PDSi Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual 2010 Results


COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwire - March 2, 2011) - Pinnacle Data Systems, Inc. ("PDSi") (NYSE Amex: PNS) today reported its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2010.

John D. Bair, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our focus over the last year was on quickly returning the Company to profitability, and our results compared to 2009 are remarkable. We finished 2010 a much stronger Company than when the year began, but we still have work to do. We made business development investments late in 2010 targeted to develop our specialized design services and product integration business. Over 2011, we will continue to work to develop, and close on, a pipeline of business opportunities in these targeted areas."

"In 2011, we are focusing on profitable growth of the overall business," Mr. Bair continued. "We are working on growth opportunities in all three of our targeted markets: Electronic Repair Services, Integrated/ODM Computing Solutions and Embedded Computing Products."

Total sales were $6.4 million for the 2010 fourth quarter, up slightly versus the third quarter of 2010. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for the quarter was down slightly compared to Q3 to 34% based on a shift in mix toward Products versus the higher margin Service segment. Timothy J. Harper, Chief Operating Officer, added, "In the fourth quarter, we continued to see the improved margin levels that were key to our return to profitability. Our focus on efficiency and profitable Service programs resulted in an improvement in gross profit as a percentage of revenue from 20% in the first half of 2009 to 35% in the second half of 2010. In fact, we managed to improve our gross profit by almost 10% on a dollar basis for these periods despite a decline in overall revenue. As we move forward, we are committed to devoting additional resources to continue this Service growth and to develop our Product business by targeting markets requiring our high value-added engineering."

The $0.8 million profit, or $0.10 per diluted share, reported for the fourth quarter included a $0.5 million net tax benefit for estimated research and development ("R&D") tax credits for tax years 2001 through 2010. The Company periodically has considered the potential tax savings associated with R&D credits. Based on the recent positive changes in the Company's financial results, as well as the use of existing NOL carryforwards, the Company determined that the realizable tax benefits were worth pursuing.

Cash generated from operations was $0.4 million, the eighth sequential quarter with positive operating cash flow. "We continue to realize the cash flow benefits from our return to profitability and our continued focus on managing our net working capital," Mr. Bair added. "We generated $2.3 million in cash from operations during 2010, and we reduced our line of credit balance from $2.4 million at the end of 2009 to under $0.3 million at the end of 2010."

2010 Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Net Income (Loss)

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2010 was $0.8 million, or $0.10 per diluted share. This compares to a net loss of $0.4 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year. The fourth quarters of 2009 and 2010 were both impacted by nonrecurring items. Q4 2010 included the $0.5 million R&D tax credit benefit previously mentioned. Q4 2009 included $1.0 million of severance and other charges related to the implementation of the Company's plan to focus on its core Service business and current product offerings, flatten its organizational structure, and reduce overhead costs; partially offset by a $0.3 million tax benefit associated with Federal tax law changes allowing a longer carryback of losses for application against previous years' earnings. The following is a summary of the components of the Company's income tax benefit for the fourth quarters of 2010 and 2009 (see the Company's upcoming Form 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional disclosures related to these tax items):


$ thousands                                           Q4 2010     Q4 2009
                                                    ----------  ----------

Income (loss) before income taxes                   $      403  $     (699)
                                                    ----------  ----------

Income tax expense (benefit)
  Income tax expense (benefit) related to the
   quarter                                                 102         (18)
  R&D tax credit benefit                                  (480)          -
  Deferred tax carryback benefit                             -        (291)
                                                    ----------  ----------
    Net tax benefit                                       (378)       (309)
                                                    ----------  ----------

Net income (loss)                                   $      781  $     (390)
                                                    ==========  ==========


Sales

Total sales declined 27% to $6.4 million for the 2010 fourth quarter from $8.7 million for the same quarter a year ago. Fourth quarter Product sales declined 51% to $2.6 million in 2010 from $5.3 million in 2009. This decline primarily was attributable to significantly lower sales to larger imaging and diversified computing OEM customers. Service sales increased $0.4 million, or 12%, to $3.7 million for the 2010 fourth quarter, with the growth attributable to the ramp of business in the U.S. and EMEA for both new customers and new programs within existing customers.

Gross Profit

Gross profit improved 24% to $2.1 million for the 2010 fourth quarter, from $1.7 million for the same quarter last year. The 2009 fourth quarter gross profit included a nonrecurring inventory charge of $0.1 million, or 1.6% of revenue, related to implementing the plan described earlier to refocus the business. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue improved from 20% to 34% compared to last year. The gross profit improvement on lower year-on-year total sales largely was attributable to the change in mix driven by the growth of higher margin Service segment revenue. Within the Service segment, margins as a percentage of revenue improved from 35% to 41%, driven by a shift toward higher margin programs and improved operating leverage on increased sales. Product gross margin improved compared to the prior year quarter from 10% to 24%, driven by a shift in mix toward higher margin Product business.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses were reduced 27% to $1.7 million for the 2010 fourth quarter from $2.4 million a year ago. The fourth quarter of 2009 included $0.8 million in severance expenses related to implementing the aforementioned plan to refocus the business.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the 2010 fourth quarter was reduced 82% to $6,000 from $34,000 for the same quarter last year due to lower average debt outstanding. Debt outstanding was reduced to less than $0.3 million from $2.4 million at the end of the prior year fourth quarter.

2010 Annual Financial Results

Net Income (Loss)

Net income for 2010 was $3.1 million, or $0.38 per diluted share. This compares to a net loss of $3.5 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, for 2009. In addition to the $1.0 million of severance and other charges related to the Q4 2009 implementation of the Company's plan to focus on its core Service business and current product offerings, flatten its organizational structure, and reduce overhead costs, both 2009 and 2010 were impacted by several significant nonrecurring tax items. These tax items (which for clarity are broken out in the table below) included a Q3 2009 $1.6 million non-cash charge to establish a deferred tax valuation allowance; a Q3 2010 $1.5 million non-cash net benefit for the reversal of all but the portion of the valuation allowance related to certain state net operating loss carryforwards; a Q4 2009 $0.3 million tax benefit associated with Federal tax law changes allowing a longer carryback of losses for application against previous years' earnings; and a Q4 2010 $0.5 million R&D tax credit benefit. (See the Company's upcoming Form 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional disclosures related to these tax items).


$ thousands                                           FY 2010     FY 2009
                                                    ----------  ----------

Income (loss) before income taxes                   $    1,673  $   (2,785)
                                                    ----------  ----------

Income tax expense (benefit)
  Income tax expense (benefit) related to the year         582        (615)
  Deferred tax valuation allowance expense
   (benefit)                                            (1,492)      1,571
  R&D tax credit benefit                                  (480)          -
  Deferred tax carryback benefit                             -        (291)
                                                    ----------  ----------
    Net tax expense (benefit)                           (1,390)        665
                                                    ----------  ----------

Net income (loss)                                   $    3,063  $   (3,450)
                                                    ==========  ==========


Sales

Total sales declined 17% to $29.4 million for 2010 from $35.6 million for 2009. Product sales declined 36% to $15.7 million in 2010 from $24.5 million in 2009. This decline primarily was attributable to significantly lower sales to larger imaging, medical and diversified computing OEM customers. Service sales increased $2.6 million, or 23%, to $13.7 million for 2010, with the growth attributable to the ramp of business in the U.S. and EMEA for both new customers and new programs within existing customers.

Gross Profit

Gross profit improved 20% to $8.8 million for 2010, from $7.3 million for 2009. The 2009 gross profit included a fourth quarter nonrecurring inventory charge of $0.1 million, or 0.4% of revenue, related to implementing the plan described earlier to refocus the business. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue improved from 21% to 30% compared to last year. The gross profit and gross margin improvement on lower year-on-year total sales was attributable to the change in mix driven by the growth of higher margin Service segment revenue. Within the Service segment, margins as a percentage of revenue improved from 33% to 42%, driven by a shift toward higher margin programs and improved operating leverage on increased sales. Product gross margin improved compared to prior year from 15% to 20%, driven by a shift in mix toward higher margin Product business.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses were reduced 29% to $7.0 million for 2010 from $9.9 million a year ago, reflecting the benefit of actions taken over the past year to better focus resources on the Company's core products and services growth strategy. Wages and other employee costs accounted for most of the reduction. Additional savings were realized across multiple areas, including company funded R&D expenses, reflecting the Company's strategic focus on developing customer-specific solutions through customer funded development projects. The fourth quarter of 2009 included $0.8 million in severance expenses discussed previously related to implementing this plan.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for 2010 was reduced 70% to $51,000 from $176,000 in 2009 due to lower average debt outstanding. Debt outstanding was reduced to $0.3 million from $1.7 million at the end of 2009.

Recent PDSi Highlights

--  Service segment revenue for 2010 of $13.7 million set an annual record
    for PDSi, eclipsing the previous high of $11.1 million in 2009.
--  On December 2, 2010, PDSi announced a powerful upgrade to its
    military-proven ATCA-F1 Compute Blade.  Incorporating Dual, Six Core
    AMD Istanbul processors delivers 12 cores, providing a performance
    boost versus the Shanghai (8 cores) or Santa Rosa (4 cores)
    configurations.  In addition, a new 32 GB memory option brings enhanced
    virtualization performance.
--  On October 4, 2010, PDSi announced that it had achieved Gold Partner
    status in the Oracle PartnerNetwork.  By attaining Gold Level
    membership, Oracle has recognized PDSi for its capability and
    commitment to design, deliver and support Oracle-based technology
    solutions customized to customers' specialized needs.

Conference Call

PDSi will host a conference call on Thursday, March 3, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. EST. John D. Bair, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer; Timothy J. Harper, Chief Operating Officer; and Nicholas J. Tomashot, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the Company's 2010 fourth quarter and annual results.

The telephone number to participate in the conference call is (877) 485-3107. A slide presentation will be referenced during the call, which may be accessed at the PDSi website (www.pinnacle.com) by clicking on "Investor Relations" and then "Conference Calls." An audio replay of the call will be available through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website approximately one hour following the conference call.

About PDSi

PDSi is a global provider of Electronics Repair and Reverse Logistics Services, ODM/OEM Integrated Computing Services, and Embedded Computing Products and Design Services for the Diversified Computing, Telecom, Imaging, Defense/Aerospace, Medical, Semiconductor and Industrial Automation markets. PDSi provides a variety of engineering and manufacturing services for global OEMs requiring custom product design, system integration, repair programs, warranty management, and/or specialized production capabilities. With facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, we ensure seamless support for solutions all around the world.

More than just an ODM, integrator or reverse logistics provider, PDSi's engineering, technical and operational capabilities span the entire product lifecycle allowing us to better understand and develop custom solutions for each of our customer's unique requirements. Our product capabilities range from board-level designs to globally certified, fully integrated systems, specializing in long-life computer products and unique, customer-centric solutions. Our capability to perform higher-level repair services in-region allows us to customize solutions for our customers so that they can deliver world-class service levels to their customers with reduced logistics, component replacement and inventory costs.

"PDSi puts computer technologies to work for our customers."

For more information, visit the PDSi website at www.pinnacle.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Portions of this release include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company achieving its financial growth and profitability goals, or its sales, earnings and profitability expectations for the year ending December 31, 2011. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "seek," "may" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date of this release. Investors are cautioned that such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical or anticipated results due to many factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

--  changes in general economic conditions, including prolonged or
    substantial economic downturn, and any related financial difficulties
    experienced by original equipment manufacturers, end users, customers,
    suppliers or others with whom the Company does business;
--  changes in customer order patterns;
--  changes in our business or our relationship with major technology
    partners or significant customers;
--  failure to maintain adequate levels of inventory;
--  production components and service parts cease to be readily available
    in the marketplace;
--  lack of adequate financing to meet working capital needs or to take
    advantage of business and future growth opportunities that may arise;
--  inability of cost reduction initiatives to lead to a realization of
    savings in labor, facilities or other operational costs;
--  deviation of actual results from estimates and/or assumptions used by
    the Company in the application of its significant accounting policies;
--  lack of success in technological advancements;
--  inability to retain certifications, authorizations or licenses to
    provide certain products and/or services;
--  risks associated with new business practices, processes and information
    systems;
--  impact of judicial rulings or government regulations, including related
    compliance costs;
--  disruption in the business of suppliers, customers or service providers
    due to adverse weather, casualty events, technological difficulty, acts
    of war or terror, or other causes;
--  risks associated with doing business internationally, including
    economic, political and social instability and foreign currency
    exposure; and
--  other factors from time to time described in the Company's filings with
    the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements, except as required by applicable law. For more details, please refer to the Company's SEC filings, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.


                        PINNACLE DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                              (in thousands)


                                                        December 31,
                                                --------------------------
                                                    2010          2009
                                                ------------  ------------
                     ASSETS                      (Unaudited)

CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash                                          $        465  $        323
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
   doubtful accounts of $106 and $232,
   respectively                                        4,469         5,932
  Inventory, net                                       3,226         3,754
  Deferred income taxes                                  762            22
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets              492           503
                                                ------------  ------------
     Total current assets                              9,414        10,534
                                                ------------  ------------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
  Property and equipment, cost                         6,056         5,899
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization      (5,371)       (5,038)
                                                ------------  ------------
     Total property and equipment, net                   685           861
                                                ------------  ------------

OTHER ASSETS
  Goodwill                                               767           821
  Deferred income taxes                                  929            52
  Other assets                                           193           307
                                                ------------  ------------
     Total other assets                                1,889         1,180
                                                ------------  ------------

        TOTAL ASSETS                            $     11,988  $     12,575
                                                ============  ============

          LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Line of credit                                $        273  $      2,413
  Accounts payable                                     1,404         2,694
  Accrued wages, payroll taxes and employee
   benefits                                              581         1,014
  Unearned revenue                                        30            85
  Other current liabilities                              743           555
                                                ------------  ------------
     Total current liabilities                         3,031         6,761

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
  Accrued other                                          296           226
                                                ------------  ------------

     TOTAL LIABILITIES                                 3,327         6,987
                                                ------------  ------------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Common stock                                         5,790         5,769
  Additional paid-in capital                           1,962         1,912
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)          (90)          (29)
  Retained earnings (deficit)                            999        (2,064)
                                                ------------  ------------
     Total stockholders' equity                        8,661         5,588
                                                ------------  ------------

       TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
        EQUITY                                  $     11,988  $     12,575
                                                ============  ============




                        PINNACLE DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (in thousands, except per share)


                          For the Three Months      For the Years Ended
                           Ended December 31,           December 31,
                        ------------------------  ------------------------
                            2010         2009         2010         2009
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                        (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)

Sales                   $     6,351  $     8,663  $    29,445  $    35,638
Cost of sales                 4,205        6,935       20,689       28,320
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Gross profit              2,146        1,728        8,756        7,318
Operating expenses            1,737        2,393        7,032        9,927
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Income (loss) from
     operations                 409         (665)       1,724       (2,609)
Other expense
  Interest expense                6           34           51          176
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Income (loss)
     before income taxes        403         (699)       1,673       (2,785)
Income tax expense
 (benefit)                     (378)        (309)      (1,390)         665
                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
      Net income (loss) $       781  $      (390) $     3,063  $    (3,450)
                        ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========

Weighted average common
 shares outstanding:
   Basic                      7,854        7,825        7,837        7,825
   Diluted                    8,098        7,825        8,021        7,825

Earnings (loss) per
 common share:
   Basic                $      0.10  $     (0.05) $      0.39  $     (0.44)
   Diluted                     0.10        (0.05)        0.38        (0.44)



                        PINNACLE DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                              (in thousands)


                                                    For the Years Ended
                                                       December 31,
                                                --------------------------
                                                    2010          2009
                                                ------------  ------------
                                                 (Unaudited)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income (loss)                             $      3,063  $     (3,450)
                                                ------------  ------------
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
   to net cash provided by operating activities:
     Bad debt expense                                    (55)          169
     Inventory reserves                                  318         1,084
     Depreciation and amortization                       387           538
     Loss on disposal of equipment                         -             6
     Provision (benefit) for deferred income
      taxes                                           (1,638)          992
     Share-based payment expense                          50           115
   (Increase) decrease in assets:
     Accounts receivable                               1,492         5,460
     Inventory                                           197           612
     Prepaid expenses and other assets                    36           380
   Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
     Accounts payable                                 (1,392)       (1,810)
     Unearned revenue                                    (54)          (53)
     Other liabilities                                  (143)           85
                                                ------------  ------------
        Total adjustments                               (802)        7,578
                                                ------------  ------------

           Net cash provided by operating
            activities                                 2,261         4,128
                                                ------------  ------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchases of property and equipment                   (190)         (287)
                                                ------------  ------------
           Net cash used in investing
            activities                                  (190)         (287)
                                                ------------  ------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Net change in line of credit                        (2,140)       (2,995)
  Net change in outstanding checks                       126          (662)
  Other                                                   87          (147)
                                                ------------  ------------
           Net cash used in financing
            activities                                (1,927)       (3,804)
                                                ------------  ------------

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH                           (2)            4
                                                ------------  ------------

INCREASE IN CASH                                         142            41
  Cash at beginning of year                              323           282
                                                ------------  ------------
     Cash at end of year                        $        465  $        323
                                                ============  ============

Contact Information: Contact: Nick Tomashot Chief Financial Officer (614) 748-1150