Data Storage Q2 2026 Nexus Revenue Up 9.3%, Net Loss Widens to $1.2 Million
Data Storage Corporation reported Q2 2026 results with Nexus revenue rising 9.3% YoY to $359,000. Gross margin improved to 47%, but net loss widened to $1.2 million due to higher SG&A expenses. The company holds $9.3 million in cash and is actively pursuing M&A opportunities in AI and cybersecurity sectors.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Data Storage Corporation (NASDAQ: DTST) reported second-quarter 2026 financial results, marking a strategic shift following the sale of its CloudFirst business in September 2025. The company’s ongoing financial reporting now reflects only its continuing operations, specifically the Nexus subsidiary. Revenue from these operations increased 9.3% year-over-year to $359,000, up from $328,000 in the prior-year period, driven by new customer additions and expanded spending within its voice and data solutions portfolio.
Despite the revenue growth, the company reported a net loss of $1.2 million for the quarter, widening from a $732,000 loss in the same period last year. This deterioration in profitability was attributed to a 33.2% rise in selling, general, and administrative expenses to $1.5 million. The expense increase was primarily driven by a $328,000 jump in non-cash stock-based compensation and higher professional fees related to legal and consulting services.
Financial Performance
Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2026, reached $168,000, an increase of 21.9% from $138,000 in the prior year. This improvement was accompanied by an expansion in gross profit margin to 47% from 42.1%, reflecting favorable sales mix and operating leverage within the Nexus business.
| Metric | Q2 2026 | Q2 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue ($K) | 359.000 | 328.000 | +9.3% |
| Gross Profit ($K) | 168.000 | 138.000 | +21.9% |
| Gross Margin (%) | 47.0% | 42.1% | +4.9 pts |
| SG&A Expenses ($K) | 1,500.000 | 1,138.000 | +33.2% |
| Net Loss ($K) | (1,200.000) | (732.000) | -63.9% |
The divergence between the robust gross margin expansion and the widening net loss highlights the impact of fixed overheads and non-cash charges during this transition period. While operating leverage benefited gross margins, the absolute increase in SG&A expenses outpaced the growth in gross profit, resulting in a larger bottom-line deficit.
Strategic Outlook and Balance Sheet
Data Storage ended the quarter with approximately $9.3 million in cash and marketable securities and no long-term debt. Management emphasized that this capital position provides flexibility for disciplined deployment, including selective acquisitions aimed at building sustainable recurring revenue.
Chairman and CEO Chuck Peluso outlined three key takeaways from the quarter:
- Nexus Performance: The subsidiary continues to deliver year-over-year growth in both revenue and gross profit, serving as a stable recurring revenue base.
- Balance Sheet Strength: The debt-free structure and available capital allow for strategic optionality without pressure to execute transactions prematurely.
- Active M&A Pipeline: The company is evaluating opportunities in AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, and communications software. Management targets signing a non-binding letter of intent within 60 days and aims to close a deal by the end of Q4 or Q1 of the next fiscal year.
Peluso noted that the company remains patient and valuation-conscious, avoiding deals that do not meet strict strategic and financial criteria. The focus remains on acquiring businesses with strong management teams, predictable cash flows, and synergistic potential with DTST’s existing platform.
How does Data Storage plan to manage the widening net loss and rising SG&A expenses while pursuing M&A, given the current cash runway of $9.3 million?
What specific valuation criteria or financial thresholds will the company use to evaluate potential targets in the AI infrastructure and cybersecurity sectors?
Can management provide a timeline for when the Nexus subsidiary’s operating leverage is expected to offset the fixed overhead costs driving the current net loss?


























