Press Release

MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 15, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (Nasdaq:PACB) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Fourth Quarter 2010 Financial Highlights:

During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company continued investments in developing and manufacturing commercial versions of PacBio RS and SMRT^TM technologies while expanding sales, service, and manufacturing operations in preparation for the planned commercial launch during the second quarter of 2011. During the fourth quarter the Company commenced commercial production of the PacBio RS and capitalized component and manufacturing costs incurred during the period as inventory. The capitalization of inventory during the period contributed to the $4.3 million reduction of the Company's quarter over quarter net loss of $36.4 million, compared to $40.7 million for the third quarter of 2010. Revenue derived from government grants totaled $280,000 for the fourth quarter of 2010 as compared to $220,000 for the third quarter.

Research and development expenses during the fourth quarter of 2010 totaled $26.5 million, compared to $32.9 million for the third quarter of 2010. The decrease in research and development expenses during the fourth quarter reflects the capitalization of $6.9 million of inventory, which approximates the amount of similar costs expensed as research and development costs during the third quarter. Selling, general, and administrative expenses during the fourth quarter of 2010 increased to $10.3 million compared to $8.0 million for the third quarter of 2010.

Cash and investments at December 31, 2010 totaled $283.7 million compared to $112.9 million at September 30, 2010 and $92.7 million at December 31, 2009. The Company received $210.8 million in net proceeds from its initial public offering during the fourth quarter and $106.1 million in net proceeds from the sale of preferred stock during mid-2010.

Fiscal Year 2010 Financial Highlights:

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company reported a net loss of $140.2 million, compared to a net loss of $87.7 million for 2009. The increase in net loss is largely attributable to increased purchases of material for the manufacture of prototype instruments and consumable products in addition to the expansion of sales, service and manufacturing operations as the Company prepares for the commercial launch of the PacBio RS. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010, comprised solely of government grants, totaled $1.7 million compared to $135,000 for 2009.

Research and development expenses during fiscal 2010 totaled $111.8 million, compared to $75.9 million for fiscal 2009. Research and development expenses for periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2010 include all costs associated with manufacturing operations. Selling, general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2010 increased to $30.1 million compared to $12.3 million for fiscal 2009, reflecting the continued growth of the Company's sales and customer support organizations. The Company added a total of 135 employees during 2010, bringing the total to 431 employees as of December 31, 2010.

The Company's backlog totaled approximately $24 million as of December 31, 2010, which includes delivered limited production release versions of the PacBio RS and orders for full commercial release versions of the PacBio RS received as of that date.

Conference Call

Pacific Biosciences will host a conference call for investors on February 15, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. PST (4:30 p.m. EST). The conference call dial-in numbers are US: 888.989.5214 or International: 630.395.0127, access code "PACB". A live webcast of the call will also be available from the Investor Relations section of www.pacb.com. A webcast replay of the conference call will also be available from the Investor Relations section of www.pacb.com approximately two hours after the call and will be available for up to thirty days.

About Pacific Biosciences

Pacific Biosciences' mission is to transform the way humankind acquires, processes and interprets data from living systems through the design, development and commercialization of innovative tools for biological research. The company has developed a novel approach to studying the synthesis and regulation of DNA, RNA and proteins. Combining recent advances in nanofabrication, biochemistry, molecular biology, surface chemistry and optics, Pacific Biosciences has created a powerful technology platform called single molecule, real-time, or SMRT(tm), technology. SMRT technology enables real-time analysis of biomolecules with single molecule resolution, which has the potential to transform the understanding of biological systems by providing a window into these systems that has not previously been open for scientific study.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to the Company's operations and operating results, including the statements relating to the Company's plans for the commercial launch of the PacBio RS in the second quarter of 2011 and future revenue implied in the Company's backlog. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and that could materially affect actual results. Factors that could materially affect actual results can be found in Pacific Biosciences of California's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including those listed under the caption "Risk Factors." Pacific Biosciences of California expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

CONTACT: Trevin Rard

         650.521.8450

         ir@pacificbiosciences.com



         Ben Gong

         650.521.8203

News Provided by Acquire Media