Smart Share Global Limited Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Results

Smart Share Global Limited (Nasdaq: EM) (“Energy Monster” or the “Company”), a consumer tech company providing mobile device charging service, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2023

• Net income was RMB87.7 million for the full year 2023, compared to a net loss of RMB711.2 million for 2022.
• Mobile device charging orders for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 154.9 million, representing an increase of 32.8% compared to the same period last year. Mobile device charging orders for 2023 was 656.4 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 18.7%.
• As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s services were available in 1,234 thousand POIs2, compared with 1,189 thousand as of September 30, 2023 and 997 thousand as of December 31, 2022.
• As of December 31, 2023, 72.8% of POIs were operated under our network partner model, compared with 65.5% as of September 30, 2023 and 52.5% as of December 31, 2022.
• As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s available-for-use power banks3 were 9.2 million, compared with 8.7 million as of September 30, 2023 and 6.7 million as of December 31, 2022.
• As of December 31, 2023, cumulative registered users4 reached 391.5 million, with 12.6 million newly registered users acquired during the quarter and 57.9 million acquired during the year.

“During 2023, our operations underwent a notable transformation after overcoming the challenges in the previous years, marked by achieving historic highs in mobile device charging orders and returning to profitability,” said Mars Guangyuan Cai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The expansion of our mobile device charging service network also continued to reach unprecedented levels, while our operational metrics consistently achieved new milestones across the board. Our leadership in the mobile device charging service sector continues to rise, as evidenced by an increase in market share each year since our inception. We are enthusiastic about the prospects and trajectory of the mobile device charging service sector here in China and remain unwavering in our commitment to delivering sustainable value to all of our stakeholders.”

“In 2023, our dedication to expanding our mobile device charging network remained consistent as we utilized a blend of the direct and network partner models to expand the reach of our service,” said Peifeng Xu, President. “We proactively pursued new network partners across all regions to enhance our footprint in existing regions and extend into new ones. Additionally, our direct model synergizes with the network partner model, utilizing the Energy Monster brand to establish partnerships with national and regional key accounts. The general recovery in offline traffic in 2023 paves the way for stronger growth in 2024 as we continue to leverage the strengths of both models to drive growth and profitability.”

“We continued to strengthen our balance sheet and optimize our working capital during 2023 while our operation continued to recover towards normalization,” said Maria Yi Xin, Chief Financial Officer. “The increasing contribution of the network partner model has been a positive impact on our profitability during the year. Going into 2024, we expect this trend to continue as we optimize our portfolio of POIs under the direct model. The return to profitability in each quarter of 2023 gives us the flexibility to explore different ways of delivering value to our shareholders as well as investing in new initiatives that will unlock our growth potential in the future.”

UPDATE ON CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTStarting in the second quarter of 2023, the Company has updated its contractual arrangement with its network partners under the network partner model, shifting the principal role of providing mobile device charging service from the Company to network partners. Under the new contractual arrangement, the Company generates revenue by providing mobile device charging solutions to network partners, including software and system service, billing and settlement service, customer call center service and other services. The ownership rights of cabinets and power banks under the network partner model, which were previously held by the Company, have also been transferred to the network partners under the new contractual arrangement.

Starting in the second quarter of 2023, mobile device charging revenue generated under the network partner model has therefore been recorded under mobile device charging solution, which is now net of incentive fees paid to network partners. Relatedly, all incentive fees paid to network partners have been excluded from the Company’s sales and marketing expenses under the new contractual arrangement. Due to the new contractual arrangement, the Company now also generates revenue from cabinet and power bank sales to its network partners as a result of the shift in ownership rights of the cabinets and power banks under the network partner model from the Company to the network partners, and cost of cabinets and power banks sold to the network partners will be recognized accordingly.

Starting in the second quarter of 2023, the classification of revenue has been updated accordingly to more clearly reflect the results of the two mobile device charging models. The Company’s mobile device charging operation now consists of the direct model and the network partner model. Under the direct model, the Company generates revenue by offering mobile device charging service and sales of power banks to users. Under the network partner model, the Company generates revenue by offering mobile device charging solutions and sales of power banks and cabinets to network partners.

The table below sets forth the breakdown of mobile device charging revenue components based on the latest classification for the periods indicated: 

	2022Q4		2023Q3		2023Q4		FY2022		FY2023
	thousands RMB		thousands RMB		thousands RMB		thousands RMB		thousands RMB
Mobile device charging:
Direct Model	268,841		284,233		215,741		1,617,793		1,083,300
Mobile device charging service	263,367		278,099		210,899		1,587,298		1,058,636
Power bank sales	5,474		6,134		4,842		30,495		24,664
Network Partner Model	318,964		279,960		249,958		1,195,826		1,785,915
Mobile device charging service	309,353		-		-		1,166,845		518,743
Mobile device charging solution	-		58,759		60,600		-		173,152
Power bank and cabinet sales	9,611		221,201		189,358		28,981		1,094,020
Total mobile device charging	587,805		564,193		465,699		2,813,619		2,869,215

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2023Revenues were RMB486.6 million (US$68.5 million5) for the fourth quarter of 2023, representing a 18.3% decrease from the same period in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in mobile device charging revenues as a result of the change in the contractual arrangement with network partners.

• Mobile device charging revenues, which consist of revenues generated under both direct and network partner models, decreased by 20.8% to RMB465.7 million (US$65.6 million) for the fourth quarter of 2023, from RMB587.8 million in the same period of 2022.
  • Revenues generated under the direct model, which comprise of mobile device charging service fees of RMB210.9 million and power bank sales of RMB4.8 million, decreased by 19.8% to RMB215.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, from RMB268.8 million in the same period of 2022. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in number of POIs operated under the direct model.
  • Revenues generated under the network partner model, which comprise of mobile device charging solution fees of RMB60.6 million and sales of cabinets and power banks of RMB189.4 million, decreased by 21.6% to RMB250.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, from RMB319.0 million in the same period of 2022. The decrease was primarily due to the change in the contractual arrangement with network partners. Under the new contractual arrangement, mobile device charging revenues generated under the network partner model are net of incentive fees paid to network partners. The decrease was partially offset by the increase in the sales of cabinet and power bank to network partners. 
• Other revenues, which primarily comprise of revenue from advertising services and new business initiatives, increased by 167.7% to RMB20.9 million (US$2.9 million) for the fourth quarter of 2023, from RMB7.8 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to new business initiatives and the increase in users and advertisement efficiency.

Cost of revenues increased by 41.0% to RMB198.7 million (US$28.0 million) for the fourth quarter of 2023, from RMB141.0 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to the increase in sales of cabinets and power banks under the new contractual arrangement with network partners, partially offset by the decrease in depreciation cost.

Research and development expenses increased by 77.1% to RMB27.6 million (US$3.9 million) for the fourth quarter of 2023, from RMB15.6 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to the increase in personnel related expenses.

Sales and marketing expenses decreased by 60.8% to RMB248.8 million (US$35.0 million) for the fourth quarter of 2023 from RMB635.2 million in the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in incentive fees paid to network partners as a result of the change in the contractual arrangement with network partners and the decrease in incentive fees paid to location partners.

General and administrative expenses increased by 12.5% to RMB30.5 million (US$4.3 million) for the fourth quarter of 2023 from RMB27.1 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to the increase in personnel related expenses.

Loss from operations for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB32.9 million (US$4.6 million), compared to a loss from operations of RMB233.9 million in the same period last year.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB2.4 million (US$0.3 million), compared to a net loss of RMB334.5 million in the same period last year.

Adjusted net income6 for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB5.7 million (US$0.8 million), compared to an adjusted net loss of RMB327.2 million in the same period last year.

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB2.4 million (US$0.3 million), compared to a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB334.5 million in the same period last year.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB3.3 billion (US$468.1 million). 

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023

Revenues were RMB3.0 billion (US$416.7 million) in 2023, representing a 4.2% year-over-year increase. The increase was primarily due to (i) the increase in mobile device charging revenue as a result of the general recovery in offline foot traffic in China, and (ii) the increase in the sales of power bank and cabinet and mobile device charging solution revenue under the new contractual arrangement with network partners, which is partially offset by the decrease in mobile device charging service fees as a result of the change in the contractual arrangement with network partners.

• Mobile device charging revenues, which consist of revenues generated under both direct and network partner models, increased by 2.0% to RMB2.9 billion (US$404.1 million) in 2023, from RMB2.8 billion in 2022.
  • Revenues generated under the direct model, which comprise of mobile device charging service fees of RMB1.1 billion and power bank sales of RMB24.7 million, decreased by 33.0% to RMB1.1 billion in 2023, from RMB1.6 billion in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in number of POIs operated under the direct model.
  • Revenues generated under the network partner model, which comprise of mobile device charging service fees of RMB518.7 million, mobile device charging solution fees of RMB173.2 million and sales of cabinets and power banks of RMB1.1 billion, increased by 49.3% to RMB1.8 billion in 2023, from RMB1.2 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily due to the addition of revenue generated from sales of cabinets and power banks as a result of the change in the contractual arrangement with network partners, which includes a one-time recognition of RMB500.6 million in sales of cabinets and power banks to network partners during the second quarter of 2023. The increase was partially offset by the decrease in mobile device charging service fees due to the change in the contractual arrangement with network partners. Under the new contractual arrangement, mobile device charging revenue generated under the network partner is net of incentive fees paid to network partners. 
• Other revenues, which primarily comprise of revenue from new business initiatives and advertising services, increase by 264.0% to RMB89.4 million (US$12.6 million) in 2023, from RMB24.6 million in 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to new business initiatives and the increase in users and advertisement efficiency.

Cost of revenues increased by 117.2% to RMB1.2 billion (US$170.3 million) in 2023, from RMB556.9 million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to the increase in sales of cabinets and power banks under the new contractual arrangement with network partners, which includes a one-time recognition of RMB455.8 million in cost of cabinets and power banks sold to network partners. The increase was partially offset by the decrease in depreciation cost.

Research and development expenses remained relatively stable at RMB91.5 million (US$12.9 million) in 2023, compared to RMB90.7 million in 2022.

Sales and marketing expenses decreased by 44.4% to RMB1.5 billion (US$212.3 million) in 2023, compared to RMB2.7 billion in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to the decreases in incentive fees paid to network partners as a result of the change in the contractual arrangement with network partners, incentive fees paid to location partners, and personnel related expenses.

General and administrative expenses increased by 11.7% to RMB125.5 million (US$17.7 million) in 2023, compared to RMB112.4 million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to the increase in personnel related expenses.

Loss from operations was RMB1.1 million (US$0.2 million) in 2023, compared to a loss from operations of RMB621.2 million in 2022.

Net income was RMB87.7 million (US$12.4 million) in 2023, compared to a net loss of RMB711.2 million in 2022.

Adjusted net income was RMB108.1 million (US$15.2 million) in 2023, compared to an adjusted net loss of RMB683.0 million in 2022.

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB87.7 million (US$12.4 million) in 2023, compared to a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB711.2 million in 2022.

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATIONThe company will hold a conference call at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, March 28, 2024 (8:00 P.M. Beijing Time on Thursday, March 28, 2024) to discuss the financial results. Upon registration, each participant will receive dial-in details to join the conference call.

Event Title: Energy Monster Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Earnings CallPre-registration link: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10037927-hg76t5.html

Participants may also access the call via webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ibx8vz3c

A telephone replay will be available through April 4, 2024. The dial-in details are as follows:

International:	[phone]
United States:	[phone]
Mainland China:	[phone]
China Hong Kong:	[phone]
Access Code:	10037927

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.enmonster.com/.

ABOUT SMART SHARE GLOBAL LIMITEDSmart Share Global Limited (Nasdaq: EM), or Energy Monster, is a consumer tech company with the mission to energize everyday life. The Company is the largest provider of mobile device charging service in China with the number one market share. The Company provides mobile device charging service through its power banks, which are placed in POIs such as entertainment venues, restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, transportation hubs and public spaces. Users may access the service by scanning the QR codes on Energy Monster’s cabinets to release the power banks. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had 9.2 million power banks in 1,234,000 POIs across more than 2,000 counties and county-level districts in China.

CONTACT USInvestor RelationsHansen [e-mail]

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTThis press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to,” or other similar expressions. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as the Company’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Energy Monster’s strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the impact of technological advancements on the pricing of and demand for its services; competition in the mobile device charging service industry; Chinese governmental policies and regulations affecting the mobile device charging service industry; changes in its revenues, costs or expenditures; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASUREIn evaluating its business, the Company considers and uses non-GAAP adjusted net income/(loss) in reviewing and assessing its operating performance. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company presents this non-GAAP financial measure because it is used by management to evaluate operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that this non-GAAP financial measure helps identify underlying trends in its business, provide further information about its results of operations, and enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects.

Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and have limitations as analytical tools. The Company’s non-GAAP financial measure does not reflect all items of expenses that affect its operations and does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Further, the Company’s non-GAAP measure may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore its comparability may be limited. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling its non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, which should be considered when evaluating performance. Investors and others are encouraged to review the Company’s financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted net income/(loss) as net income/(loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measure, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

Smart Share Global Limited
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise noted)
		December 31, 2022			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2023
		RMB			RMB			US$
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		948,773			594,348			83,712
Restricted cash		14,608			167,542			23,598
Short-term investments		2,091,198			2,541,889			358,018
Accounts receivable, net⁷		16,482			269,736			37,992
Inventory		1,051			106,530			15,004
Prepayments and other current assets⁷		228,672			345,744			48,697
Total current assets		3,300,784			4,025,789			567,021
Non-current assets:
Long-term restricted cash		21,000			20,000			2,817
Property, equipment and software, net		886,460			322,806			45,466
Long-term prepayments to related parties		71			-			-
Right-of-use assets, net		12,442			16,353			2,303
Other non-current assets⁷		35,898			21,621			3,046
Deferred tax assets, net		30,986			18,804			2,648
Total non-current assets		986,857			399,584			56,280
Total assets		4,287,641			4,425,373			623,301
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts and notes payable		810,197			764,741			107,712
Salary and welfare payable		111,274			143,653			20,233
Taxes payable		147,367			214,738			30,245
Financing payable-current		76,272			-			-
Current portion of lease liabilities		9,761			7,399			1,042
Accruals and other current liabilities		268,007			336,959			47,459
Total current liabilities		1,422,878			1,467,490			206,691
Non-current liabilities:
Financing payable-non-current		32,281			-			-
Non-current lease liabilities		854			7,641			1,076
Amounts due to related parties-non-current		1,000			1,000			141
Other non-current liabilities		189,323			195,585			27,548
Total non-current liabilities		223,458			204,226			28,765
Total liabilities		1,646,336			1,671,716			235,456
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Ordinary shares		347			347			49
Treasury stock		(6,816	)		(5,549	)		(782	)
Additional paid-in capital		11,786,482			11,791,570			1,660,808
Statutory reserves		16,593			16,593			2,337
Accumulated other comprehensive income		163,928			182,824			25,750
Accumulated deficit⁷⁸		(9,319,229	)		(9,232,128	)		(1,300,317	)
Total shareholders' equity		2,641,305			2,753,657			387,845
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		4,287,641			4,425,373			623,301
7 On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments -- Credit Losses (Topic 326), using the modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
8 On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments -- Credit Losses (Topic 326) and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of RMB640 (US$93) to the opening accumulated deficit at the adoption date.

 

Smart Share Global Limited
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
(In thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise noted)
		Three months ended December 31,									Twelve months ended December 31,
		2022			2023						2022			2023
		RMB			RMB			US$			RMB			RMB			US$
Revenues:
Mobile device charging		587,805			465,699			65,592			2,813,619			2,869,215			404,120
Others		7,815			20,921			2,947			24,571			89,432			12,596
Total revenues		595,620			486,620			68,539			2,838,190			2,958,647			416,716
Cost of revenues		(140,953	)		(198,711	)		(27,988	)		(556,923	)		(1,209,464	)		(170,349	)
Research and development expenses		(15,565	)		(27,567	)		(3,883	)		(90,655	)		(91,461	)		(12,882	)
Sales and marketing expenses		(635,199	)		(248,792	)		(35,042	)		(2,712,330	)		(1,507,432	)		(212,317	)
General and administrative expenses		(27,148	)		(30,546	)		(4,302	)		(112,403	)		(125,528	)		(17,680	)
Other operating (loss)/income		(10,682	)		(13,860	)		(1,952	)		12,876			(25,827	)		(3,638	)
Loss from operations		(233,927	)		(32,856	)		(4,628	)		(621,245	)		(1,065	)		(150	)
Interest and investment income		11,212			30,797			4,338			52,389			117,247			16,514
Interest expense to third parties		(4,624	)		-			-			(31,282	)		(4,228	)		(596	)
Foreign exchange gain/(loss), net		7,271			4,955			698			3,787			(3,255	)		(458	)
Other (loss)/income, net		(4	)		90			13			(413	)		63			9
(Loss)/income before income tax expense		(220,072	)		2,986			421			(596,764	)		108,762			15,319
Income tax expense		(114,476	)		(579	)		(82	)		(114,476	)		(21,021	)		(2,961	)
Net (loss)/income		(334,548	)		2,407			339			(711,240	)		87,741			12,358
Net (loss)/income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Smart Share Global Limited		(334,548	)		2,407			339			(711,240	)		87,741			12,358
Other comprehensive (loss)/income
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of nil tax		(31,734	)		(19,194	)		(2,703	)		112,372			18,896			2,661
Total comprehensive (loss)/income		(366,282	)		(16,787	)		(2,364	)		(598,868	)		106,637			15,019
Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Smart Share Global Limited		(366,282	)		(16,787	)		(2,364	)		(598,868	)		106,637			15,019
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net (loss)/income per share
- basic		518,821,908			519,819,227			519,819,227			518,307,406			519,802,240			519,802,240
- diluted		518,821,908			519,819,227			519,819,227			518,307,406			519,802,240			519,802,240
Net (loss)/income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders
- basic		(0.64	)		0.00			0.00			(1.37	)		0.17			0.02
- diluted		(0.64	)		0.00			0.00			(1.37	)		0.17			0.02
Net (loss)/income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders
- basic		(1.28	)		0.00			0.00			(2.74	)		0.34			0.04
- diluted		(1.28	)		0.00			0.00			(2.74	)		0.34			0.04

 

Smart Share Global Limited
Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results
(In thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise noted)
	Three months ended December 31,							Twelve months ended September 30,
	2022			2023				2022			2023
	RMB			RMB		US$		RMB			RMB		US$
Net (loss)/income	(334,548	)		2,407		339		(711,240	)		87,741		12,358
Add:
Share-based compensation	7,377			3,309		466		28,245			20,339		2,865
Less:
Adjusted for tax effects	-			-		-		-			-		-
Adjusted net (loss)/income (non-GAAP)	(327,171	)		5,716		805		(682,995	)		108,080		15,223

____________________

1 The Company defines mobile device charging orders for a given period as the total number of completed orders placed by registered users of the mobile device charging business under both the direct and network partner models in that given period, without any adjustment for orders that may qualify for discounts or incentives.2 The Company defines number of points of interests, or POIs, as of a certain day as the total number of unique locations whose proprietors (location partners) have entered into contracts with the Company or its network partners on that day and have at least one cabinet assigned to the location.3 The Company defines available-for-use power banks as of a certain date as the number of power banks in circulation on that day.4 The Company defines cumulative registered users as the total number of users who have agreed to register their mobile phone numbers with the Company via its mini programs since inception, and the number of cumulative registered users of the Company on a certain date is the number of unique mobile phone numbers that have been registered with the Company since inception on that date.5 The U.S. dollar (US$) amounts disclosed in this press release, except for those transaction amounts that were actually settled in U.S. dollars, are presented solely for the convenience of the readers. The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into US$ in this press release is based on the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of December 31, 2023, which was RMB7.0999 to US$1.0000. The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on the RMB amounts.6 See the sections entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measure” and “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” in this press release for more information.