Pixelworks Q2 2026 Earnings Results & Report

Pixelworks EPS Results

• Actual EPS: -$0.44
• Consensus EPS: N/A
• Beat/Miss: N/A
• One Year Ago EPS: N/A
• EPS Beat Rate: 7 of last 8 quarters

Pixelworks Revenue Results

• Actual Revenue: $0.06 million
• Expected Revenue: N/A
• Beat/Miss: N/A
• YoY Revenue Growth: N/A

Pixelworks (NASDAQ:PXLW) (NASDAQ: PXLW) is a fabless semiconductor and software company that develops visual processing technologies for mobile devices, consumer electronics and entertainment applications. Its solutions are designed to improve image quality, color accuracy, video playback, display performance and motion quality.

The company’s product portfolio has included Iris visual processors for smartphones and other mobile devices, as well as display and video processing technologies for home entertainment products. Pixelworks also offers TrueCut Motion, a software and certification platform intended to help filmmakers and content distributors deliver more consistent motion quality across theaters, televisions and mobile screens.

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Pixelworks serves customers and technology partners internationally, with business activities historically spanning North America and Asia. The company’s offerings are delivered through semiconductor products, embedded software and related licensing and services.

Pixelworks Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Key Takeaways

• Positive Sentiment: Pixelworks secured its first major device licensee through a multi-year certification agreement covering a family of devices, with the partner also expected to help bring TrueCut Motion-graded content to its global platform.
• Positive Sentiment: The company expanded its theatrical ecosystem through agreements with Kinepolis and CINITY, adding to relationships with Marcus Theatres, ODEON Cinemas Group, and Vue. Management said multiple motion-graded titles are in production for releases over the coming months and into early 2027.
• Positive Sentiment: Pixelworks completed its transition to a lean, pure-play licensing company, reducing GAAP operating expenses to $3.4 million from $5.2 million sequentially and targeting cash operating expenses below $2.5 million per quarter through the rest of 2026.
• Negative Sentiment: Second-quarter revenue was only approximately $64,000, although management expects a sequential increase in the third quarter. Revenue is expected to remain lumpy until the theatrical and device licensing businesses reach greater scale.
• Neutral Sentiment: The company ended the quarter with approximately $53 million in cash and no debt, but used about $1.7 million in operations and $3.2 million to repurchase shares; $1.8 million remained under the buyback authorization.

Presentation

[Operator]

Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Pixelworks, Inc.'s second 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 speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You will 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.

[Brett Perry, VP at Shelton Group]

Thank you. 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 second quarter 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 our 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 a number of 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, Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

[Brett Perry, VP at Shelton Group]

The company undertakes no obligation to update any 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 December 31, 2025, and subsequent SEC filings for a description of factors that could cause forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual results. Please note throughout the company's press release and management's statements during this call, we refer to net loss attributable to Pixelworks as simply net loss. With that, I'd now like to turn the call over to Pixelworks Chairman and CEO, Todd DeBonis. Please go ahead, Todd.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

Thanks, Brett. Good afternoon, and welcome to everyone joining us on today's conference call. Having completed our strategic transformation of Pixelworks earlier this year, Q2 represented our first full quarter of operations as a pure-play technology licensing company. The entire organization, its resources, and our team are now focused on building and scaling our global licensing business centered around TrueCut Motion platform and the visualization enhancement solutions. As previously conveyed, we expect quarter-to-quarter revenue to be lumpy in the near term as we build our theatrical pipeline and begin to scale the business over time. Although not a significant amount, revenue for the quarter was consistent with our internal expectations. Revenue will be higher in the third quarter, but again, it will continue to be lumpy until we achieve increased scale.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

I also want to reemphasize that we are now a very lean organization with minimal overhead and a relatively low threshold to reach breakeven. After successfully monetizing our prior semiconductor business and restructuring the remaining company, we are also well-capitalized and ended the second quarter with $53 million in cash and zero debt. This is net of the company's repurchase of common stock, which was the single largest use of cash during the second quarter. Our overarching strategy is to be an enabler of truly differentiated viewing experiences. Anchored by our industry-leading TrueCut Motion platform and motion grading services, we are also committed to continuing to expand Pixelworks' core strengths in visualization enhancement solutions and pursuing complementary licensing initiatives.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

Our TrueCut Motion platform remains the only commercially validated, scalable, and filmmaker-endorsed end-to-end solution for creating and delivering the premium clarity of high frame rate imaging while preserving the intended cinematic look and feel. When first conceived, TrueCut Motion and the concept of motion grading content were ahead of their time and well ahead of the industry's broad acceptance of high frame rate cinematic content and premium format displays. Following steady incremental adoption of high frame rate content by leading filmmakers, coupled with growing consumer demand for differentiated high-quality cinematic experiences, the broader industry is rapidly moving to embrace and deliver premium large format experiences. The primary motivation for this shift by studios and exhibitors is straightforward. Premium large format theaters are increasingly capturing a disproportionate share of box office revenue.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

As evidence, I want to share a few excerpts of recent public comments made by leading exhibitors and related technology providers. On its most recent earnings call, AMC highlighted that roughly 750 premium and extra-large format auditoriums, representing only 8% of total screens, generated more than half of gross ticket sales for major releases such as The Odyssey. They also outlined plans to add 100- 250 additional premium large format and XL screens over the next two to four years. IMAX delivered record second-quarter results driven by exceptional demand for its premium experience, with the company citing The Odyssey as contributing to the highest global opening weekend in the company's history. Additionally, Dolby continues to expand its premium Dolby Cinema footprint and has reported strong year-over-year growth in domestic box office from the format.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

So far in 2026, premium formats accounted for almost 20% of total domestic box office from approximately 4% of total screens. As further evidence, I would point to Disney's launch of its Infinity Vision certification program for premium large format theaters. Developed in collaboration with a group of exhibition partners, Infinity Vision is designed to help audiences identify auditoriums that meet rigorous technical standards for the biggest screens, laser projection for superior brightness and clarity, and premium immersive audio. This further validates the entire industry's growing emphasis on premium large format experiences and the higher margin revenue they generate. With our TrueCut Motion platform, we are uniquely positioned to help filmmakers, studios, and exhibitors deliver authentic, high-fidelity motion across these premium large format venues.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

In support of driving adoption, we are focused on continued expansion of the TrueCut Motion ecosystem of premium large format exhibitors and a growing pipeline of high-quality motion-graded content. During the second quarter, we secured Kinepolis Group's endorsement and preferred exhibition of TrueCut Motion enhanced versions for the theatrical titles on Kinepolis Laser ULTRA large format screens across Europe and North America. We also formally announced a partnership with CINITY, expanding the TrueCut Motion ecosystem and prioritizing advanced TrueCut Motion grading technology in CINITY's premium large format theaters. Notably, CINITY is both a pure play operator of premium large format theaters while also specializing in the development and deployment of advanced PLF projection and LED systems, integrating 4K, high frame rate, high brightness, HDR, wide color gamut, and immersive audio into venues operated by exhibitors across China and increasingly internationally.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

CINITY's decision to prioritize TrueCut Motion enhanced content across its growing network represents a strong validation of our platform's ability to deliver a more immersive experience in their advanced premium large format environments. These announcements build on previously disclosed collaborative relationships with Marcus Theatres, ODEON Cinemas Group, and Vue, strengthening our network of leading exhibitors committed to bringing TrueCut Motion to premium screens spanning key international markets. In terms of content, we have a solid and growing pipeline of TrueCut Motion enhanced titles, including work currently underway on multiple projects in support of targeted releases over the coming months and through the early part of next year. As in the past, we will announce our involvement with individual titles as they are released.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

In summary, I want to reiterate that we are now operating as a fully repositioned and well-capitalized global technology licensing company, one that is nimble, scalable, and asset light. Our stated objective for 2026 has consistently been to build out the theatrical exhibitor ecosystem and expand the availability of premium TrueCut Motion content. To date, we've made significant headway on expanding our network of premium exhibitors. We also remain on track to grow the slate of TrueCut Motion enhanced content with multiple titles planned for future releases. We expect to demonstrate further momentum in the second half of the year, and over time, we anticipate successful theatrical adoption to drive increasing pull from studios and eventually unlocking growing home entertainment and device opportunities. Speaking of device opportunities, I do have one more important update to share. We recently secured a new agreement with a large device manufacturer.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

Over the past six months, they completed an extensive evaluation of TrueCut Motion, our motion grading technology, and existing TrueCut Motion titles. This led to signing a multi-year device certification agreement, which will result in certification of a family of devices. Additionally, they will help to bring new motion-graded content to their platform. We are not ready to name them yet as we are currently targeting an announcement in conjunction with this partner's product plans for later this year. This partner represents our first major device licensee. We are excited to be ahead of our planned timeline with respect to our device licensing program. In addition, this partnership will result in accelerating the pipeline of immersive TrueCut Motion-graded content. With that, I'll turn the call to Haley to provide some additional financial details on the quarter.

[Haley Aman, CFO at Pixelworks]

Thank you, Todd. As reported in our press release today, revenue for the second quarter of 2026 was approximately $64,000, bringing first six months total revenue to $510,000. For context, full year 2025 revenue from TrueCut Motion and related motion grading services was approximately $690,000. Gross profit margin for the second quarter was 60.9%, compared to 56.7% in the previous quarter. Total GAAP operating expenses for the second quarter were $3.4 million, compared with $5.2 million in the first quarter of 2026. The $1.8 million sequential decrease reflects the completion of our restructuring plan and streamlining actions taken in the first quarter. Turning to the balance sheet. The company ended the second quarter with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $53 million.

[Haley Aman, CFO at Pixelworks]

The sequential net change in the cash balance from the prior quarter was primarily comprised of approximately $1.7 million used from operations and approximately $3.2 million used to repurchase shares of Pixelworks' common stock during the second quarter. We remain committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet, and we continue to believe the existing cash and cash equivalents balance provides ample runway and flexibility to execute our strategy of building a pure-play technology licensing business. Finally, although we are not providing formal quarterly guidance, we do expect revenue to increase sequentially in the third quarter based on currently booked business, including licensing and related motion grading services. That said, I would also like to reiterate our previously provided high-level operating model. Consistent with our second quarter results, we expect to maintain cash operating expenses of less than $2.5 million per quarter through the remainder of 2026.

[Haley Aman, CFO at Pixelworks]

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

[Operator]

Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, as a reminder to ask the question, please press star one one on your telephone, then 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. Our first question comes from the line of Suji Desilva with ROTH Capital. Your line is open.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

Hi, Todd. Hi, Haley. Maybe just a housekeeping question first. How much is left on the buyback after the $3.2 million you've done?

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

Maybe Suji's not with us today.

[Haley Aman, CFO at Pixelworks]

Oh, I hear you, Suji.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

Can you hear me?

[Haley Aman, CFO at Pixelworks]

Yeah.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

Can you hear me?

[Haley Aman, CFO at Pixelworks]

I can.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

Sorry. Oh, great. Todd, can you hear me? Oh. Haley, should I dial back in?

[Haley Aman, CFO at Pixelworks]

Brett, okay. Well, first of all, let me answer your question. $1.8 million.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

Sure thing.

[Haley Aman, CFO at Pixelworks]

Is what's left. $1.8 million.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

$1.8 million. Okay, got it. Okay. I can try asking the questions while Todd gets in, you know.

[Haley Aman, CFO at Pixelworks]

Brett, do you?

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

Hang on a second. For some reason, I did not hear you, Suji.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

Can you hear me now, Todd?

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

I can hear you now.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

Excellent. Great. Hey, great. Just in time.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

Okay.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

For the bigger picture question, for the group of ecosystem partners and stakeholders that you're working with right now, which of those are the most critical in the next six months to kind of get over the line to get the flywheel going here?

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

Well, I think we're still very focused. There's a movement going on with major studios and the larger exhibitors of migrating. You can see where the revenue's coming in. It's coming from premium large format theaters, and they want to tailor the experience for that. I think that's very important that we continue to participate and are at the forefront of that. This deal was somewhat unexpected. They approached us. They're making a major investment in trying to have an immersive premium home entertainment experience on these devices, and they are making an effort, this particular device partner, on bringing content to their platform. I think it's important. They believe that motion grading will enhance the experience of that immersive content. So I think it's important that we execute on both.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

Up until this device manufacturer approached us, I was very focused on the theatrical experience. So I think both are important in the next six months, and you will hear more about each of them in the next six months.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

Okay. Todd, on the device manufacturer, I know you can't say much, but can you talk about what geography the device manufacturer's from or focuses on?

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

Well, their consumers are global.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

The global consumer. Okay, got it. Last question. As we look ahead to the licensing, like the deal you announced, which of the ones have the most royalty-generating opportunity would be baked into it?

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

Well, we have what we call a device certification agreement, which has certification fees, which are like royalties. Today, all theatrical releases, we do not gain any revenue from the theatrical release. We do motion grading, and we get motion grading service fees, but it is really to build up the pipeline of content. So the one that will have the shortest term impact on our revenue will be the device certification partner. To me, if you really want to have a broad acceptance of the technology and broad announcement of multiple device partners, it is about quality content, and it is about reproducing the premium theatrical experience.

[Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital]

Okay. Thanks, Todd. Thanks, Haley.

[Operator]

Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, I am showing no further questions in the queue. I would now like to turn the call back over to Todd for closing remarks.

[Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO at Pixelworks]

All right. Well, thanks for those that did participate in today's call. Very exciting time for Pixelworks, given the transition to pure-play licensing, and frankly, being ahead of where we thought we would be with device licensing in 2026. I look forward to giving you update in a quarter.

[Operator]

That concludes today's conference call. You may now disconnect.

Participants

Executives

• Todd DeBonis, Chairman and CEO
• Haley Aman, CFO

Analysts

• Brett Perry, VP at Shelton Group
• Suji Desilva, Analyst at ROTH Capital