRC Bridge Loan through the issuance of $27.8 million in CRC Senior Notes (as described below).

***CRC Senior Notes***

On April 4, 2025, CRC issued $27.8 million of senior notes with Eagle Point Credit as lender and Jefferies serving as agent for the transaction. The CRC Senior Notes were priced at 99.25% of par, resulting in net proceeds of $27.6 million.

The CRC Senior Notes bear interest at 12.5% per annum until the earlier of (i) the Company's receipt of any tax credit transfer proceeds and (ii) December 31, 2025, and thereafter at a rate of 9.50% per annum. The CRC Senior Notes are senior secured obligations of CRC, backed by a first-priority pledge of all CRC assets and equity interests. The CRC Senior Notes include customary affirmative and negative covenants, including minimum cash reserves and a minimum debt service coverage ratio.

Principal and interest are payable semi-annually, with installments due each February 28 and August 31. The Company may, at its option, redeem all or a portion of the CRC Senior Notes prior to maturity, subject to specified call protection provisions and any prepayment premiums set forth in the agreement. In the event of a change of control, the Company may be required to offer to repurchase the notes at a specified price.

***Cross Trails Bridge Loan***

On May 12, 2025, the Company entered into a secured bridge loan with Crescent Cove for $10.0 million, bearing interest at 24% per annum and with a maturity date of July 14, 2025. The loan was issued net of a 5% original issue discount and a structuring fee of $0.2 million, for net proceeds of $9.3 million. Total interest expense on the loan of $0.4 million was deducted from the loan proceeds. On July 14, 2025, the Company repaid $5.0 million of principal and simultaneously amended the loan to extend the maturity of the remaining $5.0 million to July 21, 2025. In connection with the extension, the Company paid a $0.2 million amendment fee. The remaining principal and additional interest for the extension were paid on July 18, 2025.

***Cross Trails Senior Note***

On July 23, 2025, Cross Trails, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement with Wilmington Trust, National Association, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and Jefferies Capital Services, LLC, as initial lender.

The Cross Trails Senior Note provides for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $17.8 million. After origination costs were deducted from the loan proceeds by the lender, net proceeds from the Cross Trails Senior Note were $17.6 million. The proceeds are intended to support the Cross Trails energy storage project, including payment of operating costs, funding of required reserve accounts, payment of fees and expenses related to the transaction, and certain distributions to the project sponsor or its designee at closing.

The Cross Trails Senior Note is structured as a single-draw term loan, with the full amount funded on July 23, 2025. The borrowing bears interest, at the Company's election, at (i) the Alternate Base Rate ("ABR") plus 5.00% or (ii) the term

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Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus 6.00%. Principal and interest are payable semi-annually, with installments due each February 28 and August 31, beginning on February 28, 2026. The Cross Trails Senior Note matures on July 23, 2032.

The Cross Trails Senior Note may be repaid at any time, subject to payment of accrued interest, breakage costs and a repayment premium. Mandatory prepayments are required upon the occurrence of certain customary events, including the receipt of insurance or condemnation proceeds (subject to customary reinvestment rights), asset sales above specified thresholds, the incurrence of additional non-permitted indebtedness, or the non-permitted issuance of new equity interests by the borrower, and are subject to the payment of accrued interest, breakage costs and a repayment premium.

The obligations under the Cross Trails Senior Note are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Cross Trails Borrower, including the project assets, accounts, and related collateral, as well as the membership interests in the Cross Trails Borrower. The Cross Trails Senior Note contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for a project financing of this type, including limitations on additional indebtedness, liens, asset sales, investments, affiliate transactions, and distributions. The Cross Trails Borrower is also required to maintain certain financial ratios, including a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.10:1.00, and to maintain insurance, deliver certain financial and other reports, and comply with applicable laws and permits.

The Cross Trails Senior Note also includes customary representations and warranties, indemnification provisions and requirements for the maintenance of insurance and compliance with applicable laws and permits.

***Sale of Future Receipts***

On August 29, 2025, the Company, together with Energy Vault, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary (collectively with the Company, the "Sellers") entered into an agreement of sale of future receipts (the "Cedar Arrangement") with Cedar Advance LLC ("Cedar"). Cedar paid a purchase price of $5.0 million, from which $0.5 million of origination fees were deducted, resulting in net proceeds of $4.5 million. Under the agreement, the Sellers remit to Cedar $0.2 million per week, or approximately 27.0% of future receivables collections, until Cedar has received an aggregate amount equal to (i) $5.1 million if fully repaid within 30 days of funding, (ii) $5.2 million if fully repaid after 30 days but within 60 days of funding, or (iii) $6.3 million if not fully repaid within 60 days of funding.

The Company did not fully repay the Cedar Arrangement within 60 days of funding, therefore the applicable aggregate amount to be remitted to Cedar will be $6.3 million. Through December 31, 2025, the Company had remitted $2.8 million to Cedar, with $3.5 million remaining.

On September 2, 2025, the Sellers entered into an agreement of sale of future receipts (the "UFS Arrangement") with UFS West LLC ("UFS"). UFS paid a purchase price of $1.0 million, from which $0.1 million of origination fees were deducted, resulting in net proceeds of $0.9 million. Under the agreement, the Sellers remit to UFS $35 thousand per week, or approximately 4.9% of future receivables collections, until UFS has received an aggregate amount equal to (i) $1.0 million if fully repaid within 30 days of funding, (ii) $1.0 million if fully repaid after 30 days but within 60 days of funding, or (iii) $1.3 million if not fully repaid within 60 days of funding.

The Company fully repaid the UFS Arrangement on November 4, 2025, which was within 60 days of funding, therefore the applicable aggregate amount remitted was $1.0 million.

On September 4, 2025, the Sellers entered into an agreement of sale of future receipts (the "Reliance Arrangement") with Reliance Financial FL LLC ("Reliance"). Reliance paid a purchase price of $1.5 million, from which $0.2 million of origination fees were deducted, resulting in net proceeds of $1.3 million. Under the agreement, the Sellers remit to Reliance $0.1 million per week, or approximately 1.0% of future receivables collections, until Reliance has received an aggregate amount equal to (i) $1.5 million if fully repaid within 30 days of funding, (ii) $1.6 million if fully repaid after 30 days but within 60 days of funding, or (iii) $1.9 million if not fully repaid within 60 days of funding.

The Company fully repaid the Reliance Arrangement on November 4, 2025, which was within 60 days of funding, therefore the applicable aggregate amount remitted was $1.6 million.

***Convertible Debentures***

On September 22, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with YA II PN, Ltd. (the "Investor"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue senior unsecured convertible debentures in multiple tranches with an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million. On December 30, 2025, the Purchase Agreement was amended to increase the aggregate principal amount to $65.0 million (collectively, the "Convertible Debentures").

The initial tranche of $30.0 million ("Tranche 1") was funded on September 22, 2025 at 97% of par, resulting in net proceeds of $29.1 million. The second tranche of $20.0 million ("Tranche 2") was funded on December 16, 2025 at 97% of

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par, resulting in net proceeds of $19.4 million. The third tranche of $15.0 million ("Tranche 3") was funded on December 30, 2025 at 98% of par, resulting in net proceeds of $14.7 million.

Tranches 1 and 2 mature on March 22, 2027 and Tranche 3 matures on August 30, 2027. All three tranches bear interest at 7.0% per annum (18.0% upon an uncured event of default). Installment payments of principal and interest are due monthly (each, a "Payment Date," beginning on the applicable payment commencement date). For each installment, the Company may (i) pay cash plus a payment premium equal to 7.0% (Tranches 1 and 2) or 4.0% (Tranche 3) of the principal portion paid ("Payment Premium") (10.0% while an Amortization Event is in effect, as defined below), (ii) elect to allow the Investor to convert the unpaid installment at a price equal to the lower of (A) the Applicable Fixed Price (defined below) or (B) 97% of the lowest daily VWAP during the four trading days immediately preceding the conversion date, but not below the Floor Price (equal to $0.60 per share), or (iii) satisfy the installment through a combination of cash and conversion.

The fixed conversion price is $4.50 per share for Tranche 1, $7.53 per share for Tranche 2, and $7.41 per share for Tranche 3. For purposes of the redemption and conversion provisions described below, the "Applicable Fixed Price" means the fixed conversion price for the applicable tranche.

On any Payment Date when the Company's daily Bloomberg volume weighted average price ("VWAP") has equaled or exceeded 115% of the Applicable Fixed Price for each of the five prior trading days, no cash installment payment is due on such Payment Date and the related installment is deferred, with the principal remaining outstanding until maturity.

Investor conversions are subject to a beneficial ownership limit of 4.99% of the Company's common stock and to a limit of 19.99% of the Company's outstanding common stock as of closing unless stockholder approval to exceed such cap is obtained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange Cap"). An "Amortization Event" includes, among other things, (i) the Company's common stock trading below the Floor Price for 5 of 7 consecutive trading days, (ii) issuance of more than 99% of the shares available under the Exchange Cap without stockholder approval, or (iii) beginning 60 days after issuance, the resale registration statement being unusable for 10 consecutive trading days. While an Amortization Event is in effect, the monthly installment must be paid in cash, the applicable payment premium is 10.0%, and the installment amount may increase to the greater of the scheduled amount and 20.0% of then-outstanding principal.

Outside the monthly payment schedule, the Company may optionally redeem the Convertible Debentures upon advance notice for cash when the VWAP is below the Applicable Fixed Price (with the applicable Payment Premium). Upon a change of control, the Company may redeem all outstanding Convertible Debentures at 110% of principal.

In connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") with the Investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to file a registration statement covering the resale of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Debentures within 10 business days after closing and to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain effectiveness within 60 days. The Purchase Agreement includes customary covenants and restrictions, including a prohibition on variable-rate transactions while amounts may be or are outstanding, limitations on additional indebtedness and liens subject to agreed exceptions (including specified project-level indebtedness for subsidiaries such as Calistoga and Cross Trails and certain refinancings), and limitations on the Company's use of existing equity lines without Investor consent. The Company may utilize its at-the-market equity ("ATM") program only if specified conditions are satisfied, applying 25.0% of gross ATM proceeds to reduce the Convertible Debentures principal on the back end of the schedule, and observing a cooling-off period of three trading days after an Investor market-price conversion; if the ATM is used in any calendar month, the next scheduled amortization payment will be convertible at the Investor's election. Any subsidiary that directly receives Convertible Debenture proceeds must guarantee the Company's obligations. The Investor agreed not to engage in short sales of the Company's equity, but may sell shares corresponding to submitted conversions.

In February 2026, the Company fully repaid Tranches 2 and 3, and partially repaid Tranche 1 in cash with the proceeds from the Senior Convertible Notes (described below).

***Senior Convertible Notes***

On February 17, 2026, the Company completed a private offering of $140.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Senior Convertible Notes due 2031. In addition, the Company issued an additional $10.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Convertible Notes pursuant to the initial purchasers' option in a transaction that closed on February 27, 2026. The Senior Convertible Notes bear interest at 5.250% per annum, payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2026, and mature on March 1, 2031, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. In connection with the offering, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions. After deducting the 3.25% initial purchaser's discount and before the cost of the capped call transactions and offering expenses, the Company received $145.1 million in proceeds. The Company used approximately $20.5 million of

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the net proceeds to fund the capped call transactions and paid $3.8 million for advisory and placement agent fees, resulting in net proceeds of $120.8 million.

The Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the Senior Convertible Notes to make aggregate cash payments of $49.7 million to YA II PN, Ltd. in connection with repayments of the Company's Convertible Debentures, comprised of principal, accrued interest, and cash premium. Tranches 2 and 3 were fully repaid. After these payments, unpaid principal remaining outstanding under the Convertible Debentures was $7.9 million. In addition, $5.6 million of principal remained technically outstanding because the Company had delivered conversion notices to the Investor, but the Investor had not yet completed conversion.

The Senior Convertible Notes have an initial conversion rate of 193.1807 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, representing an initial conversion price of approximately $5.18 per share, which represents a conversion premium of approximately 27.5% above the $4.06 closing price of the Company's common stock on February 11, 2026.

The capped call transactions have an initial strike price of approximately $5.18 per share, consistent with the initial conversion price of the Senior Convertible Notes, and an initial cap price of $8.12 per share, which represents a premium of 100% above the $4.06 closing price of the Company's common stock on February 11, 2026. The capped call transactions are expected to reduce potential dilution to the Company's common stock upon any conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes, and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount upon conversion, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap based on the cap price.

***Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash***

Our cash equivalents are highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturities of three months or less.

The following table summarizes our cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $58260 | $27091 |
| Restricted cash | 45183 | 2982 |
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $103443 | $30073 |

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Restricted cash primarily consists of cash deposits held in segregated accounts as collateral for certain debt financing requirements and for guarantees and bonds issued in connection with our customer owned and Company owned projects under development.

Additionally, our contractual arrangements with customers often require us to issue letters of credit, bank guarantees, and performance and payment bonds to secure our performance under those contracts. To collateralize these instruments, we deposit cash in restricted accounts that cannot be used for general corporate purposes until the underlying obligations are settled or the guarantees expire.

The following table summarizes restricted cash balances (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Restricted cash, current portion | $4717 | $990 |
| Restricted cash, long-term portion | 40466 | 1992 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total restricted cash | $45183 | $2982 |
| Restricted cash related to debt financing | $9489 | $— |
| Restricted cash related to customer projects | 33002 | 2982 |
| Other | 2692 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total restricted cash | $45183 | $2982 |

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***Contractual Obligations***

Our principal commitments as of December 31, 2025 consisted primarily of obligations under debt financing arrangements, operating leases, finance leases, a deferred pension, warranty liabilities, and issued purchase orders. Our non-cancellable

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purchase obligations as of December 31, 2025 totaled approximately $5.4 million, which is all expected to be paid in the next twelve months.

The following table summarizes the cash maturities of the Company's debt instruments as of December 31, 2025 (amounts in thousands):

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2026** | **2027** | **2028** | **2029** | **2030** | **Thereafter** |
| Debt obligations | $54377 | $19829 | $2615 | $3228 | $3126 | $16408 |

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***Cash Flows***

The following table summarizes cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Net cash used in operating activities | $(5649) | $(55860) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (44607) | (58736) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 123050 | (252) |
| Effects of exchange rate changes on cash | 576 | (634) |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $73370 | $(115482) |

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***Operating Activities***

Net cash used in operating activities was $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $55.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, net cash used in operating activities reflects a net loss of $103.7 million, adjusted for $74.4 million in non-cash charges, a $56.9 million increase in operating liabilities, and a $33.3 million increase in operating assets.

Significant non-cash items include $36.7 million in stock-based compensation expense, $9.4 million in provision for credit losses, $7.1 million related to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, $5.7 million in depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense, a $8.2 million loss related to the change in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, $3.2 million in non-cash debt and financing costs, $1.9 million in non-cash equity issuance costs related to the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement, and $1.5 million of loss on debt extinguishment.

The increase in operating liabilities was driven by a $60.0 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses, partially offset by a $2.8 million decrease in contract liabilities. The increase in operating assets was driven by a $13.4 million increase in contract assets, an $11.3 million increase in accounts receivable, a $4.5 million increase in advances to suppliers, a $3.0 million increase in other assets, and a $1.1 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 improved compared with the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily reflecting lower net loss due to higher gross profit and favorable timing of payments and accruals within accounts payable and accrued expenses.

***Investing Activities***

Net cash used in investing activities was $44.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $58.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 consists of $41.1 million for the purchase of property and equipment, primarily for the construction of the Snyder CDU, Cross Trails, and CRC, $2.1 million of loans extended to Stoney Creek prior to its acquisition, and $1.4 million related to the purchase of favorable contract intangible assets as part of the acquisition of SOSA. In 2025, the Company paid $4.7 million to acquire SOSA, of which $3.3 million is presented within purchase of property and equipment and $1.4 million is presented within purchase of intangible assets in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

The decrease in net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 was driven by lower property and equipment expenditures.

***Financing Activities***

Net cash provided by financing activities was $123.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

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Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to $151.3 million in proceeds from the issuance of debt, $33.7 million in gross proceeds from the issuance of redeemable non-controlling interest related to OIC's investment in Asset Vault, $6.8 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock under the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement, and $2.6 million in proceeds from insurance premium financing arrangements, partially offset by $56.5 million of debt repayments, $9.6 million of debt issuance cost payments, $2.6 million in payments for transaction costs related to OIC's investment in Asset Vault, and $2.9 million of insurance premium financing repayments.

The increase in net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 was driven by the debt financings, OIC's investment in Asset Vault, and issuances of common stock, none of which occurred in 2024.

**Non-GAAP Financial Measures**

To complement our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, we use non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted S&M expenses, adjusted R&D expenses, adjusted G&A expenses, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted net loss, and adjusted EBITDA. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures complement our GAAP amounts and such measures are useful to securities analysts and investors to evaluate our ongoing results of operations when considered alongside our GAAP measures. The presentation of these non-GAAP measures is not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures and their reconciliation to GAAP financial measures are shown below.

The following table provides a reconciliation from GAAP S&M expenses to non-GAAP adjusted S&M expenses (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| S&M expenses (GAAP) | $13698 | $15839 |
| **Non-GAAP adjustments:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation expense | 3868 | 6162 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Reorganization expenses | 32 | 288 |
| Adjusted S&M expenses (non-GAAP) | $9798 | $9389 |

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The following table provides a reconciliation from GAAP R&D expenses to non-GAAP adjusted R&D expenses (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| R&D expenses (GAAP) | $14635 | $25999 |
| **Non-GAAP adjustments:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation expense | 5284 | 8693 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Reorganization expenses | 318 | 523 |
| Adjusted R&D expenses (non-GAAP) | $9033 | $16783 |

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The following table provides a reconciliation from GAAP G&A expenses to non-GAAP adjusted G&A expenses (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| G&A expenses (GAAP) | $81180 | $62971 |
| **Non-GAAP adjustments:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation expense | 27561 | 23854 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Reorganization expenses | 812 | 748 |
| Adjusted G&A expenses (non-GAAP) | $52807 | $38369 |

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The following table provides a reconciliation from GAAP operating expenses to non-GAAP operating expenses (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Operating expenses (GAAP) | $122357 | $136183 |
| **Non-GAAP adjustments:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation, amortization, and accretion (excluding amounts included in cost of revenue) | 3435 | 1058 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation expense | 36713 | 38709 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Reorganization expenses | 1162 | 1559 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 9409 | 29980 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on impairment and sale of long-lived assets |  | 336 |
| Adjusted operating expenses (non-GAAP) | $71638 | $64541 |

---

The following table provides a reconciliation from net loss attributable to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. to non-GAAP adjusted net loss, (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Net loss attributable to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (GAAP) | $(103611) | $(135750) |
| **Non-GAAP adjustments:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation expense | 36713 | 38709 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 9409 | 29980 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on financial instruments carried at fair value | 8179 | 1025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Expenses related to equity purchase agreement | 2072 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Transaction cost expense related to redeemable non-controlling interest | 1872 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on debt extinguishment | 1532 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Reorganization expenses | 1162 | 1559 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign exchange losses | 1124 | 300 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale of R&D equipment | (426) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on contribution to equity method investment | (65) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest | (47) | (63) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on impairment and sale of long-lived assets |  | 336 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on derecognition of contract liability |  | (1500) |
| Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) | $(42086) | $(65404) |

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The following table provides a reconciliation from net loss to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, with net loss being the most directly comparable GAAP measure (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Net loss attributable to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (GAAP) | $(103611) | $(135750) |
| **Non-GAAP adjustments:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 8464 | 123 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | (1100) | (5537) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for income taxes | 7763 | 67 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation, amortization, and accretion | 5727 | 1058 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation expense | 36713 | 38709 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 9409 | 29980 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on financial instruments carried at fair value | 8179 | 1025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Expenses related to equity purchase agreement | 2072 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Transaction cost expense related to redeemable non-controlling interest | 1872 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on debt extinguishment | 1532 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Reorganization expenses | 1162 | 1559 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign exchange losses | 1124 | 300 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale of R&D equipment | (426) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on contribution to equity method investment | (65) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest | (47) | (63) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on impairment and sale of long-lived assets |  | 336 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment of equity securities |  | 11730 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on derecognition of contract liability |  | (1500) |
| Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $(21232) | $(57963) |

---

We present adjusted EBITDA, which is net loss excluding adjustments that are outlined in the quantitative reconciliation provided above, as a supplemental measure of our performance and because we believe this measure is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. The items excluded from adjusted EBITDA are excluded in order to better reflect our continuing operations.

Adjusted EBITDA is presented on a consolidated basis. Because our reconciliation starts with net loss attributable to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc., we add back net loss attributable to non-controlling interests to arrive at consolidated Adjusted EBITDA. Non-controlling interest allocations may be significantly impacted by the hypothetical liquidation at book value method to allocate Asset Vault's income (loss) between the Company and the redeemable non-controlling interest.

In evaluating adjusted EBITDA, one should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to the adjustments noted above. Our presentation of adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by these types of adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net loss, operating loss, or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity.

Our adjusted EBITDA measure has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• it does not reflect our cash expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures, or contractual commitments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• it does not reflect stock-based compensation, which is an ongoing expense;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• although depreciation, amortization, and accretion are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and our adjusted EBITDA measure does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• it is not adjusted for all non-cash income or expense items that are reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flows;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• it does not reflect the impact of earnings or charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• it does not reflect limitations on or costs related to transferring earnings from our subsidiaries to us; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• other companies in our industry may calculate this measure differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

Because of these limitations, adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business or as a measure of cash that will be available to use to meet our obligations. You should compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using adjusted EBITDA only supplementally.

**Critical Accounting Estimates**

The preparation of these 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 expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

For a summary of significant accounting policies, refer to Note 2, *Summary of Significant Accounting Policies* of the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

***Revenue***

The Company recognizes revenue over time for EPC contracts and technical services in EEQ contracts as a result of the continuous transfer of control of the products and services to the customer. The Company utilizes the percentage of completion method when recognizing revenue over time and percentage of completion is based on costs incurred as a percentage of total estimated contract costs. Since revenue recognition for these performance obligations depends on estimates, which are assessed continually during the term of the contract, recognized revenues and profits are subject to revisions as the performance obligations progresses to completion. The cumulative effects of revisions of estimated total contract costs and revenues, together with any contract reserves which may be deemed appropriate, are recorded in the period in which the facts and changes in circumstances become known. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that these estimates will be revised in a different period.

The Company's contracts generally provide customers with a right to liquidated damages ("LDs") against Energy Vault in the event specified milestones are not met on time, or certain performance metrics are not met upon or after the substantial completion date. LDs are accounted for as variable consideration, and the contract price is reduced by the expected penalty or LD amount when recognizing revenue. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is improbable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will occur when the uncertainty is resolved. Estimating variable consideration requires certain estimates and assumptions, including whether and by how much a project will be delayed and how a project will perform during the performance guarantee period. The existence and measurement of liquidated damages may also be impacted by the Company's judgment about the probability of favorable outcomes of customer disputes involving whether certain events qualify as force majeure or the reason for the events that caused project delays. Variable consideration for LDs is estimated using the expected value of the consideration to be received.

***Allowance for Credit Losses***

The Company encounters credit loss risks associated with the collection of accounts receivable, contract assets, customer financing receivable, and convertible note receivable. The accounting estimates related to the Company's allowance for credit losses is a critical accounting estimate because the underlying assumptions used for the allowance can change from time to time and credit losses could potentially have a material impact on our results of operations.

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***Warranty Liabilities***

The accounting for warranty liabilities requires us to make assumptions and judgments, and to the extent actual results differ from original estimates, adjustments to recorded liabilities may be required. The key inputs and assumptions used in calculating estimated warranty liabilities are reviewed by management each reporting period. The Company may make additional adjustments to the estimated warranty liability based on a comparison of actual warranty results to expected results for significant differences or based on performance trends or other qualitative factors. If actual failure rates or replacement costs differ from our estimates in future periods, changes to these estimates may be required, resulting in increases or decreases in the estimated warranty liability, which may be material.

***Convertible Debentures***

The Company's estimate of the fair value of its Convertible Debentures requires significant judgment and the use of valuation techniques that incorporate assumptions regarding the instrument's expected economic outcomes. In estimating fair value, the Company used a Monte Carlo simulation model that considered the note's contractual conversion, redemption, and settlement provisions. The most significant assumptions involved the selection of market-yield assumptions reflective of the instrument's credit profile, expected volatility, and the probability and timing of potential settlement outcomes, including conversion, redemption, or hold-to-maturity scenarios. Changes in these assumptions could materially affect the estimated fair value of the note and the related amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

***Stock-Based Compensation***

Stock-based compensation for RSUs that vest based on market conditions is estimated on the date of the grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Monte Carlo simulation model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected term of the award, the expected volatility of the Company's common stock, risk-free interest rates, and the expected dividend yield of the Company.

**Emerging Growth Company Accounting Election**

We are an "emerging growth company" as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and have irrevocably elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period for new or revised financial accounting standards. We are expected to remain an emerging growth company through the end of 2026 and expect to continue to take advantage of the benefits of the extended transition period. This may make it difficult or impossible to compare our financial results with the financial results of another public company that is either not an emerging growth company or is an emerging growth company that has chosen not to take advantage of the extended transition period exemptions for emerging growth companies because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

**Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements**

Recently issued and adopted/unadopted accounting pronouncements are described in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

**ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK**

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position or results of operations because of adverse changes in financial market prices and rates.

***Foreign Currency Risk***

The majority of our contracts with customers are denominated in U.S. dollars, the Australian dollar, the Swiss franc, and the Euro, and certain of our definitive agreements could be denominated in other currencies. A strengthening of the U.S. dollar could increase the cost of our solutions to our international customers, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

In addition, a portion of our operating expenses are incurred outside the United States and are denominated in foreign currencies, such as the Euro, the Swiss franc, and the Australian dollar, and are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. If we increase our exposure to foreign currencies and are not able to successfully hedge against the risks associated with currency fluctuations, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

***Inflation Risk***

Our operations could be adversely impacted by inflation, primarily from higher material, labor, and construction costs. While it is difficult to measure the impact of inflation on our business and operating results accurately, we believe that if our costs are affected due to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset higher costs through price

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increases or other corrective measures, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***Credit Risk***

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty, including our customers, may default on their contractual obligations resulting in a loss to us. A loss of one or more of our significant customers, their inability to perform under their contracts, or their default in payment could harm our business and negatively impact revenue, results of operations, and cash flows. Credit policies have been approved and implemented to assess our existing and potential customers with the objective of mitigating credit losses. These policies establish guidelines, controls, and credit limits to manage credit risk within approved tolerances by mandating an appropriate evaluation of the financial condition of existing and potential customers, monitoring agency credit ratings, and by implementing credit practices that limit exposure according to the risk profiles of the counterparties. In addition, customers are required to make milestone payments based on their project's progress. We may also, at times, require letters of credit, parent guarantees, or cash collateral when deemed necessary.

Our overall exposure may be affected positively or negatively by macroeconomic or regulatory changes that may impact our counterparties. We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of all our customers.

***Commodity Price Risk***

We are subject to risk from fluctuating market prices of certain commodity raw materials, including cement, steel, aluminum, and lithium, that are used in the components that we purchase from our suppliers and then as inputs to our products. Prices of these raw materials may be affected by supply restrictions or other logistic costs and market factors from time to time. We do not enter into hedging arrangements to mitigate commodity risk. Significant price changes for these raw materials could reduce our operating margins if suppliers increase component prices and we are unable to recover such increases from our customers and could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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**ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA**

Index of Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Contents** | **Page** |
| <u>[Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_638)</u> (BDO USA, P.C., New York, NY PCAOB ID# 243) | [73](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_638) |
| <u>[Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 202](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_22)[5](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_22)[and 202](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_22)[4](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_22)</u> | [74](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_22) |
| <u>[Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 202](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_25)[5](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_25)[and 202](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_25)[4](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_25)</u> | [75](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_25) |
| <u>[Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 202](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_28)[5](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_28)[and 202](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_28)[4](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_28)</u> | [76](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_28) |
| <u>[Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 202](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_34)[5](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_34)[and 202](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_34)[4](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_34)</u> | [77](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_34) |
| <u>[Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_37)</u> | [78](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_37) |

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**Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Stockholders and Board of Directors

Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.

Westlake Village, California

**Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements**

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

**Basis for Opinion**

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.

New York, New York

March 18, 2026

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Consolidated Balance Sheets**

**(In thousands except par value)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Assets** |  |  |
| Current Assets |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $58260 | $27091 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted cash, current portion | 4717 | 990 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $1,236 and $1,211 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively | 25938 | 14565 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contract assets, net of allowance for credit losses of $25,101 and $25,030 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively | 20631 | 6798 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory | 139 | 107 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer financing receivable, current portion, net of allowance for credit losses of $4,500 and $2,352 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively |  | 2148 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Advances to suppliers | 6318 | 10678 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 5067 | 6528 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets | 121070 | 68905 |
| Property and equipment, net | 96064 | 99493 |
| Intangible assets, net | 8277 | 4538 |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 2242 | 1206 |
| Customer financing receivable, long-term portion, net of allowance for credit losses of $6,974 and $3,645 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively |  | 3329 |
| Investments, long-term portion | 3366 | 3270 |
| Restricted cash, long-term portion | 40466 | 1992 |
| Deferred income taxes | 40508 |  |
| Other assets | 883 | 1156 |
| **Total Assets** | $**312876** | $**183889** |
| **Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity** |  |  |
| Current Liabilities |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | $30838 | $20250 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses | 70389 | 24968 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debt, current portion (including $50,250 measured at fair value) | 56628 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contract liabilities | 6610 | 8938 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities | 552 | 499 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities | 165017 | 54655 |
| Long-term debt (including $16,427 measured at fair value) | 37970 |  |
| Warrant liabilities | 15050 | 2 |
| Deferred pension obligation | 1837 | 2044 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 4386 | 932 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | 224260 | 57633 |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 22) |  |  |
| **Mezzanine Equity** |  |  |
| Redeemable non-controlling interest | 21156 |  |
| **Stockholders' Equity** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized, none issued |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 500,000 shares authorized, 168,969 and 153,206 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively | 17 | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional paid-in capital | 555873 | 512022 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated deficit | (487433) | (383822) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (966) | (1896) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-controlling interest | (31) | (63) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total stockholders' equity | 67460 | 126256 |
| **Total Liabilities, Mezzanine Equity, and Stockholders' Equity** | $**312876** | $**183889** |

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*The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.*

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss**

**(In thousands except per share data)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Revenue | $203671 | $46199 |
| Cost of revenue | 155681 | 40012 |
| Gross profit | 47990 | 6187 |
| Operating expenses: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sales and marketing | 13698 | 15839 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Research and development | 14635 | 25999 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;General and administrative | 81180 | 62971 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 9409 | 29980 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation, amortization, and accretion (excluding amounts included in cost of revenue) | 3435 | 1058 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on impairment and sale of long-lived assets |  | 336 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating expenses | 122357 | 136183 |
| Loss from operations | (74367) | (129996) |
| Other income (expense): |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | (8464) | (123) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | 1100 | 5537 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value | (8179) | (1025) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment of equity securities |  | (11730) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other income (expense), net | (5985) | 1591 |
| Loss before income taxes | (95895) | (135746) |
| Provision for income taxes | 7763 | 67 |
| Net loss | (103658) | (135813) |
| Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest | (47) | (63) |
| Net loss attributable to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. | $(103611) | $(135750) |
| Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders — basic and diluted | $(0.65) | $(0.91) |
| Weighted average shares outstanding — basic and diluted | 160533 | 149846 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) — net of tax |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Actuarial gain (loss) on pension | $667 | $(640) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation gain | 263 | 165 |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. | 930 | (475) |
| Total comprehensive loss attributable to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. | $(102681) | $(136225) |

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*The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.*

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity**

**(In thousands)**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Common Stock** | **Common Stock** | **Additional Paid-In Capital** | **Accumulated Deficit** | **Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)** | **Non-Controlling Interest** | **Total Stockholders' Equity** |
| | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Additional Paid-In Capital** | **Accumulated Deficit** | **Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)** | **Non-Controlling Interest** | **Total Stockholders' Equity** |
| **Balance at December 31, 2023** | **146577** | $**15** | $**473271** | $**(248072)** | $**(1421)** | $**—** | $**223793** |
| Exercise of stock options | 52 |  | 42 |  |  |  | 42 |
| Stock-based compensation |  |  | 38709 |  |  |  | 38709 |
| Vesting of RSUs | 6577 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net loss |  |  |  | (135750) |  | (63) | (135813) |
| Actuarial loss on pension |  |  |  |  | (640) |  | (640) |
| Foreign currency translation gain |  |  |  |  | 165 |  | 165 |
| **Balance at December 31, 2024** | **153206** | $**15** | $**512022** | $**(383822)** | $**(1896)** | $**(63)** | $**126256** |
| Exercise of stock options | 518 |  | 735 |  |  |  | 735 |
| Stock-based compensation |  |  | 35560 |  |  |  | 35560 |
| Vesting of RSUs, net of shares withheld for taxes | 9093 | 1 | (424) |  |  |  | (423) |
| Shares issued under equity purchase agreement | 6152 | 1 | 8706 |  |  |  | 8707 |
| Issuance of equity-classified warrants |  |  | 1153 |  |  |  | 1153 |
| Short-swing profit recovery |  |  | 24 |  |  |  | 24 |
| Reallocation of non-controlling interest due to forfeiture |  |  | (79) |  |  | 79 |  |
| Paid-in-kind distributions to redeemable non-controlling interest |  |  | (967) |  |  |  | (967) |
| Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest to redemption value |  |  | (857) |  |  |  | (857) |
| Net loss |  |  |  | (103611) |  | (47) | (103658) |
| Actuarial gain on pension |  |  |  |  | 667 |  | 667 |
| Foreign currency translation gain |  |  |  |  | 263 |  | 263 |
| **Balance at December 31, 2025** | **168969** | $**17** | $**555873** | $**(487433)** | $**(966)** | $**(31)** | $**67460** |

---

*The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.*

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows**

**(In thousands)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Cash Flows From Operating Activities** |  |  |
| Net loss | $(103658) | $(135813) |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation, amortization, and accretion | 5727 | 1058 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-cash debt and financing costs | 3185 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on debt extinguishment | 1532 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-cash interest income | (364) | (1447) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation | 36713 | 38709 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on impairment and sale of long-lived assets |  | 336 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 9409 | 29980 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on contribution to equity method investment | (65) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment of equity securities |  | 11730 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value | 8179 | 1025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-cash expenses related to equity purchase agreement | 1857 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes | 7149 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign exchange losses | 1124 | 300 |
| Change in operating assets and liabilities |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable | (11334) | 11482 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory | (31) | 308 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contract assets | (13423) | 53902 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (1072) | 7953 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Advances to suppliers | (4492) | (8590) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other assets | (2989) | (1747) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 60003 | (66770) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contract liabilities | (2800) | 3073 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other long-term liabilities | (299) | (1349) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash used in operating activities | (5649) | (55860) |
| **Cash Flows From Investing Activities** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase of property and equipment | (41093) | (58853) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment in note receivable | (2142) | (330) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase of intangible assets | (1372) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from sale of property and equipment |  | 447 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash used in investing activities | (44607) | (58736) |
| **ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.** | **ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.** | **ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.** |
| **Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)** | **Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)** | **Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)** |
| **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
|  | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Cash Flows From Financing Activities** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of debt | 151300 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayment of debt | (56457) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of debt issuance costs | (9604) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from insurance premium financings | 2586 | 2745 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayment of insurance premium financings | (2904) | (2446) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of redeemable non-controlling interest | 33679 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of transaction costs related to redeemable non-controlling interest | (2630) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of stock | 6849 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Short-swing profit recovery | 24 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 735 | 42 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of finance lease obligations | (104) | (185) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of taxes related to net settlement of equity awards | (424) | (408) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 123050 | (252) |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | 576 | (634) |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | 73370 | (115482) |
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – beginning of the period | 30073 | 145555 |
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – end of the period | 103443 | 30073 |
| Less: restricted cash at end of period | 45183 | 2982 |
| Cash and cash equivalents - end of period | $58260 | $27091 |
| **Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash paid for income taxes | $643 | $52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash paid for interest | 3396 | 123 |
| **Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Information:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actuarial gain (loss) on pension | 667 | (640) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property and equipment financed through accounts payable and accrued expenses |  | 6400 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property and equipment acquired though deferred payment obligation | 875 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Assets acquired on finance lease | 87 | 60 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Initial value of warrant liabilities | 11250 |  |

---

*The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.*

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS**

Energy Vault Holdings, Inc., which together with its subsidiaries is referred to herein as "Energy Vault" or the "Company," provides a diverse technology portfolio of turnkey energy storage platforms, including proprietary gravity, battery, and green hydrogen energy storage hardware technologies, supported by our technology-agnostic energy management system software and integration platform. Beginning in 2024, we initiated a multi-year transition from primarily delivering projects through build-and-transfer arrangements and licensing models toward a more integrated model that includes selectively developing, owning, and operating energy storage assets, while continuing to provide technology, integration, software, and long-term services to customers.

Through this integrated model, we offer utilities, independent power producers, and large energy users solutions that may include standalone energy storage, integrated generation and storage configurations, and related power infrastructure. We manage projects across the lifecycle, from sourcing and development through permitting and interconnection, engineering and construction management, commissioning, and operations, and we provide software enabled monitoring, controls, and services intended to support asset availability, operational efficiency, and lifecycle performance.

Throughout the notes to the consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise noted, the "Company," "we," "us," or "our" and similar terms refer to Legacy Energy Vault and its subsidiaries prior to the consummation of the Merger, and Energy Vault and its subsidiaries after the consummation of the Merger.

**NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES**

**Basis of Presentation** 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and applicable rules and regulations of the SEC regarding financial reporting.

**Principles of Consolidation**

These consolidated financial statements include Energy Vault Holdings, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiaries, and majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

**Emerging Growth Company**

Section 102(b)(1) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act") exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised, and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard.

This may make comparison of the Company's consolidated financial statements with another public company that is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company that has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

**Use of Estimates**

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The Company evaluates its assumptions on an ongoing basis. The Company's management believes that the estimates, judgment, and assumptions used are reasonable based upon information available at the time they are made. Estimates made by management include, among others, revenue recognition, debt measured at fair value, provision for credit losses, warranty accruals, and stock-based compensation. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making assumptions and estimates, changes in circumstances could result in actual results differing from those estimates, and such differences could be material to the Company's consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Liquidity**

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.

Since our inception in October 2017, we have incurred significant net losses and have used significant cash in our business. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had accumulated deficits of $487.4 million and $383.8 million, respectively, and net losses of $103.6 million and $135.8 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. We anticipate that we will incur net losses for the foreseeable future and there is no guarantee that we will achieve or maintain profitability.

Management believes that its cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on hand as of the filing date of this Annual Report, along with the actions taken subsequent to December 31, 2025 as discussed in Note 23, *Subsequent Events*, will be sufficient to fund our operating activities for at least the next twelve months. The consolidated financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that would be necessary if we become unable to continue as a going concern.

**Segment Reporting**

The Company reports its operating results and financial information in one operating and reportable segment. Our chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), which is our chief executive officer, reviews our operating results on a consolidated basis and uses that consolidated financial information to make operating decisions, assess financial performance, and allocate resources.

**Concentration of Credit and Other Risks**

Financial instruments that subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and customer financings receivable.

Risks associated with cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are mitigated by banking with creditworthy institutions. Such balances with any one institution may, at times, be in excess of federally insured amounts.

As of December 31, 2025, one customer accounted for 93% of accounts receivable and as of December 31, 2024, one customer accounted for 100% of accounts receivable.

As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, one customer accounted for 100% of the customer financing receivable.

Revenue from two customers accounted for 56% and 32% of total revenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2025 and revenue from two customers accounted for 75% and 19% of total revenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2024.

**Foreign Currency**

Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rates during the periods. The impact of exchange rate fluctuations from translation of assets and liabilities is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of stockholders' equity. As of December 31, 2025, accumulated other comprehensive loss included $0.2 million of cumulative gains related to currency translation adjustments. As of December 31, 2024, accumulated other comprehensive loss included $0.1 million of cumulative losses related to currency translation adjustments.

Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

**Revenue Recognition**

The Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, *Revenue from Contracts with Customers* ("ASC 606"). Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when, or as, control of promised goods and services is transferred to customers, and the amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for the goods and services transferred. The Company determines revenue recognition through the following steps:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Identification of the performance obligations in the contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Determination of the transaction price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)Recognition of revenue when, or as, a performance obligation is satisfied.

Once a contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations. Arrangements that include rights to additional goods or services that are exercisable at a customer's discretion are generally considered options. The Company assesses if these options provide a material right to the customer and if so, they are considered performance obligations. The identification of material rights requires judgments related to the determination of the value of the underlying good or service relative to the option exercise price.

The Company assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct for the purposes of identifying performance obligations in the contract. This assessment involves subjective determination and requires management to make judgments about the individual promised goods or services and whether such are separable from the other aspects of the contractual relationship. Promised goods and services are considered to be distinct provided that: (i) the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with the other resources that are readily available to the customer (that is, the good or service is capable of being distinct) and (ii) the entity's promise to transfer the good or service to the customer is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract (that is, the promise to transfer the good or service is distinct within the context of the contract). The Company also considers the intended benefit of the contract in assessing whether a promised good or service is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. If a promised good or service is not distinct, an entity is required to combine that good or service with other promised goods or services until it identifies a bundle of goods or services that is distinct.

The transaction price is determined and allocated to the identified performance obligations in proportion to their stand-alone selling prices ("SSP") on a relative SSP basis. SSP is determined at contract inception and is not updated to reflect changes between contract inception and when the performance obligations are satisfied. Determining the SSP for performance obligations requires significant judgment. In developing the SSP for a performance obligation, the Company considers applicable market conditions and relevant entity-specific factors, including the expected margin the Company would charge if it were to sell individual performance obligations on a standalone basis.

In determining the transaction price, the Company adjusts consideration for the effects of the time value of money if the timing of payments provides the Company with a significant benefit of financing. When a contract provides the customer with a significant benefit of financing, the Company recognizes a customer financing receivable and recognizes interest income separate from the revenue recognized on the contracts with customers. The Company does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period between payment and the transfer of the promised goods or services will be one year or less.

The Company recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied, either at a point in time or over time. Over time revenue recognition is based on the use of an output or input method.

***Sale of Energy Storage Products*:** The Company sells its energy storage products to utility companies and independent power producers. The Company enters into (i) engineering, procurement, and construction ("EPC") contracts to design, construct, install, and transfer fully operational energy storage systems and (ii) engineered equipment ("EEQ") contracts to design and deliver energy storage equipment. Each storage project is customized depending on the customer's energy storage needs.

Customer payments are due upon meeting certain milestones that are consistent with contract-specific phases of a project. The Company determines the transaction price based on the consideration expected to be received, which includes estimates of liquidated damages or other variable consideration. Generally, each EPC contract contains one performance obligation to design, construct, install, and deliver a fully operational energy storage system. Generally, each EEQ contract contains multiple performance obligations, including separate performance obligations (i) to supply equipment and (ii) to provide specialized technical services. EEQ contracts may also contain provisions for the Company to deliver the equipment to a storage location and hold the equipment on the customer's behalf until the customer is ready for shipment to the project site. When the Company provides these custodial services to an EEQ customer, they are treated as a separate performance obligation.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Multiple contracts entered into with the same customer and near the same time are combined in accordance with ASC 606. In these situations, the contract prices are aggregated and then allocated to each performance obligation based upon their relative stand-alone selling price.

For EPC contracts, the Company recognizes revenue over time as a result of the continuous transfer of control of its products and services to the customer. The continuous transfer of control to the customer is supported by clauses in the contracts that provide enforceable rights to payment of the transaction price associated with work performed to date for products that do not have an alternative use to the Company and/or the project is built on the customer's land that is under the customer's control. For equipment sales in EEQ contracts, the Company recognizes revenue at a point in time, which corresponds to delivery of the equipment to the customer. For technical and custodial services provided in EEQ contracts, the Company recognizes revenue over time as the Company performs the required services.

In certain contracts, the Company recognizes revenue under bill-and-hold arrangements with its customers. In these arrangements, the customer requests that the Company store the products because the project site is not ready to accept delivery and the customer does not have the ability to store the products. The products are separately identified as belonging to the customer, are physically segregated in a third-party warehouse, and are ready for immediate shipment to the customer project site upon the customer's request. Legal title to the products has passed to the customer, the Company has a present right to payment, and the Company cannot use the products or direct them to another customer. Although the Company retains risk of loss while the products remain in storage, it has concluded that control of the products has transferred to the customer. Warehousing and custodial services provided after transfer of control are accounted for as a separate performance obligation, and revenue for those services is recognized over time.

The Company uses subcontractors in its EPC and EEQ agreements. The Company has concluded that it is the principal in these arrangements because the Company controls the goods or services before they are transferred to the customer, has primary responsibility for fulfilling the contract, and has discretion in establishing prices.

Revenue for performance obligations satisfied over time is recognized using the percentage of completion method based on costs incurred as a percentage of total estimated contract costs. Contract costs include all direct materials, direct labor, and subcontractor costs related to contract performance. Pre-contract costs with no future benefit are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Since the revenue recognition of these contracts depends on estimates, which are assessed continually during the term of the contract, recognized revenues and profit are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. The cumulative effects of revisions of estimated total contract costs and revenues, together with any contract reserves which may be deemed appropriate, are recorded in the period in which the facts and changes in circumstances become known. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that these estimates will be revised in a different period. When a loss is forecasted for a contract, the full amount of the anticipated loss is recognized in the period in which it is determined that a loss will incur.

The Company's contracts generally provide customers the right to liquidated damages ("LDs") against Energy Vault in the event specified milestones are not met on time, or certain performance metrics are not met upon the substantial completion date or during the performance guarantee period. LDs are accounted for as variable consideration, and the contract price is reduced by the expected LD amount when recognizing revenue. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is improbable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will occur when the uncertainty is resolved. Estimating variable consideration requires certain estimates and assumptions, including whether and by how much a project will be delayed and expected performance of the energy storage equipment during the performance guarantee period. The existence and measurement of liquidated damages may also be impacted by the Company's judgment about the probability of favorable outcomes of customer disputes involving whether certain events qualify as force majeure or the reason for the events that caused project delays. Variable consideration for LDs is estimated using the expected value of the consideration to be received. If Energy Vault has a claim against the customer for an amount not specified in the contract, such claim is recognized as an increase to the contract price when it is legally enforceable, which is usually upon signing a respective change order or equivalent document confirming the claim acceptance by the customer.

The Company offers limited warranties on its energy storage products which provide the customer assurance that the products will function as the parties intended because it complies with agreed-upon specifications and are free from defects. These assurance-type warranties are not treated as a separate revenue performance obligation and are accounted for as guarantees under GAAP.

***Tolling and Power Purchase Agreements ("PPA"):*** The Company generates revenue from the sale of energy, capacity, and related services from Company-owned energy storage systems through tolling arrangements and PPAs. Each

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

arrangement is evaluated to determine whether it is accounted for as (i) a lease under ASC 842, *Leases*, ("ASC 842") (when the counterparty obtains the right to control the use of an identified storage asset and substantially all of its economic benefits) or (ii) a customer contract under ASC 606 (when the Company retains control of the asset and provides energy, capacity, and/or market participation services to the customer). As of December 31, 2025, two energy storage systems were operating commercially: one accounted for as an operating lease under ASC 842 and one accounted for as a customer contract under ASC 606.

For the arrangement accounted for under ASC 606, the Company's performance obligation includes a stand-ready obligation to provide capacity/dispatch availability and, in some cases, delivery of energy and ancillary services. Stand-ready capacity services represent a single series of distinct services satisfied over time. Fixed consideration is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term, as this pattern depicts the transfer of the stand-ready service. Variable consideration is recognized in the period the underlying energy is delivered.

For the arrangement accounted for as a lease under ASC 842, fixed consideration is recognized as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term and variable lease payments are recognized in the period the underlying energy is delivered. The tolling agreement is accounted for as a lease because the customer (the "lessee") has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the energy storage system and has the right to direct its use throughout the agreement's term. The lease term is ten years from the commercial operation date, which was May 31, 2025. The Company has elected the practical expedient in ASC 842-10-15-42A not to separate nonlease components from the associated lease component. The significant nonlease component combined with the lease component consists of operation and maintenance services for the energy storage system.

Under the tolling agreement, the Company, as lessor, is entitled to receive monthly lease payments based on a contractual floor amount (the "Monthly Floor"), which is subject to reduction each month based on the availability and round-trip efficiency of the energy storage system (the "Effective Monthly Floor"). Lease income is recognized monthly based on a straight-line allocation of the Monthly Floor over the term of the contract, to the extent it represents fixed or in-substance fixed consideration. Any difference between the recognized lease income and the Effective Monthly Floor earned in a given period is recorded as an adjustment to lease income in that period.

At the end of each contract year, if cumulative lease payments received during the year are less than the sum of the twelve Effective Monthly Floors, the lessee is required to make a true-up payment for the shortfall. The Company is also entitled to variable lease payments equal to a specified percentage of the net market revenue generated by the lessee that exceeds the cumulative Effective Monthly Floors for that contract year.

The lease does not contain an option for the lessee to extend the term or purchase the asset. The agreement may be terminated early by either party under certain conditions, including for prolonged force majeure events, or by the non-defaulting party upon an event of default.

The aggregate remaining Monthly Floor payments as of December 31, 2025 presented in the table below do not reflect potential reductions due to performance-based adjustments that may occur throughout the contract term (amounts in thousands) <sup>(1)</sup>:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **2026** | **2027** | **2028** | **2029** | **2030** | **Thereafter** | **Total** |
| $4516 | $4788 | $4788 | $4788 | $4446 | $18468 | $41794 |

---

__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> The table reflects contractual Monthly Floor payments due under the lease agreement for each fiscal year. These amounts represent the stated floor amounts prior to any performance-based adjustments. Actual lease payments may be lower in any given period based on the lessee's achievement of availability and round-trip efficiency thresholds. Additionally, the timing of cash receipts within a year may vary, as monthly payments are dependent on the lessee's net market revenue. Pursuant to the agreement, if cumulative lease payments for the contract year are less than the aggregate Effective Monthly Floors earned, the lessee is required to pay the shortfall to the Company in an annual true-up following the end of each contract year in May.

***Software Licensing:*** The Company licenses its energy management software solutions to customers. Software licensing customers do not receive legal title or ownership of the software. Customers receive access to the software platform and related support services as part of a software licensing contract. We consider these obligations to be a series of distinct services that comprise a single performance obligation because they are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer. Revenue is recognized over time on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. The Company believes using a time-based method to measure progress is appropriate as the performance obligation is satisfied evenly over the term of the services.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Operation and Maintenance Services:*** The Company enters into long-term service arrangements to provide operation and maintenance services to customer-owned energy storage systems. The Company accounts for this service as a separate performance obligation from the sale of energy storage products. Revenue is recognized over time on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. The Company believes using a time-based method to measure progress is appropriate as the performance obligation is satisfied evenly over the term of the services.

***Licensing of intellectual property ("IP"):*** The Company enters into licensing agreements for its IP that are within the scope of ASC 606. The terms of such licensing agreements include licenses of functional IP, as the functionality of the IP is not expected to change substantially as a result of the licensor's ongoing activities. The transaction price allocated to the licensing of IP is recognized as revenue at a point in time when the licensed IP is made available for the customer's use and benefit. Certain licensing agreements include requirements to provide the customer with updates or enhancements to the IP as they become available. The requirement to provide IP updates is treated as a separate performance obligation and revenue is recognized over time on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. The Company believes using a time-based method to measure progress is appropriate as the performance obligation is satisfied evenly over the term of the services.

**Cash and Cash Equivalents**

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2025, the Company maintained investments in money market accounts totaling $24.6 million, including $24.3 million in U.S. government money market funds. At December 31, 2024, the Company maintained money market funds totaling $9.9 million, including $9.5 million in U.S. government money market funds.

**Restricted Cash**

Restricted cash primarily consists of cash deposits held in segregated accounts as collateral for certain debt financing requirements and for guarantees and bonds issued in connection with our projects. Under the terms of our senior notes, cash proceeds are restricted until pre-agreed milestones are achieved.

Additionally, our contractual arrangements with customers often require us to issue letters of credit, bank guarantees, and performance and payment bonds to secure our performance under those contracts. To collateralize these instruments, we deposit cash in restricted accounts that cannot be used for general corporate purposes until the underlying obligations are settled or the guarantees expire.

The following table summarizes restricted cash balances (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Restricted cash, current portion | $4717 | $990 |
| Restricted cash, long-term portion | 40466 | 1992 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total restricted cash | $45183 | $2982 |
| Restricted cash related to debt financing | $9489 | $— |
| Restricted cash related to projects | 33002 | 2982 |
| Other | 2692 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total restricted cash | $45183 | $2982 |

---

**Accounts Receivable**

Accounts receivable represents amounts that have an unconditional right to consideration, have been billed to customers, and do not bear interest. Receivables are carried at the original invoiced amount, less an allowance for any potential uncollectible amounts.

**Inventory**

Inventory consists of raw materials and components, including battery modules, inverters, transformers, and spare parts, to be used in battery energy storage projects under customer contracts.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Customer Financing Receivable**

Customer financing receivable represents amounts due from a customer under a licensing arrangement with extended payment terms that includes a significant financing component. The customer financing receivable is carried at amortized cost, net of an allowance for credit losses.

Effective December 31, 2024, the Company placed the customer financing receivable on non-accrual status and discontinued accruing interest income because the customer did not make its first two installment payments. The Company is continuing to pursue collection efforts, but has not yet received any payments from this customer. The Company has an allowance for credit losses of $11.5 million and $6.0 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company recognized a provision for credit losses of $5.5 million and $4.7 million related to the customer financing receivable for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The amortized cost basis for the Company's customer financing receivable was $11.5 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.

**Allowance for Credit Losses**

The Company estimates expected uncollectible amounts related to its accounts receivable, customer financing receivable, and contract asset balances as of the end of each reporting period, and presents those financial asset balances net of an allowance for expected credit losses in the consolidated balance sheets. Due to the Company's limited operating history, the Company generally utilizes a probability-of-default ("PD") and loss-given-default ("LGD") methodology to calculate the allowance for credit losses for each customer by type of financial asset. The Company derives its PD and LGD rates using historical rates for corporate bonds as published by Moody's. The Company uses PD and LGD rates that correspond to the customer's credit rating and period of time in which the financial asset is expected to remain outstanding.

For significantly past due receivables, contract assets, or the customer financing receivable, the Company determines specific allowances for these assets.

**Property and Equipment, Net**

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When assets are retired or sold, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operating expenses in the period realized.

**Investment Tax Credits ("ITCs")**

The Company accounts for nonrefundable, transferable ITCs in accordance with ASC 740, *Income Taxes* ("ASC 740") and has elected the deferral method to recognize the benefit of those credits. Under this method, an ITC is generated when the qualified asset is placed in service, which is the date on which the qualified asset is ready and available for its intended use.

Upon generation of the ITC, the Company reduces the carrying amount of the related asset and records a deferred tax asset for the full statutory credit amount. The deferred tax asset is evaluated for realizability and an offsetting valuation allowance is recorded as necessary to reduce the deferred tax asset to its expected realizable value.

The deferred benefit from the ITC is recognized as a reduction to depreciation expense over the related asset's useful life. Subsequent changes in the estimated realizable value of the ITCs, or changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities related to those credits, are recorded in income tax expense in the period of change.

The Company expects to monetize its nonrefundable, transferable ITCs through one or more sales to third-party buyers. Upon a sale, any difference between the proceeds of such sale and the carrying amount of the deferred tax asset is recorded in income tax expense.

**Impairment of Long-Lived Assets**

The Company reviews long-lived assets, primarily comprised of property and equipment, intangible assets, and operating right-of-use assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amount to the future undiscounted net cash flows which the assets are expected to generate. If the carrying value of the assets exceeds the sum of the estimated future cash flows, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceed their fair value.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Intangible Assets**

The Company's intangible assets consist of software development costs related to software to be sold or leased externally and acquired contracts with favorable terms. Software development costs are capitalized upon the establishment of technological feasibility for a product in accordance with ASC 985-20, *Software - Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed.* Amortization of capitalized software costs begins at the time that each software product becomes available for general release to customers. Once a software application is available for general release and is placed in service, the Company amortizes the capitalized costs on a product basis by the greater of the straight-line method over the estimated economic life of the product, or the ratio that current gross revenues for a product bear to the total current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product. The useful life of our external-use software development costs is generally expected to be 5 years.

**Investment in Equity Securities**

During 2022 and 2023, the Company made a strategic investment and purchased equity securities in KORE, a U.S. manufacturer of battery cells and modules. The Company's ownership in KORE does not provide the Company with the ability to exercise significant influence. These equity securities do not have a readily determinable fair value and are recorded at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus adjustments related to observable transactions for the same or similar securities, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.

**Leases (Lessee Accounting)**

The Company determines if a contract contains a lease at its inception based on whether or not the Company has the right to control the asset during the contract period and other facts and circumstances. Right-of-use ("ROU") assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.

ROU assets are classified as either operating or finance leases. Upon commencement of the lease, a ROU asset and corresponding lease liability are recognized for all operating and finance leases. The Company has elected the short-term lease exemption, which does not require a ROU asset or lease liability to be recognized when the lease term is 12 months or less and does not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise.

Upon commencement of the lease, ROU assets are recognized based on the initial measurement of the lease liability and adjusted for any lease payments made before commencement date of the lease, less any lease incentives and including any initial direct costs incurred. Lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term.

The discount rate used to determine the present value is the rate implicit in the lease unless that rate cannot be determined, in which case Company's incremental borrowing rate is used, which is based on the estimated interest rate for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease at commencement date.

Rights to extend or terminate a lease are included in the lease term when there is reasonable certainty the right will be exercised. Factors used to assess reasonable certainty of rights to extend or terminate a lease include current and forecasted lease improvement plans, anticipated changes in development strategies, historical practice in extending similar contracts and current market conditions.

Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Finance lease ROU assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the leased asset. Amortization of finance lease ROU assets is included in depreciation and amortization.

Operating lease ROU assets are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets in the line item, operating lease right-of-use assets, and finance lease ROU assets are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets within the line item, property and equipment, net.

**Defined Benefit Pension Obligation**

The Company's wholly owned subsidiary in Switzerland has a defined benefit pension obligation covering retirement and other long-term benefits of the local employees. Accrued pension costs are developed using actuarial principles and assumptions which consider a number of factors, including estimates for the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on assets and mortality. Changes in these estimates would impact the amounts that the Company records in the consolidated financial statements.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Warrants**

The Company accounts for warrants for shares of the Company's common stock that are not indexed to its own stock as liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The warrants are subject to remeasurement at each balance sheet date and any change in fair value is recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. For issued warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the fair value of the warrants are recorded as a component of additional paid-in-capital.

**Convertible Debentures**

The Company accounted for a financing arrangement, as described in Note 9, *Debt*, under the fair value option election pursuant to ASC 825, *Financial Instruments* ("ASC 825"). ASC 825 provides for the fair value option election, to the extent not otherwise prohibited by ASC 825, to be afforded to financial instruments, wherein bifurcation of an embedded derivative is not necessary, and the financial instrument is initially measured at its issue-date estimated fair value and then subsequently remeasured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis at each reporting period date. Period-to-period changes in fair value are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Direct issuance costs and fees related to debt measured at fair value are expensed as incurred in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and are not deferred.

**Research and Development Expenses**

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist of salaries and other personnel related expenses, engineering expenses, product development costs, and facility costs.

**Advertising Costs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are reflected in the line item, sales and marketing, in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Advertising expenses were $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

**Stock-Based Compensation**

The Company issues stock-based compensation awards to employees, directors, and non-employees in the form of stock options and restricted stock units ("RSUs"). The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for stock-based awards based on the award's fair value on the date of the grant. The Company accounts for forfeitures of stock-based awards when they occur. The fair value of RSUs that vest based on service conditions is measured using the fair value of the Company's common stock on the date of the grant. The fair value of RSUs that vest based on market conditions is measured using a Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of the grant. The fair value of stock options that vest based on service conditions is measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the date of the grant. The Monte Carlo simulation model and the Black-Scholes option pricing model require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the fair value of the Company's common stock, the expected term of the award, the expected volatility of the Company's common stock, risk-free interest rates, and the expected dividend yield of the Company's common stock. This assumption used to determine the fair value of the awards represent management's best estimates. These estimates involve inherit uncertainties and the application of management's judgment.

The fair value of awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The fair value of the market-based RSUs is recognized over the requisite service period regardless of whether or not the RSUs ultimately vest and convert to common stock.

**Income Taxes**

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740. ASC 740 prescribes the use of the liability method, whereby deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered. Deferred tax assets are evaluated for future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent the Company believes they will not be realized.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in the income tax provision.

**Net Loss Per Share**

Basic net loss per share of common stock is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Net loss attributable to common stockholders reflects deductions for dividend-like accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests and is presented after allocation of income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests.

Diluted net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, adjusted for the effect of potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares include, as applicable, stock options, RSUs, warrants, and shares issuable upon conversion of convertible instruments, using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as appropriate.

Because the Company reported a net loss for all periods presented, all potentially dilutive common shares were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share. As a result, diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share for all periods presented.

**Non-Controlling Interest**

In May 2024, the Company's consolidated subsidiary, Cetus Energy, Inc. ("Cetus"), issued a share-based payment award to an employee of Cetus, representing a non-controlling interest. A non-controlling interest in a subsidiary is considered an ownership interest in a majority-owned subsidiary that is not attributable to the parent. The Company includes non-controlling interest as a component of stockholders' equity on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

During the second quarter of 2025, the Cetus employee that received a share-based payment award was terminated, and the employee forfeited their unvested shares.

**Variable Interest Entities**

The Company evaluates at the inception of each arrangement whether an entity in which it has an investment or other variable interests is a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The Company consolidates a VIE when it is the primary beneficiary. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of a VIE when it has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If the Company is not the primary beneficiary of a VIE, it accounts for its interests in the VIE in accordance with applicable GAAP.

Asset Vault is a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company formed in 2025 to develop, build, own, finance, and operate energy storage system projects. The Company holds all of the common units of Asset Vault, which provide voting control and rights to the residual interests in Asset Vault after satisfaction of the preferred return to the non-controlling interest holder. The Company has determined that Asset Vault is a VIE under ASC 810, *Consolidation*.

Asset Vault is a VIE for which the Company is the primary beneficiary because the Company has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect Asset Vault's economic performance (including project development, financing, and operational decisions) and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to Asset Vault, through its ownership of the common units and related guarantees and support arrangements. Accordingly, Asset Vault is consolidated in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The following table presents, on an aggregated basis, the carrying amounts and classification of the consolidated assets and liabilities of Asset Vault in the Company's consolidated balance sheets (in thousands). The table excludes intercompany balances between Asset Vault and other consolidated subsidiaries of the Company, which are eliminated in consolidation.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,<br>2025** |
| **Assets** | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $8512 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable, net | 234 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Contract assets | 820 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Advances to suppliers | 577 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1462 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Property and equipment, net | 64786 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Intangible assets, net | 1626 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease right-of-use assets | 703 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted cash, long-term portion | 22377 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes | 27176 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total assets of Asset Vault | $128273 |
| **Liabilities** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | $2050 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses | 5861 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Debt, current portion | 3490 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities | 50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Long-term debt | 21543 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other long-term liabilities | 3145 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities of Asset Vault | $36139 |

---

Asset Vault is financed in part by redeemable preferred equity units classified in mezzanine equity of $21.2 million as of December 31, 2025. This balance is not included in the assets and liabilities table above because it is not a liability under GAAP.

Creditors of Asset Vault do not have recourse to the general credit of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. or its other subsidiaries. The assets of Asset Vault are not available to settle the obligations of the Company's other subsidiaries. Certain of Asset Vault's debt obligations are secured by substantially all of the assets of Asset Vault and its project subsidiaries, including project-level cash flows, and are subject to customary covenants and restrictions on distributions.

**Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest**

The Company classifies certain equity instruments outside of permanent equity, in "mezzanine" or "temporary" equity, when the instrument is redeemable upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the Company.

Redeemable equity instruments are initially recorded at the amount of proceeds received, net of direct issuance costs. When redemption is deemed probable, the Company accretes the carrying value of the redeemable instrument up to its redemption value over the period from the date of issuance to the earliest redemption date using the effective interest method. If redemption is not deemed probable, the Company does not accrete to the redemption value until such time as redemption becomes probable or occurs, at which point any difference between the carrying amount and the redemption value is recorded as an adjustment to the carrying amount.

Periodic accretion and any other adjustments to redemption value are recorded as adjustments to retained earnings (or, in the absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in capital) and are treated as a reduction of income available to common stockholders.

Dividends or distributions, if any, declared on redeemable preferred equity are recorded as a reduction of retained earnings (or, in the absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in capital) when declared. Upon redemption or extinguishment of a redeemable equity instrument, the Company removes the carrying amount from mezzanine equity, with any difference

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

between the carrying amount and the cash or other consideration paid recorded within additional paid-in capital as an equity transaction.

As of December 31, 2025, the balance presented in mezzanine equity and captioned "Redeemable non-controlling interest" in the consolidated balance sheet consists of the Series A Preferred Units of Asset Vault. These units represent a redeemable non-controlling interest and are classified as redeemable preferred equity because they are subject to redemption upon the occurrence of events that are not solely within the Company's control.

**Recently Adopted Accounting Standards**

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-09, *Income Taxes (Topics 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures* to expand the disclosure requirements for income taxes. We adopted the standard effective for the 2025 annual period with retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the consolidated financial statements, which resulted in the required additional disclosures included in Note 20, *Income Taxes*. The adoption of this standard requires the Company to disclose additional specified categories in the rate reconciliation in both percentage and dollar amounts. We are also required to disclose the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction, among other disclosure requirements. The adoption of this standard did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, results of operations and comprehensive loss, or cash flows.

**Recent Accounting Standards Issued, But Not Yet Adopted**

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, *Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40)—Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses*. The ASU requires the disclosure of additional information about specific costs and expense categories in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The standard should be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact this ASU would have on our 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*. This ASU addresses the complexity and cost associated with estimating expected credit losses for current accounts receivable and current contract assets that arise from revenue contracts under ASC 606. The main provision applicable to all entities is a new practical expedient which, if elected, permits an entity to assume that current conditions as of the balance sheet date do not change for the remaining life of the asset when developing reasonable and supportable forecasts. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied prospectively upon adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact that electing the practical expedient in this ASU would have on our 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 updates the accounting for internal use software by removing the existing project stage framework and requiring capitalization of qualifying software costs when management has authorized and committed to funding the software project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform its intended function. The amendments also apply to website development costs currently accounted for under Subtopic 350-50. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments may be adopted on a prospective, modified transition, or retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adoption of ASU 2025-06 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, *Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow -Scope Improvements*, which is intended to improve navigability of the guidance in Topic 270, *Interim Reporting*, and clarify when it applies. The ASU also addresses the form and content of such financial statements and interim disclosure requirements, and establishes a principle under which an entity must disclose events since the end of the last annual reporting period that have a material impact on the entity. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2025-11 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**NOTE 3. REVENUE RECOGNITION**

The Company recognized revenue for the product and service categories as follows for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Sale of energy storage products <sup>(1)</sup> | $196198 | $44592 |
| Tolling and PPA revenue <sup>(2)</sup> | 2337 |  |
| Operation and maintenance services | 1284 | 1090 |
| Software licensing | 540 | 402 |
| Intellectual property ("IP") licensing | 3312 | 115 |
| Total revenue | $203671 | $46199 |

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__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> The Company recognized revenue of $47.2 million and $32.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, for products transferred to customers under bill-and-hold arrangements.

<sup>(2)</sup> Revenue from the arrangement accounted for as an operating lease was $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2025.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, approximately 64% of the Company's revenue was recognized over time and approximately 36% was recognized at a point in time. For the year ended December 31, 2024, approximately 29% of the Company's revenue was recognized over time and approximately 71% was recognized at a point in time.

The following table summarizes the Company's revenue disaggregated by geographic region, which is determined based on the customer's location, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| United States | $74219 | $44423 |
| Australia | 124273 | 992 |
| Other | 5179 | 784 |
| Total revenue | $203671 | $46199 |

---

***Remaining Performance Obligations***

Remaining performance obligations represent the amount of unearned transaction prices under contracts for which work is wholly or partially unperformed. As of December 31, 2025, the amount of the Company's remaining performance obligations was $145.3 million. The Company expects to recognize approximately 60% of the remaining performance obligations as revenue over the next 12 months and the remainder more than 12 months from December 31, 2025.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Contract Balances***

The following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (amounts in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Refundable contribution | $25000 | $25000 | $25 |
| Unbilled receivables | 20732 | 6828 | 55241 |
| Retainage |  |  | 5745 |
| Less allowance for credit losses | (25101) | (25030) | (1113) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contract assets, net of allowance for credit losses | $20631 | $6798 | $59898 |
| Contract liabilities | $6610 | $8938 | $6423 |

---

Contract assets consist of a refundable contribution and unbilled receivables. The refundable contribution was initially payable to the Company upon the customer's first gravity energy storage system achieving substantial completion, subject to potential downward adjustment for liquidated damages if specified performance metrics were not met. In 2024, the customer agreed to remove the substantial completion condition and committed to repay the refundable contribution in the second half of 2024. However, the customer did not remit payment, and during 2024 the Company increased its allowance for credit losses to fully reserve this receivable. The Company is continuing to engage with the customer and is actively pursuing collection efforts.

Unbilled receivables represent the estimated value of unbilled work for projects with performance obligations recognized over time.

Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue. Under certain contracts, the Company may be entitled to invoice the customer and receive payments in advance of performing the related contract work. In those instances, the Company recognizes a liability for advance billings in excess of revenue recognized, which is referred to as deferred revenue. Deferred revenue is not considered to be a significant financing component because it is generally used to meet working capital demands that can be higher in the early stages of a contract. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company recognized revenue of $8.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to amounts that were included in the deferred revenue balance as of the beginning of each period.

**NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS**

The following table provides a reconciliation of investments to the Company's consolidated balance sheets (amounts in thousands):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Current** <sup>(2)</sup> | **Long-Term** | **Current** <sup>(2)</sup> | **Long-Term** |
| Investment in equity securities | $— | $3270 | $— | $3270 |
| Convertible note receivable <sup>(1)</sup> |  |  | 2622 |  |
| Other | 325 | 96 | 311 |  |
|  | $325 | $3366 | $2933 | $3270 |

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__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> The balance is shown net of allowance for credit losses. Refer to Note 5, *Allowance for credit losses,* for further information.

<sup>(2)</sup> Presented within prepaid and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

***Investment in Equity Securities***

In 2022 and 2023, the Company purchased equity securities in KORE Power, Inc. ("KORE"), a U.S. manufacturer of battery cells and modules. These equity securities do not have a readily determinable fair value and are recorded at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus adjustments for observable price changes in orderly transactions for the same or similar

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

securities, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings. The cost basis of the KORE equity securities is $15.0 million, and cumulative impairment recorded as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was $11.7 million.

***Convertible Note Receivable***

In October 2021, the Company entered into a convertible promissory note purchase agreement with DG Fuels, LLC ("DG Fuels") and purchased a promissory note with a principal balance of $1.0 million ("DG Fuels Tranche 1 Note"). In April 2022, the Company purchased an additional promissory note from DG Fuels with a principal balance of $2.0 million. ("DG Fuels Tranche 2 Note") (collectively, the "Convertible Note Receivable").

The maturity date of the Convertible Note Receivable was the earlier of (i) 30 days after a demand for payment is made by the Company at any time after the two year anniversary of the date of issuance of the note; (ii) the four year anniversary of the date of issuance of the note; (iii) five days following a Financial Close ("Financial Close" means a project finance style closing by DG Fuels or its subsidiary of debt and equity capital to finance the construction of that certain biofuel facility currently under development by DG Fuels), or (iv) upon an event of default determined at the discretion of the Company. The Convertible Note Receivable has an annual interest rate of 10.0%. Per the conversion terms, the Company can convert the principal balance and unpaid accrued interest into equity securities of DG Fuels at a 20% discount.

In June 2025, the maturity date for the Convertible Note Receivable was amended to the earlier of (i) 30 days after demand for payment is made by the Company at any time after June 1, 2027, (ii) five days following a Financial Close, or (iii) upon an event of default determined at the discretion of the Company.

**NOTE 5. ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES**

Activity in the allowance for credit losses was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Accounts Receivable** | **Contract Assets** | **Customer Financing Receivable** | **Convertible Note Receivable** | **Total** |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $69 | $1113 | $1332 | $— | $2514 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 1142 | 24173 | 4665 |  | 29980 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Write-offs |  | (256) |  |  | (256) |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | 1211 | 25030 | 5997 |  | 32238 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 25 | 71 | 5477 | 3836 | 9409 |
| Balance at December 31, 2025 | $1236 | $25101 | $11474 | $3836 | $41647 |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company fully reserved the remaining receivable balance for the customer financing receivable due to continued non-collection. The Company is continuing to pursue collection from the customer.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company recorded a $3.8 million allowance for credit losses on its Convertible Note Receivable and related accrued interest from DG Fuels due to financial difficulties being experienced by DG Fuels.

**NOTE 6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS**

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company paid $0.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in marketing and sales costs to a company owned by an immediate family member of an officer of the Company. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, in payables due to this related party.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**NOTE 7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET**

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, property and equipment, net consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Land | $302 | $302 |
| Buildings | 774 | 774 |
| Energy storage systems <sup>(1) (2)</sup> | 50354 |  |
| Snyder CDU <sup>(3)</sup> | 32075 |  |
| Machinery and equipment | 12086 | 11584 |
| Finance lease right-of-use assets – vehicles | 200 | 185 |
| Furniture and IT equipment | 1477 | 1259 |
| Leasehold improvements | 127 | 71 |
| Construction in progress | 8187 | 88669 |
| Total property and equipment | 105582 | 102844 |
| Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | (9518) | (3351) |
| Property and equipment, net | $96064 | $99493 |

---

__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> Consists of two energy storage systems with estimated useful lives of 10 and 20 years, respectively. One energy storage system is subject to an operating lease where the Company is the lessor. The Company has not estimated its salvage value as the Company intends to use the energy storage system for its entire useful life.

<sup>(2)</sup> The gross cost has been reduced by the estimated aggregate value of the statutory ITCs generated of $32.0 million.

<sup>(3)</sup> The CDU has an estimated useful life of five years and the gross cost has been reduced by the estimated value of the statutory ITC generated of $15.7 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company placed the battery energy storage system ("BESS") in Snyder, Texas ("Cross Trails BESS"), the hybrid energy storage system in Calistoga, California ("CRC HESS"), and the commercial demonstration unit in Snyder, Texas ("Snyder CDU") into service. The Company reclassified their carrying values from construction in progress to energy storage systems and Snyder CDU in the preceding table. The reclassified carrying values are presented net of ITCs recorded under the deferral method.

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, of which $1.8 million was included in cost of revenue and the remaining $3.0 million was included in depreciation, amortization, and accretion in the consolidated statement of operations. Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, all of which was included in depreciation, amortization, and accretion in the consolidated statement of operations.

The increase in depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment primarily reflects depreciation recognized after the Company placed its owned energy storage systems and the Snyder CDU into service during 2025.

The following table shows property and equipment, net by geographical location as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| United States | $92145 | $98784 |
| Foreign | 3919 | 709 |
| Property and equipment, net | $96064 | $99493 |

---

***Stoney Creek Acquisition***

From October 2024 through June 2025, the Company loaned AUD 3.9 million (approximately $2.7 million) to Stoney Creek BESS Pty Ltd ("Stoney Creek Pty") to fund its development costs for a BESS project to be located in Narrabri, New South Wales, Australia.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

On March 17, 2025, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Stoney Creek Pty from Enervest Utility Pty Ltd ("Enervest") to expand the Company's portfolio of BESS projects in Australia. The acquisition closed on August 5, 2025, at which time the outstanding note receivable from Stoney Creek Pty, including accrued interest, was settled and applied against the purchase price. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition because the BESS development assets acquired do not constitute a business.

In an asset acquisition, total consideration includes transaction costs and is allocated to the acquired assets based on relative fair values. Total consideration was AUD 4.3 million (approximately $2.9 million), comprised of (i) the settlement of the Company's note receivable and accrued interest due from Stoney Creek and (ii) transaction costs incurred to effect the acquisition. The Company acquired BESS development assets and note receivable due from from Enervest. AUD 3.8 million (approximately $2.5 million) of the purchase price was allocated to the BESS development assets and recognized within construction in progress in property and equipment, net, and AUD 0.5 million (approximately $0.3 million) was recognized as a loan receivable in prepaid and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

***SOSA Acquisition***

On October 23, 2025, the Company acquired all of the membership interests in SOSA Energy Center, LLC ("SOSA") from Savion, LLC ("Savion") pursuant to a membership interest purchase agreement. The acquisition provides the Company with development rights to a 150 MW / 300 MWh BESS ("SOSA BESS") to be located in Madison County, Texas. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition because the BESS development assets acquired do not constitute a business.

The purchase price for the membership interests consists of both upfront and contingent components. The Company paid $4.7 million at closing. In addition, the member interest purchase agreement provides for a contingent consideration payment due within 30 days of the SOSA BESS reaching commercial operations. Under the membership interest purchase agreement, the total purchase price is $6.3 million if the SOSA BESS reaches commercial operations before June 1, 2026, or $5.7 million if it reaches commercial operations after June 1, 2026. The Company currently expects the SOSA BESS to reach commercial operations in the second quarter of 2027 and therefore expects the final purchase price to be $5.7 million. As of the acquisition date, the Company determined the resulting additional payment of $1.0 million is expected in the second quarter of 2027. Because the expected contingent payment is due more than 12 months from the acquisition date, the Company recorded a contingent consideration liability at its present value of approximately $0.9 million, which is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

As part of the acquisition of SOSA, the Company acquired rights under a ground lease for the BESS site. Concurrently with the acquisition, the Company entered into equipment purchase agreements with Savion Solar Equipment, LLC to acquire certain long lead BESS equipment under existing supply arrangements. Control of the equipment is not expected to transfer until a future period and, accordingly, the Company did not recognize the equipment at the acquisition date. The Company evaluated the related executory purchase commitments and the project ground lease terms together with the membership interest purchase agreement to determine whether any identifiable contract based assets were acquired at closing. Based on this evaluation, the Company recognized (i) an intangible asset for favorable pricing terms related to a transformer equipment purchase agreement and (ii) an intangible asset for favorable terms in the project ground lease.

Total consideration was $5.6 million, comprised of (i) $4.7 million paid at closing and (ii) the present value of the expected contingent consideration liability of approximately $0.9 million. The Company allocated total consideration based on relative fair values as follows: (i) $3.9 million was allocated to the SOSA BESS development stage project rights and recorded within construction in progress in property and equipment, net, (ii) $1.4 million was allocated to the favorable transformer purchase contract and recorded as an intangible asset, and (iii) $0.2 million was allocated to the favorable ground lease terms and recorded as an intangible asset.

The contingent consideration liability will be accreted to the expected contractual payment amount through interest cost, which will be capitalized to construction in progress during the construction period. Upon delivery of the transformer, the Company will capitalize the invoiced purchase price to construction in progress and reclassify the carrying amount of the favorable transformer purchase contract intangible to construction in progress as part of the transformer's cost basis. At commencement of the project ground lease, the Company expects to reclassify the favorable lease terms intangible to the related right of use asset and recognize the amount through lease cost over the lease term.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**NOTE 8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET**

Intangible assets are stated at amortized cost and consist of the following (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Gross Carrying Amount** | **Accumulated Amortization** | **Net Carrying Amount** | **Gross Carrying Amount** | **Accumulated Amortization** | **Net Carrying Amount** |
| Capitalized software to be sold | $7942 | $(1291) | $6651 | $4901 | $(363) | $4538 |
| Favorable acquired contracts | 1626 |  | 1626 |  |  |  |
|  | $9568 | $(1291) | $8277 | $4901 | $(363) | $4538 |

---

Once a software application is available for general release and is placed in service, the Company amortizes the capitalized costs on a product basis by the greater of the straight-line method over the estimated economic life of the product, or the ratio that current gross revenues for a product bear to the total current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product. The useful life for our external-use software development costs is five years. For the favorable acquired assets, their carrying values will be reclassified to property and equipment, net and ROU assets when the respective assets are acquired or the related ground lease commences.

Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, of which $0.5 million was included in cost of revenue and the remaining $0.4 million was included in depreciation, amortization, and accretion in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, all of which was included in depreciation, amortization, and accretion in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

Future amortization expense for capitalized software is estimated as follows (amounts in thousands):

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **Amount** |
| 2026 | $1103 |
| 2027 | 1103 |
| 2028 | 1103 |
| 2029 | 741 |
| 2030 | 175 |
| Thereafter |  |
| Subtotal | 4225 |
| Software projects in process | 2426 |
| Total | $6651 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**NOTE 9. DEBT**

A summary of the Company's debt is as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| CRC Senior Notes  | $14919 | $— |
| Cross Trails Senior Note | 17806 |  |
| Sale of future receipts | 3058 |  |
| Convertible Debentures | 63800 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total outstanding principal | 99583 |  |
| Unamortized discount and issuance costs | (7862) |  |
| Fair value adjustment for Convertible Debentures | 2877 |  |
| Debt, current portion | (56628) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Long-term debt | $37970 | $— |

---

***Interest Expense***

The line item, interest expense, on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, consists of the following (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Contractual interest expense on debt | $5268 | $110 |
| Amortization of debt issuance costs | 1717 |  |
| Amortization of debt discount | 1468 |  |
| Interest expense on finance leases | 11 | 13 |
| Total | $8464 | $123 |

---

***CRC Bridge Loan***

On March 31, 2025, Calistoga Resiliency Center, LLC ("CRC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a $27.8 million credit agreement ("CRC Bridge Loan") with Jefferies Finance LLC, as administrative agent, collateral agent, and lender. The CRC Bridge Loan was intended to provide interim financing until long-term debt could be arranged. The CRC Bridge Loan carried a 9.5% annual interest rate and had a scheduled maturity date of April 23, 2025. After deducting closing fees, gross proceeds totaled $26.8 million.

On April 4, 2025, the Company refinanced the full outstanding balance of the CRC Bridge Loan through the issuance of $27.8 million in CRC Senior Notes (as described below). The Company recognized a loss on early debt extinguishment of $1.4 million, primarily reflecting the write-off of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, which is included in the line item, other income (expense), net, in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2025.

***CRC Senior Notes***

On April 4, 2025, CRC issued $27.8 million of senior notes ("CRC Senior Notes"), with Eagle Point Credit as lender and Jefferies serving as agent for the transaction. The CRC Senior Notes were priced at 99.25% of par, resulting in gross proceeds of $27.6 million. After deducting debt issuance costs, net proceeds totaled $23.2 million.

The CRC Senior Notes bear interest at 12.5% per annum until the earlier of (i) the Company's receipt of any tax credit transfer proceeds and (ii) December 31, 2025, and thereafter at a rate of 9.5% per annum. The effective annual interest rate on the CRC Senior Notes, which includes the impact of the original issue discount and debt issuance costs, is 20.2%. The CRC Senior Notes are senior secured obligations of CRC, backed by a first-priority pledge of all CRC assets and equity interests. As of December 31, 2025, assets pledged as collateral for the CRC Senior Notes had an aggregate carrying amount of approximately $52.9 million, including $29.8 million of property and equipment, net.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The CRC Senior Notes include customary affirmative and negative covenants, including minimum cash reserves and a minimum debt service coverage ratio. Principal and interest are payable semi-annually, with installments due each February 28 and August 31.

The Company may, at its option, redeem all or a portion of the CRC Senior Notes prior to maturity, subject to specified call protection provisions and any prepayment premiums set forth in the agreement. In the event of a change of control, the Company may be required to offer to repurchase the notes at a specified price.

***Cross Trails Bridge Loan***

On May 12, 2025, the Company entered into a secured bridge loan ("Cross Trails Bridge Loan") with Crescent Cove Opportunity Lending, LLC ("Crescent Cove") for $10.0 million, bearing interest at 24.0% per annum and with a maturity date of July 14, 2025. The loan was issued net of a 5.0% original issue discount and a structuring fee of $0.2 million, for net proceeds of $9.3 million. Total interest expense on the loan of $0.4 million was deducted from the loan proceeds. On July 14, 2025, the Company repaid $5.0 million of principal and simultaneously amended the loan to extend the maturity of the remaining $5.0 million to July 21, 2025. In connection with the extension, the Company paid a $0.2 million amendment fee, which was recorded as additional interest expense. The remaining principal and additional interest for the extension were paid on July 18, 2025.

***Cross Trails Senior Note***

On July 23, 2025, Cross Trails Energy Storage Project, LLC ("Cross Trails"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Cross Trails Borrower"), entered into a credit agreement (the "Cross Trails Senior Note") with Wilmington Trust, National Association, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and Jefferies Capital Services, LLC, as initial lender.

The Cross Trails Senior Note provides for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $17.8 million. After origination costs were deducted from the loan proceeds by the lender, net proceeds from the Cross Trails Senior Note were $17.6 million. The Cross Trails Senior Note is structured as a single-draw term loan, with the full amount funded on July 23, 2025. The borrowing bears interest, at the Company's election, at (i) the alternate base rate ("ABR") plus 5.0% or (ii) the term secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR") plus 6.0%. As of December 31, 2025, the Company is utilizing the SOFR option, and SOFR was 4.2% on that date, resulting in an interest rate of 10.2%. The effective annual interest rate on the Cross Trails Senior Note, which includes the impact of the original issue discount and debt issuance costs, is 21.0%. Principal and interest are payable semi-annually, with installments due each February 28 and August 31, beginning on February 28, 2026. The Cross Trails Senior Note matures on July 23, 2032.

The Cross Trails Senior Note may be repaid at any time, subject to payment of accrued interest, breakage costs and a repayment premium. Mandatory prepayments are required upon the occurrence of certain customary events, including the receipt of insurance or condemnation proceeds (subject to customary reinvestment rights), asset sales above specified thresholds, the incurrence of additional non-permitted indebtedness, or the non-permitted issuance of new equity interests by the borrower, and are subject to the payment of accrued interest, breakage costs and a repayment premium.

The obligations under the Cross Trails Senior Note are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Cross Trails Borrower, including the project assets, accounts, and related collateral, as well as the membership interests in the Cross Trails Borrower. As of December 31, 2025, assets pledged as collateral for the Cross Trails Senior Note had an aggregate carrying amount of approximately $48.0 million, including $26.8 million of property and equipment, net.

The Cross Trails Senior Note contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for a project financing of this type, including limitations on additional indebtedness, liens, asset sales, investments, affiliate transactions, and distributions. The Cross Trails Borrower is also required to maintain certain financial ratios, including a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.10:1.00, and to maintain insurance, deliver certain financial and other reports, and comply with applicable laws and permits. The Cross Trails Senior Note also includes customary representations and warranties, indemnification provisions and requirements for the maintenance of insurance and compliance with applicable laws and permits.

***Sale of Future Receipts***

On August 29, 2025, the Company, together with Energy Vault, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary (collectively with the Company, the "Sellers") entered into an agreement of sale of future receipts (the "Cedar Arrangement") with Cedar Advance LLC ("Cedar"). Cedar paid a purchase price of $5.0 million, from which $0.5 million of origination fees were deducted, resulting in net proceeds of $4.5 million. Under the agreement, the Sellers remit to Cedar $0.2 million per week, or approximately 27.0% of future receivables collections, until Cedar has received an aggregate amount equal to (i)

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

$5.1 million if fully repaid within 30 days of funding, (ii) $5.2 million if fully repaid after 30 days but within 60 days of funding, or (iii) $6.3 million if not fully repaid within 60 days of funding.

The Company did not fully repay the Cedar Arrangement within 60 days of funding, therefore the applicable aggregate amount to be remitted to Cedar will be $6.3 million. Through December 31, 2025, the Company had remitted $2.8 million to Cedar, with $3.5 million remaining. The effective annual interest rate for the Cedar Arrangement is 141.0%.

On September 2, 2025, the Sellers entered into an agreement of sale of future receipts (the "UFS Arrangement") with UFS West LLC ("UFS"). UFS paid a purchase price of $1.0 million, from which $0.1 million of origination fees were deducted, resulting in net proceeds of $0.9 million. Under the agreement, the Sellers remit to UFS $35 thousand per week, or approximately 4.9% of future receivables collections, until UFS has received an aggregate amount equal to (i) $1.0 million if fully repaid within 30 days of funding, (ii) $1.0 million if fully repaid after 30 days but within 60 days of funding, or (iii) $1.3 million if not fully repaid within 60 days of funding.

The Company fully repaid the UFS Arrangement on November 4, 2025, which was within 60 days of funding, therefore the applicable aggregate amount remitted was $1.0 million.

On September 4, 2025, the Sellers entered into an agreement of sale of future receipts (the "Reliance Arrangement") with Reliance Financial FL LLC ("Reliance"). Reliance paid a purchase price of $1.5 million, from which $0.2 million of origination fees were deducted, resulting in net proceeds of $1.3 million. Under the agreement, the Sellers remit to Reliance $0.1 million per week, or approximately 1.0% of future receivables collections, until Reliance has received an aggregate amount equal to (i) $1.5 million if fully repaid within 30 days of funding, (ii) $1.6 million if fully repaid after 30 days but within 60 days of funding, or (iii) $1.9 million if not fully repaid within 60 days of funding.

The Company fully repaid the Reliance Arrangement on November 4, 2025, which was within 60 days of funding, therefore the applicable aggregate amount remitted was $1.6 million.

***Convertible Debentures***

On September 22, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with YA II PN, Ltd. (the "Investor"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue senior unsecured convertible debentures in multiple tranches with an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million. On December 30, 2025, the Securities Purchase Agreement was amended to increase the aggregate principal amount to $65.0 million (collectively, the "Convertible Debentures").

The initial tranche of $30.0 million ("Tranche 1") was funded on September 22, 2025 at 97% of par, resulting in net proceeds of $29.1 million. The second tranche of $20.0 million ("Tranche 2") was funded on December 16, 2025 at 97% of par, resulting in net proceeds of $19.4 million. The third tranche of $15.0 million ("Tranche 3") was funded on December 30, 2025 at 98% of par, resulting in net proceeds of $14.7 million.

Tranches 1 and 2 mature on March 22, 2027 and Tranche 3 matures on August 30, 2027. All three tranches bear interest at 7.0% per annum (18.0% upon an uncured event of default). Installment payments of principal and interest are due monthly (each, a "Payment Date," beginning on the applicable payment commencement date). For each installment, the Company may (i) pay cash plus a payment premium equal to 7.0% (Tranches 1 and 2) or 4.0% (Tranche 3) of the principal portion paid ("Payment Premium") (10.0% while an Amortization Event is in effect, as defined below), (ii) elect to allow the Investor to convert the unpaid installment at a price equal to the lower of (A) the Applicable Fixed Price (defined below) or (B) 97% of the lowest daily VWAP during the four trading days immediately preceding the conversion date, but not below the Floor Price (equal to $0.60 per share), or (iii) satisfy the installment through a combination of cash and conversion.

The fixed conversion price is $4.50 per share for Tranche 1, $7.53 per share for Tranche 2, and $7.41 per share for Tranche 3. For purposes of the redemption and conversion provisions described below, the "Applicable Fixed Price" means the fixed conversion price for the applicable tranche.

On any Payment Date when the Company's daily Bloomberg volume weighted average price ("VWAP") has equaled or exceeded 115% of the Applicable Fixed Price for each of the five prior trading days, no cash installment payment is due on such Payment Date and the related installment is deferred, with the principal remaining outstanding until maturity.

Investor conversions are subject to a beneficial ownership limit of 4.99% of the Company's common stock and to a limit of 19.99% of the Company's outstanding common stock as of closing unless stockholder approval to exceed such cap is obtained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange Cap"). An "Amortization Event" includes, among other things, (i) the Company's common stock trading below the Floor Price for 5 of 7 consecutive trading days, (ii) issuance of more than 99% of the shares available under the Exchange Cap without

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

stockholder approval, or (iii) beginning 60 days after issuance, the resale registration statement being unusable for 10 consecutive trading days. While an Amortization Event is in effect, the monthly installment must be paid in cash, the applicable payment premium is 10.0%, and the installment amount may increase to the greater of the scheduled amount and 20.0% of then-outstanding principal.

Outside the monthly payment schedule, the Company may optionally redeem the Convertible Debentures upon advance notice for cash when the VWAP is below the Applicable Fixed Price (with the applicable Payment Premium). Upon a change of control, the Company may redeem all outstanding Convertible Debentures at 110% of principal.

In connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") with the Investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to file a registration statement covering the resale of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Debentures within 10 business days after closing and to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain effectiveness within 60 days. The Securities Purchase Agreement includes customary covenants and restrictions, including a prohibition on variable-rate transactions while amounts may be or are outstanding, limitations on additional indebtedness and liens subject to agreed exceptions (including specified project-level indebtedness for subsidiaries such as Calistoga and Cross Trails and certain refinancings), and limitations on the Company's use of existing equity lines without Investor consent. The Company may utilize its at-the-market equity ("ATM") program only if specified conditions are satisfied, applying 25.0% of gross ATM proceeds to reduce the Convertible Debentures principal on the back end of the schedule, and observing a cooling-off period of three trading days after an Investor market-price conversion; if the ATM is used in any calendar month, the next scheduled amortization payment will be convertible at the Investor's election. Any subsidiary that directly receives Convertible Debenture proceeds must guarantee the Company's obligations. The Investor agreed not to engage in short sales of the Company's equity, but may sell shares corresponding to submitted conversions.

The Convertible Debentures and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion thereof have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and were offered and sold in a private placement in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder. The Investor represented that it is an accredited investor.

The Company elected the fair value option afforded by ASC 825 with respect to the Convertible Debentures because they include features that meet the definition of embedded derivatives. The Company initially recognized the Convertible Debentures at fair value and subsequently remeasures them at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Convertible Debentures are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to the use of significant unobservable inputs.

Issuances at fair value represent the initial fair value recorded at issuance, which approximates the net proceeds received. The following table presents a rollforward of the fair value of the Convertible Debentures for the periods presented, including issuances, cash settlements, and the components of earnings that impacted the fair value during the period.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** |
| Convertible Debentures, beginning balance | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Issuances at fair value | 63200 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value <sup>(1)</sup> | 4390 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense (stated interest rate) <sup>(2)</sup> | 625 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on partial debt extinguishment <sup>(3)</sup> | 120 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cash settlements (inclusive of accrued interest and cash payment premium) | (1658) |
| Convertible Debentures, ending balance | $66677 |

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__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> Recognized within the line item, change in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

<sup>(2)</sup> Recognized within the line item, interest expense, in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

<sup>(3)</sup> Recognized within the line item, other income (expense), net, in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Debt Maturity***

The following table summarizes the cash maturities of the Company's debt instruments as of December 31, 2025 (amounts in thousands):

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2026** | **2027** | **2028** | **2029** | **2030** | **Thereafter** | **Total** |
| CRC Senior Notes | $669 | $917 | $1074 | $1261 | $1428 | $9570 | $14919 |
| Cross Trails Senior Note | 2821 | 2941 | 1541 | 1967 | 1698 | 6838 | 17806 |
| Sale of future receipts | 3058 |  |  |  |  |  | 3058 |
| Convertible Debentures <sup>(1)</sup> | 47829 | 15971 |  |  |  |  | 63800 |
|  | $54377 | $19829 | $2615 | $3228 | $3126 | $16408 | $99583 |

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__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> Assumes scheduled amortization of principal in accordance with the contractually required payment schedule and does not give effect to any elective conversions or optional redemptions.

The table above excludes insurance premium financings, which are presented within accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets and are discussed in the following section.

As of December 31, 2025, the Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all debt covenants under their debt agreements.

***Insurance Premium Financings*** 

In April 2024, the Company entered into two financing agreements related to premiums under certain insurance policies. For the first financing, the Company was obligated to repay the lender an aggregate sum of $1.4 million through ten equal monthly payments commencing on April 10, 2024. For the second financing, the Company was obligated to repay the lender an aggregate sum of $0.4 million through nine equal monthly payments commencing on May 10, 2024. Both financings had an annual interest rate of 7.4% and were fully repaid during the first quarter of 2025.

In June 2024, the Company entered into a financing agreement related to premiums under certain insurance policies. The Company is obligated to repay the lender an aggregate sum of AUD 0.3 million (or $0.2 million) through twelve equal monthly payments of AUD 22 thousand (or $15 thousand), at an annual interest rate of 4.4%, commencing on June 25, 2024. This financing was fully repaid in May 2025.

In July 2024, the Company entered into a financing agreement related to premiums under certain insurance policies. The Company is obligated to repay the lender an aggregate sum of $1.1 million through nine equal monthly payments, at an annual interest rate of 7.5%, commencing on August 15, 2024. This financing was fully repaid in April 2025.

In March 2025, the Company entered into a financing agreement related to premiums under certain insurance policies. The Company is obligated to repay the lender an aggregate sum of $1.5 million through nine equal monthly payments, at an annual interest rate of 5.8%, commencing on April 10, 2025.

In June 2025, the Company entered into a financing agreement related to premiums under certain insurance policies. The Company is obligated to repay the lender an aggregate sum of AUD 0.3 million (or $0.2 million) through ten equal monthly payments of AUD 31 thousand (or $21 thousand), at an annual interest rate of 8.7%, commencing on June 15, 2025.

In July 2025, the Company entered into a financing agreement related to premiums under certain insurance policies. The Company is obligated to repay the lender an aggregate sum of $0.9 million through ten equal monthly payments, at an annual interest rate of 7.1%, commencing on July 15, 2025.

As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the carrying value of the Company's insurance premium financings was $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and is included in the line item, accrued expenses, in the consolidated balance sheets.

**NOTE 10. LEASES**

The Company primarily has operating leases for its corporate offices, field offices, and vehicles. The Company recognizes a ROU asset and lease liability for operating leases based on the net present value of future minimum lease payments.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable lease term and renewal periods that are considered reasonably certain.

The Company primarily has finance leases for vehicles. The Company recognizes a ROU asset and lease liability for finance leases based on the net present value of future minimum lease payments. Lease expense for the Company's finance leases is comprised of the amortization of the right of use asset and interest expense recognized based on the effective interest method.

The components of lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 are as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Operating lease expense | $831 | $738 |
| Finance lease expense |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of finance ROU assets | 50 | 49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest on finance lease liabilities | 11 | 13 |
| Short-term lease expense | 430 | 809 |
| Variable lease expense | 34 | 32 |
| Capitalized lease costs | (352) | (396) |
| Sublease income | (29) | (27) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $975 | $1218 |

---

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 is as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Weighted average remaining lease term (years)** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | 4.6 | 6.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | 2.8 | 3.0 |
| **Weighted average discount rate** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | 9.8% | 10.3% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | 9.1% | 9.5% |

---

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 is as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating cash flows used for operating leases | $942 | $827 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating cash flows used for finance leases | 11 | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Financing cash flows used for finance leases | 104 | 185 |
|  | $1057 | $1024 |
| **ROU Assets obtained in Exchange for Lease Liabilities** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | $1615 | $160 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | 87 | 60 |
|  | $1702 | $220 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Future maturities of operating and finance lease liabilities as of December 31, 2025 are as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Operating Leases** | **Finance Leases** |
| 2026 | $685 | $50 |
| 2027 | 540 | 44 |
| 2028 | 449 | 31 |
| 2029 | 426 | 6 |
| 2030 | 115 |  |
| Thereafter | 354 |  |
| Total undiscounted cash flows | 2569 | 131 |
| Less imputed interest | (557) | (15) |
| Present value of lease liabilities | $2012 | $116 |

---

**NOTE 11. RETIREMENT PLANS**

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan for its employees in its wholly owned Switzerland subsidiary. The plan is a statutory requirement in accordance with local regulations. The Swiss pension plans are governed by the Swiss Federal Law on Occupational Retirements, Survivors' and Disability Pension plans. The Company used third party providers to administer these plans. Benefits provided by the pension plan are based on years of service and employees' remuneration over their employment period. The Company uses December 31 as the year end measurement date for this plan.

The Company's policy is to fund its pension obligations in conformity with the funding requirements under applicable laws and governmental regulations. The pension plans maintain investment policies that, among other things, establish a portfolio asset allocation methodology with percentage allocation bands for individual asset classes. The investment policies provide that investments are reallocated between asset classes as balances exceed or fall below the appropriate allocation bands.

The assumption used for the expected long-term rate of return on plan asset is based on the long-term expected returns for the investment mix of assets currently in the portfolio. Historical return trends for the various asset classes in the class portfolio are combined with current and anticipated future market conditions to estimate the rate of return for each class. These rates are then adjusted for anticipated future inflation to determine estimated nominal rates of return for each class.

The accumulated benefit obligation represents the obligations of a pension plan for past service as of the measurement date, which is the present value of benefits earned to date based on current compensation levels.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Obligations and Funded Status***

The following table presents the defined benefit plans' funded status and amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Change in Benefit Obligation** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligation at beginning of year | $6485 | $5791 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Service cost | 377 | 300 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest cost | 74 | 96 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actuarial loss (gain) | (401) | 694 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transfers in, net of benefits paid | (1477) | (195) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plan participant's contributions | 267 | 222 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plan amendments |  | 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustments | 854 | (433) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligation at end of year | $6179 | $6485 |
| **Change in Plan Assets** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plans assets at beginning of year | $4441 | $4300 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actual return on plans' assets | 260 | 204 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employer contributions | 262 | 222 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (1477) | (195) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plan participant's contributions | 267 | 222 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustments | 589 | (312) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plans assets at end of year | $4342 | $4441 |
| **Funded Status at End of Year** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plan assets | $4342 | $4441 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligation | (6179) | (6485) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Liability recognized at end of year | $(1837) | $(2044) |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost***

The components of net periodic pension benefit cost for the Company's defined benefit pension plan was as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Employer service costs | $377 | $300 |
| Interest cost | 74 | 96 |
| Expected return on plan assets | (260) | (220) |
| Amortization of net prior service credit | 40 | 37 |
| Amortization of net loss | 106 | 39 |
| Curtailments and settlements | 143 |  |
| Net periodic benefit cost | $480 | $252 |

---

***Impact on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss***

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Net prior service cost | $(239) | $(283) |
| Net loss | (898) | (1520) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $(1137) | $(1803) |

---

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the Company's pension plan were as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of year | $(1803) | $(1164) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in net prior service credit | 35 | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in net loss | 577 | (651) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustments | 54 | (14) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year | $(1137) | $(1803) |

---

***Assumptions***

The assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost for the Company's defined benefit pension plan were as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Discount rate | 1.4% | 1.1% |
| Expected long-term return on plan assets | 4.7% | 5.1% |
| Rate of compensation increase | 1.3% | 1.3% |
| Pension increase rate (in payment) | —% | —% |

---

***Investment Strategy***

As is customary with Swiss pension plans, the plan assets are invested in a Swiss collective fund (Profond Pension Fund, contract number 208.155) with multiple employers. The Company does not have rights to the individual assets of the plans nor does the Company have investment authority over the assets of the plans. The collective fund maintains a variety of investment positions primarily in equity securities and highly rated debt securities. The valuation of the collective fund assets as a whole is a level 3 measurement; however the individual investments of the fund are generally level 1 (equity securities and cash), level 2 (fixed income) and level 3 (real estate and alternative) investments. The Company determines

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

the fair value of the plan assets based on information provided by the collective fund, through review of the collective fund's annual financial statements, and the Company further considers whether there are other indicators that the investment balances reported by the fund could be impaired. The Company concluded that no such impairment indicators were present at December 31, 2025 and 2024.

The Swiss pension plans' actual asset allocation as compared to the plan administrators' target asset allocations for fiscal years 2025 and 2024 were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** | **Target** |
| Equity instruments (Level 1) | 46.6% | 52.4% | 47.0% |
| Debt instruments (Level 2) | 11.5% | 11.8% | 11.0% |
| Real estate (Level 3) | 21.6% | 24.4% | 22.0% |
| Alternative investments (Level 3) | 12.5% | 9.0% | 13.0% |
| Infrastructure (Level 3) | —% | —% | 5.0% |
| Cash and equivalents (Level 1) | 7.8% | 2.4% | 2.0% |
| Total | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% |

---

***Cash Flows***

Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid by the defined benefit pension plan at December 31, 2025 are as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Year Ending December 31,** | **Future Benefits** |
| 2026 | $50 |
| 2027 | 51 |
| 2028 | 52 |
| 2029 | 52 |
| 2030 | 53 |
| Thereafter | 268 |
| Total | $526 |

---

The estimated employer contribution to the defined benefit pension plan in fiscal year 2026 is $0.3 million.

***Defined Contribution Plan***

The Company sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan for its United States employees and makes matching contributions up to a maximum of 3.5% of compensation. The Company made $0.7 million and $0.9 million in matching contributions for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**NOTE 12. SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEETS DETAIL**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| *(amounts in thousands)* | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Prepaid expenses and other current assets:** |  |  |
| Prepaid expenses | $3918 | $3423 |
| Tax refund receivable | 813 | 117 |
| Investments, current | 325 | 2933 |
| Other | 11 | 55 |
| Total | $5067 | $6528 |
| **Other assets:** |  |  |
| Interest receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $1.0 million and — as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. | $— | $850 |
| Other | 883 | 306 |
| Total | $883 | $1156 |
| **Accrued expenses:** |  |  |
| Accrued project costs | $49889 | $8165 |
| Employee costs | 12321 | 4019 |
| Taxes payable | 4572 | 2351 |
| Professional fees | 1487 | 8373 |
| Accrued interest | 1445 |  |
| Insurance premium financings | 434 | 724 |
| Warranty liabilities | 241 | 1336 |
| Total | $70389 | $24968 |
| **Other current liabilities:** |  |  |
| Operating leases | $511 | $461 |
| Finance leases | 41 | 38 |
| Total | $552 | $499 |
| **Other long-term liabilities:** |  |  |
| Operating leases | $1501 | $785 |
| Asset retirement obligation | 1035 | 11 |
| Deferred SOSA acquisition payment | 891 |  |
| Derivative liability - Asset Vault | 458 |  |
| Finance leases | 75 | 81 |
| Unearned lease revenue - tolling arrangements | 200 |  |
| Warranty liabilities | 226 | 55 |
| Total | $4386 | $932 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**NOTE 13. REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST**

On October 9, 2025, Energy Vault, Inc. ("EV Inc."), a wholly owned subsidiary of Company, entered into a Contribution and Purchase Agreement ("Asset Vault Purchase Agreement") with OIC Structured Equity Fund I, L.P. and affiliated funds (collectively, "OIC") and Asset Vault. Pursuant to this agreement, Asset Vault was capitalized with (i) 1.2 billion common units issued to EV Inc. in exchange for the contribution of equity interests in certain project holding entities and related development assets (the "EV Contribution") and (ii) 300 million Series A preferred units (the "Series A Preferred Units") issued to OIC in exchange for an initial cash contribution of $35.0 million and OIC's commitment to provide additional capital contributions up to an aggregate of $300.0 million during the 24-month availability period, subject to the terms and conditions of the amended and restated limited liability company agreement of Asset Vault (the "A&R LLC Agreement"). Following the EV Contribution and OIC's initial investment, EV Inc. holds 100% of the common units of Asset Vault and OIC holds 100% of the issued and outstanding Series A Preferred Units. 1.2 billion common units and 300 million preferred units in Asset Vault were authorized, issued, and outstanding as of December 31, 2025.

Asset Vault is a VIE of which the Company is the primary beneficiary; therefore, Asset Vault is consolidated and OIC's participation is presented as a redeemable non-controlling interest.

***Warrants Issued to OIC and Allocation of Proceeds***

In conjunction with OIC's acquisition of the Series A Preferred Units, the Company issued to OIC and its affiliated funds detachable warrants to purchase shares of the Company's common stock (the "OIC Warrants"). The OIC Warrants were classified as liabilities and were recorded at fair value on the issuance date. See Note 14, *Warrants*, for additional information regarding the terms, fair value measurement, and accounting treatment for the OIC Warrants.

For purposes of the Company's consolidated financial statements, the $35.0 million of gross proceeds were allocated first to the warrant liability based on its fair value at the issuance date of $11.3 million, with the residual $23.7 million initially allocated to the Series A Preferred Units prior to consideration of transaction costs. The amount allocated to the Series A Preferred Units was then further allocated between the bifurcated derivative liability and the host preferred instrument, resulting in the recognition of a $0.5 million derivative liability and $23.2 million attributable to the Series A Preferred Units before transaction costs. Total transaction costs, including the Structuring Premium (described below) of approximately $5.8 million, were allocated between the OIC Warrants and the Series A Preferred Units on the same relative allocation basis used for the gross proceeds. Of those costs, approximately $1.9 million allocated to the warrants were recognized immediately in earnings, while approximately $4.0 million allocated to the Series A Preferred Units reduced the initial carrying amount of the redeemable non-controlling interest. As a result, the redeemable non-controlling interest was initially recorded at approximately $19.3 million in mezzanine equity.

***Structuring Premium***

Under the A&R LLC Agreement, OIC is entitled to a structuring premium equal to 2.0% of funded capital contributions (the "Structuring Premium"), which is effectively withheld from or paid out of the gross proceeds contributed by OIC at each funding date. On the initial funding of $35.0 million, the Structuring Premium was $0.7 million. For purposes of calculating the redemption value of the Series A Preferred Units, capital contributions are measured at their gross amount (i.e., $35.0 million for the initial funding) prior to any deductions for structuring premiums or other offsets, as specified in the A&R LLC Agreement.

***Classification as Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest***

The Series A Preferred Units are entitled to priority distributions and a preference in liquidation ahead of the common units, as defined in the A&R LLC Agreement. The A&R LLC Agreement also provides OIC with contractual exit rights that are not solely within the Company's control, including: (i) beginning on the sixth anniversary of the initial closing date (October 9, 2031), the right to require a redemption or sale transaction (a "forced sale" mechanism) designed to provide OIC with the contractual redemption amount for its Series A Preferred Units; and (ii) if such redemption or sale has not occurred within specified timeframes, certain "springing" governance rights that allow OIC to direct a sale of Asset Vault or its assets to satisfy its redemption rights.

Because the Series A Preferred Units are not mandatorily redeemable on a fixed date, but are redeemable upon the occurrence of events that are not solely within the control of the Company, OIC's interest in Asset Vault is classified as a redeemable non-controlling interest in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheets (between liabilities and stockholders' equity) in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99-3A and related guidance.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Priority Distributions***

The Series A Preferred Units are entitled to cumulative priority distributions at a rate of 12.0% per annum, accruing daily on the sum of the par amount and any accumulated paid-in-kind amounts. During the first three years following the Series A Original Issue Date (the "Optional PIK Period"), such distributions may be paid entirely in kind at the election of the Company's Board of Directors. Following the Optional PIK Period, at least two-thirds of accrued distributions must be paid in cash, with no more than one-third payable in kind. Priority distributions are payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year. Paid-in-kind distributions increase the par amount of the Series A Preferred Units and, accordingly, increase the Accrued Preference Amount and Base Return components of the redemption value. Paid-in-kind amounts compound automatically on each distribution payment date.

***Redemption Value and Subsequent Measurement***

The A&R LLC Agreement defines the redemption price for the Series A Preferred Units as the greater of: (a) the "Accrued Preference Amount," which equals the par amount of such Series A Preferred Unit plus any accumulated paid-in-kind amounts plus accrued but unpaid priority distributions; and (b) the "Base Return" amount, which equals the greater of a 1.65x multiple of invested capital ("MOIC") and a 12.0% internal rate of return ("IRR"), in each case computed in accordance with the A&R LLC Agreement and taking into account prior cash distributions and structuring premium payments.

The redeemable non-controlling interest was initially recorded based on the proceeds allocated to the Preferred Units after first measuring the warrant liability at fair value, then allocating the residual proceeds between the bifurcated derivative liability and the host preferred instrument, and allocating the applicable issuance costs to the Preferred Units. In subsequent periods, the carrying amount of the redeemable non-controlling interest is adjusted for: (i) OIC's share of Asset Vault's net income (loss), measured using a hypothetical liquidation at book value ("HLBV") methodology that reflects the contractual distribution and liquidation waterfall in the A&R LLC Agreement, (ii) cash or in-kind distributions declared or paid on the Series A Preferred Units, and (iii) accretion of the carrying amount of the redeemable non-controlling interest up to its redemption value, to the extent the estimated redemption value exceeds the current carrying amount and redemption is considered probable. Any accretion to redemption value is recorded as an adjustment to mezzanine equity with an offset to additional paid-in-capital and is not included in the HLBV income allocation.

As of the October 9, 2025 issuance date, management concluded that it is probable that the Series A Preferred Units will become redeemable within the meaning of ASC 480-10-S99-3A. Accordingly, the Company accretes the carrying amount of the redeemable non-controlling interest from its initial measurement to its estimated redemption value using the effective interest method over the period from issuance to the earliest redemption date. Management initially determined the earliest redemption date to be two years and nine months from issuance, based on the accelerated forced sale feature tied to the October 9, 2027 tranche funding requirement. If, in a future period, changes in facts and circumstances modify the estimated redemption value or the earliest redemption date, including upon future tranche funding, the Company will update its estimate of the redemption value and adjust the pattern of accretion prospectively so that the carrying amount equals the revised redemption value at the revised earliest redemption date.

As of December 31, 2025, management considers redemption of the Series A Preferred Units to be probable. Accordingly, the Company has recognized accretion to the redemption value for the period from October 9, 2025 to December 31, 2025 using the effective interest method based on the then-estimated redemption value and earliest redemption date. The accretion for the period ended December 31, 2025 was $0.9 million. See the roll-forward table below for additional detail. As of December 31, 2025, the redemption amount on earliest redemption date is $57.8 million.

***Contingent Adjustment Features***

If a forced sale is not consummated within nine months following OIC's delivery of a forced sale notice (a "Failed Process"), the A&R LLC Agreement provides for the following automatic adjustments: (i) the preferred distribution rate increases by 3.0% (from 12.0% to 15.0%) and all distributions thereafter become payable entirely in cash; (ii) the MOIC floor in the Base Return calculation increases by 0.10x (from 1.65x to 1.75x); and (iii) OIC obtains the right to appoint a majority of the Board of Directors until the Series A Preferred Units are redeemed in full (the "Springing Governance Rights"). Management does not currently consider a Failed Process to be probable. Accordingly, no incremental adjustment to the redeemable non-controlling interest has been recorded for these contingent features as of December 31, 2025.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Warrant Exchange Provisions***

Under the A&R LLC Agreement, OIC may elect to exchange all or a portion of the OIC Warrants for additional Series A Preferred Units if the Company has not achieved specified EBITDA thresholds. Upon any such exchange, the number of Series A Preferred Units held by OIC would increase by up to 15.0% of the exchanged amount, and the exchanged OIC Warrants would be cancelled.

***Roll-forward of Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest***

The following table presents a roll-forward of the redeemable non-controlling interest related to Asset Vault for the year ended December 31, 2025 (amounts in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Redeemable non-controlling interest, balance at beginning of period | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition of redeemable non-controlling interest | 19332 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest <sup>(1)</sup> |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PIK distributions to redeemable non-controlling interest holder | 967 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accretion to redemption value <sup>(2)</sup> | 857 |
| Redeemable non-controlling interest, balance at end of period | $21156 |

---

__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest is determined using the HLBV methodology based on the contractual rights and priorities in the A&R LLC Agreement. Under HLBV, income is allocated based on the change in each party's claim on the net assets of Asset Vault under a hypothetical liquidation scenario at the beginning and end of each reporting period. This allocation may differ significantly from the non-controlling interest's nominal percentage of total units outstanding.

<sup>(2)</sup> Accretion represents the increase in the carrying amount of the redeemable non-controlling interest toward its estimated redemption value, calculated using the effective interest method over the period to the earliest probable redemption date (July 9, 2028). Accretion is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in-capital. Although accretion does not affect total net loss, it is treated as a deemed dividend and therefore as an adjustment to net loss attributable to common stockholders for purposes of computing net loss per share.

**NOTE 14. WARRANTS**

***OIC Warrants***

In connection with OIC's acquisition of the Series A Preferred Units of Asset Vault, the Company issued warrants to OIC. See Note 13, *Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest,* for additional information regarding the Asset Vault transaction.

The OIC Warrants are exercisable for an aggregate of approximately 5.6 million shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $4.24 per share. The OIC Warrants expire on October 9, 2030 and may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to expiration. The OIC Warrants include a cashless exercise feature that allows the holders to receive a net number of shares based on the difference between the fair market value of the Company's common stock and the exercise price at the time of exercise.

The warrant agreement provides for standard anti-dilution adjustments to the exercise price and number of warrant shares in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, combinations, or similar recapitalization events. In addition, the warrant agreement includes provisions for adjustments in connection with certain extraordinary transactions, such as mergers, consolidations, or sales of substantially all of the Company's assets.

The warrant Agreement includes a provision (the "Convertible Adjustment") that reduces the number of warrant shares issuable upon exercise if the Company's Convertible Debentures issued to YA II PN, Ltd. are ultimately satisfied with fewer than 7.1 million shares of the Company's common stock. If triggered, the reduction is calculated proportionally based on the ratio of (i) the actual number of shares issued in satisfaction of the Convertible Debentures to (ii) 7.1 million shares. The maximum potential reduction to the OIC Warrants is approximately 0.2 million shares. As of December 31, 2025, the Convertible Debentures remain outstanding and the Convertible Adjustment has not been triggered.

Under ASC 815-40, *Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity's Own Equity*, an equity-linked instrument is considered "indexed to the entity's own stock" only if its settlement amount equals the difference between the fair value of a fixed number of shares and a fixed monetary amount (the "fixed-for-fixed" criterion). The OIC Warrants are accounted for as liabilities as they do not satisfy the indexed-to-own-stock criteria and therefore do not qualify for equity classification.

***Novus Warrants***

In 2022, Novus Capital Corporation II ("Novus"), a special purpose acquisition company, merged with Legacy Energy Vault and after the merger, Novus was immediately renamed to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. As part of the merger, the

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Company assumed approximately 5.2 million warrants ("Novus Warrants"). Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustments. The Novus Warrants are exercisable on a cash or cashless basis, at the warrant holders' option, and are not redeemable by the Company, in each case so long as the warrants are still held by Novus or their permitted transferees. The private warrants are exercisable until February 11, 2027. The Novus Warrants are accounted for a liabilities as they do not satisfy the indexed-to-own-stock criteria and therefore do not qualify for equity classification.

***Fair Value Measurement - Liability Classified Warrants***

The Company measures the fair value of the OIC Warrants using a Monte-Carlo pricing model and measures the fair value of the Novus Warrants using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, both of which require the use of significant judgments and the use of unobservable inputs. As such, the Company's warrant liabilities are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The key unobservable inputs used to value the OIC Warrants include the expected volatility and the Company's estimated future EBITDA. The key unobservable input used to value the Novus Warrants include the expected volatility. A significant increase in the expected volatility in isolation would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement.

The following table provides the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the OIC Warrants upon issuance:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **OIC Warrants** |
| Exercise price | $4.24 |
| Expected term (in years) | 5.00 |
| Expected volatility | 90.0% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.7% |
| Expected dividend yield | —% |

---

The following table provides the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company's liability classified warrants as of December 31, 2025:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **OIC Warrants** | **Novus Warrants** |
| Exercise price | $4.24 | $11.50 |
| Expected term (in years) | 4.78 | 1.12 |
| Expected volatility | 80.0% | 70.0% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.7% | 3.7% |
| Expected dividend yield | —% | —% |

---

***Roll-Forward of Warrant Liabilities***

The following table presents a roll-forward of the Company's warrant liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Warrant liabilities at December 31, 2023 | $2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value <sup>(1)</sup> |  |
| Warrant liabilities at December 31, 2024 | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Issuance of warrants | 11250 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value <sup>(1)</sup> | 3798 |
| Warrant liabilities at December 31, 2025 | $15050 |

---

__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> Recognized within the line item, change in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

***Dorado Goose Warrants***

On August 18, 2025, the Company completed the private issuance of an aggregate of 4.5 million warrants (the "Dorado Goose Warrants") to purchase shares of the Company's common stock to Dorado Goose, LLC in exchange for professional

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

services. The Dorado Goose Warrants are exercisable until August 18, 2027 and permit cashless exercise. The exercise price for the warrants range from $1.50 per share to $3.00 per share, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise are subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, and similar events. Until exercised, the Dorado Goose Warrants do not entitle the holder to voting or other stockholder rights.

The issuance of the Dorado Goose Warrants and the shares issuable upon exercise of those warrants have not been registered under the Securities Act or under any state securities law. The Company believes that the transaction is exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and customary legends were affixed to the Dorado Goose Warrants and will be affixed to any shares issued upon exercise of the Dorado Goose Warrants.

The Dorado Goose Warrants are classified in equity because they are indexed to the Company's own stock and accounted for under ASC 718, *Compensation—Stock Compensation* ("ASC 718") as an equity-classified award to a non-employee service provider. Because the award is equity-classified, it was measured at grant date fair value and is not remeasured subsequently. The full fair value of the Dorado Goose Warrants was recognized as expense in the consolidated statement of operations within general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2025.

The grant date fair value of the award was $1.2 million and was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Expected term (in years) | 2.0 |
| Expected volatility | 75.9% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.7% |
| Expected dividend yield |  |

---

***Roll-Forward of Warrants***

The following table presents a roll-forward of the Company's warrants for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **OIC Warrants** | **Novus Warrants** | **Dorado Goose Warrants** | **Total** |
| Warrants outstanding at December 31, 2023 |  | 5167 |  | 5167 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Issuance of warrants |  |  |  |  |
| Warrant liabilities at December 31, 2024 |  | 5167 |  | 5167 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Issuance of warrants | 5572 |  | 4500 | 10072 |
| Warrant liabilities at December 31, 2025 | 5572 | 5167 | 4500 | 15239 |

---

**NOTE 15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS**

ASC 820, *Fair Value Measurement* ("ASC 820"), establishes a fair value hierarchy for instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company's own assumptions (unobservable inputs). Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date.

Carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, including cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value due to their relatively short maturities and market interest rates, if applicable.

The Company categorizes assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet based upon the level of judgment associated with inputs used to measure their fair value. The categories are as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Level 1*—Inputs which included quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Level 2*—Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Level 3*—Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Fair Value at** | **Fair Value at** |
| |<br>**Fair Value Hierarchy** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| **Assets (Liabilities):** | | | |
| Convertible Debentures <sup>(1)</sup> | Level 3 | $(66677) | $— |
| Warrant liabilities <sup>(2)</sup> | Level 3 | (15050) | (2) |
| Derivative liability - Asset Vault <sup>(3)</sup> | Level 3 | (458) |  |

---

__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> The Company has elected to measure the Convertible Debentures at fair value (see Note 9, *Debt*). The Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation to value the Convertible Debentures that models potential settlement outcomes under the contractual terms. The significant assumptions used in the model include the volatility of the Company's common stock (100.0%) and discount rates derived from market yields for comparable CCC- rated debt ranging from 26.4% to 27.3%. The model also incorporates each instrument's contractual term, redemption features, and conversion mechanics.

<sup>(2)</sup> The warrants are not publicly traded and the Company uses a Black-Scholes or Monte Carlo model to determine the fair value. See Note 14, *Warrants*, for additional information.

<sup>(3)</sup> The derivative liability relates to certain redemption and settlement features in the Contribution and Purchase Agreement with OIC. The Company utilized an income approach using a probability weighted expected present value method to value the derivative liability. Significant assumptions include a discount rate of 22.8% and estimated probabilities and timing associated with the occurrence of various mandatory redemption events.

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments not measured at fair value are as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| |<br>**Fair Value Hierarchy** | **Carrying Amount** | **Fair Value** | **Carrying Amount** | **Fair Value** |
| **Assets (Liabilities):** | | | | | |
| Debt <sup>(1)</sup> | Level 3 | $(27921) | $(29758) | $— | $— |

---

__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> Includes short-term portion of long-term debt and excludes debt measured at fair value. The Company estimates the fair value using a discounted cash flow model which utilizes the Company's incremental borrowing rate, which is estimated based on the Company's assumptions.

**NOTE 16. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY**

***Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement***

On March 31, 2025, the Company entered into an equity purchase agreement (the "Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement") with Hudson Global Ventures, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company ("Hudson"). Pursuant to the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to sell to Hudson, and Hudson is obligated to purchase, up to approximately $25.0 million of newly issued shares (the "Maximum Commitment") of the Company's common stock, from time to time during the term of the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement, subject to certain limitations and conditions (the "Hudson Offering"). As consideration for Hudson's commitment to purchase shares of common stock under the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement, we paid Hudson a commitment fee of $0.2 million during the first quarter of 2025 and issued them 452,000 shares of common stock during the second quarter of 2025, valued at $0.4 million at the time of issuance, following the execution of the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement (the "Commitment Shares"). The commitment fees were recorded within other income (expense), net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2025.

The Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement initially precludes the Company from issuing and selling more than 30,833,163 shares of our common stock, including the Commitment Shares, which number equaled 19.99% of our common stock issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025, unless the Company obtains stockholder approval to issue additional shares, or unless certain exceptions apply. In addition, a beneficial ownership limitation in the agreement initially limits the

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Company from directing Hudson to purchase shares of common stock if such purchases would result in Hudson beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the then-outstanding shares of our common stock.

From and after the initial satisfaction of the conditions to commence sales to Hudson under the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement (such event, the "Commencement," and the date of initial satisfaction of all such conditions, the "Commencement Date"), the Company may direct Hudson to purchase shares of common stock at a purchase price per share equal to the lesser of (i) 88% of the closing price of the Company's common stock on the Principal Market on the Trading Day immediately preceding the respective Put Date (as defined in the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement) (the "Initial Purchase Price"), or (ii) 88% of the lowest closing price of the Company's common stock on the Principal Market on any Trading Day during the period beginning on the Put Date and continuing through the date that is three Trading Days immediately following the Clearing Date associated with the applicable Put Notice (such three trading day period is the "Valuation Period", and the price is the "Market Price"), on such date on which the Purchase Price is calculated in accordance with the terms of the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement. The Company will control the timing and amount of any such sales of common stock to Hudson. Actual sales of shares of common stock to Hudson will depend on a variety of factors to be determined by the Company from time to time, including, among other things, market conditions, the trading price of our common stock, and determinations by us as to the appropriate sources of funding for the Company and our operations.

Unless earlier terminated, the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement will automatically terminate upon the earliest of (i) the expiration of the Commitment Period (as defined in the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement), (ii) Hudson's purchase or receipt of the Maximum Commitment worth of common stock, or (iii) the occurrence of certain other events set forth in the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement. We have the right to terminate the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement at any time after Commencement, at no cost or penalty, upon prior written notice to Hudson.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds, if any, from the Hudson Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, including sales and marketing activities, product development, and capital expenditures. The Company may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, products, and technologies. The Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and agreements, as well as customary indemnification obligations of the Company.

In connection with the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to register the Commitment Shares and the shares issuable pursuant to the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement. The securities to be offered pursuant to the Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement will be offered pursuant to our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3/A shelf registration statement (File No. 333-273089), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on July 14, 2023 and declared effective on July 20, 2023.

During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company sold 6.2 million shares of common stock to Hudson for net proceeds of $6.8 million.

***Helena Equity Purchase Agreement***

On August 6, 2025, the Company entered into an equity purchase agreement (the "Helena Purchase Agreement") with Helena Global Investment Opportunities I Ltd. ("Helena"). Pursuant to the Helena Purchase Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to sell to Helena, and Helena is obligated to purchase, up to $25.0 million of newly issued shares of the Company's common stock, from time to time over a 36-month term, subject to certain limitations and conditions. The obligations under the Helena Purchase Agreement are subject to a standstill period and will not commence until the later of (i) ninety days from the execution of the Helena Purchase Agreement, or (ii) the termination or expiration of the Company's existing Hudson Equity Purchase Agreement.

As consideration for Helena's commitment, the Company is obligated to issue commitment shares to Helena with an aggregate value of $0.2 million. The number of commitment fee shares is determined by dividing this value by the lowest one-day VWAP during the five trading days preceding the date of the agreement.

The Helena Purchase Agreement initially precludes the Company from issuing and selling more than 19.99% of the Company's common stock issued and outstanding as of the date of the Helena Purchase Agreement, including the commitment fee shares, unless the Company obtains stockholder approval to issue additional shares. In addition, a beneficial ownership limitation in the Helena Purchase agreement restricts the Company from directing Helena to purchase shares of common stock if such purchases would result in Helena beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the then-outstanding shares of our common stock.

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

After the initial conditions are met, the Company may direct Helena to purchase shares of common stock through an advance notice. The purchase price for shares in such an advance will be equal to 95% of the lowest closing price during the three-day pricing period following the advance. The agreement also allows for a subsequent advance notice for a number of shares mutually agreed upon, with a purchase price equal to 100% of the lowest intraday sale price on the day the notice is received. The Company will control the timing and amount of any sales of common stock to Helena.

Unless earlier terminated, the Helena Purchase Agreement will automatically terminate upon the earliest of (i) the expiration of the 36-month term, or (ii) Helena's purchase of $25.0 million worth of common stock. The Company has the right to terminate the Helena Purchase Agreement at any time, at no cost or penalty, upon five trading days' prior written notice to Helena.

***NYSE Notification***

On April 16, 2025, the Company was notified by the NYSE that it was not in compliance with Section 802.01C of the NYSE Listed Company Manual because the average closing price of the Company's common stock was less than $1.00 over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. On September 3, 2025, the Company received written notice from the NYSE stating that the Company regained compliance with the minimum continued listing criteria set forth in Section 802.01C of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, based upon an average share price for the trailing 30-consecutive trading days above $1.00.

**NOTE 17. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION**

***2022 Equity Incentive Plan***

In 2022, the Company adopted its 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2022 Incentive Plan"). The 2022 Incentive Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted shares, RSUs, and other awards to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants of the Company. Shares of common stock underlying awards that expire or are forfeited or canceled will again be available for issuance under the 2022 Incentive Plan.

The initial number of shares of the Company's common stock reserved for issuance under the 2022 Incentive Plan was approximately 15.5 million, plus up to approximately 8.3 million shares subject to awards granted under the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan and 2020 Stock Incentive Plan that may become available for issuance under the 2022 Incentive Plan to the extent such awards are forfeited, expired, unexercised, or are otherwise unsettled. Annually, beginning on March 1, 2022 and ending in (and including) March 1, 2031, the number of shares of the Company's common stock that may be issued under the 2022 Incentive Plan automatically increases by a number of shares equal to the lesser of (i) 4.0% of the outstanding shares on the last day of the immediately preceding month or (ii) number of shares (including zero) determined by the Company's Board.

***2022 Inducement Plan***

In 2022, the Board adopted the 2022 Inducement Award Plan (the "2022 Inducement Plan"), which provides for the granting of stock options, SARs, restricted shares, RSUs, and other awards to individuals who were not previously employees of Energy Vault, or following a bona fide period of non-employment, as inducement material to such individuals entering into employment with Energy Vault. Shares of common stock underlying awards that expire or are forfeited or canceled will again be available for issuance under the 2022 Inducement Plan. 8.0 million shares of the Company's common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2022 Inducement Plan.

***2025 Inducement Plan***

In February 2025, the Board approved the Company's 2025 Inducement Award Plan (the "2025 Inducement Plan"), which provides for the granting of stock options, SARs, restricted shares, RSUs, and other awards to individuals who were not previously employees of Energy Vault, or following a bona fide period of non-employment, as inducement material to such individuals entering into employment with Energy Vault. Shares of common stock underlying awards that expire or are forfeited or canceled will again be available for issuance under the 2025 Inducement Plan. 8.0 million shares of the Company's common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2025 Inducement Plan.

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Stock Option Activity***

Stock option activity for year ended December 31, 2025 was as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Options Outstanding** | **Options Outstanding** | **Options Outstanding** | **Options Outstanding** |
| | **Number of<br>Options** | **Weighted Average**<br>**Exercise Price**<br>**Per Share** | **Weighted Average**<br>**Remaining**<br>**Contractual**<br>**Term (in years)** | **Aggregate**<br>**Intrinsic**<br>**Value** |
| Balance as of December 31, 2024  | 6429 | $1.62 | 6.0 | $4248 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock options granted |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock options exercised | (518) | 1.42 |  | 1333 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock options forfeited, canceled, or expired | (188) | 0.96 |  |  |
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 | 5723 | 1.66 | 4.8 | 16891 |
| Options exercisable as of December 31, 2025 | 3723 | 1.64 | 4.6 | 11045 |
| Options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2025 | 5723 | $1.66 | 4.8 | $16891 |

---

As of December 31, 2025, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested option awards that are expected to vest was $1.1 million. The weighted-average period over which such stock-based compensation expense will be recognized is approximately 1.1 years.

The aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding, exercisable, vested and expected to vest were calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the options and the closing stock price of the Company's common stock on the NYSE as of December 31, 2025.

***Restricted Stock Units***

During the year ended December 31, 2025, pursuant to the 2022 Incentive Plan and 2025 Inducement Plan, the Company granted RSUs to employees that vest based on market-based conditions. These RSUs will vest and convert to common stock if the Company's stock price reaches certain price targets for 20 days in any 30 day trading window. The fair value of the RSUs are recognized as expense over the requisite service period regardless of whether or not the RSUs ultimately vest and convert to common stock. The fair value of these market-based RSUs were measured on their grant date, using a Monte Carlo simulation model based on the following range and weighted-average assumptions:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Expected term (in years) | 4.0 |
| Expected volatility | 95% to 100% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.7% to 3.9% |
| Expected dividend yield |  |

---

RSU activity for year ended December 31, 2025 was as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of RSUs** | **Weighted Average**<br>**Grant Date Fair**<br>**Value per Share** |
| Nonvested balance as of December 31, 2024  | 22325 | $2.83 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RSUs granted | 10427 | 0.97 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RSUs forfeited | (1934) | 1.77 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RSUs vested | (10469) | 3.44 |
| Nonvested balance as of December 31, 2025 | 20349 | $1.66 |

---

As of December 31, 2025, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to these RSUs was $18.5 million which is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of approximately 1.6 years.

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Stock-Based Compensation Expense***

Total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Sales and marketing | $3868 | $6162 |
| Research and development | 5284 | 8693 |
| General and administrative | 27561 | 23854 |
| Total stock-based compensation expense | $36713 | $38709 |

---

**NOTE 18. REORGANIZATION EXPENSES**

Periodically, the Company implements cost savings measures and recognizes reorganization costs related to those measures. Reorganization expenses consist of personnel reduction costs.

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company recognized $1.2 million and $1.6 million in reorganization costs, respectively. Currently, the Company does not expect to incur additional charges related to these cost reduction plans.

Total reorganization expenses for years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 are as follows (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Sales and marketing | $32 | $288 |
| Research and development | 318 | 523 |
| General and administrative | 812 | 748 |
| Total reorganization expenses | $1162 | $1559 |

---

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances for reorganization expenses included in the line item, accrued expenses, on the consolidated balance sheets is as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Beginning of period | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Costs charged to expense | 1162 | 1559 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Costs paid or settled | (1162) | (1577) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustments |  | 18 |
| End of period | $— | $— |

---

**NOTE 19. SEGMENT REPORTING**

As a single reportable segment entity, the Company's CODM uses the profit measure of net loss to allocate resources and assess performance of our business by comparing actual results to historical results and previously forecasted financial information. The measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheets as total assets.

See Note 3 for the Company's revenue disaggregated by product line.

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table presents revenue, significant segment expenses provided to the CODM, and net loss for our consolidated segment (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Revenue | $203671 | $46199 |
| Cost of revenue  | 155681 | 40012 |
| Gross profit | 47990 | 6187 |
| Non-personnel operating costs <sup>(1)</sup> | 32228 | 32251 |
| Salaries and wages <sup>(2)</sup> | 39410 | 32290 |
| Stock-based compensation | 36713 | 38709 |
| Depreciation, amortization, and accretion (excluding amounts included in cost of revenue) <sup>(3)</sup> | 3435 | 1058 |
| Loss on impairment and sale of long-lived assets |  | 336 |
| Interest expense | 8464 | 123 |
| Interest income | (1100) | (5537) |
| Provision for income taxes | 7763 | 67 |
| Other segment items <sup>(4)</sup> | 24735 | 42703 |
| Net loss | $(103658) | $(135813) |

---

__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> Represents sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses, excluding personnel related costs and reorganization expenses.

<sup>(2)</sup> Represents the costs of employees' salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes that are reported within sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. This amount excludes stock-based compensation expense and reorganization expenses.

<sup>(3)</sup> $2.3 million of depreciation and amortization expense recognized within cost of revenue for year ended December 31, 2025.

<sup>(4)</sup> Represents certain other segment items that are not deemed significant segment expenses and primarily consists of provision for credit losses, loss on financial instruments carried at fair value, reorganization expenses, and other income/expense items.

**NOTE 20. INCOME TAXES**

The components of pre-tax loss are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| United States | $(82925) | $(123143) |
| Switzerland | (8890) | (8151) |
| United Kingdom | (1700) | (1993) |
| Australia | (2363) | (2448) |
| China | (17) | (11) |
| Total loss before tax | $(95895) | $(135746) |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company's federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** |
| | **Amount** | **Percent** | **Amount** | **Percent** |
| US federal statutory income tax rate | $(20138) | 21.0% | $(28493) | 21.0% |
| State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit <sup>(1)</sup> | 503 | (0.5)% | 225 | (0.1)% |
| Non-deductible expenses: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation | 5549 | (5.8)% | 6691 | (4.9)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 1781 | (1.9)% | 122 | (0.1)% |
| Credits: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Research and development | (433) | 0.5% | (621) | 0.5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ITC | 7148 | (7.5)% |  | —% |
| Foreign rate differential | 3341 | (3.5)% | 2647 | (2.0)% |
| Valuation allowance | 10049 | (10.5)% | 19520 | (14.4)% |
| Other | (37) | —% | (24) | —% |
| Effective income tax rate | $7763 | (8.2)% | $67 | —% |

---

__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> State taxes in Texas and Virginia made up the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect of this category.

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Current** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | $611 | $(20) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State | 3 | 87 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total current tax provision | 614 | 67 |
| **Deferred** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | 7149 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax provision | 7149 |  |
| Total provision for income taxes | $7763 | $67 |

---

Net income taxes paid (refunded) by jurisdiction consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| U.S. |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | $(7) | $52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;State | 50 |  |
| Total U.S. | 43 |  |
| Foreign: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;India | 600 |  |
| Total | $643 | $— |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The components of the deferred tax asset are as follows (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Deferred tax assets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net operating loss carryforwards | $39631 | $30397 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation | 1868 | 1763 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Revenue | 3500 | 672 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses | 3443 | 605 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capitalized research and development | 1662 | 3701 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment and research tax credits | 51016 | 2778 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 329 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease liabilities | 310 | 156 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment of investment in equity securities | 2940 | 2556 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allowance for credit losses | 9459 | 7024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 1315 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 2150 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gross deferred tax assets | 117623 | 49652 |
| Less: valuation allowance | (76778) | (48107) |
| Net deferred tax assets | 40845 | 1545 |
| **Deferred tax liabilities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization |  | (1287) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right of use assets | (337) | (174) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other |  | (84) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gross deferred tax liabilities | (337) | (1545) |
| Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) | $40508 | $— |

---

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Based upon the analysis of federal and state deferred tax balances, future tax projections and availability of taxable income in the carryback period, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against the federal, state, and international deferred tax assets of $76.8 million.

As of December 31, 2025, the Company had federal net operating losses of $155.6 million, state net operating losses of $58.9 million, and foreign net operating losses of $13.6 million. The federal net operating loss carryforwards do not expire, but are subject to a limitation on their use equal to 80% of the taxable income in the year of use. The state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2042. $10.6 million of the foreign net operating loss carryforwards do not expire. The remaining foreign net loss carryforwards began to expire in 2025.

At December 31, 2025, the Company had federal and state research tax credit carryforwards of $2.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The federal research tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2042 and the state research tax credits do not expire.

At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company recorded $19.7 million, and $15.7 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company recognized no interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate as of December 31, 2025 is zero, due to the valuation allowance that would otherwise be recorded on the deferred tax asset associated with the recognized position.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company's unrecognized tax benefits (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Balance at beginning of year | $15668 | $1399 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase related to prior year tax positions | 2566 | 13324 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decrease related to prior year tax positions |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase related to current year tax positions | 1483 | 945 |
| Balance at end of year | $19717 | $15668 |

---

During 2024, the Company recorded an uncertain tax position for the historical and current Switzerland net operating loss, related to unrecorded transfer pricing charges between Switzerland and the United States.

The tax years ended December 31, 2022 through December 31, 2025 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and California Franchise Tax Board. In addition, the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards are subject to federal and state review for the periods in which those net losses were incurred. The Company is not under audit by any taxing jurisdictions at this time. The foreign entities have statute of limitations ranging between one and five years from the filing date of the tax return.

Utilization of the net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards may be subject to an annual limitation based on changes in ownership, as defined by Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") of 1986, as amended. Based on the Company's Section 382 analysis, which has been updated through December 31, 2025, the Company has determined that none of the net operating losses will be permanently impaired due to Section 382 limitations.

The Inflation Reduction Act ("IRA") was enacted in August 2022, providing significant incentives for businesses to improve energy efficiency by extending, increasing, or expanding tax credits related to the production of clean energy and fuels, among other provisions. During 2025, the Company generated $47.7 million of ITCs. On March 28, 2025, the Company entered into a Tax Credit Transfer Commitment, on behalf of its majority and wholly-owned subsidiary companies, with a third-party purchaser pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell these ITCs at a price equal to 85% of the value of the credits. The ITCs are accounted for under ASC 740, and the Company has recorded a valuation allowance for the 15% discount to reflect the expected net sale proceeds.

On February 26, 2026, the Company collected $11.8 million in proceeds from the transfer of the Cross Trails ITC to the third-party purchaser. As of the date of the Annual Report, the sales of the eligible ITCs generated by the CRC HESS and Snyder CDU are expected to close following the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions.

The Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against substantially all of the Company's deferred tax assets, except for the deferred tax assets associated with the ITCs that the Company intends to sell. The Company provides for a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of, or all of the Company's deferred tax assets will not be realized. Due to the Company's history of losses, the Company determined that it is not more likely than not to realize its deferred tax assets, with the exception of deferred tax assets associated with the ITCs that the Company intends to sell.

On July 4, 2025, Public Law No. 119-21, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the "OBBBA"), was enacted. The OBBBA contains a broad range of changes to U.S. federal income tax laws. These changes include, among others, permanently restoring an EBITDA-based business interest deduction limitation, permanently restoring 100% bonus depreciation for certain property, permanently restoring immediate expensing for certain domestic research and experimental expenditures, and changes with respect to ITCs. The effects of changes in tax laws are recognized in the consolidated financial statements during the period of enactment. The effects of the OBBBA are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**NOTE 21. NET LOSS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK**

Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders are calculated as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Net loss attributable to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. | $(103611) | $(135750) |
| Less: accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest | 857 |  |
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders | (104468) | (135750) |
| Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic and diluted | 160533 | 149846 |
| Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted | $(0.65) | $(0.91) |

---

There were no common share equivalents that were dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. Due to net losses during those periods, basic and diluted net loss per common share were the same, as the effect of potentially dilutive securities would have been anti-dilutive.

The following outstanding balances of common share equivalent securities have been excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding because the effect is anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Warrants | 15239 | 5167 |
| Stock options | 5723 | 6429 |
| RSUs | 20349 | 22325 |
| Convertible Debentures | 14536 |  |
| Total | 55847 | 33921 |

---

In connection with merger with Novus in 2022, eligible Energy Vault stockholders immediately prior to the closing of the transaction obtained a contingent right to receive 9.0 million shares of the Company's common stock ("Earn-Out Shares") upon the Company's common stock quoted on the NYSE equaling or exceeding certain specified prices for any 20 trading days within a 30 consecutive day trading period ("Earn-Out Triggering Event"). 9.0 million of common stock equivalents subject to the Earn-Out Shares are excluded from the anti-dilutive table above as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 as the Earn-Out Triggering Events for the underlying shares had not been satisfied. The contingent right for Earn-Out Shares expired on May 12, 2025.

**NOTE 22. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES**

Our principal commitments as of December 31, 2025 consisted primarily of obligations under operating leases, finance leases, a deferred pension, warranty liabilities, and issued purchase orders. Our non-cancelable purchase obligations as of December 31, 2025 totaled approximately $5.4 million, which is all expected to be paid in the next twelve months.

***Loss Contingencies:***

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is regularly subject to various legal proceedings. The Company has identified certain legal matters where the Company believes an unfavorable outcome is not probable and, therefore, no reserve has been established. Although the Company currently believes that resolving claims against the Company, including claims where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible, will not have a material impact on the Company's business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and the Company's view of these matters may change in the future.

***Warranty Liabilities:***

The Company provides a limited warranty to its BESS customers assuring that the BESSs are free from defects. The Company's limited warranties are generally for a period of two or three years after the substantial completion date of a project. These warranties are considered assurance-type warranties which provide a guarantee of quality of the products.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

For assurance-type warranties in engineering, procurement, and construction ("EPC") contracts, the Company records an estimate of future warranty costs over the period of construction. For assurance-type warranties in engineered equipment ("EEQ") contracts, the Company records an estimate of future warranty costs upon the transfer of the equipment to the customer. Warranty costs are recorded as a component of cost of revenue in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company accrued the below estimated warranty liabilities, respectively (amounts in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Warranty liabilities, balance at beginning of period | $1391 | $1818 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accruals for warranties issued | 926 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in estimates | (891) | 2938 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Costs paid or settled | (959) | (3365) |
| Warranty liabilities, balance at end of period | $467 | $1391 |

---

The key inputs and assumptions used in calculating the estimated warranty liabilities are reviewed by management each reporting period. The Company may make additional adjustments to the estimated warranty liability based on a comparison of actual warranty results to expected results for significant differences or based on performance trends or other qualitative factors. If actual failure rates or replacement costs differ from our estimates in future periods, changes to these estimates may be required, resulting in increases or decreases in the estimated warranty liability, which may be material.

***Letters of Credit and Bank Guarantees:*** 

In the ordinary course of business and under certain contracts, the Company is required to post letters of credit or bank guarantees for its customers, for project performance, and for its vendors for payment guarantees. Such letters of credit or bank guarantees are generally issued by a bank or a similar financial institution. The letter of credit or bank guarantee commits the issuer to pay specified amounts to the holder of the letter of credit or bank guarantee under certain conditions. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $15.4 million in outstanding letters of credit and $16.0 million in bank guarantees issued through the Company's credit relationships. The Company is not aware of any material claims relating to its outstanding letters of credit or bank guarantees.

***Performance and Payment Bonds:*** 

In the ordinary course of business, Energy Vault is required by certain customers to provide performance and payment bonds for contractual commitments related to its projects. These bonds provide a guarantee that the Company will perform under the terms of a contract and that the Company will pay its subcontractors and vendors. If the Company fails to perform under a contract or to pay its subcontractors and vendors, the customer may demand that the surety make payments or provide services under the bond. The Company must reimburse the surety for expenses or outlays it incurs. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $102.3 million in outstanding performance and payment bonds.

***Other Bonds***:

In the ordinary course of business, Energy Vault is required to obtain other bonds, such as for insurance and government payments. These bonds provide a guarantee that the Company will post the necessary reserves as required by banks and tax or licensing authorities. Additionally, bonds are issued to banks as support for letters of credit provided by those banks. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $12.5 million in outstanding other bonds.

***Asset Retirement Obligation***

In connection with the acquisition or development of energy storage systems, the Company may have the legal requirement to remove long-lived assets constructed on leased property and to restore the leased property to its condition prior to the construction of the long-lived asset. This legal requirement is referred to as an asset retirement obligation ("ARO"). If the Company determines that an ARO is necessary for a specific energy storage system, the Company records the present value of the estimated future liability when the energy storage system is placed in service as an ARO liability. The Company accretes the ARO liability to its future value over the energy storage system's useful life in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The initial ARO is recorded as part of the carrying value of the related

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**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

long-lived asset and depreciated over the energy storage system's useful life. CRC is the only energy storage system currently subject to an ARO. The initial ARO for CRC was $1.0 million.

The Company measured the ARO for CRC at fair value (level 3) using an expected present value technique. This approach estimates the cash flows a market participant would require to perform the retirement activities and discounts those cash flows using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate (10.8% at initial recognition).

As of December 31, 2025, the carrying value of the Company's ARO was $1.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company recognized accretion expense of $43 thousand, which is recognized within depreciation, amortization, and accretion (excluding amounts included in cost of revenue) on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

**NOTE 23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS**

***Senior Convertible Notes***

On February 17, 2026, the Company completed a private offering of $140.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Senior Convertible Notes due 2031 (the "Senior Convertible Notes"). In addition, the Company issued an additional $10.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Convertible Notes pursuant to the initial purchasers' option in a transaction that closed on February 27, 2026. The Senior Convertible Notes bear interest at 5.250% per annum, payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2026, and mature on March 1, 2031, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. In connection with the offering, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions. After deducting the 3.25% initial purchaser's discount and before the cost of the capped call transactions and offering expenses, the Company received $145.1 million in proceeds. The Company used approximately $20.5 million of the net proceeds to fund the capped call transactions and paid $3.8 million for advisory and placement agent fees, resulting in net proceeds of $120.8 million.

The Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the Senior Convertible Notes to make aggregate cash payments of $49.7 million to YA II PN, Ltd. in connection with repayments of the Company's Convertible Debentures, comprised of principal, accrued interest, and cash premium. Tranches 2 and 3 were fully repaid. After these payments, unpaid principal remaining outstanding under the Convertible Debentures was $7.9 million. In addition, $5.6 million of principal remained technically outstanding because the Company had delivered conversion notices to the Investor, but the Investor had not yet completed conversion.

The Senior Convertible Notes have an initial conversion rate of 193.1807 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, representing an initial conversion price of approximately $5.18 per share, which represents a conversion premium of approximately 27.5% above the $4.06 closing price of the Company's common stock on February 11, 2026.

The capped call transactions have an initial strike price of approximately $5.18 per share, consistent with the initial conversion price of the Senior Convertible Notes, and an initial cap price of $8.12 per share, which represents a premium of 100% above the $4.06 closing price of the Company's common stock on February 11, 2026. The capped call transactions are expected to reduce potential dilution to the Company's common stock upon any conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes, and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount upon conversion, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap based on the cap price.

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**ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE**

Not applicable.

**ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES**

***Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures***

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As part of the filing of this Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2025, our management, with the participation of our CEO and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. As a result of this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that, as of December 31, 2025, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

***Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting***

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management's evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended December 31, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

***Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls***

In designing and evaluating our 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. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

***Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting***

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Internal control over financial reporting means a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a company's principal executive and principal financial officers, and effected by the company's board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the company's management and directors, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the company's financial statements.

Management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025. This evaluation was conducted using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2025.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our independent registered accounting firm on management's assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting due to the exemption from such requirements established by rules of the SEC for emerging growth companies.

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**ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION**

***(a) Disclosure in lieu of reporting on a Current Report on Form 8-K.***

None.

***(b) Material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the board of directors.***

None.

***(c) Insider trading arrangements and policies.***

During the three months ended December 31, 2025, Michael Beer, our Chief Financial Officer, entered into a pre-arranged stock trading plan on December 19, 2025. Mr. Beer's plan provides for sale of up to 195,000 shares of the Company's common stock between December 19, 2025 and December 31, 2026. The trading plan was entered into during an open insider trading window and is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company's policies regarding transactions in the Company's securities.

Additionally, during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, Akshay Ladwa, our Chief Development and Operations Officer, entered into a pre-arranged stock trading plan on June 17, 2025. Mr. Ladwa's plan provides for sale of up to 75,000 shares of the Company's common stock between June 17, 2025 and June 18, 2026. The Company inadvertently omitted disclosure regarding this plan on its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 8, 2025. The trading plan was entered into during an open insider trading window and is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company's policies regarding transactions in the Company's securities.

**ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS**

Not applicable.

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**PART III**

**ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE**

The information required by this Item will be included in the Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2025 in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company's 2026 annual meeting of stockholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.

**ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION**

The information required by this Item will be included in the Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.

**ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNER AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS**

**Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans**

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2025 regarding shares of common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans (amounts of securities shown in thousands):

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **As of December 31, 2025** | **As of December 31, 2025** | **As of December 31, 2025** | **As of December 31, 2025** | **As of December 31, 2025** | |
| | **Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units, and Rights** | | **Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options** | | **Number of Securities Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excludes Securities Included in First Column)** | |
| **Plan category:** | | | | | | |
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders <sup>(1)</sup> | 21105 | <sup>(2)</sup> | $1.74 | <sup>(3)</sup> | 499 | <sup>(4)</sup> |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders <sup>(5)</sup> | 4967 | <sup>(6)</sup> | 1.17 | <sup>(3)</sup> | 8836 |  |
| Total | 26072 |  | $1.66 |  | 9335 |  |

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__________________

<sup>(1)</sup> Consists of the 2022 Incentive Plan.

<sup>(2)</sup> Includes 4.9 million shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and 16.1 million shares subject to restricted stock units that will entitle the holder to one share of common stock for each unit that vests.

<sup>(3)</sup> Restricted stock units do not have an exercise price and are not included in the weighted average exercise price.

<sup>(4)</sup> The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2022 Plan automatically increases each year on March 1, until and including March 31, 2031 by a number of shares equal to the lesser of (i) 4.0% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year or (ii) such lesser number of shares of common stock (including zero) as determined by the Board.

<sup>(5)</sup> Our Board adopted the 2022 Inducement Plan on November 14, 2022 and the 2025 Inducement Plan on February 20, 2025 without stockholder approval pursuant to New York Stock Exchange Rule 303A.02 ("Rule 303A.02"). In accordance with Rule 303A.02, cash and equity-based incentive awards under the 2022 and 2025 Inducement Plans may only be made to a newly hired employee who has not previously been a member of our Board, or an employee who is being rehired following a bona fide period of non-employment by us as a material inducement to the employee's entering into employment with us. An aggregate of 16.0 million shares of our common stock were initially reserved for issuance under the 2022 and 2025 Inducement Plans.

<sup>(6)</sup> Includes 0.8 million shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and 4.2 million shares subject to restricted stock units that will entitle the holder to one share of common stock for each unit that vests.

The remaining information required by this Item will be included in the Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after 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 will be included in the Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.

**ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES**

The information required by this Item will be included in the Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.

------

<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**PART IV**

**ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES**

(a)(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report are listed in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

(a)(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No financial statement schedules are required to be filed as part of this Annual Report because all such schedules have been omitted. Such omission has been made on the basis that information provided in the financial statements, or in the related notes thereto, in Item 8 of this Annual Report or is not required to be filed as the information is not applicable.

(a)(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index to this Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.

**Exhibit Index**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** |
|<br>**Exhibit<br>Number** |<br>**Description of Document** | **Schedule/Form** | **File Number** | **Exhibit Number** | **Filing Date** |
| 3.1 | <u>[Amended and Restated Bylaws of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465922023106/tm225795d16_ex3-1.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 3.1 | February 14, 2022 |
| 3.2 | <u>[Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465922023106/tm225795d16_ex3-2.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 3.2 | February 14, 2022 |
| 4.1 | <u>[Description of Securities](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853624000035/nrgv-20231231.htm)</u> | 10-K | 001-39982 | 4.1 | March 12, 2024 |
| 4.2 | <u>[Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, issued to Dorado Goose LLC on August 18, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit41doradowarrants.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 4.1 | November 10, 2025 |
| 4.3 | <u>[Convertible Debenture, dated September 22, 2025, between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and YA II PN, LTD.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit42convertibledebent.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 4.2 | November 10, 2025 |
| 4.4 | <u>[Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, issued to OIC Structured Equity Fund I AUS, L.P, on October 9, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit43oicfundiwarrant.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 4.3 | November 10, 2025 |
| 4.5 | <u>[Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, issued to OIC Structured Equity Fund I GPFA, L.P, on October 9, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit44oic.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 4.4 | November 10, 2025 |
| 4.6 | <u>[Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, issued to OIC Structured Equity Fund I, L.P, on October 9, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit45oic.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 4.5 | November 10, 2025 |
| 4.7 | <u>[Convertible Debenture, dated December 30, 2025, between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and YA II PN, LTD.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465926002513/tm262614d2_ex4-2.htm)</u> | S-3 | 001-39982 | 4.2 | January 9, 2026 |
| 4.8 | <u>[Amended and Restated Convertible Debenture, dated February 11, 2026, between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and YA II PN, LTD.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465926013399/tm265927d1_ex4-1.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 4.1 | February 11, 2026 |
| 4.9 | <u>[Amended and Restated Convertible Debenture, dated February 11, 2026, between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and YA II PN, LTD.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465926013399/tm265927d1_ex4-2.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 4.2 | February 11, 2026 |
| 4.10 | <u>[Amended and Restated Convertible Debenture, dated February 11, 2026, between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and YA II PN, LTD.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465926013399/tm265927d1_ex4-3.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 4.3 | February 11, 2026 |
| 4.11 | <u>[Indenture, by and among Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, dated February 17, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465926016759/tm266680d1_ex4-1.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 4.1 | February 18, 2026 |
| 10.1 | <u>[Amended and restated Registration Rights Agreement, by and among the Company and certain stockholders and equity holders of the Company](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465922023106/tm225795d16_ex10-2.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 10.2 | February 14, 2022 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** |
|<br>**Exhibit<br>Number** |<br>**Description of Document** | **Schedule/Form** | **File Number** | **Exhibit Number** | **Filing Date** |
| 10.2 | <u>[Sponsor Restricted Stock Agreement by and among Novus, Novus Initial Stockholders and Energy Vault](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465922023106/tm225795d16_ex10-5.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 10.5 | February 14, 2022 |
| 10.3 | <u>[Note Purchase Agreement, dated April 4, 2025, by and between Calistoga Resiliency Center, LLC and Eagle Point Credit Management, LLC](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000063/a104calistoga-notepurcha.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.4 | May 13, 2025 |
| 10.4 | <u>[Equity Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2025, by and between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and Hudson Global Ventures, LLC](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000063/a105epamasthudsonnrgv202.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.5 | May 13, 2025 |
| 10.5 | <u>[Form of Credit Agreement, dated May 12, 2025, by and between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and Crescent Cove Opportunity Lending, LLC](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000063/ex106crescentcovecredita.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.6 | May 13, 2025 |
| 10.6 | <u>[Equity Purchase Agreement, dated August 6, 2025, by and between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and Helena Global Investment Opportunities I LTD](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000107/ex104helenaequitypurchasea.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.4 | August 8, 2025 |
| 10.7 | <u>[Credit Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2025, by and among Cross Trails Energy Storage Project, LLC, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and each of the lenders party thereto](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000093/crosstrails-creditagreem.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 10.1 | July 28, 2025 |
| 10.8 | <u>[Standard Merchant Cash Advance Agreement, dated August 28, 2025, by and between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc., Energy Vault Inc., and Cedar Advance LLC.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit106cedar.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.6 | November 10, 2025 |
| 10.9 | <u>[Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 22, 2025, between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and YA II PN, LTD.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit107.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.7 | November 10, 2025 |
| 10.10 | <u>[Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 22, 2025, between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and YA II PN, LTD.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit108regrights.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.8 | November 10, 2025 |
| 10.11 | <u>[Tax Credit Purchase Agreement, dated July 18, 2025, by and between Calistoga Resiliency Center, LLC, Calistoga Resiliency Center HoldCo, and Vitol Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit109crctaxcredit.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.9 | November 10, 2025 |
| 10.12 | <u>[Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Asset Vault, LLC, dated October 9, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit1010assevaultllcagr.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.10 | November 10, 2025 |
| 10.13 | <u>[Contribution and Purchase Agreement, by and among Energy Vault, Inc., OIC Structure](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit1011contributionand.htm)[d](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit1011contributionand.htm)[Equity Fund I, L.P., OIC Structured Equity Fund I AUS, L.P., OIC Structured Equity Fund I GPFA, L.P. and Asset Vault, LLC](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000203/exhibit1011contributionand.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.11 | November 10, 2025 |
| 10.14 | <u>[First Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated December 30, 2025, by and between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and YA II PN, LTD.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465926002513/tm262614d2_ex10-2.htm)</u> | S-3 | 001-39982 | 10.2 | January 9, 2026 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** |
|<br>**Exhibit<br>Number** |<br>**Description of Document** | **Schedule/Form** | **File Number** | **Exhibit Number** | **Filing Date** |
| 10.15 | <u>[Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 30, 2025, by and between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and YA II PN, LTD.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465926002513/tm262614d2_ex10-3.htm)</u> | S-3 | 001-39982 | 10.3 | January 9, 2026 |
| 10.16 | <u>[Form of Capped Call Transactions](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000110465926016759/tm266680d1_ex10-1.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 10.1 | February 18, 2026 |
| 10.17# | <u>[Offer Letter, dated November 11, 2022, by and between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and Robert Piconi](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853622000060/nrgv-20220930.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.1 | November 14, 2022 |
| 10.18# | <u>[Offer Letter, dated as of April 4, 2024, by and between Michael T. Beer and Energy Vault Holdings, Inc](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853624000059/energyvaultemploymentoff.htm)</u> | 8-K | 001-39982 | 10.1 | April 4, 2024 |
| 10.19# | <u>[Employment Agreement by and between Energy Vault, Inc. and Akshay Ladwa, dated as of October 6, 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853624000099/ex101ladwaakshay_executi.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.1 | May 8, 2024 |
| 10.20# | <u>[Employment Agreement by and between Energy Vault, Inc. and Christopher Wiese, dated as of November 10, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000032/a108executiveemploymenta.htm)</u> | 10-K | 001-39982 | 10.8 | April 1, 2025 |
| 10.21# | <u>[Retention Bonus Agreement by and between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and Robert Piconi, dated as of April 5, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853624000099/ex102piconirobert_retent.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.2 | May 8, 2024 |
| 10.22# | <u>[Retention Bonus Agreement by and between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and Akshay Ladwa, dated as of April 5, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853624000099/ex1032024retentionbonusa.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.3 | May 8, 2024 |
| 10.23# | <u>[Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853622000013/a2022equityincentiveplan.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.4 | November 14, 2022 |
| 10.24# | <u>[2022 Employment Inducement Award Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853622000060/a105energyvault-2022empl.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.5 | May 16, 2022 |
| 10.25# | <u>[2025 Employment Inducement Award Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000063/ex1012025inducementplan.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.1 | May 13, 2025 |
| 10.26# | <u>[Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement under the 2022 Employment Inducement Award Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853622000060/a106energyvault-2022empl.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.6 | November 14, 2022 |
| 10.27# | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2022 Employment Inducement Award Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853622000060/a107energyvault-2022empl.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.7 | November 14, 2022 |
| 10.28# | <u>[Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement under the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853622000060/a108exfiling-xenergyvaul.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.8 | November 14, 2022 |
| 10.29# | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853622000060/a109exfiling-xenergyvaul.htm)</u> | 10-Q | 001-39982 | 10.9 | November 14, 2022 |
| 10.30# | <u>[Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement under the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853624000035/stockoptionagreementener.htm)</u> | 10-K | 001-39982 | 10.10 | March 12, 2024 |
| 10.31# | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2020 Stock Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853624000035/ex1011energyvaultinc20ormo.htm)</u> | 10-K | 001-39982 | 10.11 | March 12, 2024 |
| 10.32#\*\* | <u>[Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2025 Employment Inducement Award Plan](a2025inducementplanrsugr.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** |
|<br>**Exhibit<br>Number** |<br>**Description of Document** | **Schedule/Form** | **File Number** | **Exhibit Number** | **Filing Date** |
| 10.33#\*\* | <u>[Form of Indemnity Agreement](ex1033formofindemnityagree.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |
| 10.34 | <u>[Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853623000040/ex1014non-employeedirector.htm)</u> | 10-K | 001-39982 | 10.14 | April 13, 2023 |
| 10.35\*\* | <u>[Schedule of Director Indemnification Agreements Identical in All Material Respects to the Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement Filed as Exhibit 10.3](ex1035scheduleofindemnific.htm)[3](ex1035scheduleofindemnific.htm)[to this Annual Report pursuant to Instruction 2 to Item 601 of Regulation S-K](ex1035scheduleofindemnific.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |
| 19.1 | <u>[Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. Insider Trading Policy](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853625000032/ex191energyvault-insidertr.htm)</u> | 10-K | 001-39982 | 19.1 | April 1, 2025 |
| 21.1\*\* | <u>[List of Subsidiaries of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.](ex211listofsubsidiaries_20.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |
| 23.1\*\* | <u>[Consent of Independent Registered Public Company Accounting Firm](ex231auditorconsent_2025.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |
| 31.1\*\* | <u>[Certification of Principal Executive Officer required under Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended](ex311ceo_2025q4.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |
| 31.2\*\* | <u>[Certification of Chief Financial Officer required under Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended](ex312cfo_2025q4.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |
| 32.1\*\* | <u>[Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002](ex321ceo_2025q4.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |
| 32.2\*\* | <u>[Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002](ex322cfo_2025q4.htm)</u> |  |  |  |  |
| 97 | <u>[Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1828536/000182853624000035/ex97energyvault-clawbackpo.htm)</u> | 10-K | 001-39982 | 10.10 | March 12, 2024 |
| 101.INS\*\* | XBRL Instance Document |  |  |  |  |
| 101.CAL\*\* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |  |  |  |  |
| 101.SCH\*\* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |  |  |  |  |
| 101.DEF\*\* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |  |  |  |  |
| 101.LAB\*\* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document |  |  |  |  |
| 101.PRE\*\* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |  |  |  |  |
| 104\*\* | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |  |  |  |  |

---

_____________________

\*\* Filed herewith

^&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 and 32.2 that accompany this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filings of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as

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amended, whether made before or after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

# Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY**

None.

------

<u>[**Table of Contents**](#ib42f7091021b446189610c4a9ee2f751_10)</u>

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.** | **Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.** |
| Date: March 18, 2026 | By: | /s/ Michael Beer |
|  |  | Name: Michael Beer |
|  |  | Title: Chief Financial Officer |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities 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:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: March 18, 2026 | By: | /s/ Robert Piconi |
|  |  | Name: Robert Piconi |
|  |  | Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer) |
| Date: March 18, 2026 | By: | /s/ Michael Beer |
|  |  | Name: Michael Beer |
|  |  | Title: Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
| Date: March 18, 2026 | By: | /s/ Larry M. Paulson |
|  |  | Name: Larry M. Paulson |
|  |  | Title: Director |
| Date: March 18, 2026 | By: |  |
|  |  | Name: Theresa Fariello |
|  |  | Title: Director |
| Date: March 18, 2026 | By: | /s/ Thomas Ertel |
|  |  | Name: Thomas Ertel |
|  |  | Title: Director |
| Date: March 18, 2026 | By: | /s/ Mary Beth Mandanas |
|  |  | Name: Mary Beth Mandanas |
|  |  | Title: Director |
| Date: March 18, 2026 | By: | /s/ Stephanie Unwin |
|  |  | Name: Stephanie Unwin |
|  |  | Title: Director |
| Date: March 18, 2026 | By: | /s/ Dylan Hixon |
|  |  | Name: Dylan Hixon |
|  |  | Title: Director |

---

## Exhibit 10.32

![](a2025inducementplanrsugr001.jpg)

US-DOCS\137016642.2 ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC. 2025 EMPLOYMENT INDUCEMENT AWARD PLAN NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD You have been granted Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs"), each representing the right to receive one share of the Common Stock of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") on the following terms and conditions: Name of Recipient: «Name» Total Number of RSUs Granted: «TotalRSUs» Date of Grant: «DateGrant» Vesting Commencement Date «VestCommDate» Vesting Schedule: [__]% of the RSUs subject to this award will vest on the RSU Vesting Date (as defined below) occurring in the fiscal quarter that contains the first anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date and an addi- tional [__]% of the RSUs subject to this award will vest quarterly thereafter on the corresponding RSU Vesting Date occurring in each fiscal quarter thereaf- ter, in each case, subject to your continuous service as an Employee or Consultant ("Service") through each such date. "RSU Vesting Date" means each of March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15.1 You and the Company agree that these RSUs are granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Company's 2025 Employment Inducement Award Plan (the "Plan") and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, both of which are attached to, and made a part of, this document. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Plan. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to RSUs awarded under the Plan, future RSUs that may be awarded under the Plan (if any) and all documents that the Company is required to deliver to security holders (including annual reports and proxy statements) by email or other electronic means (including posting them on a website maintained by the Company or a third party under contract with the Company). You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. You acknowledge that you may incur costs in connection with any such delivery by means of electronic transmission, including the cost of accessing the Internet and printing fees, and that an interruption of Internet access may interfere with your ability to access the documents. You further agree to comply with the Company's Insider Trading Policy when selling shares of the Company's Common Stock. 1 Vesting schedule to be customized as necessary. Exhibit 10.32

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US-DOCS\137016642.2 ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC. 2025 EMPLOYMENT INDUCEMENT AWARD PLAN RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT Grant of RSUs Subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the "Grant Notice"), this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the "Agreement") and the Plan, the Company has granted to you the number of RSUs set forth in the Grant Notice. All capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in this Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan. Nature of RSUs Your RSUs are bookkeeping entries. They represent only the Company's unfunded and unsecured promise to issue shares of the Company's Common Stock on a future date. As a holder of RSUs, you have no rights other than the rights of a general creditor of the Company. Payment for RSUs No payment is required for the RSUs that you are receiving. Vesting The RSUs vest in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice. In no event will any additional RSUs vest after your Service has terminated for any reason unless expressly provided in a written agreement between you and the Company. The Company determines whether and when your Service terminates for all purposes of your RSUs. Termination of Service/Forfeiture If your Service terminates for any reason, then your RSUs will be forfeited to the extent that they have not vested before the termination date and do not vest as a result of the termination of your Service. This means that any RSUs that have not vested under this Agreement will be cancelled immediately. You will receive no payment for RSUs that are forfeited.

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US-DOCS\137016642.2 Leaves of Absence and Part-Time Work If you go on a leave of absence, then, to the extent permitted by applicable law and consistent with the Company's leave of absence policy or the terms of your leave, the Company may adjust or suspend the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, Service shall be deemed to continue for any purpose under this Agreement while you are on a paid leave or any other bona fide leave of absence approved by the Company in writing. Service shall be deemed to terminate when such leave ends, unless you immediately return to active work when such leave ends. If you commence working on a part-time basis, the Company may adjust the vesting schedule so that the rate of vesting is commensurate with your reduced work schedule. Settlement of RSUs Each RSU will be settled as soon as practicable on or following the date when it vests, but in any event within 60 days following the vesting date (unless you and the Company have agreed in writing to a later settlement date pursuant to procedures the Company may prescribe at its discretion). In no event will you be permitted, directly or indirectly, to specify the taxable year of settlement of any RSUs subject to this award. At the time of settlement, you will receive one share of the Company's Common Stock for each vested RSU. No fractional shares will be issued upon settlement. Employment Inducement Award The RSUs are intended to constitute an employment inducement award under NYSE Rule 303A.08 that is exempt from the requirements of shareholder approval of equity compensation plans such rule. This Agreement and the terms and conditions of the RSUs will be interpreted consistent with such intent. Section 409A Unless you and the Company have agreed to a deferred settlement date (pursuant to procedures that the Company may prescribe at its discretion), settlement of these restricted stock units is intended to be exempt from the application of Code Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(4) and shall be administered and interpreted in a manner that complies with such exception. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is determined that settlement of these RSUs is not exempt from Code Section 409A and the Company determines that you are a "specified employee," as defined in the regulations under Code Section 409A at the time of your "separation from service," as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), then this paragraph will apply. If this paragraph applies, and the event triggering settlement is your "separation from service," then any RSUs that otherwise would have been settled during the first six months following your "separation from service" will instead be settled on the

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US-DOCS\137016642.2 first business day following the earlier of (i) the six-month anniversary of your separation from service or (ii) your death. Each installment of RSUs that vests is hereby designated as a separate payment for purposes of Code Section 409A. No Voting Rights or Dividends Your RSUs carry neither voting rights nor rights to cash dividends. You have no rights as a stockholder of the Company unless and until your RSUs are settled by issuing shares of the Company's Common Stock. RSUs Nontransferable You may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of any RSUs. For instance, you may not use your RSUs as security for a loan. In addition, regardless of any marital property settlement agreement, the Company is not obligated to recognize your former spouse's interest in your RSUs in any way. Beneficiary Designation You may dispose of your RSUs in a written beneficiary designation if authorized by the Company and to the extent such beneficiary designation is valid under applicable law. Any beneficiary designation must be filed with the Company on the proper form. It will be recognized only if it has been received at the Company's headquarters before your death. If you file no beneficiary designation or if none of your designated beneficiaries survives you, then your estate will receive any vested RSUs that you hold at the time of your death. Withholding Taxes Regardless of any action the Company (or, if applicable, the Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate employing or retaining you (the "Employer")) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to the participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you ("Tax-Related Items"), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the RSUs, including, but not limited to, the grant or vesting of the RSUs, the issuance of shares upon vesting of the RSUs, the subsequent sale of shares acquired pursuant to such vesting and the receipt of any dividends and/or any dividend equivalents; and (2) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the RSUs or any aspect of the RSUs to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if you are subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction, you acknowledge that the Company and/or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

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US-DOCS\137016642.2 No shares will be distributed to you unless you have made arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer for the payment of any Tax-Related Items that the Company and/or the Employer determine must be withheld. In this regard, you authorize the Company, at its sole discretion, to satisfy your Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following:  Withholding the amount of any Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer.  Instructing a brokerage firm selected by the Company for this purpose to sell on your behalf a number of whole shares of Company stock to be issued to you when the RSUs are settled that the Company determines are appropriate to generate cash proceeds sufficient to satisfy the Tax-Related Items. You acknowledge that the Company or its designee is under no obligation to arrange for such sale at any particular price. Regardless of whether the Company arranges for such sale, you will be responsible for all fees and other costs of sale, and you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages or expenses relating to any such sale.  Withholding shares of Company stock that would otherwise be issued to you when the RSUs are settled equal in value to the Tax- Related Items. The fair market value of the withheld shares, determined as of the date when taxes otherwise would have been withheld in cash, will be applied to the Tax-Related Items.  Any other means approved by the Company. You agree to pay to the Company in cash any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company does not elect to satisfy by the means described above. To the extent you fail to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required withholding taxes, you will permanently forfeit the applicable RSUs. Restrictions on Issuance The Company will not issue any shares to you if the issuance of shares at that time would violate any law or regulation. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan or this Agreement, unless there is an available exemption from registration, qualification or other legal requirement applicable to the shares of Company Common Stock, the Company shall not be required to issue any shares to you prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of the shares under any local, state, national or federal securities law or under rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or of any other governmental body, or prior to obtaining any approval or other clearance

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US-DOCS\137016642.2 from any local, state, national or federal governmental agency, which registration, qualification or approval the Company shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable. You understand that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Company's shares with the SEC or any state securities commission or to seek approval or clearance from any governmental authority for the issuance or sale of the shares. Restrictions on Resale You agree not to sell any shares at a time when applicable laws, Company policies or an agreement between the Company and its underwriters prohibit a sale. This restriction will apply as long as your Service continues and for such period of time after the termination of your Service as the Company may specify. No Retention Rights Your award or this Agreement does not give you the right to be retained by the Company, a Parent, Subsidiary, or an Affiliate in any capacity. The Company and its Parents, Subsidiaries, and Affiliates reserve the right to terminate your Service at any time, with or without cause. Adjustments In the event of a stock split, a stock dividend or a similar change in Company's Common Stock, the number of your RSUs will be adjusted pursuant to the Plan. Effect of Significant Corporate Transactions If the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, or certain change in control transactions, then your RSUs will be subject to the applicable provisions of Article 9 of the Plan, provided that any action taken must either (a) preserve the exemption of your RSUs from Code Section 409A or (b) comply with Code Section 409A. Recoupment Policy This award, and the shares acquired upon settlement of this award, shall be subject to any Company recoupment or clawback policy in effect from time to time. Applicable Law This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to its choice-of-law provisions). The Plan and Other Agreements The text of the Plan is incorporated in this Agreement by reference. The Plan, this Agreement and the Grant Notice constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this award. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this award are superseded. This Agreement may be amended only by another written agreement between the parties.

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US-DOCS\137016642.2 Language The parties hereto acknowledge that they have requested and are satisfied that this document and all related documents be drawn up in the English language. BY ACCEPTING THIS RSU AWARD, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.

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## Exhibit 10.33

**Exhibit 10.33**

**<u>INDEMNITY AGREEMENT</u>**

**THIS INDEMNITY AGREEMENT** (this "***Agreement***") is made as of &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, by and between ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "***Company***"), and &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, Director of the Company ("***Indemnitee***").

**<u>RECITALS</u>** 

**WHEREAS**, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly-held corporations as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of such corporations;

**WHEREAS**, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "***Board***") has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company maintains and will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and any of its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based publicly-traded corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "***Charter***") and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the "***Bylaws***") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("***DGCL***"). The Charter, the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement and reimbursement rights;

**WHEREAS**, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

**WHEREAS**, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company's stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

**WHEREAS**, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so protected against liabilities;

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**Exhibit 10.33**

**WHEREAS**, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Charter and the Bylaws of the Company and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder;

**WHEREAS**, Indemnitee may not be willing to serve as an officer or director, advisor or in another capacity without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified; and

**NOW**, **THEREFORE**, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

**<u>TERMS AND CONDITIONS</u>**

**1. SERVICES TO THE COMPANY**. In consideration of the Company's covenants and obligations hereunder, Indemnitee will serve or continue to serve as an officer, director, advisor, key employee or in any other capacity of the Company, as applicable, for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected, appointed or retained or until Indemnitee tenders Indemnitee's resignation or until Indemnitee is removed. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as a director, officer, advisor, key employee or in any other capacity of the Company, as provided in <u>Section 17</u>. This Agreement, however, shall not impose any obligation on Indemnitee or the Company to continue Indemnitee's service to the Company beyond any period otherwise required by law or by other agreements or commitments of the parties, if any.

**2. DEFINITIONS**. As used in this Agreement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;References to "***agent***" shall mean any person who is or was a director,

officer or employee of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company or other person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, to include such person serving in such capacity as a director, officer, employee, advisor, fiduciary or other official of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The terms "***Beneficial Owner***" and "***Beneficial Ownership***" shall have the

meanings set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below) as in effect on the date hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A "***Change in Control***" shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur

after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

2.3.1. <u>Acquisition of Stock by Third Party</u>. Any Person (as defined below) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, unless (1) the change in the relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company's securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (2) such acquisition was approved in

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**Exhibit 10.33**

advance by the Continuing Directors (as defined below) and such acquisition would not constitute a Change in Control under <u>part 2.3.3</u> of this definition;

2.3.2. <u>Change in Board of Directors</u>. Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board, and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors on the date hereof or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved (collectively, the "***Continuing Directors***"), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

2.3.3. <u>Corporate Transactions</u>. The effective date of a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination involving the Company and one or more businesses (a "***Business Combination***"), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination: (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the surviving corporation resulting from such Business Combination entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company's assets either directly or through one or more Subsidiaries (as defined below)) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination; (2) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination) is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 15% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the surviving corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and (3) at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were Continuing Directors at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board of Directors, providing for such Business Combination;

2.3.4. <u>Liquidation</u>. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement or series of agreements for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, other than factoring the Company's current receivables or escrows due (or, if such approval is not required, the decision by the Board to proceed with such a liquidation, sale, or disposition in one transaction or a series of related transactions); or

2.3.5. <u>Other Events</u>. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or any successor rule) (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

2.4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"***Corporate Status***" describes the status of a person who is or was a director,

officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, advisor, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise (as defined below) in which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"***Delaware Court***" shall mean the Court of Chancery of the State of

Delaware.

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**Exhibit 10.33**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"***Disinterested Director***" shall mean a director of the Company who is not

and was not a party to the Proceeding (as defined below) in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"***Enterprise***" shall mean the Company and any other corporation,

constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger to which the Company (or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries) is a party, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, advisor, employee or agent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"***Exchange Act***" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as

amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"***Expenses***" shall include all direct and indirect costs, fees and expenses of

any type or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of private investigators and professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, fax transmission charges, secretarial services and all other disbursements, obligations or expenses in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding (as defined below), including reasonable compensation for time spent by Indemnitee for which he or she is not otherwise compensated by the Company or any third party. Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the principal, premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee. The parties agree that for the purposes of any advancement of Expenses for which Indemnitee has made written demand to the Company in accordance with this Agreement, all Expenses included in such demand that are certified by affidavit of Indemnitee's counsel as being reasonable shall be presumed conclusively to be reasonable.

2.10. References to "***fines***" shall include any excise tax assessed on Indemnitee with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "***serving at the request of the Company***" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee shall be deemed to haveacted in a manner "***not opposed to the best interests of the Company***" as referred to in this Agreement.

2.11. "***Independent Counsel***" shall mean a law firm or a member of a law firm with significant experience in matters of corporate law and that neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under

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**Exhibit 10.33**

similar indemnification agreements); or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term "***Independent Counsel***" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

2.12. The term "***Person***" shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the date hereof; provided, however, that "Person" shall exclude: (i) the Company; (ii) any Subsidiaries (as defined below) of the Company; (iii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary of the Company or of any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company; and (iv) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary of the Company or of a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

2.13. The term "***Proceeding***" shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative or investigative or related nature, in which Indemnitee was, is, will or might be involved as a party or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any action (or failure to act) taken by Indemnitee or of any action (or failure to act) on Indemnitee's part while acting as a director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.

2.14. The term "***Subsidiary***," with respect to any Person, shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by that Person.

**3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;INDEMNITY IN THIRD-PARTY PROCEEDINGS.**

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this <u>Section 3</u> if Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. Pursuant to this <u>Section 3</u>, Indemnitee shall be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

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**Exhibit 10.33**

**4. INDEMNITY IN PROCEEDINGS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY.**

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this <u>Section 4</u> if Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. Pursuant to this <u>Section 4</u>, Indemnitee shall be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section 4</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that any court in which the Proceeding was brought or the Delaware Court shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, to be held harmless or to exoneration.

**5. INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A PARTY WHO IS WHOLLY OR PARTLY SUCCESSFUL.**

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee was or is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, the Company also shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses reasonably incurred in connection with a claim, issue or matter related to any claim, issue, or matter on which Indemnitee was successful. For purposes of this <u>Section 5</u> and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

**6. INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A WITNESS.**

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or deponent in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee was or is not a party or threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

**7. ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION, HOLD HARMLESS AND EXONERATION RIGHTS.**

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**Exhibit 10.33**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 3</u>, 4, or 5, the Company shall, to

the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding. No indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights shall be available under this <u>Section 7.1</u> on account of Indemnitee's conduct which constitutes a breach of Indemnitee's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders or is an act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 3</u>, 4, 5 or <u>7.1</u>, the Company

shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding.

**8. CONTRIBUTION IN THE EVENT OF JOINT LIABILITY.**

8.1. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification, hold harmless and/or exoneration rights provided for in this Agreement are unavailable to Indemnitee in whole or in part for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying, holding harmless or exonerating Indemnitee, shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment, and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have at any time against Indemnitee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any Proceeding in which

the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify, hold harmless and

exonerate Indemnitee from any claims for contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

**9. EXCLUSIONS.**

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**Exhibit 10.33**

Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification, advance expenses, hold harmless or exoneration payment in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:

(a)for which payment has actually been received by or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity or advancement provision and which payment has not subsequently been returned, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount actually received under any insurance policy, contract, agreement, other indemnity or advancement provision or otherwise;

(b)for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of <u>Section 16(b)</u> of the Exchange Act (or any successor rule) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law; or

(c)except as otherwise provided in <u>Sections 14.5</u> and <u>14.6</u> hereof, prior to a Change in Control, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payment, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.

**10. ADVANCES OF EXPENSES; DEFENSE OF CLAIM.**

10.1. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, and to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Company shall pay the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee (or reasonably expected by Indemnitee to be incurred by Indemnitee within three months) in connection with any Proceeding within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, prior to the final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to be indemnified, held harmless or exonerated under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing a Proceeding to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. To the fullest extent required by applicable law, such payments of Expenses in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon the Company's receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of Indemnitee, to repay the advanced amounts to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, held harmless or exonerated by the Company under the provisions of this Agreement, the Charter and the Bylaws of the Company, applicable law or otherwise. This <u>Section 10.1</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which an indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payment is excluded pursuant to <u>Section 9</u>.

10.2. The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.

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**Exhibit 10.33**

10.3. The Company shall not settle any action, claim or Proceeding (in whole or in part) which would impose any Expense, judgment, fine, penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee's prior written consent.

**11. PROCEDURE FOR NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION.**

11.1. Indemnitee agrees to notify promptly the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding, claim, issue or matter therein which may be subject to indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights, or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement, or otherwise.

11.2. Indemnitee may deliver to the Company a written application to indemnify, hold harmless or exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with this Agreement. Such application(s) may be delivered from time to time and at such time(s) as Indemnitee deems appropriate in his or her sole discretion. Following such a written application for indemnification by Indemnitee, Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification shall be determined according to <u>Section 12.1</u> of this Agreement.

**12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PROCEDURE UPON APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION.**

12.1. A determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification shall be made in the specific case by one of the following methods, which shall be at the election of Indemnitee: (i) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, (iii) if there are no Disinterested Directors or if such directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (iv) by vote of the stockholders. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied. If it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or Expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

12.2. In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section 12.1</u> hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this <u>Section 12.2</u>. The Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company

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**Exhibit 10.33**

advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying that the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in <u>Section 2</u> of this Agreement. If the Independent Counsel is selected by the Board, the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising Indemnitee of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying that the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in <u>Section 2</u> of this Agreement. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been received, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in <u>Section 2</u> of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court of competent jurisdiction has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section 11.2</u> hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other's selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the Delaware Court, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under <u>Section 12.1</u> hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section 14.1</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

12.3. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel and to fully indemnify and hold harmless such Independent Counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

**13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PRESUMPTIONS AND EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS.**

13.1. In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by the Disinterested Directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by the Disinterested Directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

13.2. If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section 12</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, deemed to have been made

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**Exhibit 10.33**

and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee's statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a final judicial determination that any or all such indemnification is expressly prohibited under applicable law; provided, however, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto.

13.3. The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

13.4. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, managers, managing members or officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member. The provisions of this <u>Section 13.4</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed or found to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this <u>Section 13.4</u> are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

13.5. The Company acknowledges that a settlement or other disposition short of final judgment may be successful if it permits a party to avoid expense, delay, distraction, disruption and uncertainty. In the event that any action, claim or proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party is resolved in any manner other than by adverse judgment against Indemnitee (including, without limitation, settlement of such action, claim or proceeding with or without payment of money or other consideration) it shall be presumed that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in such action, suit or proceeding. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

13.6. The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any other director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, advisor, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

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**Exhibit 10.33**

**14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;REMEDIES OF INDEMNITEE.**

14.1. In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section 12</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section 10</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section 12.1</u> of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to <u>Sections 5</u>, 6, 7 or the last sentence of <u>Section 12.1</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) a contribution payment is not made in a timely manner pursuant to <u>Section 8</u> of this Agreement, (vi) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Section 3</u> or 4 of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vii) payment to Indemnitee pursuant to any hold harmless or exoneration rights under this Agreement or otherwise is not made within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by the Delaware Court to such indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or advancement rights. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures of the American Arbitration Association. Except as set forth herein, the provisions of Delaware law (without regard to its conflict of laws rules) shall apply to any such arbitration. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

14.2. In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section 12.1</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section 14</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section 14</u>, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to be indemnified, held harmless, exonerated and to receive advancement of Expenses under this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, held harmless, exonerated and to receive advancement of Expenses, as the case may be, and the Company may not refer to or introduce into evidence any determination pursuant to <u>Section 12.1</u> of this Agreement adverse to Indemnitee for any purpose. If Indemnitee commences a judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to this <u>Section 14</u>, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to <u>Section 10</u> until a final determination is made with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification (as to which all rights of appeal have been exhausted or lapsed).

14.3. If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section 12.1</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section 14</u>, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee's statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

14.4. The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section 14</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not

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**Exhibit 10.33**

valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

14.5. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after the Company's receipt of such written request) pay to Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, such Expenses which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any judicial proceeding or arbitration brought by Indemnitee (i) to enforce Indemnitee's rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement or any other indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement or contribution agreement or provision of the Charter or the Bylaws now or hereafter in effect; or (ii) for recovery or advances under any insurance policy maintained by any person for the benefit of Indemnitee, regardless of the outcome and whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration right, advancement, contribution or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

14.6. Interest shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee at the legal rate under Delaware law for amounts which the Company indemnifies, holds harmless or exonerates, or advances, or is obliged to indemnify, hold harmless or exonerate or advance for the period commencing with the date on which Indemnitee requests indemnification, to be held harmless, exonerated, contribution, reimbursement or advancement of any Expenses and ending with the date on which such payment is made to Indemnitee by the Company.

**15. SECURITY.**

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent requested by Indemnitee and approved by the Board, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to Indemnitee for the Company's obligations hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral. Any such security, once provided to Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of Indemnitee.

**16. NON-EXCLUSIVITY; SURVIVAL OF RIGHTS; INSURANCE; SUBROGATION.**

16.1. The rights of Indemnitee as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Charter, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any Proceeding (regardless of when such Proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) or claim, issue or matter therein arising out of, or related to, any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in applicable law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Charter, the Bylaws or this Agreement, then this Agreement (without any further action by the parties hereto) shall automatically be deemed to be amended to require that the Company indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of

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**Exhibit 10.33**

any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

16.2. The Charter, the Bylaws and the DGCL permit the Company to purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection or make other arrangements including, but not limited to, providing a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety bond ("***Indemnification Arrangements***") on behalf of Indemnitee against any liability asserted against Indemnitee or incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee or in such capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or arising out of Indemnitee's status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify Indemnitee against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement or under the DGCL, as it may then be in effect. The purchase, establishment, and maintenance of any such Indemnification Arrangement shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or of Indemnitee under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Indemnitee shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or the other party or parties thereto under any such Indemnification Arrangement.

16.3. To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, trustees, partners, managers, managing members, fiduciaries, advisor, employees, or agents of the Company or of any other Enterprise which such person serves at the request of the Company, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, trustee, partner, managers, managing member, fiduciary, advisor, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time the Company receives notice from any source of a Proceeding as to which Indemnitee is a party or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise), the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

16.4. In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

16.5. The Company's obligation to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payments or advancement of expenses from such Enterprise. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (i) Indemnitee shall have no obligation to reduce, offset, allocate, pursue or apportion any indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement, contribution or insurance coverage among multiple parties possessing such duties to Indemnitee prior to the Company's satisfaction and performance of all its obligations under this Agreement, and (ii) the Company shall perform fully its obligations under this Agreement without regard to whether Indemnitee holds, may pursue or has pursued any indemnification, advancement, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or insurance coverage rights against any person or entity other than the Company.

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**Exhibit 10.33**

**17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DURATION OF AGREEMENT.**

All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee serves as a director or officer of the Company or as a director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, advisor, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which Indemnitee serves at the request of the Company and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto and any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section 14</u> of this Agreement) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, whether or not Indemnitee is acting in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

**18. SEVERABILITY.**

If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

**19. ENFORCEMENT AND BINDING EFFECT.**

19.1. The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer or key employee of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer or key employee of the Company.

19.2. Without limiting any of the rights of Indemnitee under the Charter or the Bylaws of the Company as they may be amended from time to time, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

19.3. The indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration and advancement of expenses rights provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, advisor, employee or agent of any other Enterprise at the Company's request, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and his or her spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.

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**Exhibit 10.33**

19.4. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

19.5. The Company and Indemnitee agree herein that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement, at some later date, may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult of proof, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, enforce this Agreement by seeking, among other things, injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which Indemnitee may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree that Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertaking in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges that in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Company hereby waives any such requirement of such a bond or undertaking to the fullest extent permitted by law.

**20. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER.**

No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the Company and Indemnitee. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding unless in the form of a writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the waiver is sought, and no waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

**21. NOTICES.**

All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) if delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, on such delivery, or (ii) if mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third (3rd) business day after the date on which it is so mailed:

(a)If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide in writing to the Company.

(b)If to the Company, to:

Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.

4165 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite 100

West Lake Village, California 91362

Attn: General Counsel

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee in writing by the Company.

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**Exhibit 10.33**

**22. APPLICABLE LAW AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.**

This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section 14.1</u> of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally: (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country; (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; (c) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court; and (d) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum, or is subject (in whole or in part) to a jury trial. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereby agree that the mailing of process and other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in the manner provided by <u>Section 21</u> or in such other manner as may be permitted by law, shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.

**23. IDENTICAL COUNTERPARTS.**

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

**24. MISCELLANEOUS.**

Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

**25. PERIOD OF LIMITATIONS.**

No legal action shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted by or in the right of the Company against Indemnitee, Indemnitee's spouse, heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives after the expiration of two years from the date of accrual of such cause of action, and any claim or cause of action of the Company shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted by the timely filing of a legal action within such two-year period; provided, however, that if any shorter period of limitations is otherwise applicable to any such cause of action such shorter period shall govern.

**26. ADDITIONAL ACTS.**

If for the validation of any of the provisions in this Agreement any act, resolution, approval or other procedure is required, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company undertakes to cause such act, resolution, approval or other procedure to be affected or adopted in a manner that will enable the Company to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

**27. MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE.**

------

**Exhibit 10.33**

The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and maintain in effect during the entire period for which the Company is obligated to indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement, one or more policies of insurance with reputable insurance companies to provide the officers/directors of the Company with coverage for losses from wrongful acts and omissions and to ensure the Company's performance of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement. The Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director or officer under such policy or policies. In all such insurance policies, the Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide the Indemnitee with the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company's directors and officers.

**[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]**

------

**Exhibit 10.33**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the parties hereto have caused this Indemnity Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

**ENERGY VAULT HOLDINGS, INC.**

By:

Name:

Title:

------

**Exhibit 10.33**

**DIRECTOR**

Name:

Address:

## Exhibit 10.35

**Exhibit 10.35**

**SCHEDULE OF DIRECTOR INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS SUBSTANTIALLY IDENTICAL TO FORM OF DIRECTOR INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT FILED AS EXHIBIT TO ANNUAL REPORT**

In accordance with Instruction 2 to Item 601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant has omitted filing the following Director Indemnification Agreements by and between Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. and the parties named below because they are substantially identical in all material respects to the form of Director Indemnification Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.30 to Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Indemnification Agreement with Robert Piconi, dated May 21, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Indemnification Agreement with Theresa Fariello, dated May 21, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Indemnification Agreement with Mary Beth Mandanas, dated May 21, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Indemnification Agreement with Thomas Ertel, dated May 21, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Indemnification Agreement with Larry Paulson, dated May 21, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Indemnification Agreement with Stephanie Unwin, dated May 21, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.Indemnification Agreement with Dylan Hixon, dated May 21, 2025

## Exhibit 21.1

**Exhibit 21.1**

**List of Subsidiaries**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Subsidiary** | **Country of Incorporation** | **Percentage of Voting Securities Owned** |
| Energy Vault, Inc. | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| Calistoga Resiliency Center Holdco, LLC | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| Calistoga Resiliency Center, LLC | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| Cetus Energy LLC | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| Cetus Energy, Inc. | United States (Delaware) | 97% |
| Cross Trails Energy Storage Project Holdco, LLC | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| Cross Trails Energy Storage Project, LLC | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| Asset Vault, LLC | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| Energy Vault CDU Holdco, LLC | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| Energy Vault CDU Project, LLC | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| Energy Vault SOSA HoldCo LLC | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| SOSA Energy Center, LLC | United States (Delaware) | 100% |
| Snyder Housing LLC | United States (Texas) | 100% |
| Energy Vault SA | Switzerland | 100% |
| Energy Vault Pty Ltd | Australia | 100% |
| Energy Vault Stoney Creek HoldCo Pty Ltd. | Australia | 100% |
| Energy Vault Stoney Creek ProjectCo Pty Ltd. | Australia | 100% |
| Energy Vault Solutions UK Limited | United Kingdom | 100% |
| Energy Vault Nantong Co., Ltd. | China | 100% |
| Energy Vault Srl | Italy | 100% |

---

## Exhibit 23.1

**Exhibit 23.1**

<u>Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm</u>

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-292650, 333-292516, 333-273089 and 333-262720) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-288996, 333-268744, 333-266450 and 333-266402) of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") of our report dated March 18, 2026, relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

New York, New York

March 18, 2026

## Exhibit 31.1

**Exhibit 31.1**

**CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER**

**PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a)**

**UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO**

**SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES OXLEY ACT of 2002**

I, Robert Piconi, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.;

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;

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;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) 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;(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;(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;(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;(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

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) 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;(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;(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: March 18, 2026

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Signature: | */s/ Robert Piconi* |
| Title: | Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
| | (Principal Executive Officer) |

---

## Exhibit 31.2

**Exhibit 31.2**

**CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER**

**PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a)**

**UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO**

**SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES OXLEY ACT of 2002**

I, Michael Beer, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual report on Form 10-K of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.;

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;

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;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) 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;(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;(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;(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;(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

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) 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;(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;(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: March 18, 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Signature: | */s/ Michael Beer* |
| Title: | 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**

I, Robert Piconi, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. This Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The information contained in this Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company, at the dates and for the periods presented in the financial statements included in this Report.

Date: March 18, 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Signature: | */s/ Robert Piconi* |
| Title: | Chairman of the Board 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**

I, Michael Beer, Chief Financial Officer of Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. This Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The information contained in this Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company, at the dates and for the periods presented in the financial statements included in this Report.

Date: March 18, 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Signature: | */s/ Michael Beer* |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
| | (Principal Financial Officer) |

---

<br>