TLDR
- QS stock down 13.57% to $12.65 ahead of Q2 earnings on July 23
- Company partners with Murata to scale ceramic film production
- Solid-state battery push aims at mass-market EV readiness
- Institutional investors show cautious long-term interest
- Stock decline tied to market sentiment and mixed outlook
QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE: QS) stock is trading at $12.65, down 13.57% in intraday action, as investors react to broader economic sentiment and realignment in battery-tech valuations.
The drop comes just days before the company’s Q2 2025 earnings report, set for July 23 at 5 PM EDT. Despite the market pressure, QuantumScape remains one of the best-performing EV-related stocks in early 2025, bolstered by news of a new collaboration.
Murata Partnership Signals Step Toward Industrialization
QuantumScape entered into a first-phase agreement with Japan-based Murata Manufacturing Co., aiming to explore a high-volume manufacturing collaboration for ceramic films used in its solid-state battery technology. Company management believes this agreement merges QuantumScape’s cutting-edge battery innovation with Murata’s long-standing expertise in delivering ceramic-based electronics for high-performance applications.
This partnership is part of QuantumScape’s broader plan to industrialize its technology by leveraging top-tier partners. It reinforces the company’s strategy to lead in the commercialization of solid-state lithium-metal batteries, a move seen as critical for next-generation electric vehicles.
Technological Position and Industry Vision
QuantumScape remains focused on scaling its battery tech for electric vehicles and other high-demand use cases. The company argues that its edge in solid-state innovation, combined with a strong balance sheet and continued operational discipline, positions it as a market leader. With the auto industry shifting toward electric powertrains, the company believes its products could power the next wave of EV adoption.
Institutional Activity Reflects Cautious Confidence
While short-term traders have trimmed exposure, institutional interest in QuantumScape is growing. Teacher Retirement System of Texas recently disclosed a new $236,000 position, acquiring 56,838 shares. Other recent institutional buyers include Heck Capital Advisors, Raiffeisen Bank International AG, and Cornerstone Wealth Management. Overall, institutional holders now own nearly 30% of QuantumScape stock.
These moves suggest that long-term investors see potential in the company’s battery roadmap, despite near-term volatility.
Investor Sentiment and Market Response
QuantumScape’s recent stock slide is partly due to shifting investor sentiment in the clean energy space. While the company gained momentum earlier this year on positive tech announcements, current trends have prompted analysts to reassess short-term expectations. The upcoming earnings call may help reset or reinforce guidance as the company moves closer to commercialization milestones.
Performance Overview Reflects Volatility Amid Innovation
QuantumScape’s stock has delivered a standout year-to-date (YTD) return of 143.64% as of July 21, 2025, crushing the S&P 500’s 7.62% gain during the same period. While its one-year return of 55.73% also outpaces the broader market’s 14.98%, long-term figures paint a more tempered picture. Over three years, QS has returned just 4.94%, falling far behind the S&P 500’s 58.29%.
The five-year performance shows a similar trend, with a 28.38% return compared to the S&P 500’s 94.33%. These figures illustrate QuantumScape’s high volatility, underscoring the speculative nature of investing in emerging battery technologies.
