QuantumScape (QS) closed at $8.04 on June 18, up 16.52%, after announcing a multi-year joint research agreement with Honda R&D. The deal focuses on co-developing solid-state battery technology and related manufacturing processes.
Honda publicly described QuantumScape’s technology as having “compelling and unique advantages.” That kind of language from a major global automaker gave investors something real to hold onto.
Trading volume hit 79 million — roughly 271% above its three-month average of 21.3 million. The market clearly paid attention.
The partnership adds Honda to a growing list of industry heavyweights backing the company. QuantumScape already has a collaboration with Volkswagen, and earlier this year a Ducati motorcycle — part of VW’s Audi division — debuted featuring its battery tech.
Honda’s appeal as a partner goes beyond cars. The automaker also makes power equipment and motorcycles, which broadens the potential commercial runway for QuantumScape’s technology.
Investors aren’t just excited about EVs. The thinking is that once QuantumScape fully commercializes its solid-state batteries, the addressable market stretches well beyond electric cars.
The Honda agreement is seen as a meaningful validation step. Getting a top-tier manufacturer to co-develop manufacturing processes — not just test a product — signals a more serious level of commitment.
Virtu Financial also disclosed a new stake, picking up 315,454 shares valued at approximately $3.29 million in Q4. Several other institutional investors adjusted positions during the same period. Institutional ownership currently stands at 29.87%.
Not everyone is buying. CTO Timothy Holme sold 150,320 shares on June 2 at an average price of $9.30, reducing his ownership by 8.07%. Director Jeffrey B. Straubel sold 27,106 shares on April 2 at $6.17, under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 plan.
In total, insiders sold 778,932 shares worth $6.04 million over the last quarter. Company insiders now own 3.93% of the stock.
On the fundamentals side, QuantumScape reported Q1 EPS of -$0.16, beating the consensus estimate of -$0.18. The 50-day moving average sits at $7.64, and the 200-day at $8.56.
The 12-month range runs from $4.16 to $19.07. The company carries a market cap of $4.95 billion and a beta of 2.60 — a reminder that this stock moves fast in both directions.
Earnings are expected in the late-July window. Analysts currently project full-year EPS of -$0.82.
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