Mullen Announces $150 Million Financing Commitment

Rhea-AI Summary

Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) announces a $150 million financing commitment to support its operations and expansion over the next 13 months. The company received $100 million from a family office and sold $50 million in senior secured convertible notes to high-net-worth investors. This funding will support Mullen's and Bollinger Motors' operations, including the production of the Bollinger B4 vehicle. Recent advancements include approval from the California Air Resource Board (CARB) for the Mullen THREE Class 3 EV truck, allowing for up to $45,000 in cash vouchers per purchase. Mullen has also expanded its commercial dealer network by partnering with Pritchard EV and National Auto Fleet Group. Additionally, its Tunica, Mississippi, manufacturing center received Foreign Trade Zone Status, allowing deferment and elimination of certain duties.

Positive

• $150 million financing commitment strengthens Mullen's financial position.
• Funding supports operations and expansion for the next 13 months.
• Bollinger Motors' B4 vehicle production is secured.
• CARB HVIP approval for Mullen THREE, enabling $45,000 cash vouchers per purchase.
• Expansion of commercial dealer network with Pritchard EV and National Auto Fleet Group.
• Foreign Trade Zone Status for Tunica, Mississippi, offering duty deferment and elimination.

Negative

• Issued $50 million in senior secured convertible notes, potentially diluting existing shareholders.
• Dependence on continuous financing to sustain operations.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The $150 million financing commitment is a substantial financial development for Mullen Automotive. It ensures the company has adequate cash flow to cover operations for the next 13 months, which includes funding for Bollinger Motors' B4 vehicle production. This is especially critical for companies in the EV sector, where capital-intensive R&D and production are ongoing challenges.

The structure of this financing, involving a $100 million commitment from a family office and an additional $50 million through senior secured convertible notes, indicates confidence from sophisticated investors. Convertible notes offer investors a level of protection and potential upside if Mullen's stock appreciates, which is a positive sign for retail investors.

However, it's essential to consider potential dilution of existing shares. Convertible notes, when converted, increase the number of outstanding shares, potentially affecting share value. Investors should weigh this against the operational benefits and potential growth stemming from this capital infusion.

In the short-term, the financing provides stability, but in the long-term, successful execution of their expansion plans and hitting milestones like B4 vehicle production will be critical.

Market Research Analyst

Mullen's recent announcements, including the California Air Resource Board (CARB) HVIP approval for the Mullen THREE and expansion of its commercial dealer network, are significant. The HVIP approval means that buyers of the Mullen THREE can receive up to $45,000 in vouchers, potentially boosting sales by making their vehicles more affordable. Incentives like these are important in the competitive EV market to drive adoption.

Adding dealers like Pritchard EV and National Auto Fleet Group improves Mullen’s market reach, especially in key U.S. regions like the Midwest and West Coast. This geographical diversification helps mitigate risks associated with market dependency and can stabilize revenue streams.

The Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) status for its Tunica, Mississippi manufacturing center is also strategically beneficial. FTZ status can significantly reduce operational costs by deferring or eliminating import duties, which improves Mullen’s cost structure and competitiveness, especially in international markets.

While these developments are promising, execution remains key. Investors should monitor the company’s ability to capitalize on these opportunities and to meet production and sales targets.

$150 million capital infusion allows Mullen and Bollinger to operate and expand domestic and international commercial sales efforts

These commitments satisfy the Company’s capital needs over the next 13 months

BREA, Calif., May 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN -- Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) (“Mullen” or the “Company”), an electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer, announces today the Company has received a $100 million financing commitment from a family office and has sold up to an additional $50 million of senior secured convertible notes to family offices and high net worth investors. These commitments satisfy the Company’s capital needs over the next 13 months. The Company sold such investors $12.5 million in notes on May 14, 2024.  

With the $150 million funding commitment, the Company has enough cash and cash equivalents to fund operations over the next 13 months for both Mullen and Bollinger Motors, which includes Bollinger Motors B4 vehicle production.

Mullen has recently announced several advancements including, California Air Resource Board (CARB) HVIP approval on the Mullen THREE, Class 3 EV truck and providing up to $45,000 cash voucher at time of vehicle purchase. The Company has also recently expanded its commercial dealer network with the addition of Pritchard EV and National Auto Fleet Group. The new dealers are all leaders in commercial, fleet and EV sales and service with key U.S. markets added in the Midwest and West Coast. The Company also recently announced Foreign Trade Zone Status approval for its Tunica, Mississippi, commercial vehicle manufacturing center. FTZ approval provides a number of benefits, including deferment of duties owed and elimination of duties on exported vehicles.

About Mullen
Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) is a Southern California-based automotive company building the next generation of commercial electric vehicles (“EVs”) with two United States-based vehicle plants located in Tunica, Mississippi, (120,000 square feet) and Mishawaka, Indiana (650,000 square feet). In August 2023, Mullen began commercial vehicle production in Tunica. In September 2023, Mullen received IRS approval for federal EV tax credits on its commercial vehicles with a Qualified Manufacturer designation that offers eligible customers up to $7,500 per vehicle. As of January 2024, both the Mullen ONE, a Class 1 EV cargo van, and Mullen THREE, a Class 3 EV cab chassis truck, are California Air Resource Board (CARB) and EPA certified and available for sale in the U.S.

To learn more about the Company, visit www.MullenUSA.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "expected," "plans," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Mullen and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the anticipated timing of receipt of the funding, whether such funding will be sufficient to meet the needs of the Company and its affiliated entities for the anticipated period referenced or otherwise and the impact to the Company and its shareholders as a result of the Note sale and the funding. Additional examples of such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: (i) Mullen’s ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (ii) Mullen's ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with manufacturers, parts and other service providers relating to its business; (iii) Mullen’s ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (iv) Mullen’s ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (v) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (vi) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (vii) adverse effects of increased competition on Mullen’s business; (viii) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Mullen’s business; (ix) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Mullen’s business; (x) Mullen’s ability to protect its intellectual property; and (xi) local, industry and general business and economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Mullen with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mullen anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Mullen assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Mullen’s plans and expectations as of any subsequent date.

Contact:
Mullen Automotive, Inc.
+1 (714) 613-1900
www.MullenUSA.com

Corporate Communications:
InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN)
Los Angeles, California
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
310.299.1717 Office
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

Attachment

• The Mullen THREE, Commercial Class 3 EV Truck with Stake Body Upfit

FAQ

What recent financing commitment has Mullen Automotive (MULN) announced?

Mullen Automotive announced a $150 million financing commitment, including $100 million from a family office and $50 million from senior secured convertible notes.

How will Mullen Automotive use the $150 million financing?

The financing will support Mullen's and Bollinger Motors' operations and expansion efforts over the next 13 months, including the production of the Bollinger B4 vehicle.

What recent approval did the Mullen THREE Class 3 EV truck receive?

The Mullen THREE Class 3 EV truck received California Air Resource Board (CARB) HVIP approval, enabling up to $45,000 in cash vouchers per purchase.

Which new dealers have joined Mullen Automotive's commercial network?

Pritchard EV and National Auto Fleet Group have joined Mullen's commercial dealer network.

What benefits does the Foreign Trade Zone Status provide to Mullen's Tunica manufacturing center?

The Foreign Trade Zone Status allows Mullen to defer and eliminate certain duties on exported vehicles from its Tunica, Mississippi, manufacturing center.