Q1 2026 Pixelworks Inc Earnings Call

Operator: Good day, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Pixelworks' First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. I will be your operator for today's call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speakers' presentation, we'll open up for questions. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You'll then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded for replay purposes. I would now like to turn the call over to Brett Perry with Shelton Group investor relations.

Operator: Good day, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Pixelworks' First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. I will be your operator for today's call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speakers' presentation, we'll open up for questions. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You'll then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded for replay purposes. I would now like to turn the call over to Brett Perry with Shelton Group investor relations.

Speaker #1: After the speaker's presentation, we'll open up for questions. To ask a question during the session, you'll need to press star 11 on your telephone.

Speaker #1: You'll then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded for replay purposes.

Speaker #1: I would now like to turn the call over to Brett Perry with Shelton Group Investor Relations.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Victor. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on today's call. With me on the call are PIXELWORKS chairman and CEO, Todd DeBonis, and chief financial officer, Haley Aman.

Brett Perry: Thank you, Victor. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on today's call. With me on the call are Pixelworks Chairman and CEO, Todd DeBonis, and Chief Financial Officer, Haley Aman. The purpose of today's conference call is to supplement the information provided in Pixelworks' press release issued earlier today announcing the company's financial results for the Q1 of 2026. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that various remarks we make on this call, including those about projected future financial results, economic and market trends, and competitive position, constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements and all other statements made on this call that are not historical facts are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. All forward-looking statements are based on the company's beliefs as of today, Thursday, 14 May 2026.

Brett Perry: Thank you, Victor. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on today's call. With me on the call are Pixelworks Chairman and CEO, Todd DeBonis, and Chief Financial Officer, Haley Aman. The purpose of today's conference call is to supplement the information provided in Pixelworks' press release issued earlier today announcing the company's financial results for the Q1 of 2026. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that various remarks we make on this call, including those about projected future financial results, economic and market trends, and competitive position, constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements and all other statements made on this call that are not historical facts are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. All forward-looking statements are based on the company's beliefs as of today, Thursday, 14 May 2026.

Speaker #2: The purpose of today's conference call is to supplement the information provided in PIXELWORKS press release issued earlier today announcing the company's financial results for the first quarter of 2026.

Speaker #2: Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that various remarks we make on this call, including those about projected future financial results, economic and market trends, and competitive position, constitute forward-looking statements.

Speaker #2: These forward-looking statements, and all other statements made on this call that are not historical facts, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially.

Speaker #2: All forward-looking statements are based on the company's beliefs as of today, Thursday, May 14, 2026. The company undertakes no obligation to update any such statements.

Brett Perry: The company undertakes no obligation to update any such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after today. Please refer to today's press release, the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended 31 December 2025, and subsequent SEC filings for a description of factors that could cause forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual results. Please note that throughout the company's press release and management statements during this conference call, we refer to net loss attributable to Pixelworks as simply net loss. With that, it's now my pleasure to turn the call over to Pixelworks Chairman and CEO. Todd, please go ahead.

Brett Perry: The company undertakes no obligation to update any such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after today. Please refer to today's press release, the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended 31 December 2025, and subsequent SEC filings for a description of factors that could cause forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual results. Please note that throughout the company's press release and management statements during this conference call, we refer to net loss attributable to Pixelworks as simply net loss. With that, it's now my pleasure to turn the call over to Pixelworks Chairman and CEO. Todd, please go ahead.

Speaker #2: To reflect events or circumstances occurring after today, please refer to today's press release. The company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and subsequent SEC filings provide a description of factors that could cause forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual results.

Speaker #2: Please note that throughout the company's press release and management statements during this conference call, we refer to net loss attributable to PIXELWORKS as simply net loss.

Speaker #2: With that, it's now my pleasure to turn the call over to PIXELWORKS chairman and CEO, Todd. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Brett. Good afternoon, and welcome to everyone joining us for today's conference call. As previewed on the previous conference call in February, Q1 was a transformational quarter.

Todd DeBonis: Thank you, Brett. Good afternoon, and welcome to everyone joining us for today's conference call. As previewed on the previous conference call in February, Q1 was a transformational quarter for Pixelworks. After closing the sale of our Shanghai-based semiconductor subsidiary and receiving the net cash proceeds from the transaction in early January, we completed a series of planned restructuring actions to streamline the remaining organization and cost structure. The one-time severance and other related costs resulting from these actions were recognized during Q1, and we expect to realize a significantly lower run rate for operating expenses beginning in Q2. Also during Q1, we settled all remaining cash outlays associated with the sale of our Shanghai subsidiary. We ended Q1 with cash balance of $58 million and zero debt.

Todd DeBonis: Thank you, Brett. Good afternoon, and welcome to everyone joining us for today's conference call. As previewed on the previous conference call in February, Q1 was a transformational quarter for Pixelworks. After closing the sale of our Shanghai-based semiconductor subsidiary and receiving the net cash proceeds from the transaction in early January, we completed a series of planned restructuring actions to streamline the remaining organization and cost structure. The one-time severance and other related costs resulting from these actions were recognized during Q1, and we expect to realize a significantly lower run rate for operating expenses beginning in Q2. Also during Q1, we settled all remaining cash outlays associated with the sale of our Shanghai subsidiary. We ended Q1 with cash balance of $58 million and zero debt.

Speaker #3: For PIXELWORKS. After closing the sale of our Shanghai-based semiconductor subsidiary, and receiving the net cash proceeds from the transaction in early January, we completed a series of planned restructuring actions to streamline the remaining organization and cost structure.

Speaker #3: The one-time severance and other related costs resulting from these actions were recognized during the first quarter. And we expect to realize a significantly lower run rate for operating expenses beginning in the second quarter.

Speaker #3: Also, during the quarter, we settled all remaining cash outlays associated with the sale of our Shanghai subsidiary. And we ended the first quarter with cash balance of $58 million and zero debt.

Speaker #3: Taken together, we exited the first quarter as a repositioned, well-capitalized, and focused company, with our entire team supporting the go-forward strategy of building a global technology licensing business.

Todd DeBonis: Taken together, we exited the Q1 as a repositioned, well-capitalized, and focused company with our entire team supporting the go-forward strategy of building a global technology licensing business. As a reminder, post-transaction, we continue to have ownership of salient intellectual property, including over 60 issued and pending patents, anchored by our industry-leading TrueCut Motion platform and motion grading services. Our strategy is centered on enabling a truly differentiated viewing experience while continuing to expand our core strengths in visualization enhancement solutions and pursuing new and existing licensing initiatives. Today, our TrueCut Motion platform continues to be utilized by leading filmmakers to enhance the cinematic experience across premium theatrical screens.

Todd DeBonis: Taken together, we exited the Q1 as a repositioned, well-capitalized, and focused company with our entire team supporting the go-forward strategy of building a global technology licensing business. As a reminder, post-transaction, we continue to have ownership of salient intellectual property, including over 60 issued and pending patents, anchored by our industry-leading TrueCut Motion platform and motion grading services. Our strategy is centered on enabling a truly differentiated viewing experience while continuing to expand our core strengths in visualization enhancement solutions and pursuing new and existing licensing initiatives. Today, our TrueCut Motion platform continues to be utilized by leading filmmakers to enhance the cinematic experience across premium theatrical screens.

Speaker #3: As a reminder, post-transaction, we continue to have ownership of salient intellectual property, including over 60 issued and pending patents, anchored by our industry-leading TrueCut Motion platform and Motion Grading services.

Speaker #3: Our strategy is centered on enabling a truly differentiated viewing experience while continuing to expand our core strengths in visualization, enhancement solutions, and pursuing new and existing licensing initiatives.

Speaker #3: Today, our TrueCut Motion platform continues to be utilized by leading filmmakers to enhance the cinematic experience across premium theatrical screens. We recently completed work on one of our most complex motion grading projects to date.

Todd DeBonis: We recently completed work on one of our most complex motion grading projects to date in support of the most technically ambitious theatrical release of the year, Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft – The Tour Live in 3D. Directed by Billie Eilish and Academy Award-winning James Cameron and distributed globally by Paramount Pictures, the film was released to premium large format 3D theaters on 8 May, where it generated an estimated worldwide box office of $20 million in the opening weekend, effectively recouping the film's full production budget in a matter of days. Working in post-production alongside Lightstorm and multiple contributing technology providers, our TrueCut Motion platform was tasked with overcoming unprecedented motion grading challenges, including novel world-first camera systems and multiple source frame rates.

Todd DeBonis: We recently completed work on one of our most complex motion grading projects to date in support of the most technically ambitious theatrical release of the year, Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft – The Tour Live in 3D. Directed by Billie Eilish and Academy Award-winning James Cameron and distributed globally by Paramount Pictures, the film was released to premium large format 3D theaters on 8 May, where it generated an estimated worldwide box office of $20 million in the opening weekend, effectively recouping the film's full production budget in a matter of days. Working in post-production alongside Lightstorm and multiple contributing technology providers, our TrueCut Motion platform was tasked with overcoming unprecedented motion grading challenges, including novel world-first camera systems and multiple source frame rates.

Speaker #3: In support of the most technically ambitious theatrical release of the year, Billie Eilish's "Hit Me Hard and Soft," the tour live in 3D—directed by Billie Eilish and Academy Award-winning James Cameron, and distributed globally by Paramount Pictures—the film was released to premium large-format 3D theaters on May 8th.

Speaker #3: Where it generated an estimated worldwide box office of $20 million, in the opening weekend. Effectively recouping the film's full production budget in a matter of days.

Speaker #3: Working in post-production alongside Lightstorm and multiple contributing technology providers, our True Cut Motion platform was tasked with overcoming unprecedented motion grading challenges. Including novel, world-first camera systems, and multiple source frame rates.

Speaker #3: The end result was a stunning and immersive concert experience in which True Cut Motion enabled the creative team to preserve the raw energy of live performances while delivering perfect cinematic motion clarity.

Todd DeBonis: The end result was a stunning and immersive concert experience in which TrueCut Motion enabled the creative team to preserve the raw energy of live performances while delivering perfect cinematic motion clarity. The New York Times review summed it up as, The pure quality of image and visceral sense of 3D immersion is spectacular. This high-profile collaboration and highly technical implementation of TrueCut Motion grading further validates the unique value proposition of our core cinematic solution, positioning Pixelworks as a recognized enabler of next-generation immersive entertainment experiences. There continues to be consistent indications by both the studios and theater operators shifting towards premium large format experiences. At the annual CinemaCon conference held in April, the atmosphere was observably upbeat with year-to-date box office sales tracking approximately 20% higher over the same period in 2025.

Todd DeBonis: The end result was a stunning and immersive concert experience in which TrueCut Motion enabled the creative team to preserve the raw energy of live performances while delivering perfect cinematic motion clarity. The New York Times review summed it up as, The pure quality of image and visceral sense of 3D immersion is spectacular. This high-profile collaboration and highly technical implementation of TrueCut Motion grading further validates the unique value proposition of our core cinematic solution, positioning Pixelworks as a recognized enabler of next-generation immersive entertainment experiences. There continues to be consistent indications by both the studios and theater operators shifting towards premium large format experiences. At the annual CinemaCon conference held in April, the atmosphere was observably upbeat with year-to-date box office sales tracking approximately 20% higher over the same period in 2025.

Speaker #3: The New York Times review summed it up as, "The pure quality of image and visceral sense of 3D immersion is spectacular." This high-profile collaboration and highly technical implementation of True Cut Motion grading further validates the unique value proposition of our core cinematic solution, positioning PIXELWORKS as a recognized enabler of next-generation immersive entertainment experiences.

Speaker #3: In addition, there continues to be consistent indications by both the studios and theater operators shifting towards premium large-format experiences. At the annual CinemaCon conference held in April, the atmosphere was observably upbeat with year-to-date box office sales tracking approximately 20% higher over the same period in 2025.

Speaker #3: Leading studios expressed renewed volume of theatrical releases and commitments to longer exhibition exclusivity periods, with Paramount committing to 30 films annually and Amazon MGM scaling to 15 targeted releases.

Todd DeBonis: Leading studios expressed renewed volume of theatrical releases and commitments to longer exhibition exclusivity periods, with Paramount committing to 30 films annually and Amazon MGM scaling to 15 targeted releases, while also endorsing a 45-day theatrical window that establishes a stable pipeline of content for exhibitors. Also in conjunction with CinemaCon, Disney launched its new Infinity Vision certification aimed at expanding consumer awareness of premium large format screens, underscoring the increased importance of higher margin revenue from premium large format content and experience-based pricing. Collectively, these observed trends at the world's largest show for global motion picture industry continue to validate our thesis and the industry's increasing emphasis on premium large format theatrical experiences. As part of our strategy to accelerate expanded adoption of our TrueCut Motion platform, our near-term focus is on supporting the theatrical release of premium, visually stunning films.

Todd DeBonis: Leading studios expressed renewed volume of theatrical releases and commitments to longer exhibition exclusivity periods, with Paramount committing to 30 films annually and Amazon MGM scaling to 15 targeted releases, while also endorsing a 45-day theatrical window that establishes a stable pipeline of content for exhibitors. Also in conjunction with CinemaCon, Disney launched its new Infinity Vision certification aimed at expanding consumer awareness of premium large format screens, underscoring the increased importance of higher margin revenue from premium large format content and experience-based pricing. Collectively, these observed trends at the world's largest show for global motion picture industry continue to validate our thesis and the industry's increasing emphasis on premium large format theatrical experiences. As part of our strategy to accelerate expanded adoption of our TrueCut Motion platform, our near-term focus is on supporting the theatrical release of premium, visually stunning films.

Speaker #3: While also endorsing a 45-day theatrical window that establishes a stable pipeline of content for exhibitors. Also in conjunction with CinemaCon, Disney launched its new Infinity Vision certification aimed at expanding consumer awareness of premium large-format screens.

Speaker #3: Underscoring the increase in importance of higher-margin revenue from premium large-format content and experience-based pricing. Collectively, these observed trends at the world's largest show for the global motion picture industry continue to validate our thesis and the industry's increasing emphasis on premium large-format theatrical experiences.

Speaker #3: As part of our strategy to accelerate expanded adoption of our True Cut Motion platform, our near-term focus is on supporting the theatrical release of premium visually stunning films.

Speaker #3: This includes broadening our direct engagement with leading premium exhibitors who share our motivation to encourage both studios and filmmakers to consistently make more premium format content available.

Todd DeBonis: This includes broadening our direct engagement with leading premium exhibitors who share our motivation to encourage both studios and filmmakers to consistently make more premium format content available. Following the collaborative ecosystem partnerships that we announced with Marcus Theatres and Odeon Cinemas Group earlier this year, and in addition to our previously launched collaboration with CineD, we recently added another published endorsement with Vue, the largest privately owned cinema operator in Europe, to bring our advanced TrueCut Motion grading technology to their premium theaters. This includes prioritizing TrueCut content as part of Vue's most advanced EPIC brand cinematic experience. Featuring world-leading HDR laser projection by Barco and advanced light steering technology that delivers up to six times the brightness of standard cinema screens.

Todd DeBonis: This includes broadening our direct engagement with leading premium exhibitors who share our motivation to encourage both studios and filmmakers to consistently make more premium format content available. Following the collaborative ecosystem partnerships that we announced with Marcus Theatres and Odeon Cinemas Group earlier this year, and in addition to our previously launched collaboration with CineD, we recently added another published endorsement with Vue, the largest privately owned cinema operator in Europe, to bring our advanced TrueCut Motion grading technology to their premium theaters. This includes prioritizing TrueCut content as part of Vue's most advanced EPIC brand cinematic experience. Featuring world-leading HDR laser projection by Barco and advanced light steering technology that delivers up to six times the brightness of standard cinema screens.

Speaker #3: Following the collaborative ecosystem partnerships that we announced with Marcus Theaters and Odeon Cinemas Group earlier this year, and in addition to our previously launched collaboration with CINITY, we recently added another published endorsement with VUE.

Speaker #3: The largest privately owned cinema operator in Europe. To bring our advanced True Cut Motion grading technology to their premium theaters. This includes prioritizing True Cut content as part of VUE's most advanced epic brand cinematic experience.

Speaker #3: Featuring world-leading HDR laser projection by Barco and advanced light steering technology that delivers up to six times the brightness of standard cinema screens. With True Cut Motion's unique and commercially proven capability, to enable the most authentic high-fidelity viewing experience, you will see us continue to expand our True Cut Motion ecosystem of leading premium exhibitors.

Todd DeBonis: With True Cut Motion's unique and commercially proven capability to enable the most authentic, high-fidelity viewing experience, you will see us continue to expand our True Cut Motion ecosystem of leading premium exhibitors. As we grow this ecosystem, it will naturally drive increasing market demand for premium large format content from filmmakers and studios. While our R&D team continues to expand on the existing capabilities and increasing productivity of our True Cut Motion grading tools, we are also simultaneously pursuing compelling adjacent market opportunities to deliver enhanced visualization solutions leveraging our core technology and expertise. I look forward to elaborating on these efforts and complementary opportunities as they evolve and mature over the coming quarters. In closing, I wanna reiterate that during the quarter, we completed all targeted restructuring and streamlining actions following the closed sale of our prior Shanghai semiconductor subsidiary.

Todd DeBonis: With True Cut Motion's unique and commercially proven capability to enable the most authentic, high-fidelity viewing experience, you will see us continue to expand our True Cut Motion ecosystem of leading premium exhibitors. As we grow this ecosystem, it will naturally drive increasing market demand for premium large format content from filmmakers and studios. While our R&D team continues to expand on the existing capabilities and increasing productivity of our True Cut Motion grading tools, we are also simultaneously pursuing compelling adjacent market opportunities to deliver enhanced visualization solutions leveraging our core technology and expertise. I look forward to elaborating on these efforts and complementary opportunities as they evolve and mature over the coming quarters. In closing, I wanna reiterate that during the quarter, we completed all targeted restructuring and streamlining actions following the closed sale of our prior Shanghai semiconductor subsidiary.

Speaker #3: As we grow this ecosystem, it will naturally drive increasing market demand for premium large-format content from filmmakers and studios. And while our R&D team continues to expand on the existing capabilities and increase the productivity of our TrueCut Motion grading tools, we are also simultaneously pursuing compelling adjacent market opportunities to deliver enhanced visualization solutions leveraging our core technology and expertise.

Speaker #3: I look forward to elaborating on these efforts and complementary opportunities as they evolve and mature over the coming quarters. In closing, I want to reiterate that during the quarter we completed all targeted restructuring and streamlining actions following the closed sale of our prior Shanghai Semiconductor subsidiary.

Speaker #3: As a result, we exited the first quarter fully repositioned as a global technology licensing company with a unified organization that's more nimble, scalable, and asset-light.

Todd DeBonis: As a result, we exited Q1 fully repositioned as a global technology licensing company with a unified organization that's more nimble, scalable, and asset light, and focused on delivering highly differentiated cinematic and visualization enhancement solutions. We are well-capitalized to execute on our strategic growth objectives and are committed to maintaining a robust balance sheet as we continue to build a broader and highly profitable licensing business centered around cinematic and visual enhancement solutions. With that, I'll turn the call over to Haley to provide some additional financial details for the quarter, including our current balance sheet position.

Todd DeBonis: As a result, we exited Q1 fully repositioned as a global technology licensing company with a unified organization that's more nimble, scalable, and asset light, and focused on delivering highly differentiated cinematic and visualization enhancement solutions. We are well-capitalized to execute on our strategic growth objectives and are committed to maintaining a robust balance sheet as we continue to build a broader and highly profitable licensing business centered around cinematic and visual enhancement solutions. With that, I'll turn the call over to Haley to provide some additional financial details for the quarter, including our current balance sheet position.

Speaker #3: And focused on delivering highly differentiated cinematic and visualization enhancement solutions. We are well-capitalized to execute on our strategic growth objectives and are committed to maintaining a robust balance sheet.

Speaker #3: As we continue to build a broader and highly profitable licensing business centered around cinematic and visual enhancement solutions, with that, I'll turn the call over to Haley to provide some additional financial details for the quarter including our current balance sheet position.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Todd. As Todd previously discussed on January 6, 2026, we completed the transaction to sell all equity interest and associated assets of our Pixelworks Shanghai Semiconductor business.

Haley Aman: Thank you, Todd. As Todd previously discussed, on 6 January 2026, we completed the transaction to sell all equity interests and associated assets of our Pixelworks Shanghai semiconductor business. The contribution from our previous Shanghai subsidiary to operating results in Q1 2026, prior to the close of the sale, was determined to be immaterial. The company's reported financial results contained in today's press release do not include discontinued operations activity from the first several days of January 2026 before the sale closed. Starting with a review of the balance sheet. Upon closing the sale of Pixelworks Shanghai semiconductor subsidiary in early January, Pixelworks received cash proceeds net of transaction costs and withholding taxes paid in China, totaling approximately $51 million.

Haley Aman: Thank you, Todd. As Todd previously discussed, on 6 January 2026, we completed the transaction to sell all equity interests and associated assets of our Pixelworks Shanghai semiconductor business. The contribution from our previous Shanghai subsidiary to operating results in Q1 2026, prior to the close of the sale, was determined to be immaterial. The company's reported financial results contained in today's press release do not include discontinued operations activity from the first several days of January 2026 before the sale closed. Starting with a review of the balance sheet. Upon closing the sale of Pixelworks Shanghai semiconductor subsidiary in early January, Pixelworks received cash proceeds net of transaction costs and withholding taxes paid in China, totaling approximately $51 million.

Speaker #1: The contribution from our previous Shanghai subsidiary to operating results in the first quarter of 2026 prior to the close of the sale was determined to be immaterial.

Speaker #1: Therefore, the company's reported financial results contained in today's press release do not include discontinued operations activity from the first several days of January 2026 before the sale closed.

Speaker #1: Starting with a review of the balance sheet, upon closing the sale of Pixelworks Shanghai Semiconductor subsidiary in early January, Pixelworks received cash proceeds net of transaction costs and withholding taxes paid in China totaling approximately $51 million.

Speaker #1: After the transaction closed, we paid out the remaining transaction expenses during the first quarter, including accounting, legal, and advisory fees, as well as bonuses.

Haley Aman: After the transaction closed, we paid out the remaining transaction expenses during Q1, including accounting, legal, and advisory fees, as well as bonuses. We also completed a series of planned restructuring actions to streamline the remaining organization, resulting in the recognition of one-time severance costs. After accounting for all non-recurring cash items related to the sale transaction and our associated restructuring actions, the company ended Q1 with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $58 million, consistent with our previously communicated expectations. Additionally, I wanna highlight that all previously reported liabilities and commitments, including the redeemable non-controlling interests associated with our prior Shanghai subsidiary, were fully released in conjunction with the closed sale, and therefore, the company's reported financial statements for Q1 of 2026 reflect the elimination of all such prior contingencies.

Haley Aman: After the transaction closed, we paid out the remaining transaction expenses during Q1, including accounting, legal, and advisory fees, as well as bonuses. We also completed a series of planned restructuring actions to streamline the remaining organization, resulting in the recognition of one-time severance costs. After accounting for all non-recurring cash items related to the sale transaction and our associated restructuring actions, the company ended Q1 with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $58 million, consistent with our previously communicated expectations. Additionally, I wanna highlight that all previously reported liabilities and commitments, including the redeemable non-controlling interests associated with our prior Shanghai subsidiary, were fully released in conjunction with the closed sale, and therefore, the company's reported financial statements for Q1 of 2026 reflect the elimination of all such prior contingencies.

Speaker #1: We also completed a series of planned restructuring actions to streamline the remaining organization resulting in the recognition of one-time severance costs. After accounting for all non-recurring cash items related to the sale transaction, and our associated restructuring actions, the company ended the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $58 million, consistent with our previously communicated expectations.

Speaker #1: Additionally, I want to highlight that all previously reported liabilities and commitments, including the redeemable non-controlling interest associated with our prior Shanghai subsidiary, were fully released in conjunction with the closed sale. Therefore, the company's reported financial statements for the first quarter of 2026 reflect the elimination of all such prior contingencies.

Speaker #1: Finally, with respect to the balance sheet, we believe the company's existing cash and cash equivalents balance provides ample runway and flexibility to execute our strategy of building a pure-play technology licensing business.

Haley Aman: Finally, with respect to the balance sheet, we believe the company's existing cash and cash equivalents balance provides ample runway and flexibility to execute our strategy of building a pure play technology licensing business. As such, in early March, we elected to cancel our previously available but recently unused at-the-market stock facility. On 30 March, the board of directors authorized a newly established stock repurchase program in the amount of $5 million. This authorization provides an initial 2-year window for the potential repurchase of shares of Pixelworks common stock at the company's discretion beginning on 15 May 2026. Turning to the income statement. Revenue for Q1 2026 was approximately $450,000, comprised entirely of revenue from our TrueCut Motion platform and related motion grading services.

Haley Aman: Finally, with respect to the balance sheet, we believe the company's existing cash and cash equivalents balance provides ample runway and flexibility to execute our strategy of building a pure play technology licensing business. As such, in early March, we elected to cancel our previously available but recently unused at-the-market stock facility. On 30 March, the board of directors authorized a newly established stock repurchase program in the amount of $5 million. This authorization provides an initial 2-year window for the potential repurchase of shares of Pixelworks common stock at the company's discretion beginning on 15 May 2026. Turning to the income statement. Revenue for Q1 2026 was approximately $450,000, comprised entirely of revenue from our TrueCut Motion platform and related motion grading services.

Speaker #1: As such, in early March, we elected to cancel our previously available but recently unused at-the-market stock facility. And then, on March 30th, the board of directors authorized a newly established stock repurchase program in the amount of $5 million.

Speaker #1: This authorization provides an initial two-year window for the potential repurchase of shares of Pixelworks common stock at the company's discretion, beginning on May 15, 2026.

Speaker #1: Turning to the income statement, revenue for the first quarter of 2026 was approximately $450,000 comprised entirely of revenue from our True Cut Motion platform and related motion grading services.

Speaker #1: For context, full-year 2025 revenue from TrueCut Motion and related motion grading services was approximately $690,000. Gross profit for the first quarter of 2026 was $253,000, or 56.7% of revenue.

Haley Aman: For context, full year 2025 revenue from TrueCut Motion and related motion grading services was approximately $690,000. Gross profit for Q1 2026 was $253,000, or 56.7% of revenue. Total operating expenses for Q1 were $5.2 million, which included approximately $2 million of anticipated restructuring costs associated with streamlining the remaining organization following the completed sale, also approximately $360,000 of stock-based compensation expense. I wanna point out that reported operating expenses for Q1 reflect only a partial period of the anticipated benefits from certain headcount reductions and other streamlining actions taken during the quarter. Although we are not providing quarterly financial guidance, I would like to reiterate our previously provided high-level framework for thinking about the company's anticipated near-term operating results.

Haley Aman: For context, full year 2025 revenue from TrueCut Motion and related motion grading services was approximately $690,000. Gross profit for Q1 2026 was $253,000, or 56.7% of revenue. Total operating expenses for Q1 were $5.2 million, which included approximately $2 million of anticipated restructuring costs associated with streamlining the remaining organization following the completed sale, also approximately $360,000 of stock-based compensation expense. I wanna point out that reported operating expenses for Q1 reflect only a partial period of the anticipated benefits from certain headcount reductions and other streamlining actions taken during the quarter. Although we are not providing quarterly financial guidance, I would like to reiterate our previously provided high-level framework for thinking about the company's anticipated near-term operating results.

Speaker #1: Total operating expenses for the first quarter were $5.2 million which included approximately $2 million of anticipated restructuring costs associated with streamlining the remaining organization following the completed sale and also approximately $360,000 of stock-based compensation expense.

Speaker #1: I want to point out that reported operating expenses for the first quarter reflect only a partial period of the anticipated benefits from certain headcount reductions and other streamlining actions taken during the quarter.

Speaker #1: Although we are not providing quarterly financial guidance, I would like to reiterate our previously provided high-level framework for thinking about the company's anticipated near-term operating results.

Speaker #1: First, starting in the second quarter, we are targeting to maintain cash operating expenses of around $2 million. Additionally, based on the company's existing cash balance and the current interest rate environment, we expect to generate interest income of between $400,000 and $500,000 quarterly.

Haley Aman: First, starting in Q2, we are targeting to maintain cash operating expenses of around $2 million. Based on the company's existing cash balance and the current interest rate environment, we expect to generate interest income of between $400,000 and $500,000 quarterly. That completes our prepared remarks, and we look forward to taking your questions. Operator, please proceed with the Q&A session.

Haley Aman: First, starting in Q2, we are targeting to maintain cash operating expenses of around $2 million. Based on the company's existing cash balance and the current interest rate environment, we expect to generate interest income of between $400,000 and $500,000 quarterly. That completes our prepared remarks, and we look forward to taking your questions. Operator, please proceed with the Q&A session.

Speaker #1: That completes our prepared remarks, and we look forward to taking your questions. Operator, please proceed with the Q&A session.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, you will need to press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. One moment for our first question. Our first question will come from the line of Suji DeSilva from Roth Capital. Your line is open.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, you will need to press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. One moment for our first question. Our first question will come from the line of Suji DeSilva from Roth Capital. Your line is open.

Speaker #2: Thank you. And as a reminder, to ask a question, you'll need to press *11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced.

Speaker #2: To withdraw your question, please press star 11 again. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. One moment for our first question. Our first question will come from line of Soji DeSilva from Roth Capital.

Speaker #2: Your line is open.

Suji DeSilva: Hi, Todd. Hi, Haley. How you doing? Quick question for Haley. The $2 million you expect in cash OpEx, I think that compares if I adjust the Q1 number to $2.9 million. Is that the right

Suji DeSilva: Hi, Todd. Hi, Haley. How you doing? Quick question for Haley. The $2 million you expect in cash OpEx, I think that compares if I adjust the Q1 number to $2.9 million. Is that the right

Speaker #3: Hi, Todd. Hi, Haley. How are you doing? So, quick question for Haley. So, the $2 million you expect in cash OPEX, I think that compares—if I adjust the Q1 number—to $2.9 million.

Speaker #3: Is that the right magnitude of savings from the streamlining efforts? Just want to get the ballpark level.

Suji DeSilva: Magnitude of savings from the streamlining efforts.

Suji DeSilva: Magnitude of savings from the streamlining efforts.

Haley Aman: Um, well-

Haley Aman: Um, well-

Suji DeSilva: The ballpark level.

Suji DeSilva: The ballpark level.

Speaker #1: Yeah. So did you take the $5.2 million minus the restructuring, minus the stock comp? Yeah. And then there's also some benefit in Q2 from layoffs that happened in Q1, and they're just normal salaries.

Haley Aman: Yeah. Did you take the $5.2 minus the restructuring minus this stock comp?

Haley Aman: Yeah. Did you take the $5.2 minus the restructuring minus this stock comp?

Suji DeSilva: Correct. Correct.

Suji DeSilva: Correct. Correct.

Haley Aman: Yeah. Then there's also some, you know, benefit in Q2 from like, you know, layoffs that happened in Q1, and they're just normal salaries. Yeah, that would be the number.

Haley Aman: Yeah. Then there's also some, you know, benefit in Q2 from like, you know, layoffs that happened in Q1, and they're just normal salaries. Yeah, that would be the number.

Speaker #1: So yeah, that would be the number.

Speaker #3: Okay, so that's a good runway to go forward then, $2 million roughly? Or level? Good. Okay. Great. Thanks. Okay, and Todd, let's see—the partner strategy—which of the partners you've already announced is most strategic to near-term revenue generation?

Suji DeSilva: Okay. That's a good run rate to go forward then, $2 million roughly?

Suji DeSilva: Okay. That's a good run rate to go forward then, $2 million roughly?

Suji DeSilva: Roughly.

Suji DeSilva: Roughly.

Suji DeSilva: Level?

Suji DeSilva: Level?

Suji DeSilva: Yes. Mm-hmm.

Haley Aman: Yes.

Suji DeSilva: Good. Okay, great. Thanks. Okay. Todd, let's see. The partner strategy, which of the partners you've already announced is most strategic to near-term revenue generation? Maybe what's your partnership plan going forward? Do you have the people in place, or are there key partners you still need to secure to establish the licensing base? Hello?

Suji DeSilva: Good. Okay, great. Thanks. Okay. Todd, let's see. The partner strategy, which of the partners you've already announced is most strategic to near-term revenue generation? Maybe what's your partnership plan going forward? Do you have the people in place, or are there key partners you still need to secure to establish the licensing base? Hello?

Speaker #3: And maybe, what's your partnership plan going forward? Do you have the people in place, or are there key partners you still need to secure to establish the licensing base?

Speaker #3: Hello?

Todd DeBonis: That's because you're on mute.

Brett Perry: That's because you're on mute.

Speaker #2: I think you're on mute.

Todd DeBonis: Sorry about that, Suji. I was muted.

Todd DeBonis: Sorry about that, Suji. I was muted. You there?

Speaker #3: Sorry about that, Suji. I was muted. You there?

Todd DeBonis: You there?

Speaker #2: Well, I'm here. Yeah. I didn't hear.

Todd DeBonis: Well, I'm here, yeah. I didn't hear you.

Todd DeBonis: Well, I'm here, yeah. I didn't hear you.

Speaker #3: I think that's all right. I'll start over.

Todd DeBonis: That's all right. I'll start over.

Todd DeBonis: That's all right. I'll start over.

Speaker #2: Okay.

Todd DeBonis: Okay.

Suji DeSilva: Okay.

Todd DeBonis: Listen, for now, and I said this last call, we are focused on theatrical content, premium theatrical content, going to our premium large format exhibitor partners. We've announced, you know, as I summarized here, a collection of four announced exhibitor partners. There is many more that we are targeting. Okay? If you go look at the exhibition landscape, most of the capital that they are spending is on premium large format theaters, either upgrading older theaters or building new theaters, premium large format. It is very clear from IMAX, Dolby, Cinity, Vue, Odeon, Marcus, Cinemark, Regal, AMC, that when you have a compelling theatrical release coming to a premium large format experience, the box office response, the amount of money they make in those premium large format facilities versus non-premium is big.

Speaker #3: So listen, for now—and I said this last call—we are focused on theatrical content, premium theatrical content, going to our premium large format exhibitor partners.

Todd DeBonis: Listen, for now, and I said this last call, we are focused on theatrical content, premium theatrical content, going to our premium large format exhibitor partners. We've announced, you know, as I summarized here, a collection of four announced exhibitor partners. There is many more that we are targeting. Okay? If you go look at the exhibition landscape, most of the capital that they are spending is on premium large format theaters, either upgrading older theaters or building new theaters, premium large format. It is very clear from IMAX, Dolby, Cinity, Vue, Odeon, Marcus, Cinemark, Regal, AMC, that when you have a compelling theatrical release coming to a premium large format experience, the box office response, the amount of money they make in those premium large format facilities versus non-premium is big.

Speaker #3: We've announced as I summarized here, a collection of four announced exhibitor partners. There's many more that we're targeting. Okay? Most of if you go look at the exhibition landscape, most of the capital that they're spending is on premium large format theaters, either upgrading older theaters or building new theaters, but premium large format.

Speaker #3: It's very clear from IMAX, Dolby, CINITY, View, Odeon, Marcus, Cinemark, Regal, AMC, that when you have a compelling theatrical release coming to a premium large format experience, the box office response the amount of money they make in those premium large format facilities versus non-premium is big.

Speaker #3: I mean, it's like almost 10-to-1. And so, all capital is being targeted towards the premium experience. And what we're trying to do is go convince the studios and filmmakers, don't just let the exhibitors carry the load.

Todd DeBonis: I mean, it's like almost 10 to 1. All capital is being targeted towards the premium experience. What we're trying to do is go convince the studios and filmmakers, don't just let the exhibitors carry the load through their capital investment of new facilities. Bring them premium content that showcases those facilities. That's what we're working on. We're working on partners that are exhibitors, and we're working on studios to bring out visually stunning content that's been motion graded. We're not gonna make a ton of money off this initially, okay? We're greasing the skids. Okay? At some point, you'll start to see us announce avenues for leveraging this content into licensing deals.

Todd DeBonis: I mean, it's like almost 10 to 1. All capital is being targeted towards the premium experience. What we're trying to do is go convince the studios and filmmakers, don't just let the exhibitors carry the load through their capital investment of new facilities. Bring them premium content that showcases those facilities. That's what we're working on. We're working on partners that are exhibitors, and we're working on studios to bring out visually stunning content that's been motion graded. We're not gonna make a ton of money off this initially, okay? We're greasing the skids. Okay? At some point, you'll start to see us announce avenues for leveraging this content into licensing deals.

Speaker #3: Through their capital investment in new facilities, bring them premium content that showcases those facilities. And so that's what we're working on. We're working on partners that are exhibitors, and we're working on studios to bring out visually stunning content that's been motion graded.

Speaker #3: And we're not going to make a whole ton of money off this initially, okay? We're greasing the skids, okay? And then, at some point, you'll start to see us announce avenues for leveraging this content into licensing deals.

Speaker #2: Okay. Content. And then, Todd, you talked about adjacencies to TrueCut. I know you wanted to kind of wait until some of those came to light, but how should we think about just the areas that are in your purview beyond TrueCut, just to understand where we might be going with the asset you already have in place?

Suji DeSilva: Okay. Content. Todd, you talked about adjacencies to TrueCut. I know you wanted to kinda wait till some of those came to light. You know, how should we think about just the areas that are in your purview beyond TrueCut, just to understand where we might be going with the asset you already have in place?

Suji DeSilva: Okay. Content. Todd, you talked about adjacencies to TrueCut. I know you wanted to kinda wait till some of those came to light. You know, how should we think about just the areas that are in your purview beyond TrueCut, just to understand where we might be going with the asset you already have in place?

Todd DeBonis: Well, I mean, today, if you go look at what we do with TrueCut, I mean, we've been using AI-trained motion modeling for the last 5 years. We fine-tuned our motion model and its expertise. Then how do you deliver that not only to 2D, but 3D immersive environment? When you really look at some of the fundamental tools that we use to deliver that technology, they can be leveraged in many of these new up-and-coming AI-based segments that people are looking into. I'm really not ready to talk about it in detail, Suji.

Todd DeBonis: Well, I mean, today, if you go look at what we do with TrueCut, I mean, we've been using AI-trained motion modeling for the last 5 years. We fine-tuned our motion model and its expertise. Then how do you deliver that not only to 2D, but 3D immersive environment? When you really look at some of the fundamental tools that we use to deliver that technology, they can be leveraged in many of these new up-and-coming AI-based segments that people are looking into. I'm really not ready to talk about it in detail, Suji.

Speaker #3: Well, I mean, so today, if you go look at what we do with TrueCat, I mean, we use we've been using AI-trained motion modeling for the last five years.

Speaker #3: We fine-tuned our motion model and its expertise, and then how do you deliver that not only to 2D, but to a 3D immersive environment? When you really look at some of the fundamental tools that we use to deliver that technology, they can be leveraged in many of these new up-and-coming AI-based segments that people are looking into.

Speaker #3: But I'm really not ready to talk about it in detail, Suji.

Suji DeSilva: No, that color is definitely helpful, Todd. I appreciate it. Maybe last two questions. You announced a switch from the ATM to the buyback. That's a good start there. Just wondering, you know, with the cash balance you have, what is it an organic or other concepts? Just any color there would be helpful.

Suji DeSilva: No, that color is definitely helpful, Todd. I appreciate it. Maybe last two questions. You announced a switch from the ATM to the buyback. That's a good start there. Just wondering, you know, with the cash balance you have, what is it an organic or other concepts? Just any color there would be helpful.

Speaker #2: No, that color is definitely helpful, Todd. I appreciate it. And then maybe last two questions. The you announced a switch from the ATM to the buybacks.

Speaker #2: That's a good start there. Just wondering, with the cash balance you have, was it organic or from other sources? Just any color there would be helpful.

Todd DeBonis: Well, it's the first time in a long time that we have had the luxury of ample cash balances.

Todd DeBonis: Well, it's the first time in a long time that we have had the luxury of ample cash balances.

Speaker #3: Well, it's the first time in a long time that we have had the luxury of ample cash balances, so it gives you lots of opportunity.

Suji DeSilva: Definitely

Suji DeSilva: Definitely

Todd DeBonis: you know, it gives you lots of opportunity. It gives you opportunity to pursue deals with companies that maybe we need to invest into technology. Maybe we need to invest into content creation. It does leave M&A open if there's opportunity that would be supportive to our strategy. We're not viewing it as we're looking for a home for the money right now. We're just looking at it that it is ammunition to go out and pursue our strategy.

Todd DeBonis: you know, it gives you lots of opportunity. It gives you opportunity to pursue deals with companies that maybe we need to invest into technology. Maybe we need to invest into content creation. It does leave M&A open if there's opportunity that would be supportive to our strategy. We're not viewing it as we're looking for a home for the money right now. We're just looking at it that it is ammunition to go out and pursue our strategy.

Speaker #3: It gives you opportunity to pursue deals with companies that maybe we need to invest into technology. Maybe we need to invest into content creation.

Speaker #3: It does leave M&A open if there's opportunity that would be supportive to our strategy. We're not viewing it as we're looking for a home for the money right now.

Speaker #3: We're just looking at it that it is ammunition to go out and pursue our strategy.

Speaker #2: Okay. That helps. Yeah. So the thought of joint development agreement sounds interesting, obviously. I hope you're not going to get into streaming content creation business yourself, but we never know.

Suji DeSilva: Okay. That helps. Yeah. The thought of joint development agreement sounds interesting, obviously. I hope you're not gonna get into the streaming content creation business yourself, but we never know.

Suji DeSilva: Okay. That helps. Yeah. The thought of joint development agreement sounds interesting, obviously. I hope you're not gonna get into the streaming content creation business yourself, but we never know.

Speaker #2: And then.

Todd DeBonis: We're not that ambitious.

Todd DeBonis: We're not that ambitious.

Speaker #3: We're not that ambitious.

Speaker #2: Good. Leave it to Amazon. And then lastly, on org structure, I guess, is it clean now with all the restructuring you've done and the transactions, that it's essentially one organization focused on TrueCut, or maybe you can give us some picture of how the organization's arranged now? That'll be helpful to understand.

Suji DeSilva: Good. Leave it to Amazon. Lastly on org structure, I guess, is it clean now with all the restructuring you've done and the transactions that it's essentially one organization focused on TrueCut? You can give us some picture of what, how the organization's arranged now. That'll be helpful to understand.

Suji DeSilva: Good. Leave it to Amazon. Lastly on org structure, I guess, is it clean now with all the restructuring you've done and the transactions that it's essentially one organization focused on TrueCut? You can give us some picture of what, how the organization's arranged now. That'll be helpful to understand.

Speaker #3: Well, so it's an organization today of approximately 25 people. In the way that this type of business works is we do leverage. One of the things about Hollywood, there are some very talented people that go project to project.

Todd DeBonis: Well, it's an organization today of approximately 25 people. In, you know, the way that this type of business works is we do leverage. You know, one of the things about Hollywood, there are some very talented people that go project to project, and they're not permanent employees of any one studio, one technology provider, one special effects company, whatever it may be. They're very talented and they go project by project. We do have these types of people available to us without bringing them in as employees. The 25 people is just our core employment base, but we have many of these contractors available to us from time to time on projects.

Todd DeBonis: Well, it's an organization today of approximately 25 people. In, you know, the way that this type of business works is we do leverage. You know, one of the things about Hollywood, there are some very talented people that go project to project, and they're not permanent employees of any one studio, one technology provider, one special effects company, whatever it may be. They're very talented and they go project by project. We do have these types of people available to us without bringing them in as employees. The 25 people is just our core employment base, but we have many of these contractors available to us from time to time on projects.

Speaker #3: And they're not permanent employees of any one studio or one technology provider, one special effects company, whatever it may be. But they're very talented.

Speaker #3: And they go project by project. We do have these types of people available to us without bringing them in as employees. So the 25 people is just our core employment base.

Speaker #3: But we have many of these contractors available to us from time to time on projects. So we will expand when needed and pull back.

Todd DeBonis: We will expand when needed and pull back, this is the norm in this industry. Of the 25 permanent people, over half is R&D. I mean, we are, if you look at our spend, it's not high, you know. It's $2 million a quarter. Most of it's going in tool development. You know, we're not talking about tools that we're using today. We are talking about tools that we would introduce for either new features for our current market or new tools for a new market.

Todd DeBonis: We will expand when needed and pull back, this is the norm in this industry. Of the 25 permanent people, over half is R&D. I mean, we are, if you look at our spend, it's not high, you know. It's $2 million a quarter. Most of it's going in tool development. You know, we're not talking about tools that we're using today. We are talking about tools that we would introduce for either new features for our current market or new tools for a new market.

Speaker #3: And this is the norm in this industry. Of the 25 permanent people, over half are R&D. So, I mean, if you look at our spend, it's not high.

Speaker #3: It's a couple million a quarter. Most of it's going in tool development. And we're not talking about tools that we're using today. We're talking about tools that we would introduce for either new features for our current market or new tools for a new market.

Speaker #2: Okay. That's very helpful, Todd. Thanks. Appreciate the answers. Thanks.

Suji DeSilva: Okay. That's very helpful, Todd. Thanks. Appreciate the answers. Thanks.

Suji DeSilva: Okay. That's very helpful, Todd. Thanks. Appreciate the answers. Thanks.

Speaker #3: Great. Thanks, Suji. I appreciate the interest. As always.

Todd DeBonis: Great. Thanks, Suji. I appreciate the interest as always.

Todd DeBonis: Great. Thanks, Suji. I appreciate the interest as always.

Operator: Thank you. I'm not showing any further questions in the queue. I'd like to turn it back over to management for closing remarks.

Operator: Thank you. I'm not showing any further questions in the queue. I'd like to turn it back over to management for closing remarks.

Speaker #2: Thank you. I'm not showing any further questions in the queue. I'd like to turn it back over to management for closing remarks.

Todd DeBonis: Well, I think that's it for Q1 quarterly update. I look forward to giving you further updates, the shareholders further updates as we move along in our strategy. Thank you.

Todd DeBonis: Well, I think that's it for Q1 quarterly update. I look forward to giving you further updates, the shareholders further updates as we move along in our strategy. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Well, I think that's it for Q1 quarterly update. I look forward to giving you further updates to shareholders, further updates as we move along in our strategy.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Operator: Thank you for your participation in today's conference. This does conclude the program. You may now disconnect. Everyone, have a great day.

Operator: Thank you for your participation in today's conference. This does conclude the program. You may now disconnect. Everyone, have a great day.

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Q1 2026 Pixelworks Inc Earnings Call

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Pixelworks

Earnings

Q1 2026 Pixelworks Inc Earnings Call

PXLW

Thursday, May 14th, 2026 at 9:00 PM

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