S-1/A: Mullen Automotive Files S-1/A for Resale of 40 Million Shares, Highlighting Significant Dilution Risks and Nasdaq Listing Challenges

Sentiment:

Resale Registration Statement


Mullen Automotive Inc. has filed an amended registration statement to allow selling stockholders to resell up to 40 million shares, signaling substantial potential dilution for existing shareholders and ongoing struggles with Nasdaq listing compliance.

Capital raiseThe filing registers 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock for resale by Selling Stockholders, which are issuable upon conversion of convertible notes and exercise of warrants.As of June 24, 2025, approximately $33.5 million in aggregate principal and accumulated interest of Notes are outstanding, convertible into 29,611,238 shares.Warrants are exercisable for 68,208,933 shares on a cashless basis, with a maximum potential issuance of 8,288 million shares based on floor prices.The company will not receive any proceeds from the resale of these registered shares, and cash exercise of warrants is unlikely.The company has entered into multiple Securities Purchase Agreements (May 2024, January 2025, February 2025) for the issuance of Notes and Warrants, totaling initial principal amounts of approximately $52.6 million, $6.3 million, and $3.1 million, respectively.These agreements include additional investment rights, allowing investors to purchase further Notes and Warrants.An Equity Line of Credit (ELOC) Purchase Agreement with Esousa Holdings, LLC, allows Esousa to purchase up to $150,000,000 of Common Stock at the company's direction over a 36-month period from July 5, 2024.The CEO Performance Stock Award Agreements entitle the Chief Executive Officer to share-based awards, generally 1-3% of outstanding Common Stock, upon achievement of specific financial and operational targets.The company has 21,293,678 shares of Common Stock available for future issuance under its 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.

Summary

  • Mullen Automotive Inc. (MULN) filed an S-1/A registration statement for the resale of up to 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock by various Selling Stockholders.
  • These shares are issuable upon conversion of outstanding convertible notes and exercise of warrants from Securities Purchase Agreements dated May 14, 2024, January 23, 2025, and February 5, 2025.
  • As of June 24, 2025, approximately $33.5 million in aggregate principal and accumulated interest of Notes were outstanding, convertible into 29,611,238 shares of Common Stock.
  • Warrants outstanding as of June 24, 2025, were exercisable on a cashless basis for an aggregate of 68,208,933 shares of Common Stock.
  • The maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of Notes and cashless exercise of Warrants, based on price floors, is approximately 8,288 million.
  • Mullen will not receive any proceeds from the sale of these 40,000,000 Offered Shares by the Selling Stockholders, and cash exercise of Warrants is highly unlikely due to cashless exercise provisions.
  • Mullen is a Southern California-based technology and automotive company focused on building and delivering Commercial Trucks, having entered this business in late 2022.
  • The company acquired a 60% controlling interest in Bollinger Motors in September 2022 for $148.6 million (cash and stock), increasing to 66% by September 30, 2024, and 95% by June 2, 2025, providing entry into Class 1-6 commercial EV truck segments.
  • The Tunica, Mississippi manufacturing plant was equipped in 2023 and began shipping Class 3 trucks in September 2023 and Class 1 vans in November 2023.
  • Bollinger Motors commenced production of Class 4 trucks in September 2024 through a contract manufacturing relationship with Roush Enterprises in Livonia, Michigan.
  • Mullen acquired the assets of Romeo Battery to establish in-house manufacturing of battery modules and packs.
  • The Mullen FIVE, the company's planned consumer electric crossover, has been put on hold to focus resources on the commercial EV market.
  • The company has effected seven reverse stock splits since May 2023 to maintain Nasdaq listing compliance, including a 1-for-100 split on June 2, 2025.
  • Mullen received a Nasdaq notice on February 25, 2025, for non-compliance with the $35.0 million Market Value of Listed Securities (MVLS) minimum, with a deadline of August 25, 2025, to regain compliance.

Sentiment

Score: 2

Explanation: The document reveals severe dilution risks from outstanding convertible securities, a history of aggressive reverse stock splits to maintain Nasdaq listing, and ongoing non-compliance with Nasdaq's MVLS rule. The company will not receive proceeds from this offering, and its financial statements have a going concern explanatory paragraph. While there are operational updates in the commercial EV sector, these are heavily overshadowed by the precarious financial and capital structure issues.

Positives

  • Mullen has strategically shifted its focus and resources to the commercial EV market segment, believing it offers more opportunities and less current competition.
  • The acquisition of Bollinger Motors has provided Mullen with a portfolio of Class 1 to 6 commercial EV trucks.
  • The Tunica, Mississippi manufacturing plant is operational and has begun shipping Class 1 vans and Class 3 trucks.
  • Bollinger Motors has initiated production of Class 4 trucks through a contract manufacturing relationship with Roush Enterprises.
  • The purchase of Romeo Battery assets establishes in-house manufacturing capabilities for battery modules and packs.
  • A putative class action lawsuit (In re Mullen Automotive Inc. Securities Litigation) was dismissed with prejudice on June 20, 2025, following court approval of a settlement agreement.

Negatives

  • The registration of 40,000,000 shares for resale by Selling Stockholders, coupled with the potential issuance of up to 8,288 million shares from Notes and Warrants based on floor prices, poses a significant risk of substantial dilution to current stockholders.
  • The company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Offered Shares by the Selling Stockholders, and is unlikely to receive cash from warrant exercises due to the prevalence of cashless exercise provisions.
  • Mullen has a history of frequent reverse stock splits (seven since May 2023), which can undermine investor confidence and may not result in sustained stock price increases.
  • The company is currently non-compliant with Nasdaq's $35.0 million Market Value of Listed Securities (MVLS) requirement and other alternative listing standards, facing a potential delisting if compliance is not regained by August 25, 2025.
  • The terms of the Securities Purchase Agreements impose restrictions on Mullen's ability to issue new equity or equity-linked securities, potentially limiting future financing options.
  • The auditor's report on the consolidated financial statements contains an explanatory paragraph regarding the company's ability to continue as a going concern, indicating significant financial uncertainty.
  • Commitments to issue shares of Common Stock or convertible securities could encourage short sales, further depressing the stock price.

Risks

  • Substantial sales of Common Stock by Selling Stockholders or the perception of such sales could significantly decline the market price and increase volatility of the Common Stock.
  • The existence of an 'overhang' (a large number of shares available for sale) could cause the market price of Common Stock to fall and make it more difficult to raise additional financing through equity sales in the future.
  • Anti-dilution provisions in outstanding convertible preferred stock, notes, and warrants may cause significant dilution to existing stockholders by increasing the number of shares issuable upon conversion or exercise.
  • The issuance of additional Common Stock upon conversion of Notes, exercise of Warrants, or sales pursuant to the ELOC Purchase Agreement will dilute the percentage ownership interest and book value per share of existing stockholders, which could depress the market price.
  • Cashless exercise of Warrants will result in substantial dilution to stockholders without providing any cash proceeds to the company.
  • Commitments to issue shares of Common Stock could encourage short sales by third parties, exacerbating any decline in the stock price.
  • Restrictions on issuing new equity securities under the Securities Purchase Agreements may prevent the company from obtaining necessary financing, potentially forcing delays, limitations, reductions, or termination of product development or other operations.
  • The company may not be able to maintain compliance with the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market, including the minimum bid price and Market Value of Listed Securities (MVLS) rules, leading to potential delisting.
  • Delisting from Nasdaq to the OTC Markets would make it more difficult for stockholders to dispose of shares, obtain accurate price quotations, and could adversely affect the company's ability to raise future financing.
  • Future reverse stock splits, while intended to increase share price for Nasdaq compliance, may decrease the liquidity of Common Stock and may not result in a permanent or sustained increase in market price.
  • The current economic environment and the company's debt burden could limit its ability to raise new equity capital in the future.

Future Outlook

Mullen Automotive is focusing its efforts and resources on the commercial EV market segment, believing it presents more opportunities. The company intends to continue efforts to maintain its Nasdaq listing, including potentially effecting additional reverse stock splits in the future. The company is obligated to keep the registration statement effective for the resale of securities.

Management Comments

  • Mullen FIVE, the company's first planned consumer electric crossover, has been put on hold as Mullen focuses its efforts and resources on the commercial EV market segment that we believe has more opportunities.

Industry Context

Mullen Automotive's strategic pivot to the commercial EV truck market positions it in a segment that the company believes has less current competition compared to the consumer EV market. This focus aligns with the broader trend of increasing demand for electric commercial vehicles, driven by fleet electrification goals and environmental regulations. The acquisition of Bollinger Motors and the establishment of manufacturing capabilities for Class 1-6 trucks indicate an intent to capture a significant share in this specialized niche.

Comparison to Industry Standards

  • The document does not provide specific comparisons to other companies' financial results, operational benchmarks, or project outcomes within the EV industry.

Corporate Governance

Change TypeDescriptionEffective DateImpact Assessment
Shareholder Rights PlanThe company has a Rights Agreement (poison pill) in place, declared May 1, 2024, and amended on February 5, 2025, and April 29, 2025. This agreement issues one right per share of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, exercisable to purchase Series A-1 Junior Participating Preferred Stock, designed to prevent any person from acquiring 10% or more beneficial ownership without board approval.2024-05-01Intended to deter hostile takeovers and protect shareholder value by making it more expensive for an 'Acquiring Person' to gain control, but can also entrench current management.
Board Discretion on Rights AgreementThe Board of Directors has the sole discretion to determine 'Exempt Persons' or exempt specific transactions from triggering the Rights Agreement.Provides flexibility to the board in managing potential control changes, but also allows for selective application of the anti-takeover provisions.
Anti-Takeover Provisions (Delaware Law)The company is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits certain business combinations with an 'interested stockholder' (owning 15% or more of voting stock) for three years, unless specific conditions are met.Further discourages unsolicited acquisition proposals and potential changes in control, potentially limiting opportunities for stockholders to sell shares at a premium.
Bylaw Restrictions on Special MeetingsOnly the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President (in absence of CEO) may call special meetings of stockholders.Limits the ability of individual stockholders or groups to force special meetings to address urgent matters or propose changes.
No Cumulative VotingThe Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.Allows holders of a majority of outstanding capital stock to elect all directors, potentially limiting minority shareholder representation on the board.
Amendment Requirements for Charter/BylawsAmendments to certain provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws generally require the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the outstanding voting stock.Provides a standard level of protection against easy changes to foundational corporate documents.
Authorized but Unissued StockThe company has a significant number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock available for future issuance without stockholder approval.Provides flexibility for future capital raises or acquisitions but also creates potential for significant dilution of existing stockholders and can be used to make a change-in-control more difficult.

Legal Proceedings

  • On June 20, 2025, the United States District Court for the Central District of California granted approval of the Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement entered into on August 14, 2024, dismissing with prejudice the claims asserted in the putative class action lawsuit (In re Mullen Automotive Inc. Securities Litigation).

Related Party Transactions

  • The ELOC Purchase Agreement was entered into with Esousa Holdings, LLC, which is listed as a Selling Stockholder and whose managing member, Michael Wachs, may be deemed to beneficially own shares.
  • CEO Performance Stock Award Agreements entitle David Michery, the Chief Executive Officer, to share-based awards.
  • Ault Lending, a previous holder of Series E Preferred Stock, exchanged its shares for Notes and Warrants on July 8, 2024.
  • A settlement agreement dated October 21, 2024, involved the issuance of Common Stock to a note holder in exchange for the satisfaction and cancellation of secured promissory notes.

Stakeholder Impact

  • **Shareholders**: Face significant potential dilution from the conversion of notes and exercise of warrants, which could depress the stock price. They also bear the risk of Nasdaq delisting and reduced liquidity due to multiple reverse stock splits.
  • **Selling Stockholders**: Will be able to resell a large number of shares, potentially realizing value from their investments, but their sales could contribute to downward pressure on the stock price.
  • **Company (Mullen Automotive Inc.)**: Will not receive direct proceeds from the resale of these shares, necessitating other financing avenues. The company's strategic focus on commercial EVs and efforts to maintain Nasdaq listing are critical for its long-term viability.
  • **Creditors (Noteholders/Warrantholders)**: The Notes are senior secured, providing a level of protection. The ability to convert notes and exercise warrants, especially on a cashless basis, allows them to realize value from their investment.
  • **Employees**: The CEO Performance Stock Award is tied to company value, potentially incentivizing management, but overall employee morale could be impacted by stock price volatility and financial uncertainty.
  • **Customers/Suppliers**: While not directly impacted by this filing, the company's financial health and ability to secure future funding could affect its production capabilities, product development, and ability to fulfill orders or pay suppliers.

Next Steps

  • Selling Stockholders may proceed with the resale of the 40,000,000 registered shares of Common Stock.
  • The company will continue efforts to regain and maintain compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, including potentially effecting additional reverse stock splits.
  • The company has until August 25, 2025, to regain compliance with Nasdaq's Market Value of Listed Securities (MVLS) rule.
  • The company is required to keep the registration statement continuously effective for the resale of the registered securities.
  • The company may file further amendments to the registration statement as necessary.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2010-04-20Company originally formed as a developer and manufacturer of electric vehicle technology.
2021-11-05Company completed a reverse merger transaction with Net Element, Inc., changing its name to Mullen Automotive Inc.
2022-09-07Acquisition of Bollinger Motors announced for a 60% controlling interest.
2023-05-04Company effected a 1-for-25 reverse stock split.
2023-08-11Company effected a 1-for-9 reverse stock split.
2023-09-01Tunica Mississippi manufacturing plant began shipping Class 3 trucks.
2023-11-01Tunica Mississippi manufacturing plant began shipping Class 1 vans.
2023-12-21Company effected a 1-for-100 reverse stock split.
2024-05-01Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one right (a Right) for each outstanding share of Common Stock and Preferred Stock.
2024-05-13Record date for the Rights dividend distribution.
2024-05-14Company entered into Securities Purchase Agreement for approximately $52.6 million in 5% Original Issue Discount Senior Secured Notes and Warrants.
2024-05-21Company entered into the ELOC Purchase Agreement with Esousa Holdings, LLC.
2024-07-05Commencement date for the ELOC Purchase Agreement.
2024-07-08Ault Lending exchanged all of its Series E Preferred Stock for Notes and Warrants.
2024-07-09Investors purchased an additional aggregate principal amount of $10.5 million of 2024 Notes and received 2024 Warrants.
2024-07-15Investors purchased an additional aggregate principal amount of $29.0 million of 2024 Notes and received 2024 Warrants.
2024-07-26Stock purchase agreement signed for additional investment in Bollinger Motors.
2024-08-14Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement entered into for the putative class action lawsuit.
2024-08-27Company issued 13,816,105 shares of Common Stock to Esousa as commitment shares pursuant to the ELOC Purchase Agreement.
2024-09-12Company issued an additional 10,977,300 shares of Common Stock to Esousa pursuant to the ELOC Purchase Agreement.
2024-09-17Company implemented a 1-for-100 reverse stock split.
2024-09-25Investors purchased additional initial aggregate principal amount of approximately $13.2 million of 2024 Notes and received 2024 Warrants.
2024-09-30Company's controlling interest of Bollinger Motors increased to 66% on a fully diluted basis.
2024-10-02Investors purchased additional initial aggregate principal amount of approximately $13.2 million of 2024 Notes and received 2024 Warrants.
2024-10-16Company announced regaining compliance with the Nasdaq Bid Price Rule.
2024-10-23Company issued 502,066 shares of Common Stock.
2024-10-31End date for the period during which the Company issued 975,000 shares of Common Stock as part of a settlement agreement.
2024-12-12Certain investors purchased an additional aggregate principal amount of approximately $4.6 million of 2024 Notes and received 2024 Warrants.
2024-12-26Company issued an additional aggregate principal amount of approximately $4.2 million of Notes and Warrants.
2024-12-30Company issued an additional aggregate principal amount of approximately $4.2 million of Notes and Warrants.
2024-12-31An investor purchased an additional aggregate principal amount of approximately $5.3 million of 2024 Notes and received 2024 Warrants.
2025-01-15Company received a Nasdaq notice for non-compliance with timely filing of periodic financial reports (Annual Report on Form 10-K).
2025-01-23Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement for approximately $6.3 million of Notes and Warrants.
2025-01-24Company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
2025-02-05Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement for approximately $3.1 million of Notes and Warrants.
2025-02-07Company and certain investors entered into a Warrant Exchange Agreement.
2025-02-18Company effected a 1-for-60 reverse stock split.
2025-02-19Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2024, filed.
2025-02-20Company issued an additional aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.6 million of Notes and Warrants.
2025-02-24Certain investors purchased an additional aggregate principal amount of approximately $2.1 million of Notes and Warrants.
2025-02-25Company received a written notice from Nasdaq regarding Market Value of Listed Securities (MVLS) non-compliance.
2025-03-06Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement for approximately $4.0 million of Notes and Warrants.
2025-03-20Company issued an additional aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.6 million of Notes and Warrants.
2025-03-28Company issued an additional aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.6 million of Notes and Warrants.
2025-04-04Company issued an additional aggregate principal amount of approximately $526 thousand of Notes and Warrants.
2025-04-11Company effected a 1-for-100 reverse stock split.
2025-05-16Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement for approximately $1.6 million of Notes and Warrants.
2025-05-20Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025, filed.
2025-05-29Company entered into two Securities Purchase Agreements for approximately $2.7 million and $11.6 million of Notes and Warrants.
2025-06-02Company acquired additional shares increasing its ownership of Bollinger Motors to 95%.
2025-06-02Company implemented a 1-for-100 reverse stock split.
2025-06-13Company filed a preliminary proxy statement for a special meeting of stockholders seeking approval for a future reverse stock split.
2025-06-20United States District Court for the Central District of California granted approval of the settlement and dismissed the class action lawsuit with prejudice.
2025-06-24Date used for calculations of outstanding Notes, Warrants, and beneficial ownership.
2025-06-27Last reported sale price of Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market was $0.595 per share.
2025-06-30Filing date of the S-1/A Registration Statement.
2025-08-25Deadline for the company to regain compliance with Nasdaq's MVLS Listing Rule.
2025-12-12End of the one-year period for the New Additional Investment Right.
2025-12-31End of the one-year period for the December 31 Additional Investment Right.
2026-05-01Expiration date of the Rights, unless redeemed or exchanged earlier.

Recommendation

sell

Keywords

Mullen Automotive, MULN, SEC filing, S-1/A, convertible notes, warrants, stock dilution, Nasdaq listing, reverse stock split, electric vehicles, commercial trucks, Bollinger Motors, EV manufacturing, capital raise, financial risk, corporate governance

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