o
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
For the quarterly period ended
or
For the transition period from ____ to ___
Commission file number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
The |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ ☐ NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ ☐ NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ |
Smaller reporting company | |
Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
As of February 9, 2024, a total of
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
MULLEN AUTOMOTIVE INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(in USD, except per share data)
(unaudited)
| December 31, 2023 |
| September 30, 2023 | |||
ASSETS |
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CURRENT ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents | $ | | $ | | ||
Restricted cash | | | ||||
Accounts receivable | — | | ||||
Inventory | | | ||||
Prepaid expenses and prepaid inventories | | | ||||
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS |
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Property, plant, and equipment, net |
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Intangible assets, net |
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Related party receivable | | | ||||
Right-of-use assets |
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Goodwill, net | | | ||||
Other non-current assets |
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TOTAL ASSETS | $ | | $ | | ||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
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CURRENT LIABILITIES |
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Accounts payable | $ | | $ | | ||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
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Dividends payable | | | ||||
Derivative liabilities | | | ||||
Liability to issue shares | | | ||||
Lease liabilities, current portion |
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Notes payable, current portion | | | ||||
Refundable deposits | | | ||||
Other current liabilities |
| — |
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TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES |
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Liability to issue shares, net of current portion | | | ||||
Lease liabilities, net of current portion |
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Deferred tax liability | | | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | $ | | $ | | ||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 19) |
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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
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Preferred stock; $ |
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Preferred Series D; | | | ||||
Preferred Series C; | | | ||||
Preferred Series A; | | |
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and $ | ||||||
Common stock; $ |
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Additional paid-in capital (*) |
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Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | ||||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDERS | | | ||||
Noncontrolling interest |
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TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | | $ | | ||
(*) Adjusted retroactively for reverse stock splits, see Note 1 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
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MULLEN AUTOMOTIVE INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in USD, except per share data)
(unaudited)
| Three months ended December 31, | ||||||
2023 |
| 2022 |
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Operating expenses: |
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General and administrative | $ | | $ | | |||
Research and development | | | |||||
Loss from operations |
| ( |
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Other income (expense): | |||||||
Other financing costs - initial recognition of derivative liabilities |
| — |
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Loss on derivative liability revaluation | ( | ( | |||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net |
| — |
| ( | |||
Gain on sale of fixed assets | | — | |||||
Gain on lease termination | | — | |||||
Interest expense |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Other income, net |
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Net loss before income tax benefit | ( | ( | |||||
Income tax benefit | | | |||||
Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | ( | ( | |||||
Net loss attributable to stockholders | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Accrued accumulated preferred dividends | ( | ( | |||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders after preferred dividends | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Net Loss per Share | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
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MULLEN AUTOMOTIVE INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in USD, except per share data)
(unaudited)
Preferred Stock, total |
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| (see Note 9 for details) | Common Stock | Paid-in | Accumulated | Noncontrolling | Stockholders' | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Deficit |
| Interest |
| Equity | |||||||
Balance, October 1, 2022 | |
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Share-based compensation issued to management, directors, employees, and consultants | — |
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Shares issued to extinguish penalty | — |
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Cashless warrant exercise | — |
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Surplus common stock issued on cashless warrant exercise | — |
| — | | | | — | — | | |||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock for conversion of preferred stock | ( |
| ( | | — | | — | — | | |||||||||||||
Dividends accumulated on preferred stock | — |
| — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||
Other transactions | — |
| — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||
Shares issued to settle note payable | — |
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Shares issued for convertible notes | — |
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Preferred shares issued to officers | |
| — | — | — | | — | — | | |||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | — |
| — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to stockholders | — |
| — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 | |
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Balance, October 1, 2023 | |
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Cashless warrant exercise | — |
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Share-based compensation | — |
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Dividends accumulated on preferred stock | — |
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Shares issued to avoid fractional shares on reverse stock split | — |
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Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | — |
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| — | ( | ( | ||||||||||
Net loss attributable to stockholders | — |
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| ( | — | ( | ||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2023 | |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
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MULLEN AUTOMOTIVE INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in USD, except per share data)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
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Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
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Stock-based compensation |
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Revaluation of derivative liabilities |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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Amortization of debt discount | |
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Deferred income taxes | ( | ( | ||||
Other gains | ( |
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Other financing costs - initial recognition of derivative liabilities | — |
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Gain on conversion of derivative liabilities to common stock | — |
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Non-cash financing loss on over-exercise of warrants | — | | ||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
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Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
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Accounts receivable | |
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Inventories |
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Prepaids and other assets |
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Accounts payable | |
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Accrued expenses and other liabilities | ( |
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Right of use assets and lease liabilities | ( | | ||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
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Purchase of equipment |
| ( |
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Purchase of intangible assets |
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ELMS assets purchase | — | ( | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
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Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes payable |
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Net cash provided by financing activities |
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Change in cash |
| ( |
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Cash and restricted cash (in amount of $ |
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Cash and restricted cash (in amount of $ | $ | | $ | | ||
Supplemental disclosure of Cash Flow information: |
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Cash paid for interest | $ | — | $ | | ||
Supplemental Disclosure for Non-Cash Activities: |
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Exercise of warrants recognized earlier as liabilities | $ | | $ | | ||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange of operating lease liabilities | $ | | $ | — | ||
Convertible notes and interest - conversion to common stock | $ | — | $ | | ||
Debt conversion to common stock | $ | — | $ | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
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NOTE 1 –DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Description of Business
Mullen Automotive Inc., a Delaware corporation (“MAI”, “Mullen”, “we” or the “Company”), is a Southern California-based development-stage electric vehicle company that operates in various verticals of businesses focused within the automotive industry.
Mullen Automotive Inc., a California corporation (“Previous Mullen”), was originally formed on April 20 2010, as a developer and manufacturer of electric vehicle technology and operated as the Electric Vehicle (“EV”) division of Mullen Technologies, Inc. (“MTI”) until November 5, 2021, at which time Previous Mullen underwent a capitalization and corporate reorganization by way of a spin-off to its shareholders, followed by a reverse merger with and into Net Element, Inc., which was accounted for as a reverse merger transaction, in which Previous Mullen was treated as the acquirer for financial accounting purposes. (the “Merger”). The Company changed its name from “Net Element, Inc.” to “Mullen Automotive Inc” and the Nasdaq ticker symbol for the Company’s common stock changed from “NETE” to “MULN” on the Nasdaq Capital Market at the opening of trading on November 5, 2021.
Mullen is building and delivering the newest generation of commercial trucks. We also have a portfolio of high-performance passenger vehicles in various stages of product development for launch in subsequent years.
Acquisition of controlling interest in Bollinger Motors, Inc. in September 2022 positioned Mullen into the medium duty truck classes 4-6, along with the Sport Utility and Pick Up Trucks EV segments. First Bollinger class 4 trucks are expected to be sold in late 2024.
In October 2022, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved acquisition of ELMS’ (Electric Last Mile Solutions) assets in an all-cash purchase. With this transaction, Mullen acquired ELMS’ manufacturing plant in Mishawaka, Indiana and all the intellectual property needed to engineer and build Class 1 and Class 3 electric vehicles. First vehicles produced in our Tunica, Mississippi plant were delivered to customers during August, 2023.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries Mullen Investment Properties LLC, a Mississippi corporation, Ottava Automotive, Inc., a California corporation, Mullen Real Estate, LLC, a Delaware corporation, Mullen Advanced Energy Operations, LLC, a California corporation as well as a
These unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements are prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The consolidated condensed financial statements include all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments and transactions or events discretely impacting the interim periods, considered necessary by management to fairly state our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with
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the audited consolidated condensed financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2023. Certain columns and rows may not add due to rounding.
Reverse Stock Splits
In January 2023, the Company’s stockholders, in an effort for the Company to regain compliance with NASDAQ listing rules, approved a proposal to authorize the Board of the Company (the “Board”) to implement a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock at a ratio up to 1-for-
. Pursuant to such authority granted by the Company’s stockholders, the Board approved a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock at a rate of 1-for- shares of common stock, which resulted in a reduction in the number of outstanding shares of common stock and a proportionate increase in the value of each share. The common stock began trading on a reverse split-adjusted basis on the NASDAQ on May 4, 2023.In August 2023, the Company’s stockholders approved a proposal to authorize the Board to implement a second reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock at a ratio up to 1-for-
. Pursuant to such authority granted by the Company’s stockholders, the Board approved a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock at a rate of 1-for- shares of common stock, which resulted in a reduction in the number of outstanding shares of common stock and a proportionate increase in the value of each share. The common stock began trading on a reverse split-adjusted basis on the NASDAQ on August 11, 2023.In December 2023, the stockholders approved a proposal to authorize a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock at a ratio within the range of
-for-2 to -for-100, as determined by the Board of the Company. The Board approved a -for-100 reverse stock split effective on December 21, 2023. As a result of the reverse stock split, every shares of the Company’s pre-reverse stock split common stock combined and automatically became 1 share of common stock.As a result of the reverse stock splits, the number of shares of common stock that can be issued upon exercise of warrants, preferred stock, and other convertible securities, as well as any commitments to issue securities, that provide for adjustments in the event of a reverse stock split, was appropriately adjusted pursuant to their applicable terms for the reverse stock splits. If applicable, the conversion price for each outstanding share of preferred stock and the exercise price for each outstanding warrant was increased, pursuant to their terms, in inverse proportion to the split ratio such that upon conversion or exercise, the aggregate conversion price for conversion of preferred stock and the aggregate exercise price payable by the warrant holder to the Company for shares of common stock subject to such warrant will remain approximately the same as the aggregate conversion or exercise price, as applicable, prior to the reverse stock splits.
The reverse stock splits have not changed the authorized number of shares or the par value of the common stock nor modified any voting rights of the common stock.
No proportionate adjustment was made to the number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”) pursuant to an amendment to the 2022 Plan approved by stockholders in August 2023, increasing the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock and stock equivalents available for the grant of awards under the 2022 Plan by an additional
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issued for the benefit of stockholders that would otherwise obtain fractional shares upon reverse stock split in December 2023.
The number and par value of Series A Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock were not affected by the reverse stock splits, but their conversion ratios have been proportionally adjusted. There were
The Company retroactively adjusted its historical financial statements to reflect the reverse stock splits (See Note 10 for reverse stock splits effect on loss per share). All issued and outstanding common stock and per share amounts contained in the financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock splits for all periods presented. The common stock and additional paid-in-capital line items of the financial statements were adjusted to account for the reverse stock splits for all periods presented (with $
NOTE 2 – LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES, AND GOING CONCERN
These consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared on the basis that assumes the Company will continue as a going concern which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the ordinary course of business.
The Company's principal source of liquidity consists of existing cash and restricted cash of approximately $
These factors raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is evaluating strategies to obtain the required additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, obtaining equity financing, issuing debt, or entering other financing arrangements, and restructuring of operations to grow revenues and decrease expenses. However, given the impact of the economic downturn on the U.S. and global financial markets, the Company may be unable to access further equity or debt financing when needed. As such, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional liquidity when needed or under acceptable terms, if at all. Therefore, there can be no assurance that our plans will be successful in alleviating the substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainties.
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our operating results. The Company has not observed any impairments of its assets or a significant change in the fair value of its assets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, it is not possible for the Company to predict the duration or magnitude of the adverse results of the outbreak and its effects on the Company’s business or results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.
NOTE 3 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Significant accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.
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Use of Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated condensed financial statements and the reported amounts of total expenses in the reporting periods. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, cash flow projections and discount rate for calculation of goodwill impairment, fair value and impairment of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, inventory reserves, accrued expenses, fair value of financial instruments, depreciable lives of property and equipment, income taxes, contingencies, valuation of preferred stock and warrants. Additionally, the rates of interest on several debt agreements have been imputed where there was no stated interest rate within the original agreement. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for carrying values of assets and liabilities and the recording of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
Risks and Uncertainties
We operate within an industry that is subject to rapid technological change, intense competition, and significant government regulation. It is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including competitive, financial, developmental, operational, technological, required knowledge of industry governmental regulations, and other risks associated with an emerging business. Any one or combination of these or other risks could have a substantial influence on our future operations and prospects for commercial success.
Business Combination
Business acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805 “Business Combinations”. FASB ASC 805 requires the reporting entity to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date, recognize and measure the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity, and recognize and measure goodwill or a gain from the purchase. The acquiree’s results are included in the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements from the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned is recorded as goodwill. Adjustments to fair value assessments are recorded to goodwill over the measurement period (not longer than twelve months). The acquisition method also requires that acquisition-related transaction and post-acquisition restructuring costs be charged to expense.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity (generally, with original maturities of three months or less) that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.
Restricted Cash
The main part of restricted cash in amount of $
Cash obtained from customer deposits is held by the Company and is restricted from use to fund operations. Refundable deposits were $
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Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses consist of various advance payments made for goods or services to be received in the future. These prepaid expenses include insurance and other contracted services requiring up-front payments.
Inventory
Cost of inventories is determined using the standard cost method, which approximates actual cost on a first-in first-out basis. This method includes direct materials, direct labor, and a proportionate share of manufacturing overhead costs based on normal capacity. Regular reviews are performed to identify and account for variances between the standard costs and actual costs. Any variances identified are recognized in the cost of goods sold during the period in which they occur.
On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews its inventory for excess quantities and obsolescence. This analysis takes into account factors such as demand forecasts, product life cycles, product development plans, and current market conditions. Provisions are made to reduce the carrying value of the inventories to their net realizable value.
Once inventory is written down, a new, lower-cost basis is established, and the inventory is not subsequently written up if market conditions improve. All such inventory write-downs are included as a component of cost of goods sold in the period in which the write-down occurs. Adjustments to these estimates and assumptions could impact our financial position and results of operations.
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net
Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful lives of the assets. Repairs and maintenance expenditures that do not extend the useful lives of related assets are expensed as incurred.
Estimated Useful Lives
Description |
| Estimated useful lives |
Buildings |
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Furniture and equipment |
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Computer and software |
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Machinery, shop and testing equipment |
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Leasehold improvements |
| Shorter of the estimated useful life or the underlying lease term |
Vehicles | ||
Intangibles |
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Expenditures for major improvements are capitalized, while minor replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not extend the asset lives, are charged to operations as incurred. Upon sale or disposition, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in operations. Company management continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying balances of its property, plant, and equipment may not be recoverable in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” When such events or changes in circumstances are present, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the total of the future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.
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Income Taxes
Income taxes are recorded in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, which provides for deferred taxes using an asset and liability approach. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated condensed financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the consolidated condensed financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided, if based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return are accounted for using the “more likely than not” threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement. There are transactions that occur during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination may be uncertain. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no material changes to either the nature or the amounts of the uncertain tax positions.
The Company’s income tax provision consists of an estimate for U.S. federal and state income taxes based on enacted rates, as adjusted for allowable credits, deductions, uncertain tax positions, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in the tax law.
Intangible Assets, net
Intangible assets consist of acquired and developed intellectual property. In accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Others,” goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives (including in-process research and development assets acquired in a business combination) are not subject to amortization but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
Intangible assets with determinate lives are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Amortizable intangible assets generally are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company periodically evaluates long-lived assets (both intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a potential impairment may have occurred. If such events or changes in circumstances arise, the Company compares the carrying amount of the long-lived assets to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the long-lived assets. If the estimated aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, an impairment charge, calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets, is recorded. The fair value of the long-lived assets is determined based on the estimated discounted cash flows expected to be generated from the long-lived asset unless another method provides a more reliable estimate. If an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of a long-lived asset is recognized as a new cost basis of the impaired asset. Impairment loss is not reversed even if fair value exceeds carrying amount in subsequent periods.
Extinguishment of Liabilities
The Company derecognizes financial liabilities when the Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled, or expired.
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Leases
The Company follows the provisions of ASC 842, “Leases”, which requires a lessee to recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset for the lease term.
Contingencies and Commitments
The Company follows ASC 440 and ASC 450 to account for contingencies and commitments, respectively. Certain conditions, as a result of past events, may exist as of the balance sheet date, which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company assesses such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.
If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, then the estimated liability is accrued in the Company’s financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be reasonably estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, and an estimate of the range of possible losses, if determinable and material, would be disclosed. Legal costs associated with such loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed.
Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses are expenses that have been incurred but not yet paid and are classified within current liabilities on the consolidated condensed balance sheets.
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenue includes revenue from the sale of electric vehicles and is accounted for in accordance with ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The Company applies a five-step analysis to: (i) identify the contract with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation. Payments for electric vehicles sales are generally received at or shortly after delivery. Sales tax is excluded from the measurement of the transaction price. The revenue from the sale of electric vehicles is recognized when control of the vehicle is transferred to the customer. In general, the control is transferred at the point of delivery to the customer, signifying the fulfillment of our primary performance obligation under ASC 606. Certain contracts with our dealers contain a return provision, stating that they may return unsold vehicles after 1 year. Since the Company does not have sufficient relevant statistics of returns yet, we defer revenue recognition until the vehicles have been sold by such dealer or until there is sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable estimate for the amount of consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. For any amounts received (or receivable) for which the Company does not recognize revenue when it transfers products to customers, a refund liability is recognized. Relevant vehicles transferred to the dealer are presented as “Finished goods delivered to dealer for distribution” in the consolidated condensed balance sheets at initial cost, less any expected costs to recover those products (including potential decreases in the value to the entity of returned products). At the end of each reporting period, the Company updates the measurement of these assets and refund liabilities.
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Cost of Goods Sold
The Company’s cost of goods sold includes mainly production costs of vehicles sold in the relevant period as well as a provision for expected warranty expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses include expenses such as salaries and employee benefits, professional fees, rent, repairs and maintenance, utilities and office expense, depreciation and amortization, advertising and marketing, settlements and penalties, taxes, and licenses. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses, other than trade show expenses which are deferred until occurrence of the future event, we expense advertising costs as incurred in accordance with ASC 720-35, “Other Expenses – Advertising Cost.” Advertising costs for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $
Research and Development Costs
Per ASC 730, "Research and Development," the Company recognizes all research and developments costs in the statement of operations as they occur. These include expenses related to the design, development, testing, and improvement of our electric vehicles and corresponding technologies. Assets with alternative future uses are capitalized and depreciated over their useful lives, with the depreciation expense reported under research and development costs.
Share-Based Compensation
The share-based awards issued by the Company are accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 718-10, “Compensation – Share Compensation,” which requires fair value measurement on the grant date and recognition of compensation expense for all shares of common stock of the Company issued to employees, non-employees and directors. Generally, the fair value of awards is estimated based on the market price of the shares of common stock of the Company the day immediately preceding the grant date. The fair value of non-marketable share-based awards (granted to employees before the Company became public) has been estimated based on an independent valuation. The Company recognizes forfeitures of award in the periods they occur.
The overwhelming part of share-based awards to employees per employment contracts, and a certain part of contracts with non-employees (consultants), are classified as equity with costs and additional paid-in capital recognized ratably over the service period. A significant part of the Company’s share-based awards to consultants is liability-classified: mainly if the number of shares a consultant is entitled to depends on a certain monetary value fixed in the contract. An accrued part of liability in this case is revaluated each period based on market price of the shares of common stock of the Company, until sufficient number of shares is issued.
The Company has also adopted incentive plans that entitle the Chief Executive Officer to share-based awards generally calculated as
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded at fair value, Company management considers the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as risks inherent in valuation techniques, transfer restrictions and credit risk. Fair value is estimated by applying the hierarchy as per requirements of ASC 820, “Fair value measurements”.
Expected credit losses
The estimation of expected credit losses that may be incurred as we work through the invoice collection process with our customers and other counterparties requires us to make judgments and estimates regarding probability the amounts due to us are going to be paid. We monitor our customers' payment history and current credit worthiness to determine that collectability is reasonably assured. We also consider the overall business climate in which our customers and other counterparties operate. At December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, no material allowance for credit losses needed to be recognized to cover anticipated credit losses under current conditions. However, uncertainties regarding changes in the financial condition of our customers, either adverse or positive, could impact the amount and timing of any additional credit losses that may be required.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Company maintains cash balances in several financial institutions that are insured by either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Association up to certain federal limitations, generally $250,000. At times, our cash balance may exceed these federal limitations. However, we have not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on these accounts. The amounts in excess of insured limits as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 are $
Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has implemented all applicable accounting pronouncements that are in effect. The following pronouncements have been recently adopted by the Company:
ASU 2022-04 - Supplier Finance Program (SFP). This ASU requires that a buyer in a SFP disclose qualitative and quantitative information about its program, including the nature of the SFP and key terms, outstanding amounts as of the end the reporting period, and presentation in its financial statements. This pronouncement has not had an impact on the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements.
ASU 2016-13 - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (CECL). This guidance, commonly referred to as Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”), changes impairment recognition to a model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade receivables. The Company evaluated and determined the amendment did not have a material effect on the consolidated condensed financial statements.
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The following are accounting pronouncements that have been issued but are not yet effective for the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements:
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20), and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The amendments in ASU No. 2020-06 simplify the complexity associated with applying GAAP for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. More specifically, the amendments focus on the guidance for convertible instruments and derivative scope exceptions for contracts in an entity’s own equity. For smaller reporting companies ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect its application to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-07—Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. It requires all annual disclosures currently required by ASC 280 to be included in interim periods and requires disclosure of significant segment expenses regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and applicable additional measures of segment profit or loss used by the CODM when allocating resources and assessing business performance. All public entities will be required to report segment information in accordance with the new guidance starting in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company expects to enhance segment reporting disclosures based on new requirements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." ASU No. 2023-09, which enhances the transparency, effectiveness and comparability of income tax disclosures by requiring consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information related to income tax rate reconciliations and the jurisdictions in which income taxes are paid. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect its application to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements.
Other accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective are not believed by management to be relevant or to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future consolidated condensed financial statements.
NOTE 4 – ACQUISITION OF SUBSIDIARIES AND CERTAIN ASSETS
Acquisition of ELMS assets
On October 13, 2022, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware issued an order approving the sale for approximately $
The ELMS asset acquisition closed on November 30, 2022, and is expected to accelerate the market introduction of our cargo van program and provide us with critical manufacturing capacity at a much lower investment than previously expected to supply the rest of our product portfolio.
ELMS assets include:
● | The factory in Mishawaka, Indiana, providing Mullen with the capability to produce up to |
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● | All Intellectual Property, including all manufacturing data that is required for the assembly of the Class 1 van and Class 3 Cab Chassis; |
● | All inventory including finished and unfinished vehicles, part modules, component parts, raw materials, and tooling; and |
● | All property including equipment, machinery, supplies, computer hardware, software, communication equipment, data networks and all other data storage. |
The following table details the allocation of purchase price by asset category for the ELMS asset purchase:
| Fair Value | ||
Asset Category |
| Allocation | |
Land | $ | ||
Buildings and site improvements | |||
Equipment | |||
Intangible assets: engineering design | |||
Inventory | |||
Total Purchased Assets | $ |
On November 9, 2022, the Company formed Mullen Indiana Real Estate LLC, a limited liability company in the State of Delaware, to hold the acquired real property located in Mishawaka, Indiana.
NOTE 5 – INVENTORY
The Company's inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value and consist of the following:
December 31, 2023 |
| September 30, 2023 | |||
Inventory |
|
|
| ||
Work in process | $ | | $ | | |
Raw materials |
| |
| | |
Finished goods | | — | |||
Finished goods delivered to dealer for distribution | | | |||
Less: write-down to net realizable value | — | ( | |||
Total Inventory | $ | | $ | |
The cost of inventories is determined using a standard cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. This includes direct materials, direct labor, and relevant manufacturing overhead costs. Variances between standard and actual costs are recognized in the cost of goods sold during the period in which they occur.
The Company regularly reviews its inventories for excess and obsolete items by assessing their net realizable value (NRV). The NRV is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, approximately $
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NOTE 6 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The goodwill in net carrying amount of $
Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment. Every reporting period the Company assesses qualitative factors (such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, financial performance of the Company, entity-specific events etc.) to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Upon the quantitative goodwill impairment test, impairment may arise to the extent carrying amount of a reporting unit that includes goodwill (i.e. Bollinger production unit, see Note 21 – Segment information) exceeds its fair value. As a result of the impairment test performed on September 1, 2023 by management with the assistance of independent third-party valuation professionals, the Company has recognized impairment loss in amount of $
Other intangible assets
Intangible assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated amortization. Patents and other identifiable intellectual property purchased as part of the Bollinger Motors acquisition in September 2022 have been initially recognized at fair value.
Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but instead tested for impairment. Due to unfavorable market conditions and decline of the market prices of the Company’s common stock, we have tested long-lived assets for recoverability in the last quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. Based on the test performed on September 1, 2023 by independent professional appraisers, the assets of the Bollinger's segment (see Note 21 - Segment information), including indefinite-lived in-process research and development assets, acquired in September 2022, were not impaired, except for impairment of goodwill (see above).
Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over the period of estimated benefit using the straight-line method. The weighted average useful life of intangible assets is
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In the last quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, an impairment loss in amount of $
| December 31, 2023 |
| September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
| Net |
|
|
| Net | |||||||||||
| Cost |
| Accumulated |
| Carrying | Cost |
| Accumulated |
| Carrying | ||||||||
| Basis | Amortization |
| Amount |
| Basis | Amortization |
| Amount | |||||||||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets | ||||||||||||||||||
Patents | | ( | | | ( | | ||||||||||||
Engineering designs | | ( | | | ( | | ||||||||||||
Other | | ( | | | ( | | ||||||||||||
Trademarks |
| — | — |
| — |
| |
| ( |
| | |||||||
Total finite-lived intangible assets | | ( | | | ( | | ||||||||||||
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets | ||||||||||||||||||
In-process research and development assets | $ | | $ | — | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | | ||||||
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets | | — | | | — | | ||||||||||||
Total Intangible Assets | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | |
Total future amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:
Years Ended September 30, |
| Future Amortization | |
2024 (9 months) | $ | | |
2025 |
| | |
2026 | | ||
2027 | | ||
2028 | | ||
Thereafter |
| | |
Total Future Amortization | $ | |
For the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, amortization of the intangible assets was $
NOTE 7 – DEBT
Short and Long-Term Debt
Short-term debt is defined as debt with principal maturities of one year or less, long-term debt has maturities greater than one year.
The following is a summary of our indebtedness at December 31, 2023:
Net Carrying Value | |||||||||||||
Unpaid Principal | Contractual | Contractual | |||||||||||
Type of Debt |
| Balance |
| Current |
| Long-Term |
| Interest Rate |
| Maturity | |||
Matured notes | $ | | $ | | $ | — |
| % | 2019 - 2021 | ||||
Real estate note |
| |
| |
| — |
| % | 2024 | ||||
Loan advances |
| |
| |
| — |
| % | 2016 - 2018 | ||||
Less: debt discount |
| ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ||||||
Total Debt | $ | | $ | | $ | — |
|
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The following is a summary of our indebtedness at September 30, 2023:
Net Carrying Value | |||||||||||||
Unpaid Principal | Contractual | Contractual | |||||||||||
Type of Debt |
| Balance |
| Current |
| Long-Term |
| Interest Rate |
| Maturity | |||
Matured notes | $ | | $ | | $ | — |
| % | 2019 - 2021 | ||||
Real estate note |
| |
| |
| — |
| % | 2024 | ||||
Loan advances |
| |
| |
| — |
| % | 2016 – 2018 | ||||
Less: debt discount |
| ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ||||||
Total Debt | $ | | $ | | $ | — |
|
Scheduled Debt Maturities
The following are scheduled debt maturities as at December 31, 2023:
|
| ||||||||||||||
| 2024 (9 months) |
| 2025 |
| 2026 |
| 2027 |
| Total | ||||||
Total Debt | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | |
Accrued interest
As of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, accrued interest on outstanding notes payable was $
NuBridge Commercial Lending LLC Promissory Note
On March 7, 2022, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Mullen Investment Properties, LLC, entered into a Promissory Note (the “Promissory Note”) with NuBridge Commercial Lending LLC for a principal amount of $
Drawbridge and Amended A&R Note with Esousa
On October 14, 2022, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Secured Convertible Note and Security Agreement (the “A&R Note”) with Esousa Holdings LLC (“Esousa”), including principal of $
Non-convertible secured promissory note
On December 18, 2023, Mullen entered into a Debt Agreement to issue a non-convertible secured promissory note (the “Note”) with a principal amount of $
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discount. The Note, which does not include conversion rights, stock, warrants, or other securities, aims to raise capital for the Company's manufacturing operations. The issuance of this non-convertible Note is scheduled for the first trading day when all closing conditions are met. By the date these consolidated condensed financial statements are available to be issued, the loan has not been received. The $
The Note will incur
Convertible Notes
On November 14, 2022, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 (“Amendment No. 3”) to the June 7, 2022, Securities Purchase Agreement (as amended, the “Series D SPA”). The investors paid $
Amendment No. 3 further provided that the remaining $
On November 15, 2022, the Company issued the unsecured convertible Notes aggregating $
As a result, and since the Company had an insufficient number of authorized shares available to settle potential future warrant exercises, the Company recognized a derivative liability of $
22
On December 23, 2022, the Company defaulted on the Notes by not having sufficient authorized shares to allow for both the Notes to be fully converted and the warrants to be exercised. On January 13, 2023, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release in which investors waived the default prior to February 1, 2023. In exchange, the Company granted the investors the right to purchase additional shares of Series D Preferred Stock and warrants in an amount equal to such investor’s pro rata portion of $
During February 2023, the remaining balance of the Notes (with the principal of $
NOTE 8 – WARRANTS AND OTHER DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
ASC 825-10 defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance. ASC 825-10 establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 825-10 establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
● | Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
● | Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
● | Level 3 – Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities. |
To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed and is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Financial Instruments at Carrying Value That Approximated Fair Value
Certain financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the consolidated condensed balance sheets are carried at amounts that approximate fair value, due to their short-term nature and credit risk. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, and debt. Accounts payable are short-term in nature and generally are due upon receipt or within 30 to 90 days.
Non-Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
Non-financial assets are only required to be measured at fair value when acquired as a part of business combination or when an impairment loss is recognized. See Note 4 – Acquisition of subsidiaries and certain assets, Note 14 - Property, Plant, and Equipment and Note 6 – Intangible assets for further information. All these valuations are based on Level 3 –
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Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of these assets or liabilities.
Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company had the following financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Preferred C Warrants
The warrants, which were exercisable for common stock, issued in connection with the sale of Series C Preferred Stock (the “Preferred C Warrants”) in accordance with the November 2021 Merger Agreement and further amendments had an exercise price per share of $
These warrant liabilities were recognized as liabilities due to requirements of ASC 480 because the variable number of shares to be issued upon cashless exercise (which was deemed to be the predominant exercise option) was based predominantly on a fixed monetary value.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2022,
Preferred D Warrants
In accordance with Series D SPA for every share of Series D Preferred Stock purchased, the investors received
In September 2022, the Company received an initial investment amount of $
By September 30, 2022,
During the quarter ended December 31, 2022, all initial Preferred D Warrants were exercised on a cashless basis for
In November 2022, the Company received $
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During April 2023, we exercised our investment rights under the Series D SPA and requested an additional $
In June 2023, we exercised the second half of our investment right for $
In June 2023, one of the investors exercised their investment rights and invested $
Final voluntary investment rights under the Series D SPA were exercised by the pool of investors in June 2023 and the Company received $
The warrant liability recognized in June 2023 upon initial accounting of these investments amounted to $
As of September 30, 2023,
During the 3 months ended December 31, 2023, a part of remaining Preferred D Warrants were exercised on a cashless basis for
The fair value of warrant obligations is calculated based on the number and market value of shares that can be issued upon exercise of the warrants. The number of shares to be issued in accordance with relevant agreements is variable and depends on (i) lowest closing market price of shares for 2 days before the exercise, and (i) multiplicator calculated based on Black Scholes formula where all elements, except for risk-free rate, are fixed on the investment date. Accordingly, the fair value of warrants on recognition date and on subsequent dates was estimated as a maximum of (i) Black Scholes value for cash exercise of relevant warrants and (ii) current market value of the number of shares the Company would be required to issue upon cashless warrant exercise on a relevant date in accordance with warrant contract requirements. The latter valuation, based on observable inputs (level 2), has been higher and reflects the pattern of the warrants exercise since the inception of the Series D SPA.
At each warrant exercise date and each accounting period end the warrant liability for the remaining unexercised warrants was marked-to-market value and the resulting gain or loss was recorded in consolidated condensed statement of operations as a “Gain / (loss) on derivative liability revaluation”.
All the warrants mentioned in this section provide that if the Company issues or sells, enters into a definitive, binding agreement pursuant to which the Company is required to issue or sell or is deemed, pursuant to the provisions of the
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warrants, to have issued or sold, any shares of common stock for a price per share lower than the exercise price then in effect, subject to certain limited exceptions, then the exercise price of the warrants shall be reduced to such lower price per share. In addition, the exercise price and the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants are subject to adjustment in connection with stock splits, dividends or distributions or other similar transactions.
Other derivative liabilities
Other derivative liabilities recognized and remeasured subsequently at fair value include: embedded derivatives issued with convertible notes (primarily, conversion option), and preferred stock that failed equity presentation when the Company had insufficient number of authorized shares available to settle all potential future conversion transactions, automatic increase in interest rate upon an event of default, and optional conversion feature that were not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of a debt host. These derivative liabilities were initially recognized on November 15, 2022, when the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Series D SPA (see Note 7) having an insufficient number of authorized shares of common stock available for issuance upon conversion of preferred stock and convertible notes payable and the exercise of outstanding warrants. They were carried at fair value and have been reclassified to equity respectively upon final conversion of the Notes in February 2023, and upon authorization of increase of common stock available for issuance by stockholders of the Company in January 2023.
Qiantu Warrants
On March 14, 2023, the Company entered into an Intellectual Property and Distribution Agreement (the “IP Agreement”) with Qiantu Motor (Suzhou) Ltd., and
As a part of consideration for the Company’s entry into the IP Agreement, the Company issued to Qiantu USA warrants to purchase up to
The Qiantu warrants, per contract, are exercisable at Qiantu USA’s discretion at any time from September 30, 2023 up to and including September 30, 2024 at
As it was expected that the Company may not have a sufficient number of authorized shares of common stock available for issuance during the term of the contract (up to September 2024), and the shares to be issued upon possible exercise of warrants have not been registered, the Qiantu Warrants were recognized at fair value on inception ($
Upon issuance and upon revaluation of the instruments, the Company estimated the fair value of these derivatives using the Black-Scholes Pricing Model and binomial option valuation techniques based on the following assumptions: (1) dividend yield of
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Breakdown of items recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in consolidated condensed balance sheets by levels of observable and unobservable inputs as of December 31, 2023 and on September 30, 2023 is presented below:
|
| Quoted Prices |
| Significant |
| |||||||
in Active | Other | Significant | ||||||||||
Markets for | Observable | Unobservable | ||||||||||
December 31, | Identical Assets | Inputs | Inputs | |||||||||
2023 |
| (Level 1) |
| (Level 2) | (Level 3) | |||||||
Derivative liability |
| $ | |
| $ | — |
| $ | |
| $ | |
|
| Quoted Prices |
| Significant |
| |||||||
|
| in Active |
| Other | Significant | |||||||
| Markets for |
| Observable | Unobservable | ||||||||
September 30, |
| Identical Assets |
| Inputs | Inputs | |||||||
2023 |
| (Level 1 ) |
| (Level 2) | (Level 3) | |||||||
Derivative liability |
| $ | |
| $ | — |
| $ | |
| $ | |
A summary of all changes in warrants and other derivative liabilities is presented below:
Balance, September 30, 2023 | $ | |
Loss / (gain) on derivative liability revaluation | | |
Conversions of warrants into common shares | ( | |
Balance, December 31, 2023 | $ | |
Balance, September 30, 2022 | $ | |
Derivative liabilities recognized upon issuance of convertible instruments | | |
Derivative liability upon authorized shares shortfall | | |
Loss / (gain) on derivative liability revaluation | | |
Reclassification of derivative liabilities to equity upon authorization of sufficient common shares | ( | |
Financing loss upon over-issuance of shares from warrants | | |
Receivables upon over-issuance of shares from warrants | | |
Conversions of warrants into common shares | ( | |
Balance, December 31, 2022 | $ | |
NOTE 9 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
At a special meeting on January 25, 2023, stockholders approved the proposal to increase the Company’s authorized common stock capital from
As described in detail in the Note 1 above, by December 31, 2023, the Company has effectuated a series of reverse stock splits. All stock splits resulted in reduction of shares of common stock issued and outstanding and did not affect authorized common stock or preferred stock. The Company had
27
The holders of common stock are entitled to
When the Company receives a warrant exercise notice or preferred stock conversion notice close to the balance sheet date, and issues relevant order to a transfer agent which is effectively exercised only after the balance sheet date, relevant shares of common stock are presented in the balance sheet as common stock owed but not issued.
Change in Control Agreements
On August 11, 2023, the Board of Directors approved, and the Company entered, Change in Control Agreements with each non-employee director and Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the Change in Control Agreements with each non-employee director, upon a change in control of the Company, any unvested equity compensation will immediately vest in full and such non-employee director will receive $
Preferred Stock
Under the terms of our Certificate of Incorporation, the Board may determine the rights, preferences, and terms of our authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock. On December 31, 2023, the Company had
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The Company has designated Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock, and Series AA Preferred Stock. Transactions with Preferred stock are presented below:
Preferred Stock |
| Preferred Stock |
| Preferred Stock | Preferred Stock | Preferred Stock | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Series A |
| Series C | Series D | Series AA | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Shares |
| Amount | Shares |
| Amount | Shares |
| Amount | ||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, October 1, 2022 | |
| |
| | | | | | | — | — | |||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock for conversion of preferred stock | ( |
| ( |
| — | — | ( | ( | ( | ( | — | — | |||||||||||||
Preferred shares issued to officers | |
| — |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | | — | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 | |
| |
| | | | | | | | — | |||||||||||||
Balance, October 1, 2023 | |
| |
| | | | | | | — | — | |||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2023 | |
| |
| | | | | | | — | — |
Redemption Rights
The shares of Preferred Stock are not subject to mandatory redemption.
The Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock are voluntarily redeemable by the Company in accordance with the following schedule, provided that the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion has been registered and the registration statement remains effective:
Year 1:
Year 2: Redemption at
Year 3: Redemption at
Year 4: Redemption at
Year 5: Redemption at
Year 6 and thereafter: Redemption at
The Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock are also redeemable by the Company at any time for a price per share equal to the Issue Price ($
Dividends
The holders of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to non-cumulative dividends if declared by the Board of Directors. The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock participate on a pro rata basis (on an “as converted” basis to common stock) in any cash dividend paid on common stock.
The Series C Preferred Stock originally provided for a cumulative
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Preferred Stock entered into a waiver agreement pursuant to which such holders irrevocably waived their right to receive any and all cumulative
The Series D Preferred Stock bears a
The Company may elect to pay dividends for any month with a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) election if (i) the shares issuable further to the PIK are subject to an effective registration statement, (ii) the Company is then in compliance with all listing requirements of NASDAQ and (iii) the average daily trading dollar volume of the Company’s common stock for
Liquidation, Dissolution, and Winding Up
In the event of any Liquidation Event, the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, prior and in preference to any distribution of the proceeds to the holders of the other series of Preferred Stock or the common stock by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount per share equal to the Series D Original Issue Price ($
In the event of any Liquidation Event, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, after full execution of rights of the Series D Preferred Stock holders, and prior and in preference to any distribution of the proceeds to the holders of the other series of Preferred Stock or the common stock by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount per share equal to the Series B Original Issue Price plus declared but unpaid dividends (
Upon the completion of a distribution pursuant to a Liquidation Event to the Series D Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, prior and in preference to any distribution of the proceeds to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock or the common stock by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount per share equal to the Series C Original Issue Price ($
Upon the completion of a distribution pursuant to a Liquidation Event to the Series D Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, prior and in preference to any distribution of any proceeds to the holders of the common stock, by reason of their ownership thereof, $
Conversion
Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder into
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Each share of Series B Preferred Stock and each share of Series C Preferred Stock are convertible at the option of the holder at any time into such number of shares of common stock as is determined by dividing the Issue Price by the relevant Conversion Price (in each case, subject to adjustment). As of December 31, 2023, there were
Each share of Series C Preferred Stock will automatically be converted into shares of common stock at the applicable conversion rate at the time in effect immediately upon (A) the issuance of shares of common stock underlying the Series C Preferred Stock being registered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and such registration remaining effective, (B) the trading price for the Company’s common stock being more than
The Series D Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of each holder at any time into the number of shares of common stock determined by dividing the Series D Original Issue Price (plus all unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends thereon, as applicable, whether or not declared), by the Series D Conversion Price, subject to adjustment as set in the Certificate of Designation. As of December 31, 2023, each share of Series D is convertible into
Each share of Series D Preferred Stock will automatically be converted into shares of common stock at the applicable Conversion Rate at the time in effect immediately upon (A) the issuance of shares of common stock underlying the Series D Preferred Stock being registered pursuant to the Securities Act and such registration remaining effective, (B) the trading price for the Company’s common stock being more than
Voting Rights
The holders of shares of common stock and Series A, Series B and Series C Preferred Stock at all times vote together as a single class on all matters (including the election of directors) submitted to a vote of the stockholders; provided, however, that, any proposal which adversely affects the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, or Series C Preferred Stock, as applicable, must be approved by a majority in interest of the affected series of Preferred Stock, as the case may be.
Each holder of common stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock has right to
The holders of Series D Preferred Stock have no voting rights except for protective voting rights (
Series AA Preferred Stock
The Series AA Certificate of Designation, filed in November 2022, provided that the Series AA Preferred Stock would have
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together with the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock as a single class exclusively with respect to any proposal to adopt an amendment to the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock. The Preferred Stock otherwise had no voting rights except as otherwise required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The Series AA Preferred Stock was not convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or series of stock or other securities of the Company. The Series AA Preferred Stock had no rights with respect to any distribution of assets of the Company, including upon a liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, merger, acquisition, sale, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. The holder of the Series AA Preferred Stock was not entitled to receive dividends of any kind. On November 14, 2022, the Company entered into a Subscription and Investment Representation Agreement with David Michery, its Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold
NOTE 10 – LOSS PER SHARE
Earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing income allocated to common stockholders plus dividends on dilutive convertible preferred stock and preferred stock that can be tendered to exercise warrants, by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding plus amounts representing the dilutive effect of outstanding warrants and the dilution resulting from the conversion of convertible preferred stock, if applicable.
For the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, outstanding warrants, convertible debt and shares of Preferred Stock were excluded from the diluted share count because the result would have been antidilutive under the “if-converted method.”
The following table presents the reconciliation of net loss attributable to common stockholders to net loss used in computing basic and diluted net income per share of common stock (giving effect to the reverse stock splits – see Note 1):
Three months ended December 31, | ||||||
2023 |
| 2022 |
| |||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Less: accumulated preferred stock dividends | ( | ( | ||||
Net loss used in computing basic net loss per share of common stock | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Net loss per share | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted | | |
NOTE 11 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has incentive plans that are a part of annual discretionary share-based compensation program. The plans include consultants and employees, directors and officers. The Company has been issuing new shares of common stock under the share-based compensation programs, and cash has not been used to settle equity instruments granted under share-based payment arrangements.
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For the three months ended December 31, | |||||||
Composition of Stock-Based Compensation Expense |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| ||
Directors, officers and employees share-based compensation | $ | | $ | | |||
Share-based compensation to consultants (equity-classified) |
| |
| | |||
Share-based compensation to consultants (liability-classified) | | | |||||
Total share-based compensation expense | $ | | $ | |
Employees of the Company
Employees of the Company, including officers, are entitled to a number of shares of common stock specified in relevant employment contracts and subject to the approval of our Board of Directors Compensation Committee. The total expense of share awards to employees represents the grant date fair value of relevant number of shares to be issued and is recognized, along with additional paid-in capital, ratably over the service period. The majority of awards to employees are equity-classified. The liability that relates to liability classified stock-based compensation contracts amounts to $
Consultants
From time to time the Company also issues share-based compensation to external consultants providing consulting, marketing, R&D, legal and other services. The number of shares specified within the individual agreements, or a monetary value of those shares, if applicable, is usually negotiated by our Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Board of Directors Compensation Committee. These costs are generally presented as professional fees within general and administrative, and certain qualifying costs may be presented as part of research and development expenses ($
A part of these share-based awards is classified as equity and accounted for similar to stock-based compensation to employees. Another part of the Company’s share-based awards to consultants is classified as liabilities: mainly if a number of shares a consultant is entitled to is predominantly based on monetary value fixed in the contract. An accrued part of liability in this case is revaluated each period based on market price of the shares of common stock of the Company, until sufficient number of shares is issued. The liability to consultants as at December 31, 2023 amounted to $
CEO Award Incentive Plans
The Company adopted the CEO Performance Stock Award Agreement, approved by the Board and by stockholders in 2022 (“2022 PSA Agreement”) and CEO Performance Stock Award Agreement, approved by the Board and by stockholders in 2023 (“2023 PSA Agreement”). Under these plans, the Chief Executive Officer is entitled to share-based awards generally calculated as
This share-based compensation is accrued over the service term when it is probable that the milestone will be achieved. The liability to issue stock (presented within non-current liabilities if the achievement is expected later than
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As at December 31, 2023, the accrual for future awards under 2022 PSA Agreement amounted to approximately $
As at December 31, 2023, the accrual for future awards under 2023 PSA Agreement amounted to approximately $
The costs recognized within the line item "Directors, Officers and Employees share-based compensation" in the table above represent both actual issuances of common stock under PSA Agreements and these provisions for future probable awards.
NOTE 12 – ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
| December 31, 2023 |
| September 30, 2023 | |||
Provision for penalties & settlements | $ | | $ | | ||
Accounts payable accrual | | | ||||
IRS tax liability | | | ||||
Accrued payroll |
| |
| | ||
Accrued interest |
| |
| | ||
Legal fees | | | ||||
Refund liability | | | ||||
Accrued expense - other | | | ||||
Total | $ | | $ | |
NOTE 13 - LIABILITY TO ISSUE STOCK
The liability on December 31, 2023 (current liability in amount of $
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NOTE 14 – PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property, plant, and equipment, net consists of the following:
| December 31, |
| September 30, | |||
2023 | 2023 | |||||
Buildings | $ | | $ | | ||
Machinery and equipment | | | ||||
Land | | | ||||
Construction-in-progress | | | ||||
Other fixed assets | | | ||||
Total cost of assets excluding accumulated impairment |
| | | |||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
| ( | ( | |||
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net | $ | | $ | |
During the last quarter of fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, due to unfavorable market conditions, decline of the market prices of the Company’s common stock, and budgeted performance misses compared to the budgets prepared previously, we have tested long-lived asset for recoverability. The test was performed on September 1, 2023 by independent professional appraisers using both discounted cash flow method and guideline public company method. The fair value of the property, plant, and equipment of the ELMS/Legacy Mullen segment (classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy) was determined on a standalone basis utilizing the cost and market approaches to value. The assets of the Bollinger's segment (see Note 21 - Segment information) were not impaired, except for impairment of goodwill (see Note 6 - Goodwill and intangible assets). An impairment loss in amount of $
Depreciation expense related to property, plant, and equipment for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $
NOTE 15 – PREPAID EXPENSES AND PREPAID INVENTORY
December 31, 2023 |
| September 30, 2023 | |||
Prepaid expenses and prepaid inventory |
|
|
| ||
Prepaid expense | $ | | $ | | |
Prepaid trade shows | | | |||
Prepaid services | | | |||
Prepaid inventory | | | |||
Other prepayments |
| |
| | |
Prepaid rent | | | |||
Prepaid retainer |
| |
| | |
Customs surety bond | | - | |||
Total prepaid expenses and prepaid inventory | $ | | $ | |
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NOTE 16 – OPERATING EXPENSES
General and administrative expenses consist of the following:
Three months ended December 31, | |||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 | ||||
Professional fees | $ | | $ | | |||
Compensation to employees |
| |
| | |||
Advertising and promotions |
| |
| | |||
Depreciation |
| |
| | |||
Amortization | | | |||||
Employee benefits |
| |
| | |||
Utilities and office expense |
| |
| | |||
Listing and regulatory fees | | | |||||
Repairs and maintenance |
| |
| | |||
Settlements and penalties |
| |
| | |||
Lease |
| |
| | |||
Executive expenses and directors' fees | | | |||||
Other | | | |||||
Total | $ | | $ | |
The main portions of the Professional fees and Compensation to employees relate to stock-based compensation issued to non-employees and employees, respectively, see Note 11 - Share Based Compensation for additional information.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, were $
NOTE 17 – LEASES
We have entered into various operating lease agreements for certain offices, manufacturing and warehouse facilities, and corporate aircraft. Operating leases led to recognition of right-of-use assets, and current and noncurrent portion of lease liabilities, as appropriate. These right-of-use assets also include any lease payments made and initial direct costs incurred at lease commencement and exclude lease incentives. The lease terms may include
On November 1, 2023, the Company entered a
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The table below presents information regarding our lease assets and liabilities.
| December 31, 2023 |
| September 30, 2023 | ||||
Assets: |
|
|
|
| |||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | | $ | | |||
Liabilities: |
|
| |||||
Operating lease liabilities, current |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Operating lease liabilities, non-current |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Total lease liabilities | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Weighted average remaining lease terms: |
|
|
|
| |||
Operating leases |
|
| |||||
Weighted average discount rate: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating leases |
| | % |
| | % |
Operating lease costs: | For the three months ended December 31, |
| |||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| |||
Fixed lease cost | $ | | $ | | |||
Variable lease cost |
| |
| | |||
Sublease income |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Total operating lease costs | $ | | $ | |
Operating Lease Commitments
Our leases primarily consist of land, land and building, or equipment leases. Our lease obligations are based upon contractual minimum rates. Most leases provide that we pay taxes, maintenance, insurance and operating expenses applicable to the premises. The initial term for most real property leases is typically
The following table reflects maturities of operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2023:
Years ending |
|
| |
September 30, |
| ||
2024 (9 months) | $ | | |
2025 |
| | |
2026 |
| | |
2027 |
| | |
2028 |
| | |
Thereafter |
| | |
Total lease payments | $ | | |
Less: imputed interest |
| ( | |
Present value of lease liabilities | $ | |
NOTE 18 – INCOME TAXES
The Company and its less than 100% owned subsidiaries are filing separate tax returns and we calculate the provision for income taxes by using a “separate return” method. Section 174 deduction and R&D credits are calculated using consolidated tax return rules and allocated among its members. Tax effects of significant unusual or infrequently occurring items are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate calculation and recognized in the interim period in which they occur.
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We maintain a full valuation allowance against the value of our U.S. and state net deferred tax assets because recoverability of the tax assets does not meet the “more likely than not” likelihood at December 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023.
NOTE 19 – CONTINGENCIES AND CLAIMS
ASC 450.20 governs the disclosure and recognition of loss contingencies, including potential losses from litigation, regulation, tax and other matters. The accounting standard defines a “loss contingency” as “an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss to an entity that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur.” ASC 450 requires accrual for a loss contingency when it is probable that one or more future events will occur confirming the fact of loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Under this standard an event is probable when it is likely to occur.
From time to time, we are subject to asserted and actual claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Company management reviews any such legal proceedings and claims on an ongoing basis and follows appropriate accounting guidance when making accrual and disclosure decisions. We recognize accruals for those contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, and disclose the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for our consolidated condensed financial statements to not be misleading. As required by ASC 450 we do not record liabilities when the likelihood is not probable, or when the likelihood is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated. To estimate whether a loss contingency should be accrued by a charge to income, management evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of the loss.
The outcomes of our legal proceedings and other contingencies are inherently unpredictable, subject to significant uncertainties, and could be material to our operating results and cash flows for a particular period. We evaluate, at least quarterly, developments in our legal proceedings and other contingencies that could affect the amount of liability, including amounts in excess of any previous accruals and reasonably possible losses disclosed, and make adjustments and changes to our accruals and disclosures as appropriate. For the matters we disclose that do not include an estimate of the amount of loss or range of losses, such an estimate is not possible or is immaterial, and we may be unable to estimate the possible loss or range of losses that could potentially result from the application of non-monetary remedies. Until the final resolution of such matters, if any of our estimates and assumptions change or prove to have been incorrect, we may experience losses in excess of the amounts recorded, which could have a material effect on our business, consolidated condensed financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Information with respect to our legal proceedings is contained in Note 19 – Contingencies and Claims of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2023. Other than as set forth herein, there are no additional updates to the legal proceedings involving the Company and/or its subsidiaries.
Qiantu Motor (Suzhou) Ltd.
On October 11, 2019, Mullen Technologies, Inc. filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California (Case No. 3:19-cv-01979-W-DEB) on October 11, 2019. This matter arises out of a contract dispute between Mullen and Qiantu Motor (Suzhou) Ltd. (“Qiantu”) related to the engineering, design, support, and homologation of Qiantu’s K50 vehicle by Mullen. On July 1, 2020, the court ordered this matter to arbitration. It was submitted to the American Arbitration Association on February 9, 2021, for arbitration in Denver, Colorado. On March 14, 2023, the parties entered into a Settlement Agreement providing for full settlement of all pending litigation between Mullen and Qiantu. Mullen continues its analysis of the homologation costs and the parties continue to negotiate licensing rights to the European territories.
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International Business Machines (“IBM”)
On May 7, 2019, International Business Machines (‘IBM”) filed a claim against Mullen Technologies, Inc, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York. This matter arises out of a contract dispute between Mullen and IBM related to a joint development and technology license agreement, patent license agreement, and a logo trademark agreement.
The Company has recognized the amounts paid ($
TOA Trading LLC Litigation
On April 11, 2022, TOA Trading LLC and Munshibari LLC (“Plaintiffs”), filed a complaint against Mullen in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. This claim arises out of an alleged breach of contract related to an unpaid finder’s fee. On January 8, 2024, the court, sua sponte reset the February 12, 2024 trial to April 30, 2024.
Based on the early stage of the litigation,
DBI Lease Buyback Servicing LLC, Drawbridge Investments LLC
On March 2, 2023, DBI and Drawbridge Investments LLC (collectively, “Drawbridge”) filed a complaint in the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York against Mullen. The complaint arises out of a letter agreement providing DBI with a right to purchase up to $
On December 5, 2023, as part of the settlement, Drawbridge withdrew its appeal to Mullen’s Motion to Dismiss, which was granted by the court on August 25, 2023, with prejudice. Based on the contract signed by the parties, the Company accrued $
The GEM Group
On September 21, 2021, the GEM Group filed an arbitration demand and statement of claim with the American Arbitration Association against Mullen seeking declaratory relief and damages. This matter arises out of an alleged breach of a securities purchase agreement dated November 13, 2020. On January 24, 2024, the arbitrator ordered Mullen to deposit an additional $
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Mullen Stockholder Litigation
In re Mullen Automotive, Inc. Securities Litigation
On May 5, 2022, Plaintiff Margaret Schaub, a purported stockholder, filed a putative class action complaint in the United States District Court Central District of California against the “Company”, as well as its Chief Executive Officer, David Michery, and the Chief Executive Officer of a predecessor entity, Oleg Firer (the “Schaub Lawsuit”). This lawsuit was brought by Schaub both individually and on behalf of a putative class of the Company’s shareholders, claiming false or misleading statements regarding the Company’s business partnerships, technology, and manufacturing capabilities, and alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. An amended complaint was filed on September 23, 2022. The Schaub Lawsuit seeks to certify a putative class of shareholders, and seeks monetary damages, as well as an award of reasonable fees and expenses.
Trinon Coleman v. David Michery et al.
On December 8, 2023, Trinon Coleman, a purported stockholder, filed a shareholder derivative action in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware, purportedly in the right and for the benefit of the Company as a nominal defendant, against Mr. Michery, and Company directors Mr. Puckett, Ms. Winter, Mr. Betor, Mr. Miltner, and Mr. New (the “Coleman Lawsuit”). This lawsuit asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, insider trading, and unjust enrichment primarily in connection with the issues and claims asserted in the Schaub Lawsuit. The Coleman Lawsuit seeks to direct the Company to improve its corporate governance and internal procedures, and seeks monetary damages and an award of reasonable fees and expenses.
David Gru v. Mullen Automotive Inc.
On May 12, 2022, David Gru, a purported stockholder, filed a putative class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against the Company, Mr. Michery, and Mr. Firer (the “Gru Lawsuit”). This lawsuit was brought by Gru both individually and on behalf of a putative class of Mullen’s shareholders, claiming false or misleading statements regarding Mullen’s business partnerships, technology, and manufacturing capabilities, and alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5. The Gru Lawsuit sought to declare the action to be a class action, and sought monetary damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, as well as an award of reasonable fees and expenses. On August 4, 2022, the Court consolidated this action into the Schaub Lawsuit, and ordered this action administratively closed.
In re Mullen Automotive, Inc. Derivative Litigation
On August 1, 2022, Jeff Witt and Joseph Birbigalia, purported stockholders, filed a shareholder derivative action in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, purportedly in the right and for the benefit of the Company as a nominal defendant, and Mr. Michery, Mr. Firer, and current or former Company directors Ignacio Novoa, Mary Winter, Kent Puckett, Mark Betor, William Miltner and Jonathan New (the “Witt Lawsuit”). The Witt lawsuit asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, waste of corporate assets, and violation of Section
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14 of the Exchange Act primarily in connection with the issues and claims asserted in the Schaub Lawsuit. The Witt Lawsuit seeks monetary damages, as well as an award of reasonable fees and expenses.
Hany Morsy v. David Michery, et al.
On September 30, 2022, Hany Morsy, a purported stockholder, filed a shareholder derivative action in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, purportedly in the right and for the benefit of the Company as a nominal defendant, against Mr. Michery, Mr. Firer, former Company officer and director, Jerry Alban, and Company directors Mr. Novoa, Ms. Winter, Mr. Puckett, Mr. Betor, Mr. Miltner, and Mr. New (the “Morsy Lawsuit”). This lawsuit asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and violation of Section 14 of the Exchange Act primarily in connection with the issues and claims asserted in the Schaub Lawsuit. The Morsy Lawsuit seeks to direct the Company to improve its corporate governance and internal procedures, and also seeks monetary damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, restitution, and an award of reasonable fees and expenses.
On November 8, 2022, the Court consolidated this matter and the Witt Lawsuit.
Chosten Caris v. David Michery
On April 27, 2023, Chosten Caris, a purported stockholder, filed a complaint against Mr. Michery in the Eighth Judicial Circuit In and For Alachua County, Florida (the “Caris Lawsuit”). This lawsuit purports to seek damages for claims arising under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. The Caris Lawsuit also seeks punitive damages. On May 17, 2023, Mr. Michery removed the Caris Lawsuit to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida.
Other contingencies
Accrued debt settlement
As discussed in the Note 7 - Debt, on December 18, 2023, Mullen entered into a Debt Agreement to issue a non-convertible secured promissory note with a principal amount of $
Refund liabilities
As discussed in the Note 3 – Summary of significant accounting policies, the Company’s contract with a certain dealer contains return provision, stating that they may return unsold vehicles after 1 year. Since the Company does not have sufficient relevant statistics of returns yet, we defer revenue recognition until the vehicles have been sold by such dealer or until there is sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable estimate for the amount of consideration to which the Company
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expects to be entitled. For any amounts received (or receivable) for which the Company does not recognize revenue when it transfers products to customers, a refund liability is recognized. These liabilities are disclosed in the Note 12 – Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.
NOTE 20 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related Party Receivable
Prior to its spinoff as a separate entity and the closing of the Merger on November 5, 2021, the Company operated as a division of MTI, an entity in which the Company’s CEO had a controlling financial interest and of which he was CEO and Chairman. Subsequent to the spinoff transaction and Merger on November 5, 2021, the Company processed and disbursed payroll and related compensation benefits for
On March 31, 2023, the Company converted approximately $
On January 16, 2023, the Company terminated the TSA with MTI, and received cash from MTI in full settlement of all then receivable amounts outstanding (refer to Note 22 - Subsequent events).
Director Provided Services
For the three months ended December 31, 2023, our non-employee directors have earned compensation for service on our Board of Directors and Committees of our Board of Directors in amount of $
William Miltner
William Miltner is a litigation attorney who provides legal services to Mullen Automotive and its subsidiaries. Mr. Miltner also is an elected Director for the Company, beginning his term in August 2021. For the three months ending December 31, 2023, Mr. Miltner received $
Mary Winter
On October 26, 2021, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mary Winter, Corporate Secretary and Director, to compensate for Corporate Secretary Services and director responsibilities for the period from October 1, 2021
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to December 31, 2023, in the amount of $
NOTE 21 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
Our CEO and Chairman of the Board, as the chief operating decision maker, makes decisions about resources to be acquired, allocated and utilized to each operating segment. The Company is currently comprised of
● | Bollinger. The Company acquired the controlling interest of Bollinger Motors Inc. ( |
● | Mullen/ELMS. By November 30, 2022, Mullen acquired ELMS’ manufacturing plant in Mishawaka Indiana and all the intellectual property needed to engineer and build Class 1 and Class 3 electric vehicles. |
All long-lived assets of the Company are located in the United States of America.
The table below represents main financial information pertaining to the segments (there were no material differences from the last annual report in the basis of segmentation or in the basis of measurement of segment profit or loss).
Segment reporting for the 3 months ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
| Bollinger |
| Mullen/ELMS |
| Total | ||||
Revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||
Segment's net loss before income taxes | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Total segment assets | | | | ||||||
Segment reporting for the 3 months ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Bollinger |
| Mullen/ELMS | Total | |||||
Revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||
Segment's net loss before income taxes | ( | ( | ( | ||||||
Total segment assets | | | | ||||||
NOTE 22 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Company management has evaluated subsequent events through February 13, 2024, which is the date these financial statements were available to be issued. Except as discussed below, management has determined that there were no subsequent events which required recognition, adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements:
Continued NASDAQ listing
On October 26, 2023, Mullen received approval from the Nasdaq Hearings Panel to continue its listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. This decision was subject to two conditions:
1. | By January 22, 2024, Mullen must demonstrate a closing bid price of $ |
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2. | By March 8, 2024, the Company needs to hold an annual shareholder meeting, satisfying Listing Rule 5620(a), which requires providing stockholders an opportunity to discuss company affairs with management. |
On January 24, 2024, the Company received formal notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC confirming the Company has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).
Mullen has scheduled its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on February 29, 2024 to regain compliance with the annual shareholder meeting requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(a).
Repayment of related party receivables
On January 16, 2024, the Company terminated the Transition Services Agreement between the Company and Mullen Technologies, Inc., and received cash payment in full settlement of all amounts outstanding (including outstanding notes receivable, advances and related interest and penalties) of approximately $
Repayment of Promissory Note
The Promissory Note issued to NuBridge Commercial Lending LLC for a principal amount of $
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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis is intended to help the reader understand Mullen’s results of operations and financial condition. You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our audited financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Report.
In connection with the Merger Agreement (as defined below), and as disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 12, 2021, our fiscal year end changed from December 31 to September 30, effective for our fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. As a result, and unless otherwise indicated, references to our fiscal year 2023 and prior years mean the fiscal year ended on September 30 of such year.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “continue,” or “should,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. There can be no assurance that actual results will not materially differ from expectations. The forward-looking statements contained in this Report are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. Future developments affecting us may not be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control), and other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described under the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A above. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation (and expressly disclaim any obligation) to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. These risks and others described under the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A above may not be exhaustive. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this Report. In addition, even if our results or operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which we operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Report, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries Mullen Investment Properties LLC, a Mississippi corporation, Ottava Automotive, Inc., a California corporation, Mullen Real Estate, LLC, a Delaware corporation, as well as a 60%-owned subsidiary Bollinger Motors Inc., a Delaware corporation. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated, if any. The financial statements reflect the consolidated condensed financial position and results of operations of Mullen, which have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year.
Components of Results of Operations
We are an early-stage company, and our historical results may not be indicative of our future results for reasons that may be difficult to anticipate. Accordingly, the drivers of our future financial results, as well as the components of such results, may not be comparable to our historical or projected results of operations.
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Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022
The following table sets forth our historical operating results for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended |
| |||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| $ Change |
| % Change |
| ||||
| (dollar amounts, except percentages) |
| ||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
General and administrative | 43,234,052 | 64,996,011 | (21,761,959) |
| 33 | % | ||||||
Research and development | 16,169,967 | 8,622,009 | 7,547,958 |
| (88) | % | ||||||
Loss from Operations | $ | (59,404,019) | $ | (73,618,020) | $ | 14,214,001 |
| (19) | % | |||
Other income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Other financing costs - initial recognition of derivative liabilities |
| — |
| (255,960,025) |
| 255,960,025 |
| 100 | % | |||
Loss on derivative liability revaluation | (6,728,981) | (40,781,976) | 34,052,995 | 84 | % | |||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net | — | (6,412,170) | 6,412,170 | 100 | % | |||||||
Gain on sale of fixed assets |
| 75,990 |
| — |
| 75,990 |
| 100 | % | |||
Gain on lease termination | 50,000 | — | 50,000 |
| 100 | % | ||||||
Interest expense | (258,023) | (2,828,089) |
| 2,570,066 | 91 | % | ||||||
Other income, net | 545,416 | 645,881 |
| (100,465) | 16 | % | ||||||
Net loss before income tax benefit | $ | (65,719,617) | $ | (378,954,399) | $ | 313,234,782 | 83 | % | ||||
Income tax benefit | 1,726,238 | 493,654 | 1,232,584 | 250 | % | |||||||
Net loss | $ | (63,993,379) | $ | (378,460,745) | $ | 314,467,366 | 83 | % | ||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (2,598,481) | (2,184,959) | (413,522) | (19) | % | |||||||
Net loss attributable to stockholders | $ | (61,394,898) | $ | (376,275,786) | $ | 314,880,888 | 84 | % | ||||
Accrued accumulated preferred dividends | (21,303) | (638,677) | 617,374 | 97 | % | |||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders after preferred dividends | $ | (61,416,201) | $ | (376,914,463) | $ | 315,498,262 | 84 | % |
Revenues
We are a development stage company and have only recently started to generate notable revenues. As we expand production and commercialization of vehicles, we expect the majority of our revenue to be derived from sales of commercial vehicles. We are planning to ramp up production and reach sufficient revenue levels in subsequent periods – primarily from sales of Commercial Delivery Vehicles (Class 1 – 6). As we continue to develop our product line, we expect additional revenue streams in the future, also from the sales of Sport Utility Vehicles ("SUVs") and the flexible leasing of our electric vehicles ("EVs").
In accordance with accounting standards, we recognize revenue from the sale of electric vehicles upon transfer of control to a customer. In general, the control is transferred at the point of delivery to the customer but certain contracts with our dealers contain a return provision, stating that they may return unsold vehicles after 1 year. Since the Company does not have sufficient relevant statistics of returns yet, we defer revenue recognition until the vehicles have been sold by such dealer or until there is sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable estimate for consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. Payments from customers are generally expected to be received within 30-60 days after delivery.
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The tables below disclose information on deliveries of vehicles, revenue recognized, and payments received from our customers over the recent periods.
Invoiced during the year ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||
# |
| Type |
| Units Invoiced |
| Amount invoiced |
| Cash received |
| Revenue recognized | |||
1 |
| Urban Delivery -UD0 |
| 25 |
| 366,000 |
| 366,000 |
| 366,000 | |||
2 |
| Mullen 3 -UU |
| 10 |
| 652,200 |
| 652,200 |
| — | |||
| Total |
| 35 |
| $ | 1,018,200 |
| $ | 1,018,200 |
| $ | 366,000 | |
| Invoiced during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
# |
| Type |
| Units Invoiced |
| Amount invoiced | Cash received |
| Revenue recognized | ||||
1 |
| Mullen 3 -UU |
| 131 | 8,543,820 | — | — | ||||||
2 |
| Urban Delivery -UD1 |
| 100 | 3,363,500 | — | — | ||||||
| Total |
| 231 |
| $ | 11,907,320 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
Cost of Goods Sold
Costs of goods sold primarily includes vehicle components and parts, labor costs, amortized tooling costs, provisions for estimated warranty expenses, and other relevant costs associated with the production of our vehicles.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses increased by approximately $7.5 million or 88% from approximately $8.6 million through the three months ended December 31, 2022, to approximately $16.2 million through the three months ended December 31, 2023. Research and development expenses are primarily comprised of external fees and internal costs for engineering, homologation, prototyping costs and other expenses related to preparation to mass-production of electric vehicles such as Mullen Five EV, Mullen One EV cargo van, etc.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses include all non-production expenses incurred by us in any given period. This includes expenses such as professional fees, salaries, rent, repairs and maintenance, utilities and office expense, employee benefits, depreciation and amortization, advertising and marketing, settlements and penalties, taxes, licenses and other expenses. We expense advertising costs as incurred. General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $21.8 million or 33% from approximately $65.0 million in the three months ended December 31, 2022, to approximately $43.2 million in the three months ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to decreases in compensation to employees, depreciation expense, and lease expense offset by increases in professional fees, utilities, office expense, advertising and promotions expenses.
Other losses
The line item “Other financing costs - initial recognition of derivative liabilities” in the three months ended December 31, 2023 is zero versus the three months ended December 31, 2022 when it amounted to approximately $256 million. Similarly, the derivative liability revaluation loss has decreased by 84% from $40.8 million to $6.7 million. These changes are due to the fact that no additional warrants or convertible notes were issued during the three months ended December 31, 2023 and the monetary value of relevant obligations has significantly decreased in comparison to the three months ended December 31, 2022 (see Notes 7 and 8 to the financial statements).
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by approximately $2.6 million, or 91%, from approximately $2.8 million through the three months ended December 31, 2022, to approximately $0.3 million through the three months ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to a decrease in convertible debt that has was fully converted in March, 2023.
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Net Loss
The net loss attributable to common stockholders (after preferred dividends) was approximately $61.4 million, or $15.32 net loss per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders after preferred dividends of approximately $376.9 million, or $6,233.08 loss per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2022 (giving effect to reverse stock splits, see below).
Operating segments
The Company is currently comprised of 2 major operating segments:
● | Bollinger Motors. The Company acquired the controlling interest of Bollinger Motors Inc. (60%) on September 7, 2022. This acquisition positions Mullen into the medium duty truck classes 4-6, along with the Sport Utility and Pick Up Trucks EV segments. |
● | Mullen/ELMS. By November 30, 2022, Mullen acquired ELMS’ manufacturing plant in Mishawaka Indiana and all the intellectual property needed to engineer and build Class 1 and Class 3 electric vehicles. |
Reverse Stock Splits and NASDAQ listing rules compliance
During the calendar year ended December 31, 2023 we have completed 3 reverse stock splits in order to regain compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). In May 2023, we completed a 1-for-25 reverse split of our outstanding shares of common stock. In August 2023, we completed a 1-for-9 reverse split of our outstanding shares of common stock. The last 1-for-100 reverse stock split was effectuated in December 2023.
On January 24, 2024, the Company received formal notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC confirming the Company has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).
Mullen has scheduled its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on February 29, 2024 to regain compliance with the annual shareholder meeting requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(a).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
To date, we have yet to generate any significant revenue from our business operations. We have funded our capital expenditure and working capital requirements through the sale of equity securities, as further discussed below. Our ability to successfully expand our business will depend on many factors, including our working capital needs, the availability of equity or debt financing and, over time, our ability to generate cash flows from operations.
The Company's principal source of liquidity consists of existing cash and restricted cash of approximately $88.9 million as of December 31, 2023. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company used approximately $59.9 million of cash for operating activities. The net working capital on December 31, 2023 amounted to approximately $47.1 million, or approximately $79.3 million after excluding derivative liabilities and liabilities to issue stock that are supposed to be settled by issuing common stock without using cash. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company has incurred a net loss of $64 million and, as of December 31, 2023, our accumulated deficit was $1,923.6 million.
The Company is evaluating strategies to obtain the required additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, obtaining equity financing, issuing debt, or entering other financing arrangements, and restructuring of operations to grow revenues and decrease expenses. However, given the impact of the economic downturn on the U.S. and global financial markets, the Company may be unable to access further equity or debt financing when needed. As such, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional liquidity when needed or under acceptable terms, if at all.
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Despite these efforts, there can be no assurance that our plans will be successful in alleviating the substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty, such as the potential need to liquidate assets, restructure operations, or make other significant changes to the business model.
COVID-19
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our operating results. The Company has not observed any impairments of its assets or a significant change in the fair value of its assets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, it is not possible for the Company to predict the duration or magnitude of the adverse results of the outbreak and its effects on the Company’s business or results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.
Debt
To date, our current working capital and development needs have been primarily funded through the issuance of convertible indebtedness, convertible preferred stock and common stock. Debt comprises an insignificant component of our funding needs.
The short-term debt classification primarily is based upon loans due within twelve-months from the balance sheet date, in addition to loans that have matured and remain unpaid. Management plans to renegotiate matured loans with creditors for favorable terms, such as reduce interest rate, extend maturities, or both; however, there is no guarantee favorable terms will be reached. Until negotiations with creditors are resolved, these matured loans remain outstanding and will be classified within short-term debt on the balance sheet. Interest and fees on loans are being accounted for within accrued interest.
The following is a summary of our debt as of December 31, 2023:
Net Carrying Value | |||||||||||||
Unpaid Principal | Contractual | Contractual | |||||||||||
Type of Debt |
| Balance |
| Current |
| Long-Term |
| Interest Rate |
| Maturity | |||
Matured notes | $ | 2,398,881 | $ | 2,398,881 | $ | — |
| 0.00 - 10.00 | % | 2019 - 2021 | |||
Real estate note |
| 5,000,000 |
| 5,000,000 |
| — |
| 8.99 | % | 2024 | |||
Loan advances |
| 332,800 |
| 332,800 |
| — |
| 0.00 - 10.00 | % | 2016 - 2018 | |||
Less: debt discount |
| (109,525) |
| (109,525) |
| — |
| ||||||
Total Debt | $ | 7,622,156 | $ | 7,622,156 | $ | — |
|
The Promissory Note issued to NuBridge Commercial Lending LLC for a principal amount of $5 million (with carrying amount, net of debt discount, of approximately $4.9 million as of December 31, 2023) was repaid by the Company on January 31, 2024, further reducing the overall debt of the Company to approximately $2.7 million.
Cash Flows
The following table provides a summary of our cash flow data for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): |
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |||
Operating activities | $ | (59,891,553) | $ | (33,227,692) | |||
Investing activities | (6,865,681) |
| (93,718,182) | ||||
Financing activities | — |
| 150,000,000 |
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Cash Flows used in Operating Activities
Our cash flow used in operating activities to date has been primarily comprised of costs related to research and development, payroll and other general and administrative activities. As we continue to ramp up hiring ahead of starting commercial operations, we expect our cash used in operating activities to increase before we start to generate any material cash flow from our business.
Net cash used in operating activities was $59.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2023, an 80% increase from $33.2 million net cash used during the three months ended December 31, 2022.
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
Our cash flows used in investing activities, to date, have been comprised mainly of purchases of equipment.
Net cash used in investing activities was $6.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2023, a 93% decrease from $93.7 million used in investing activities the three months ended December 31, 2022. The primary factor of the change was the ELMS assets acquisition during the three months ended December 31, 2022.
Cash Flows provided by Financing Activities
Through December 31, 2023, we have financed our operations primarily through the issuance of convertible notes and equity securities.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.0 for the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $150 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, when we issued convertible notes in lieu of preferred shares.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following tables summarizes our contractual obligations and other commitments for cash expenditures as of December 31, 2023, and the years in which these obligations are due:
Operating Lease Commitments
| Scheduled | ||
Years Ended September 30, | Payments | ||
2024 (9 months) | $ | 2,276,166 | |
2025 |
| 5,498,855 | |
2026 |
| 4,044,143 | |
2027 |
| 3,962,569 | |
2028 |
| 3,728,589 | |
Thereafter |
| 1,874,007 | |
Total Future Minimum Lease Payments | $ | 21,384,329 |
Non-convertible secured promissory note
On December 18, 2023, Mullen entered into a Debt Agreement to issue a non-convertible secured promissory note (the “Note”) with a principal amount of $50 million, purchased for $32 million, reflecting an $18 million original issue discount. The Note, which does not include conversion rights, stock, warrants, or other securities, aims to raise capital for the Company's manufacturing operations. The issuance of this non-convertible Note is scheduled for the first trading day when all closing conditions are met. By February 12, 2024, the loan has not been received. The $18 million original issue discount was considered a settlement cost related to a dispute over financings that occurred during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The $18 million settlement cost has been accrued as of September 30, 2023 and is included as accrued
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expenses and other liabilities at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023. When the debt is issued the $18 million will be reclassified to note payable.
The Note will incur 10% annual interest, escalating to 18% post-Event of Default. It matures three months post-issuance. The Note's terms allow for accelerated repayment upon default, requiring the Company to pay the principal, accrued interest, and other due amounts. The Note is secured by the Company’s assets and imposes restrictions on the Company, limiting additional debt, asset liens, stock repurchases, outstanding debt repayment, and affiliate transactions, except for specified exceptions. It mandates prepayment of the principal from net proceeds of any subsequent financing.
Scheduled Debt Maturities
The following are scheduled debt maturities as of December 31, 2023:
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 |
| 2025 |
| 2026 |
| 2027 |
| Thereafter |
| Total | |||||||
Total Debt | $ | 7,622,156 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 7,622,156 |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC rules.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In the preparation of these financial statements, our management is required to use judgment in making estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Management considers an accounting judgment, estimate or assumption to be critical when (1) the estimate or assumption is complex in nature or requires a high degree of judgment and (2) the use of different judgments, estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on the consolidated condensed financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 3 to the consolidated condensed financial statements. Management believes none of the accounting policies and estimates are considered critical for the preparation of these consolidated condensed financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting standard updates issued but not yet effective were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Not Applicable.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (“DCP”) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, is: (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (b) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
We conducted an evaluation pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our DCP as of December 31, 2023, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our
51
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our DCP were not effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2023 because of material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting described below.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In conducting our annual review of our internal control over financial reporting for the year ended September 30, 2023, we identified the following material weaknesses described below.
● | Based on management’s review of key accounting and information technology policies and procedures, we have determined that although such policies and procedures exist, they are not all formalized in a written procedure format that is up to date. |
● | As a result of absence of formalized review of key controls across several business processes and/or insufficiently formalized documentation evidencing such review, management’s ability to evaluate the design and monitor the effective operation of these preventative and detective internal controls is limited. Accordingly, management’s ability to timely detect, prevent and remediate deficiencies and potential risks has been assessed as inadequate. |
● | The Company identified certain design deficiencies in its management and analytical review controls associated with the financial close process. These deficiencies, individually or in the aggregate, combined with inadequate compensating controls, created a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement to the consolidated condensed financial statements might not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. |
● | The Company lacks in-house accounting expertise to identify rights and obligations reflected in non-standard agreements, requiring specialized accounting for complex transactions. |
● | The Company’s internal control system as well as disclosure controls and procedures failed to ensure the Company properly presents certain related party disclosures in the financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2022, as discussed in the Note 20 to the financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2023. |
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, these control deficiencies did not result in identified material misstatements in our consolidated condensed financial statements; however, the control deficiencies described above created a more than remote possibility that a material misstatement in the consolidated condensed financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Therefore, our management concluded that the deficiencies represent material weaknesses.
Based on the performance of additional procedures by management designed to ensure reliability of financial reporting, the Company’s management has concluded that, notwithstanding the material weaknesses described above, the consolidated condensed financial statements, included in this Form 10-Q, fairly present, in all material respects, the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of the dates, and for the periods presented, in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
Remediation Efforts to Address the Material Weaknesses
While the Company has significantly improved its internal control over financial reporting, the material weaknesses remain un-remediated as of December 31, 2023, and the Company’s remediation efforts will continue to take place in 2024.
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the management continued implementing actions in accordance with the remediation plan, including:
● | Improvement of accounting policies and procedures. |
● | Development of systems and IT tools to enable the effectiveness and consistent execution of controls over timely and accurate accounting for certain transactions. |
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● | Consulting with independent accounting firm on accounting and valuation matters. |
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The following changes in internal control took place during the three months ended December 31, 2023 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting:
● | In the fourth quarter of the year ended September 30, 2022, the Company acquired a controlling interest (60%) in a substantial subsidiary, Bollinger Motors, Inc. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, as part of our ongoing integration activities, management has been considering the controls design to be incorporated into this business concurrent with the augmentation of our Company-wide controls. |
● | During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company started considerable production and sales activities and is implementing internal control procedures related to ASC 606. |
● | Management of the Company has launched a substantial upgrade of information systems to implement a new enterprise resource planning system (SAP) that is expected to go live in April, 2024. |
In addition to the remedial actions taken to date, the Company is considering the full extent of the procedures to implement in order to remediate the material weaknesses described above. Currently, the remediation plan includes:
● | Revising and enhancing effectiveness of the controls put in place during previous periods, including those mentioned above. |
● | Continuing to implement processes and controls to better manage and monitor our financial reporting risks, including enhancing the usage of technology and tools. |
● | Continuing professional training and education on accounting subjects for accounting staff. |
● | Enhancing management review controls related to our financial statement close and financial reporting involving estimates, judgments, and assumptions. |
● | Augmenting the design of the financial statement closing and financial reporting process including documentation of accounting treatment of significant and unusual transactions. |
The actions that we are taking are subject to ongoing management review and audit committee oversight. We believe these measures will aid to remediate the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weaknesses, but the material weaknesses will not be considered fully remediated until controls have been designed and implemented for a sufficient period of time, and properly tested for our management to conclude that the control environment is operating effectively.
We are committed to continuing to improve our internal control processes, and, as we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may take additional measures to address control deficiencies, or we may modify certain of the remediation measures described above.
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and processes as well as internal control over financial reporting, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and implemented, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Because of its inherent limitations, any internal control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain judgments and assumptions, and cannot provide absolute assurance that its objectives will be met. Similarly, an evaluation of controls cannot provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
53
periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject, are described in the “Note 19 - Contingencies and Claims” of the notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the information set forth in this Report, you should read and consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended September 30, 2023 which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results of operation. The risks described in such report are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may eventually prove to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or future operating results.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Director and Officer Trading Arrangements
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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No. |
| Description |
3.1 | ||
3.2 | ||
10.1 | ||
31.1* | ||
31.2* | ||
32.1* | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 | |
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document | |
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL Document and include in Exhibit 101) |
* | Filed herewith (furnished herewith with respect to Exhibit 32.1). |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Mullen Automotive Inc. | |||
February 13, 2024 | By: | /s/ David Michery | |
David Michery | |||
Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer and duly authorized officer) | |||
/s/ Jonathan New | |||
Jonathan New Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
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