QuantumScape Corporation (QS): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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QuantumScape Corporation (QS) Information


A Brief History of QuantumScape Corporation

QuantumScape Corporation, founded in 2010, has made significant strides in the development of solid-state battery technology. The company's mission focuses on revolutionizing energy storage to enable electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve greater range and safety.

Initial Public Offering

QuantumScape went public on November 30, 2020, through a merger with Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). This transaction valued the company at approximately $3.3 billion.

Financial Performance as of 2024

As of September 30, 2024, QuantumScape reported a net loss of $363.3 million for the nine months ended, compared to a loss of $331.7 million for the same period in 2023, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase in net loss.

Financial Metric 2024 (9 Months) 2023 (9 Months) Change (%)
Net Loss $363,280,000 $331,740,000 10%
Research and Development Expenses $278,587,000 $251,548,000 11%
General and Administrative Expenses $117,929,000 $102,842,000 15%
Total Operating Expenses $396,516,000 $354,390,000 12%

Research and Development

In 2024, QuantumScape's research and development expenses totaled $278.6 million, marking a significant investment in advancing their battery technology. The increase was driven primarily by personnel costs and materials related to battery development.

Cash Flow and Liquidity

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, QuantumScape reported cash used in operating activities of $215.9 million, an increase from $182.6 million in the same period in 2023. This cash flow was primarily impacted by the net loss and adjustments for non-cash expenses.

Cash Flow Category 2024 (9 Months) 2023 (9 Months)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities $215,898,000 $182,551,000
Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities $237,942,000 ($98,564,000)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities $10,137,000 $297,071,000

Market Position and Future Outlook

QuantumScape is positioning itself as a leader in the solid-state battery market, which is expected to grow significantly as the demand for electric vehicles increases. The company's technology promises to improve battery safety and performance, making it a key player in the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

As of September 30, 2024, QuantumScape's total stockholders' equity was reported at $1.1 billion, with total liabilities of $161.4 million.

Balance Sheet Item Amount
Total Stockholders' Equity $1,110,625,000
Total Liabilities $161,352,000


A Who Owns QuantumScape Corporation (QS)

Ownership Structure

As of September 30, 2024, the ownership structure of QuantumScape Corporation is concentrated among a few key stockholders. Executive officers, directors, and their affiliates collectively own approximately 29.3% of the outstanding Class A Common Stock and 93.6% of the Class B Common Stock. This concentration results in these shareholders holding about 63.9% of the voting power within the company.

Major Shareholders

The following table outlines the major shareholders of QuantumScape Corporation:

Shareholder Class A Ownership (%) Class B Ownership (%) Total Voting Power (%)
Volkswagen AG 29.3% 93.6% 63.9%
Executive Officers and Directors 29.3% 93.6% 63.9%

Control and Governance

Volkswagen AG, as a significant shareholder, has the right to designate two members to the Board of Directors of QuantumScape. Currently, Dr. Günther Mendl and Sebastian Schebera represent Volkswagen on the board. This level of control allows these shareholders to influence key corporate decisions, including director elections and amendments to the company’s corporate structure.

Stock Performance and Financial Overview

QuantumScape has faced financial challenges, with a net loss attributable to common stockholders of approximately $119.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and $363.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The company has not yet generated revenue from its operations, and it has accumulated a deficit of about $3.2 billion since inception.

Market Position and Future Outlook

QuantumScape is focused on developing next-generation battery technology, particularly for electric vehicles. As of the latest financial reports, the company has significant cash reserves, with cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $192.8 million as of September 30, 2024. It has also reported a total stockholders’ equity of approximately $1.11 billion at the same date.



QuantumScape Corporation (QS) Mission Statement

The mission of QuantumScape Corporation is to revolutionize energy storage to enable a sustainable future. The company is developing next-generation battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs) and other applications. It aims to create lithium-metal solid-state batteries that offer greater energy density, faster charging, and enhanced safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Financial Overview

As of September 30, 2024, QuantumScape has reported an accumulated deficit of approximately $3.24 billion since its inception. The company has not generated revenue from its principal business activities and continues to operate at a loss.

Financial Metrics Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Net Loss $119.7 million $110.6 million $363.3 million $331.7 million
Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share $(0.23) $(0.23) $(0.72) $(0.73)
Research and Development Expenses $96.99 million $88.15 million $278.59 million $251.55 million
General and Administrative Expenses $33.16 million $32.72 million $117.93 million $102.84 million
Total Operating Expenses $130.16 million $120.87 million $396.52 million $354.39 million

Cash Flow Analysis

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, QuantumScape reported the following cash flow metrics:

Cash Flow Activities 2024 2023
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities $(215.90 million) $(182.55 million)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities $237.94 million $(98.56 million)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities $10.14 million $297.07 million

Stockholder Equity

As of September 30, 2024, QuantumScape's stockholders' equity was approximately $1.11 billion, reflecting a decrease from the prior year.

Equity Components Amount (in Thousands)
Common Stock $51
Additional Paid-In Capital $4,353,487
Accumulated Deficit $(3,243,852)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income $939
Total Stockholders' Equity $1,110,625

Research and Development Focus

QuantumScape is focused on advancing its battery technology, with significant investments in research and development. As of September 30, 2024, the company has incurred approximately $278.59 million in R&D expenses for the year.

Market Position and Future Outlook

QuantumScape remains in a development phase with no revenue generation to date, but it aims to achieve significant production of its solid-state batteries in the future. The company has delivered prototype battery cells for testing to automotive manufacturers, marking a critical step towards commercialization.



How QuantumScape Corporation (QS) Works

Business Overview

QuantumScape Corporation focuses on developing next-generation battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs). The company is working on lithium-metal solid-state batteries, which are designed to offer greater energy density, faster charging, and enhanced safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Financial Performance

As of September 30, 2024, QuantumScape reported a net loss of approximately $363.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of $331.7 million for the same period in 2023. The accumulated deficit from inception through September 30, 2024, amounts to approximately $3.2 billion.

Financial Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change (%)
Net Loss $119.7 million $110.6 million 8%
Operating Expenses $130.2 million $120.9 million 10.8%
Research and Development Expenses $96.99 million $88.15 million 10.5%
General and Administrative Expenses $33.16 million $32.72 million 1.3%

Cash Flow Analysis

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, QuantumScape reported net cash used in operating activities of $215.9 million, compared to $182.6 million for the same period in 2023. The company generated net cash provided by investing activities of $237.9 million, primarily from the maturity and sale of marketable securities.

Cash Flow Category Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities $(215.9 million) $(182.6 million)
Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities $237.9 million $(98.6 million)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities $10.1 million $297.1 million

Research and Development

QuantumScape's R&D expenses increased due to higher personnel costs and investments in battery technology development. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, R&D expenses totaled $96.99 million, up from $88.15 million in Q3 2023, primarily driven by:

  • Increased personnel costs: $4.7 million
  • Higher depreciation and amortization: $3.4 million
  • Increased material supplies and equipment: $2.9 million

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2024, QuantumScape had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaling $192.8 million. The company’s marketable securities amounted to approximately $841.0 million, providing a buffer for ongoing operations and R&D investments.

Liquidity Metric As of September 30, 2024
Cash and Cash Equivalents $174.7 million
Marketable Securities $841.0 million
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash $192.8 million

Stockholder Equity

As of September 30, 2024, QuantumScape's total stockholders' equity stood at $1.11 billion. The company continues to fund its operations primarily through equity financing, with a recent public offering netting approximately $288.2 million.

Equity Metric As of September 30, 2024
Total Stockholders’ Equity $1.11 billion
Accumulated Deficit $(3.24 billion)
Additional Paid-In Capital $4.35 billion

Operational Challenges

QuantumScape faces significant challenges as a pre-revenue company, including:

  • High operational costs associated with R&D and production scaling.
  • Dependence on successful partnerships and technology validation from automotive OEMs.
  • Ongoing financial losses, with expectations of continued losses until significant production begins.

The company's transition from a joint venture model to licensing arrangements is expected to lower costs and capital requirements, enhancing its financial outlook moving forward.



How QuantumScape Corporation (QS) Makes Money

Business Model Overview

QuantumScape Corporation operates in the electric vehicle (EV) battery technology sector, focusing on developing solid-state lithium-metal batteries. As of 2024, the company has yet to generate revenue from its operations but anticipates revenue generation through several avenues:

  • Direct sales of battery cells to automotive manufacturers.
  • Licensing agreements for its technology.
  • Potential joint ventures with established players in the automotive industry.

Financial Performance

As of September 30, 2024, QuantumScape reported significant financial metrics reflecting its early-stage development phase:

Financial Metric 2024 Q3 2023 Q3 2024 Nine Months 2023 Nine Months
Net Loss $119.7 million $110.6 million $363.3 million $331.7 million
Basic & Diluted Loss per Share $(0.23) $(0.23) $(0.72) $(0.73)
Accumulated Deficit $3.24 billion $2.88 billion $3.24 billion $2.88 billion
Cash and Cash Equivalents $192.8 million $268.9 million $192.8 million $268.9 million

Research and Development Expenses

Investment in research and development (R&D) is critical for QuantumScape as it seeks to advance its battery technology. The company reported the following R&D expenses:

Expense Type 2024 Q3 2023 Q3 2024 Nine Months 2023 Nine Months
R&D Expenses $96.99 million $88.15 million $278.59 million $251.55 million
Stock-Based Compensation (R&D) $25.95 million $23.98 million $74.77 million $71.39 million

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses have also increased, contributing to the net losses reported by the company:

Expense Type 2024 Q3 2023 Q3 2024 Nine Months 2023 Nine Months
Total Operating Expenses $130.16 million $120.87 million $396.52 million $354.39 million
General and Administrative Expenses $33.16 million $32.72 million $117.93 million $102.84 million

Cash Flow Analysis

The cash flow situation of QuantumScape reflects its reliance on external funding to support operations:

Cash Flow Category 2024 Nine Months 2023 Nine Months
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities $(215.90 million) $(182.55 million)
Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities $237.94 million $(98.56 million)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities $10.14 million $297.07 million

Market Opportunities

QuantumScape is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for EV batteries, with strategic partnerships and technological advancements aimed at achieving market entry. The company aims to achieve:

  • Delivery of significant quantities of battery cells to automotive manufacturers.
  • Licensing agreements to utilize its technology in other manufacturing processes.
  • Collaboration with major automotive OEMs for co-development of battery technologies.

Future Outlook

While QuantumScape has not yet achieved revenue, its operational strategy focuses on scaling production capabilities and entering licensing agreements, which are expected to drive future revenue streams.

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Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • QuantumScape Corporation (QS) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of QuantumScape Corporation (QS)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View QuantumScape Corporation (QS)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.