PIXELWORKS, INC (Form: 10-K, Received: 03/08/2012 06:03:57)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-K

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x	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011



¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 000-30269

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PIXELWORKS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Oregon		91-1761992
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

224 Airport Parkway, Suite 400, San Jose, CA		95110
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

408-200-9200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock		NASDAQ Global Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨	Smaller reporting company	x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x

Aggregate market value of voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2011: $38,555,706. For purposes of this calculation, executive officers and directors are considered affiliates.

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 29, 2012: 18,017,665

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Documents Incorporated by Reference

Part III incorporates information by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

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PIXELWORKS, INC.

FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS



PART I

Item 1.	Business.	4
Item 1A.	Risk Factors.	11
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments.	24
Item 2.	Properties.	24
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings.	24
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures.	25

PART II

Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.	25
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data.	27
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.	28
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.	37
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.	37
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.	61
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures.	61
Item 9B.	Other Information.	64

PART III

Item 10.	Director, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.	64
Item 11.	Executive Compensation.	64
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.	64
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.	64
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services.	64

PART IV

Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.	64

SIGNATURES

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Forward-looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation in Part II, Item 7, contains “forward-looking statements” that are based on current expectations, estimates, beliefs, assumptions and projections about our business. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual results could vary materially from those contained in forward looking statements due to many factors, including, without limitation: our ability to deliver new products in a timely fashion; our new product yield rates; changes in estimated product costs; product mix; supply of products from third-party foundries; failure or diffic ulty in achieving design wins; timely customer transition to new product designs; competitive factors, such as rival chip architectures, introduction or traction by competing designs, or pricing pressures; the success of our products in expanded markets; current global economic challenges; levels of inventory at distributors and customers; changes in the digital display and projection markets; changes in customer ordering patterns or lead times; seasonality in the consumer electronics market; insufficient, excess or obsolete inventory and variations in inventory valuation; litigation related to our intellectual property rights; our li mited financial resources; economic and political challenges due to operations in Asia; failure to retain or attract qualified employees; fluctuations in foreign currencies; natural disasters, and other risks identified in the risk factors contained in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If we do update or correct one or more forward-looking statements, you should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. Except where the context otherwise requires, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms “Pixelworks,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Pixelworks, Inc., an Oregon corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

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PART I


Item 1.	Business.

Overview

We are an innovative designer, developer and marketer of video and pixel processing semiconductors and software for high-end digital video applications and hold 115 patents related to the visual display of digital image data. Our solutions enable manufacturers of digital display and projection devices, such as large-screen flat panel televisions and digital front projectors, to manufacture their products with a consistently high level of video quality, regardless of the content’s source or format. Our core technology leverages unique proprietary techniques for intelligently processing video signals from a variety of sources to ensure that all resulting images are optimized. Additionally, our products help our customers reduce costs and differentiate their display and projection devices, an important factor in industries that experience rapid innovation. Pixelworks was founded in 1997 and is incorporated under the laws of the state of Oregon.

Pixelworks’ flexible design architecture enables our technology to produce outstanding image quality in our customers’ products with a range of single-purpose integrated circuits (“ICs”), to system-on-chip (“SoC”) ICs that integrate microprocessor, memory and image processing functions. Additionally, we provide full solutions, including a software development environment and operating system, which enable our customers to more quickly develop and customize their display products, thus reducing their time to market and allowing them to incorporate differentiated features and functions.

Our primary target markets are liquid crystal display (“LCD”) large-screen televisions and 3LCD and digital light processing (“DLP”) digital front projectors, however we also target other segments within the flat panel display market, including digital signage.

We have adopted a product strategy that leverages our core competencies in video processing to address the evolving needs of the advanced flat panel display, digital projection and other markets that require superior image quality. We focus our product investments on developing video enhancement solutions for these markets, with particular focus on adding increased performance and functionality. Additionally, we look for ways to leverage our research and development investment into products that address other high-value markets where our innovative proprietary technology provides differentiation for us and our customers. We continually seek to expand our technology portfolio through internal development, co-development with business partners and evaluation of acquisition opportunities.

Digital Video Technology Trends

Over the course of the last several years, video technology has moved rapidly from analog technology, which utilizes waveform signals, to a new generation of digital technologies that utilize a grid of thousands of tiny picture elements, or pixels. Consequently, digital display devices have rapidly evolved to incorporate higher pixel counts and faster rates of screen refresh, both of which contribute to a sharper, clearer image. At the same time, digital display devices have increased in size and begun to incorporate newer video capabilities such as high-definition and, most recently, 3D. Accordingly, the video image processors that drive newer displays have had to increase their capabilities as well to keep pace with the ever growing needs for greater resolution, size and speed that digital technology affords.

The number and variety of digital video applications is increasing rapidly, and video is expanding to play a pervasive role across many aspects of business and personal lifestyle. Digital video content is being delivered from an increasing array of sources that vary dramatically in quality—on Blu-ray DVDs, via cable and satellite, across the Internet and on cell phones and smart devices. The sources and quality of video content range from very high-resolution programming produced by network or movie studios to very poor quality clips created by individuals.

Regardless of the source or quality, increasingly, consumers are sharing video with others and viewing video on a growing array of form factors—from handheld devices to large screen displays. At the same time, the consumer expectation for ever higher quality video continues to rise, driven by higher display resolutions on larger TVs. These trends place new demands on video signal and pixel processing technology to enable display and projection devices to provide the best viewing experience possible across multiple display formats. For example, content created for one type of display device, such as a PC, must be scaled up or down to play back clearly on a different device, such as a television. On larger, higher-resolution TV screens, image quality deteriorates significantly, and must be compensated for with video processing technology that restores or even creates higher video quality. This is exemplified further by the increasing desire to display low resolution and low bit rate user content from social media sites. In addition new over the top video services designed to replace existing TV programming services rely heavily on the display being able to reconstruct a better image in order to improve the quality of service over bandwidth varying communications links, such as the Internet.

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With continuous improvements in manufacturing technology, the latest generations of advanced digital display are fulfilling the consumer’s desire for a more immersive experience. The latest generations of advanced digital display devices enhance image performance in a number of ways, chief among them being increasing the size of the display, increasing the display resolution and increasing the number of times per second the image is refreshed. Premium displays currently feature “full HD” resolutions of 1920 columns by 1080 rows of pixels progressively scanned (“1080p”), display frame rates of 240Hz or more, are 3D ready and measure from 32 inches to 70 inches or more diagonally. The size and resolution of the display is expected to continually increase. Display manufacturers and content providers are already discussing the evolution from “full HD” to Ultra Definition, or “UD.” UD display will offer resolutions in excess of 4,000 pixels horizontally and 2000 lines vertically. Such a change in resolution offers the display an increased ability to display fine detail previously absent in “full HD” content and displays, creating a demand for more advanced image processing. In addition to the need for image enhancement, various applications, such as digital signage, Internet- enabled televisions and connected classroom environments, are creating a need for new networking capabilities that can enable the sharing of video across display devices and display environments. This desire drives the need for innovative solutions to an increasingly more complex usage model where content can seamlessly be transferred from device to device and all displays interoperate with one another to create an enhanced usage model for the consumer.

Large-Screen Flat Panel Display Market

The market for flat panel TVs has risen rapidly over the past decade and is projected to be worth more than $110 billion in sales annually by 2012, according to the industry research firm NDP DisplaySearch. Key segments of growth within the flat panel display industry are consumer applications, such as PC monitors and digital televisions. Digital TVs in particular have transformed the flat panel market, as consumers have enthusiastically embraced advanced television displays that offer sharper and more lifelike images on larger and thinner screens. Increasingly, commercial applications such as public-space advertising, a form of digital signage, are also contributing to the growth of the flat panel market and the drive to improve the image and video quality of the panels themselves.

Flat panel display technologies include LCD, plasma display, rear-projection using LCDs, digital micro-mirror, and newer technologies, such as liquid crystal on silicon (“LCoS”) and organic light emitting diodes (“OLED”). Within flat panel displays, LCD and plasma have emerged as the preferred digital display technologies, with LCD leading the market in growth. The digital TV market and its high volume penetration with consumers has helped to secure the dominance of LCD technology. Shipments of LCD TVs are expected to account for around 83% of all TVs sold and grow from 206 million units in 2011 to 225 million units in 2012, according to NDP DisplaySearch.

A large consumer market has pressured flat panel manufacturers to continually improve the quality of their displays, and as a result LCDs and other flat panel displays continue to increase in resolution and size. 1080p resolution is now the high-end standard but is expected to be replaced by 4kx2k or larger. Larger flat panel displays are shifting rapidly from refresh rates of 50/60Hz to faster rates of 100/120Hz, 200/240Hz and even 400/480Hz. The shift to large, high-resolution flat panel displays combined with the transition to 1080p content and higher refresh rates is driving the need for high performance processor solutions to meet the enhanced video quality requirements of next generation display products. As flat panel display resolution and size increase, the challenge of “judder” becomes more of an issue. Judder occurs when content recorded at one rate of frames per second for film content must be converted to faster video rates, and as a result there is a jerkiness, or judder in the resulting video performance. This problem is intensified in larger displays and can be a problem regardless of the panel technology being used.

In addition to judder, LCD panels also suffer from blur in motion images as a result of the way the human brain processes the longer frame durations produced by an LCD panel. In the past, LCD panel manufacturers have tried to reduce blur by increasing the refresh rate of the panel to higher rates and inserting an extra “black” frame to reduce frame duration. But the black frame insertion method has had drawbacks—one of which was to make LCD screens seem less bright. Newer motion estimation/motion compensation (“MEMC”) technology uses the insertion of interpolated frames based on complex mathematical algorithms to shorten the duration of the video frame and create a clearer, crisper picture. MEMC also provides de-judder processing that smoothes out the jerkiness often apparent with large screen displays.

In recent years TV manufacturers have added new design elements and performance features to differentiate their products and slow price declines. Among these are the adoption of light emitting diode (“LED”) backlighting, an emphasis on lower power consumption, Internet connectivity and the development of 3D-enabled TVs. All of these trends are driving the need for high performance processor solutions to meet the enhanced video quality requirements of next generation display products.

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LED backlighting enables higher contrast images in more advanced TVs. Manufacturers can use either dynamic color LEDs that are positioned behind the panel and allow for local area dimming, which provides higher contrast on selected sections of the screen; or white edge-LEDs positioned around the rim of the screen, which use a special diffusion panel to spread the light evenly behind the screen. LED backlighting also serves as a critical enabler of reduced power consumption. Because of its advantages, LED backlighting is expected to achieve an 85% share of LCD TV shipments in 2013, according to NDP DisplaySearch. LED backlighting requires a video processing control mechanism that determines when certain LEDs are lit, and how brightly, based on the video being displayed.

The combination of LED backlighting and 200/240 Hz technologies provides an enabling platform for new feature developments in LCD TVs, particularly 3D technology, which is an area of intense interest to television manufacturers and consumers alike. NDP DisplaySearch forecasts that worldwide 3D TV shipments will rise from 24 million in 2011 to 106 million in 2015.

Consumers’ desire to use their televisions to view Internet content ranging from YouTube videos to downloaded high definition movies from Netflix and other vendors is driving TV manufacturers to incorporate Internet connectivity into their products, including those marketed as “smart” TVs. In addition to simple connectivity, these devices must also be able to scale and enhance Internet content so as to be optimally viewed on a large flat panel display. Limitations in bandwidth, latency, noise and content resolution create significant challenges, and video processors must be able to scale poorer quality video, reduce signal noise inherent to networks and enhance image quality in order to ensure optimal video performance. NDP DisplaySearch estimates that approximately 26% of all TVs shipped in 2011 were Internet enabled, and the number of connected TVs is expected to grow to 138 million in 2015.

Increasing screen sizes, higher pixel resolutions, higher frame rates, the desire to view Internet content on high-resolution displays, LED backlighting, 3D and other trends all present video performance challenges that must be addressed and are exacerbated with each new cycle of additional features. To differentiate their products, advanced flat panel manufacturers must implement video processing technologies that address these video performance issues as rapidly, as fully and as cost effectively as possible. Additionally, the interplay of performance, features, cost and power consumption is a key area of differentiation for digital television manufacturers. Most features and performance improvements carry cost premiums and increased power consumption, but intelligent design and utilization of appropriate video processing technologies can enable simultaneous improvements.

Digital Projection Market

Increasingly affordable price points are driving continued adoption of digital projectors in business and education, as well as among consumers. Technology improvements are helping reduce the size and weight of projection devices and increasing their performance. Projector models range from larger units designed to be permanently installed in a conference hall or other venue, to ultra portable devices weighing less than two pounds for maximum portability. According to Pacific Media Associates (PMA), the worldwide front projector market grew to a total of 9.5 million units sold in 2011 from 8.5 million units in 2010.

Currently, the largest segment of the installed front projector market consists of business users who employ multimedia projectors to display both still and video presentation materials from PCs or other sources. Requirements for the business market include portability, compatibility with multiple software and hardware applications and features that ensure simple operation. In educational environments from elementary schools to university campuses, projectors help teachers integrate media-rich instruction into classrooms. Growth in overall projector sales is expected to come both from the business sector and the education market. Tiny, battery powered “pico” projectors embedded in a cell phone or PC, or available as independent devices weighing less than a pound, also are beginning to take hold in the consumer and business markets, fueled by their capability to display video content on a larger surface area.

Consistent with the trends of other consumer products, digital projectors are increasingly incorporating networking capabilities that enable the sharing of video and other content among multiple devices. This in turn is enabling new use models for digital projection in both the education and business environments. For example, one teacher can present the same material simultaneously in multiple classrooms, and students in different classrooms can display and discuss their work. Such connectivity allows instant access to content and sharing of content, which promotes interaction and collaboration among dispersed groups. In the business setting, this connectivity enables teleconferencing and the seamless sharing of content for more effective meetings.

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Additional Markets

In addition to the large-screen flat panel display and digital projection markets, other sectors are also taking advantage of the trend towards higher performance and connectivity in digital video technology. Some of the applications expected to grow as a result of enhanced video quality include digital signage, video conferencing and specialty monitors.

Worldwide, the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China, commonly referred to collectively as “BRIC,” are expected to be a leading driver of demand for information technology of all kinds, including projectors for business, education and the consumer sectors.

Our Core Technologies and Products

We have developed a portfolio of advanced video algorithms and intellectual property (“IP”) to address a broad range of challenges in digital video. Our technologies can dramatically improve video quality and are increasingly important as screen size and resulting quality issues increase. Our products are designed with a flexible architecture that allows us to combine algorithms and functional blocks of digital and mixed signal circuitry. Accordingly, our technologies can be implemented across multiple products and in powerful combinations within single products. The majority of our products include one or more technologies to provide high-quality video solutions to our customers .

Some of our proprietary core technologies include:

•

MEMC (motion estimation/motion compensation). Our proprietary MEMC technology significantly improves the performance and viewing experience of large advanced LCD panels by solving problems such as motion blur and judder. It also supports significant digital TV trends such as 3D, LED backlight local dimming (both edge-lit and full array) and 240Hz and higher frame rates. Additionally, our MEMC technology improves video performance in non-TV applications such as video conferencing, 3D gaming and projection.


•	2D to 3D conversion. Our proprietary 2D to 3D conversion technology offers 3D display systems the ability to provide a sense of depth to existing 2D content and displays it in 3D. Given the limited availability of native 3D content and virtually unlimited 2D content, this technology is a cornerstone for any 3D display system.


•	Networking . Our networking technology enables the same video stream to be networked across multiple displays, for applications such as connected video projection and digital signage.


•	Digital keystone correction. Our technology provides enhanced keystone and image correction performance for digital projection systems, particularly for “short throw” projectors which must project clearly at severe angles due to space limitations.

Our product development strategy is to leverage our expertise in video processing to address the evolving needs of the advanced flat panel display, digital projection and other markets that require superior image quality. We plan to continue to focus our development resources to maintain our market lead and provide leading edge solutions for the advanced LCD and DLP digital projection markets and to enhance our video processing solutions for advanced flat panel displays and other markets. Additionally, we look for ways to leverage our research and development investment into products that address high-value markets where our innovative proprietary technology provides differentiation for us and our customers. We deliver our technology in a variety of offerings, which take the form of single-purpose chips, highly integrated SoCs that incorporate specialized software, and full solutions incorporating software and other tools.

Our primary product categories include the following:

•

ImageProcessor ICs. Our ImageProcessor ICs include embedded microprocessors, digital signal processing technology and software that control the operations and signal processing within high-end display systems such as projectors and high-resolution flat panels. ImageProcessor ICs were our first product offerings and continue to comprise the majority of our business. We have continued to refine the architectures for optimal performance, manufacturing our products on process technologies that align with our customers’ requirements. Additionally, we provide a software development environment and operating system that enables our customers to more quickly develop and customize the “look and feel” of their products.

•

Video Co-Processor ICs. Products in this category work in conjunction with an image processor to post-process video signals in order to enhance the performance or feature set of the overall video solution (for example, by significantly reducing judder and motion blur). Our video co-processor ICs can be used with our ImageProcessor ICs or with image processing solutions from other manufacturers, and in most cases can be incorporated by a display manufacturer without assistance from the supplier of the base image processor. This flexibility enables manufacturers to augment their existing or new designs to enhance their video display products.

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•

Networked Display ICs. Our Networked Display ICs allow the same video stream to be networked across multiple displays, for example to connect projectors in different classrooms or to enable networked streaming of video in digital signage applications. Our Networked Display IC combines video sharing capabilities with video image processing, wireless connectivity and Internet connection to ensure high quality, multi-source video output and enhanced value to our projection display customers.

Customers, Sales and Marketing

The key focus of our global sales and marketing strategy is to achieve design wins with industry leading branded manufacturers in targeted markets and to continue building strong customer relationships. Once a design win has been achieved, sales and marketing efforts are focused on building long-term mutually beneficial business relationships with our customers by providing superior technology and reducing their costs, which complements our customers’ product development objectives and meets their expectations for price-performance and time to market. Marketing efforts are focused on building market-leading brand awareness and preference for our solutions.

We utilize direct sales and marketing resources in the U.S., China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea as well as indirect resources in several regions. In addition to sales and marketing representatives, we have field application engineers who provide technical expertise and assistance to manufacturing customers on final product development.

Our global distribution channel is multi-tiered and involves both direct and indirect distribution channels, as described below:

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Distributors. Distributors are resellers in local markets who provide engineering support and stock our semiconductors in direct relation to specific manufacturing customer orders. Our distributors often have valuable and established relationships with our end customers, and in certain countries it is customary to sell to distributors. While distributor payment to us is not dependent upon the distributor’s ability to resell the product or to collect from the end customer, our distributors may provide longer payment terms to end customers than those we would offer. Sales to distributors accounted for 69% , 61% and 51% of revenue in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Our largest distributor, Tokyo Electron Device Ltd. (“TED”), is located in Japan. TED represented 53% , 44% and 35% of revenue in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and accounted for 54% and 45% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. No other distributor accounted for more than 10% of revenue in 2011, 2010 and 2009.

We also have distributor relationships in Taiwan, China, Korea, Europe, Southeast Asia and the U.S.

•

Direct Relationships. We have established direct relationships with companies that manufacture high-end display systems. Some of our direct relationships are supported by commission-based manufacturers’ representatives, who are independent sales agents that represent us in local markets and provide engineering support but do not carry inventory. Revenue through direct relationships accounted for 31% , 39% and 49% of total revenue in 2011, 2010 or 2009, respectively.

We have direct relationships with companies falling into the following three classifications:


•	Integrators. Integrators are original equipment manufacturers who build display devices based on specifications provided by branded suppliers.


•	Branded Manufacturers . Branded manufacturers are globally recognized manufacturers who develop display device specifications, and manufacture, market and distribute display devices either directly or through resellers to end-users.


•	Branded Suppliers . Branded suppliers are globally recognized suppliers who develop display device specifications and then source them from integrators, typically in Asia, and distribute them either directly or through resellers to end-users.

Revenue attributable to our top five end customers represented 51% , 58% and 56% of revenue in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. End customers include customers who purchase directly from us as well as customers who purchase products indirectly through distributors. Sales to Seiko Epson Corporation represented more than 10% of revenue in 2011, 2010, and 2009. Sales to SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. represented more than 10% of revenue in 2010 and 2009. Sales to Hitachi represented more than 10% of revenue in 2011 and 2010. No other end customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

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Seasonality

Our business is subject to seasonality related to the markets we serve and the location of our customers. We have historically experienced higher revenue from the multimedia projector market in the third quarter of the year, and lower revenue in the first quarter of the year, as our Japanese customers reduce inventories in anticipation of their March 31 fiscal year end. Additionally, holiday demand for consumer electronics, including high-end televisions, has sometimes contributed to increased revenue in the second half of the year. Our sales in 2010 and 2009, however, did not follow our historical trends due in part to the adverse global crisis in the credit and financial markets, continued economic uncertainty and reductions in consumer spending during those years.

Geographic Distribution of Sales

Sales outside the U.S. accounted for approximately 96% of revenue in 2011 and 2010 and 97% of revenue in 2009 .

Financial information regarding our domestic and foreign operations is presented in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Backlog

Our sales are made pursuant to customer purchase orders for delivery of standard products. The volume of product actually purchased by our customers, as well as shipment schedules, are subject to frequent revisions that reflect changes in both the customers’ needs and product availability. Our entire order backlog is cancelable, with a portion subject to cancellation fees. In light of industry practice and our own experience, we do not believe that backlog as of any particular date is indicative of future results.

Competition

In general, the semiconductor industry is intensely competitive. The markets for higher performance display and projection devices, including the markets for advanced flat panel display televisions, multimedia projectors and other applications demanding high quality video, are characterized by rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, compressed product life cycles and declining average selling prices. We believe the principal competitive factors in our markets are product performance, time to market, cost, functional versatility provided by software, customer relationships and reputation, patented innovative designs, levels of product integration, compliance with industry standards and system design cost.

Our current products face competition from specialized display controller developers and in-house display controller ICs designed by our customers and potential customers. Additionally, new alternative display processing technologies and industry standards may emerge that directly compete with technologies that we offer.

We compete with specialized and diversified electronics and semiconductor companies that offer display processors or scaling components. Some of these include CSR plc, i-Chips Technologies Inc., Intersil Corporation, MediaTek Inc., MStar Semiconductor, Novatech Co., Ltd.Inc., Realtek Semiconductor Corp., Renesas Electronics America, Sigma Designs, Inc., Silicon Image, Inc., STMicroelectronics N.V., Sunplus Technology Co., Ltd., Trident Microsystems, Inc. and other companies. Potential and current competitors may include diversified semiconductor manufacturers and the semiconductor divisions or affiliates of some of our customers, including LG Electronics, Inc., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc., NEC Corporation, NVIDIA Corporation, QUALCOMM Incorporated, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., Seiko Epson Corporation, Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sony Corporation, Texas Instruments Incorporated and Toshiba America, Inc. In addition, start-up companies may seek to compete in our markets.

Research and Development

Our internal research and development efforts are focused on the development of our solutions for the multimedia projector and high-end television markets. Our development efforts are focused on pursuing higher levels of video performance, integration and new features in order to provide our customers with solutions that enable them to introduce market leading products and help lower final systems costs for our customers.

We have invested, and expect to continue to invest, significant resources in research and development activities. Our research and development expense was $22.9 million , $22.8 million and $20.1 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

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Manufacturing

Within the semiconductor industry we are known as a “fabless” company, meaning that we do not manufacture the semiconductors that we design and develop, but instead contract with four third-party foundries for wafer fabrication and other manufacturers for packaging, assembly and testing of our products. The fabless approach allows us to concentrate our resources on product design and development where we believe we have greater competitive advantages.

See “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on risks related to our manufacturing strategy and processes.

Intellectual Property

We rely on a combination of nondisclosure agreements and patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws to protect the algorithms, design and architecture of our technology. Currently, we hold 115 patents and have 30 patent applications pending, which relate generally to improvements in the visual display of digital image data including, but not limited to, improvements in image scaling, image correction, automatic image optimization and video signal processing for digital displays. Our U.S. and foreign patents are generally enforceable for 20 years from the date they were filed. Accordingly, our issued patents have from approximately 6 to 16 years remaining in their respective term, depending on their filing date. We believe that the remaining term of our patents is adequate relative to the expected lives of our related products.

We intend to seek patent protection for other significant technologies that we have already developed and expect to seek patent protection for future products and technologies as necessary. Patents may not be issued as a result of any pending applications and any claims allowed under issued patents may be insufficiently broad to protect our technology. Existing or future patents may be invalidated, diluted, circumvented, challenged or licensed to others. Furthermore, the laws of certain foreign countries in which our products are or may be developed, manufactured or sold, including various countries in Asia, may not protect our products or intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States and, thus, make the possibility of piracy of our technology and products more likely in these countries.

The semiconductor industry is characterized by vigorous protection of intellectual property rights, which have resulted in significant and often protracted and expensive litigation. We, our customers or our foundries from time to time may be notified of claims that we may be infringing patents or other intellectual property rights owned by third parties. Litigation by or against us relating to patent infringement or other intellectual property matters could result in significant expense to us and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel, whether or not such litigation results in a determination favorable to us. In the event of an adverse result in any such litigation, we could be required to pay substantial damages, cease the manufacture, use and sale of infringing products, expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology, discontinue the use of certain processes or obtain licenses to the infringing technology. We may not be able to settle any alleged patent infringement claim through a cross-licensing arrangement. In the event any third party made a valid claim against us, our customers or our foundries, and a license was not made available to us on terms that are acceptable to us or at all, we would be adversely affected.

See “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, and “Note 7: Commitments and Contingencies” in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on risks related to intellectual property.

Environmental Matters

Environmental laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. We have incurred, and may continue to incur, significant expenditures to comply with these laws and regulations and we may incur additional capital expenditures and asset impairments to ensure that our products and our vendors’ products are in compliance with these regulations. We would be subject to significant penalties for failure to comply with these laws and regulations.

See “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on environmental risks.

Employees

As of December 31, 2011, we had a total of 242 employees compared to 243 employees as of December 31, 2010. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.

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Availability of Securities and Exchange Commission Filings

We make available through our website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Internet address is www.pixelworks.com . The content on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this filing.


Item 1A.	Risk Factors.

Investing in our shares of common stock involves a high degree of risk, and investors should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. If any of the following risks occur, the market price of our shares of common stock could decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment. Additional risks that we currently believe are immaterial may also impair our business operations. In assessing these risks, investors should also refer to the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes, and our other filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company Specific Risks

Our product strategy, which is targeted at markets demanding superior video and image quality, may not lead to new design wins or increased revenue in a timely manner or at all, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and limit our ability to grow.

We have adopted a product strategy that focuses on our core competencies in pixel processing and delivering high levels of video and image quality. With this strategy, we continue to make further investments in the development of our ImageProcessor architecture for the digital projector market, with particular focus on adding increased performance and functionality. For the advanced television market, our strategy focuses on implementing our intellectual property (“IP”) to improve the video performance of our customers’ image processors through the use of our MotionEngine® advanced video co-processor integrated circuits. This strategy is designed to address the needs of the large-screen, high-resolution, high-quality segment of the television market. Such markets may not develop or may take longer to develop than we expect. We cannot assure you that the products we are developing will adequately address the demands of our target customers, or that we will be able to produce our new products at costs that enable us to price these products competitively.

Even if our product strategy is properly targeted, we cannot assure you that the products we are developing will lead to an increase in revenue from new design wins. To achieve design wins, we must design and deliver cost-effective, innovative and integrated semiconductors that overcome the significant costs associated with qualifying a new supplier and which make developers reluctant to change component sources. Additionally, potential developers may be unwilling to select our products due to concerns over our financial strength. Further, design wins do not necessarily result in developers ordering large volumes of our products. Developers can choose at any time to discontinue using our products in their designs or product development efforts. A design win is not a binding commitment by a developer to purchase our products, but rather a decision by a developer to use our products in its design process. Even if our products are chosen to be incorporated into a developer’s products, we may still not realize significant revenue from the developer if its products are not commercially successful or it chooses to qualify, or incorporate the products, of a second source. Additionally, even if our product strategy is successful at achieving design wins and increasing our revenue, we may continue to incur operating losses due to the significant research and development costs that are required to develop competitive products for the advanced television and digital projection markets.

We may fail to retain or attract the specialized technical and management personnel required to successfully operate our business.

Our success depends on the continued services of our executive officers and other key management, engineering, and sales and marketing personnel and on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. Competition for skilled engineers and management personnel is intense within our industry, and we may not be successful in hiring and retaining qualified individuals. For example, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, difficulty and increased compensation expense in order to hire and retain qualified engineering personnel in our Shanghai design center. The loss of, or inability to hire, key personnel could limit our ability to develop new products and adapt existing products to our customers’ requirements, and may result in lost sales and a diversion of management resources.

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We have significantly less financial resources than most of our competitors which limits our ability to implement new products or enhancements to our current products and may require us to implement future restructuring plans, which could adversely affect our future sales and financial condition.

Financial resource constraints could limit our ability to execute our product strategy or require us to implement restructuring plans, particularly if we are unable to generate cash from operations or obtain additional sources of financing. Any future restructuring actions may slow our development of new or enhanced products by limiting our research and development and engineering activities. Our cash balances are also lower than those of our competitors, which may limit our ability to develop competitive new products on a timely basis. If we are unable to successfully introduce new or enhanced products, our sales and financial condition will be adversely affected.

If we are not profitable in the future, we may be unable to continue our operations.

We have incurred operating losses since 2004. If and when we achieve profitability depends upon a number of factors, including our ability to develop and market innovative products, accurately estimate inventory needs, contract effectively for manufacturing capacity and maintain sufficient funds to finance our activities. We cannot assure you that we will ever achieve profitability. If we are not profitable in the future, we may be unable to continue our operations.

Our net operating loss carryforwards may be limited or they may expire before utilization.

As of December 31, 2011, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $181.6 million and $38.8 million, respectively, which expire between 2012 and 2031. These net operating loss carryforwards may be used to offset future taxable income and thereby reduce our income taxes otherwise payable. However, we cannot assure you that we will have taxable income in the future before all or a portion of these net operating loss carryforwards expire. Additionally, our federal net operating losses may be limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which imposes an annual limit on the ability of a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” to use its net operating loss carryforwards to reduce its tax liability. An ownership change is generally defined as a greater than 50% point increase in equity ownership by 5% shareholders in any three-year period. In the event of certain changes in our shareholder base, we may at some time in the future experience an “ownership change” and the use of our federal net operating loss carryforwards may be limited.

A significant amount of our revenue comes from a limited number of customers and distributors, exposing us to increased credit risk and subjecting our cash flow to the risk that any of our customers or distributors could decrease or cancel its orders.

The display manufacturing market is highly concentrated and we are, and will continue to be, dependent on a limited number of customers and distributors for a substantial portion of our revenue. Sales to our top distributor represented 53% , 44% and 35% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Revenue attributable to our top five end customers represented 51% , 58% and 56% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had two accounts that each represented 10% or more of accounts receivable. All of the orders included in our backlog are cancelable. A reduction, delay or cancellation of orders from one or more of our significant customers, or a decision by one or more of our significant customers to select products manufactured by a competitor or to use its own internally-developed semiconductors, would significantly impact our revenue. Further, the concentration of our accounts receivable with a limited number of customers increases our credit risk. The failure of these customers to pay their balances, or any customer to pay future outstanding balances, would result in an operating expense and reduce our cash flows.

We may not be able to borrow funds under our credit facility or secure future financing.

In December 2010, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Silicon Valley Bank to provide a secured, working capital-based, revolving line of credit. We view this line of credit as a source of available liquidity to fund fluctuations in our working capital requirements. For example, if we experience an increase in order activity from our customers, our cash balance may decrease due to the need to purchase inventories to fulfill those orders. If this occurs, we may need to draw on this facility in order to maintain our liquidity.

This facility contains various conditions, covenants and representations with which we must be in compliance in order to borrow funds. We cannot assure you that we will be in compliance with these conditions, covenants and representations in the future when we may need to borrow funds under this facility. In addition, this facility expires on December 21, 2012, after which time we may need to secure new financing to continue funding fluctuations in our working capital requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to secure new financing, or financing on terms that are acceptable to us.

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Part of our business involves licensing our intellectual property, a strategy that increases business risk and volatility.

We have licensed certain of our intellectual properties to a third party and may seek to enter into additional license arrangements in the future. We cannot assure you, however, that others will be interested in licensing our intellectual property on commercially favorable terms or at all. We also cannot ensure that licensees will honor agreed-upon market restrictions, not infringe upon or misappropriate our intellectual property or maintain the confidentiality of our proprietary information.

IP license agreements are complex and earning revenue under these agreements depends upon many factors including completion of milestones, allocation of values to delivered items and customer acceptances. Many of these factors require significant judgments. Because of its high margin, our licensing revenue can have a disproportionate impact on gross profit and profitability. Also, generating revenue from these arrangements is a lengthy and complex process that may last beyond the period in which efforts begin and, once an agreement is in place, the timing of revenue recognition may depend on customer acceptance of deliverables, achievement of milestones, our ability to track and report progress on contracts, customer commercialization of the licensed technology and other factors. Licensing that occurs in connection with actual or contemplated litigation is subject to risk that the adversarial nature of the transaction will induce non-compliance or non-payment. The accounting rules associated with recognizing revenue from these transactions are increasingly complex and subject to interpretation. Due to these factors, the amount of license revenue recognized in any period may differ significantly from our expectations.

We face a number of risks as a result of the concentration of our operations and customers in Asia.

Almost all of our customers are located in Japan, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), Korea, or Taiwan. Sales outside the U.S. accounted for approximately 96% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and 97% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009. We anticipate that sales outside the U.S. will continue to account for a substantial portion of our revenue in future periods. In addition, customers who incorporate our products into their products sell a substantial portion of their products outside of the U.S. All of our products are also manufactured outside of the U.S.; most of our current manufacturers are located in the PRC, Taiwan, or Singapore. Furthermore, most of our employees are located in the PRC, Japan and Taiwan. Our Asian operations require significant management attention and resources, and we are subject to many risks associated with operations in Asia, including, but not limited to:


•	difficulties in managing international distributors and manufacturers due to varying time zones, languages and business customs;


•	compliance with U.S. laws affecting operations outside of the U.S., such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;


•	reduced or limited protection of our IP, particularly in software, which is more prone to design piracy;


•	difficulties in collecting outstanding accounts receivable balances;


•	changes in tax rates, tax laws and the interpretation of those laws;


•	difficulties regarding timing and availability of export and import licenses;


•	ensuring that we obtain complete and accurate information from our Asian operations to make proper disclosures in the United States;


•	political and economic instability, particularly in the PRC;


•	difficulties in maintaining sales representatives outside of the U.S. that are knowledgeable about our industry and products;


•	changes in the regulatory environment in the PRC, Japan, Taiwan and Korea that may significantly impact purchases of our products by our customers or our customers’ sales of their own products;


•	outbreaks of health epidemics in the PRC or other parts of Asia;


•	imposition of new tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and similar trade restrictions on our sales;


•	varying employment and labor laws; and


•	greater vulnerability to infrastructure and labor disruptions than in established markets.

Any of these factors could require a disproportionate share of management’s attention, result in increased costs or decreased revenues, and could materially affect our product sales, financial condition and results of operations.

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Our operations in Asia expose us to heightened risks due to natural disasters.

The risk of natural disasters in the Pacific Rim region, such as the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, is significant due to the proximity of major earthquake fault lines in the area. Natural disasters in countries where our manufacturers or customers are located could result in disruption of our manufacturers’ and customers’ operations, resulting in significant delays in shipment of, or significant reductions in orders for, our products. There can be no assurance that we can locate additional manufacturing capacity or markets on favorable terms, or find new customers, in a timely manner, if at all. Natural disasters in this region could also result in:


•	reduced end user demand due to the economic impact of any natural disaster;


•	a disruption to the global supply chain for products manufactured in areas affected by natural disasters that are included in products purchased either by us or by our customers;


•	an increase in the cost of products that we purchase due to reduced supply; and


•	other unforeseen impacts as a result of the uncertainty resulting from a natural disaster.

The 2011 flooding in Thailand, for example, has limited the availability of certain component parts that are used in the production of our customers’ products which has reduced their production capacity and the demand for our products, particularly during the first quarter of 2012. Although our customers have begun efforts to restore their production capacity, we are unable to predict when demand for our products will return to prior levels.

We face additional risks associated with our operations in the PRC.

We have, and expect to continue to have significant operations in the PRC. The economy of the PRC differs from the economies of many countries in important respects such as structure, government involvement, level of development, growth rate, capital reinvestment, allocation of resources, self-sufficiency, rate of inflation, foreign currency flows and balance of payments position, among others. We cannot be assured that the PRC’s economic policies will be consistent or effective and our results of operations and financial position may be harmed by changes in the PRC’s political, economic or social conditions.

Additionally, our Chinese subsidiary is considered a foreign-invested enterprise and is subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in the PRC and, in particular, laws applicable to foreign-invested enterprises. While the overall effect of legislation over the past two decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various foreign investments in the PRC, the PRC has not developed a fully integrated legal system, and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in the PRC. Because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and published court decisions are limited and nonbinding in nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. In addition, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all, which may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until after the violation occurs. Any administrative and court proceedings in the PRC may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings. These uncertainties may also impede our ability to enforce the contracts entered into by our PRC subsidiary and could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our international operations expose us to risks resulting from the fluctuations of foreign currencies.

We are exposed to risks resulting from the fluctuations of foreign currencies, primarily those of Japan, Taiwan, Korea and the PRC. We sell our products to OEMs that incorporate our products into other products that they sell outside of the U.S. While sales of our products to OEMs are denominated in U.S. dollars, the products sold by OEMs are denominated in foreign currencies. Accordingly, any strengthening of the U.S. dollar against these foreign currencies will increase the foreign currency price equivalent of our products, which could lead to a change in the competitive nature of these products in the marketplace. This in turn could lead to a reduction in revenue.

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We may engage in financial hedging techniques in the future as part of a strategy to address potential foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. These hedging techniques, however, may not be successful at reducing our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and may increase costs and administrative complexity.

As we have limited insurance coverage, any incurred liability resulting from uncovered claims could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations .

Our insurance policies may not be adequate to fully offset losses from covered incidents, and we do not have coverage for certain losses. For example, we do not have earthquake insurance related to our Asian operations because adequate coverage is not offered at economically justifiable rates. If our insurance coverage is inadequate to protect us against catastrophic losses, any uncovered losses could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our dependence on selling to distributors and integrators increases the complexity of managing our supply chain and may result in excess inventory or inventory shortages.

Selling to distributors and OEMs that build display devices based on specifications provided by branded suppliers, also referred to as integrators, reduces our ability to forecast sales accurately and increases the complexity of our business. Our sales are made on the basis of customer purchase orders rather than long-term purchase commitments. Our distributors, integrators and customers may cancel or defer purchase orders at any time but we must order wafer inventory from our contract manufacturers three to four months in advance.

The estimates we use for our advance orders from contract manufacturers are based, in part, on reports of inventory levels and production forecasts from our distributors and integrators, which act as intermediaries between us and the companies using our products. This process requires us to make numerous assumptions concerning demand and to rely on the accuracy of the reports and forecasts of our distributors and integrators, each of which may introduce error into our estimates of inventory requirements. Our failure to manage this challenge could result in excess inventory or inventory shortages that could materially impact our operating results or limit the ability of companies using our semiconductors to deliver their products. For example, we overestimated demand for certain of our products which led to significant charges for obsolete inventory in 2010 and 2009. On the other hand, if we underestimate demand, we would forego revenue opportunities, lose market share and damage our customer relationships.

We may be unable to successfully manage any future growth, including the integration of any future acquisition or equity investment, which could disrupt our business and severely harm our financial condition.

If we fail to effectively manage any future internal growth, our operating expenses may increase more rapidly than our revenue, adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations. To manage any future growth effectively in a rapidly evolving market, we must be able to maintain and improve our operational and financial systems, train and manage our employee base and attract and retain qualified personnel with relevant experience. We could spend substantial amounts of time and money in connection with expansion efforts for which we may not realize any profit. Our systems, procedures, controls or financial resources may not be adequate to support our operations and we may not be able to grow quickly enough to exploit potential market opportunities. In addition, we may not be able to successfully integrate the businesses, products, technologies or personnel of any entity that we might acquire in the future, and any failure to do so could disrupt our business and seriously harm our financial condition.

Continued compliance with regulatory and accounting requirements will be challenging and will require significant resources.

We spend a significant amount of management time and external resources to comply with changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including evolving Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, NASDAQ Global Market rules, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 which requires management’s annual review and evaluation of internal control over financial reporting. Failure to comply with these laws and rules could lead to investigation by regulatory authorities, de-listing from the NASDAQ Global Market, or penalties imposed on us. If we are unable to maintain an effective system of internal controls, our shareholders could lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports which in turn could cause our stock price to decline.

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Our effective income tax rate is subject to unanticipated changes in, or different interpretations of tax rules and regulations and forecasting our effective income tax rate is complex and subject to uncertainty.

As a global company, we are subject to taxation by a number of taxing authorities and as such, our tax rates vary among the jurisdictions in which we operate. Unanticipated changes in our tax rates could affect our future results of operations. Our effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws either in the United States or abroad, or by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. The ultimate outcomes of any future tax audits are uncertain, and we can give no assurance as to whether an adverse result from one or more of them would have a material effect on our operating results and financial position.

The computation of income tax expense is complex as it is based on the laws of numerous tax jurisdictions and requires significant judgment on the application of complicated rules governing accounting for tax provisions under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Income tax expense for interim quarters is based on our forecasted tax rate for the year, which includes forward looking financial projections, including the expectations of profit and loss by jurisdiction, and contains numerous assumptions. For these reasons, our tax rate may be materially different than our forecast.

We rely upon certain critical information systems for the operation of our business, and the failure of any critical information system, may result in serious harm to our business.

We maintain and rely upon certain critical information systems for the effective operation of our business. These information systems include telecommunications, the Internet, our corporate intranet, various computer hardware and software applications, network communications and e-mail. These information systems are subject to attacks, failures and access denials from a number of potential sources including viruses, destructive or inadequate code, power failures, and physical damage to computers, communication lines and networking equipment. To the extent that these information systems are under our control, we have implemented security procedures, such as virus protection software and emergency recovery processes, to address the outlined risks. Security procedures for information systems cannot be guaranteed to be failsafe and our inability to use or access these information systems at critical times could compromise the timely and efficient operation of our business. Additionally, any compromise of our information security could result in the unauthorized publication of our confidential business or proprietary information, cause an interruption in our operations, result in the unauthorized release of customer or employee data, result in a violation of privacy or other laws, or expose us to a risk of litigation or damage our reputation, any or all of which could harm our business and operating results.

Environmental laws and regulations have caused us to incur, and may again cause us to incur, significant expenditures to comply with applicable laws and regulations, and we may be assessed considerable penalties for noncompliance.

We are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with current or future environmental laws and regulations could require us to incur substantial expenses which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have worked, and will continue to work, with our suppliers and customers to ensure that our products are compliant with enacted laws and regulations. Failure by us or our contract manufacturers to comply with such legislation could result in customers refusing to purchase our products and could subject us to significant monetary penalties in connection with a violation, either of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Company Risks Related to the Semiconductor Industry and Our Markets

Our highly integrated products and high-speed mixed signal products are difficult to manufacture without defects and the existence of defects could result in increased costs, delays in the availability of our products, reduced sales of products or claims against us.

The manufacture of semiconductors is a complex process and it is often difficult for semiconductor foundries to produce semiconductors free of defects. Because many of our products are more highly integrated than other semiconductors and incorporate mixed signal analog and digital signal processing, multi-chip modules and embedded memory technology, they are even more difficult to produce without defects. Defective products can be caused by design or manufacturing difficulties. Identifying quality problems can be performed only by analyzing and testing our semiconductors in a system after they have been manufactured. The difficulty in identifying defects is compounded because the process technology is unique to each of the multiple semiconductor foundries we contract with to manufacture our products. Despite testing by both our customers and us, errors or performance problems may be found in existing or new semiconductors. Failure to achieve defect-free products may result in increased costs and delays in the availability of our products.

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Additionally, customers could seek damages from us for their losses and shipments of defective products may harm our reputation with our customers. We have experienced field failures of our semiconductors in certain customer applications that required us to institute additional testing. As a result of these field failures, we have incurred warranty costs due to customers returning potentially affected products and have experienced reductions in revenues due to delays in production. Our customers have also experienced delays in receiving product shipments from us that resulted in the loss of revenue and profits. In 2010, for example, we incurred higher than expected yield losses due to defective third party IP incorporated into certain of our products, which resulted in higher direct material cost and a temporary inability to meet our customers’ requested demand. Although we were able to resolve the issue without incurring material losses and have implemented additional processes to control this type of risk, similar issues may occur again in the future. Additionally, shipments of defective products could cause us to lose customers or to incur significant replacement costs, either of which would harm our business. Any defects, errors or bugs could also interrupt or delay sales of our new products to our customers, which would adversely affect our financial results.

The development of new products is extremely complex and we may be unable to develop our new products in a timely manner which could result in a failure to obtain new design wins and/or maintain our current revenue levels.

In addition to the inherent difficulty of designing complex integrated circuits, product development delays may result from:


•	difficulties in hiring and retaining necessary technical personnel;


•	difficulties in reallocating engineering resources and overcoming resource limitations;


•	difficulties with contract manufacturers;


•	changes to product specifications and customer requirements;


•	changes to market or competitive product requirements; and


•	unanticipated engineering complexities.

If we are not successful in the timely development of new products, our financial results will be adversely affected.

Dependence on a limited number of sole-source, third-party manufacturers for our products exposes us to possible shortages based on low manufacturing yield, errors in manufacturing, uncontrollable lead-times for manufacturing, capacity allocation, price increases with little notice, volatile inventory levels and delays in product delivery, any of which could result in delays in satisfying customer demand, increased costs and loss of revenue.

We do not own or operate a semiconductor fabrication facility and do not have the resources to manufacture our products internally. We rely on four third-party foundries to produce all of our wafers and three assembly and test vendors for completion of finished products. Our wafers are not fabricated at more than one foundry at any given time and our wafers typically are designed to be fabricated in a specific process at only one foundry. Sole sourcing each product increases our dependence on our suppliers. We have limited control over delivery schedules, quality assurance, manufacturing yields, potential errors in manufacturing and production costs. We do not have long-term supply contracts with our third-party manufacturers, so they are not obligated to supply us with products for any specific period of time, quantity or price, except as may be provided in a particular purchase order. Our suppliers can increase the prices of the products we purchase from them with little notice, which may cause us to increase the prices to our customers and harm our competitiveness. Because our requirements represent only a small portion of the total production capacity of our contract manufacturers, they could reallocate capacity to other customers during periods of high demand for our products, as they have done in the past. We expect this may occur again in the future.

Establishing a relationship with a new contract manufacturer in the event of delays or increased prices would be costly and burdensome. The lead time to make such a change would be at least nine months, and the estimated time for us to adapt a product’s design to a particular contract manufacturer’s process is at least four months. Additionally, we have, and may continue to choose new foundries to manufacture our wafers which may require us to modify our design methodology flow for the process technology and intellectual property cores of the new foundry. If we have to qualify a new foundry or packaging, assembly and testing supplier for any of our products or if we are unable to obtain our products from our contract manufacturers on schedule, at costs that are acceptable to us, or at all, we could incur significant delays in shipping products, our ability to satisfy customer demand could be harmed, our revenue from the sale of products may be lost or delayed and our customer relationships and ability to obtain future design wins could be damaged.

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We use a customer-owned tooling process for manufacturing most of our products, which exposes us to the possibility of poor yields and unacceptably high product costs.

We build most of our products on a customer-owned tooling basis (“COT”), whereby we directly contract the manufacture of our products, including wafer production, assembly and test. As a result, we are subject to increased risks arising from wafer manufacturing yields and risks associated with coordination of the manufacturing, assembly and testing process. Poor product yields result in higher product costs, which could make our products less competitive if we increase our prices to compensate for our higher costs, or could result in lower gross profit margins if we do not increase our prices.

We depend on manufacturers of our semiconductor products not only to respond to changes in technology and industry standards but also to continue the manufacturing processes on which we rely.

To respond effectively to changes in technology and industry standards, we depend on our foundries to implement advanced semiconductor technologies and our operations could be adversely affected if those technologies are unavailable, delayed or inefficiently implemented. In order to increase performance and functionality and reduce the size of our products, we are continuously developing new products using advanced technologies that further miniaturize semiconductors and we are dependent on our foundries to develop and provide access to the advanced processes that enable such miniaturization. We cannot be certain that future advanced manufacturing processes will be implemented without difficulties, delays or increased expenses. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if advanced manufacturing processes are unavailable to us, substantially delayed or inefficiently implemented.

Creating the capacity for new technological changes may cause manufacturers to discontinue older manufacturing processes in favor of newer ones. We must then either retire the affected part or port (develop) a new version of the part that can be manufactured with a newer process technology. In the event that a manufacturing process is discontinued, our current suppliers may be unwilling or unable to manufacture our current products. We may not be able to place last time buy orders for the old technology or find alternate manufacturers of our products to allow us to continue to produce products with the older technology while we expend the significant costs for research and development and time to migrate to new, more advanced processes. For example, we utilize 0.18um and 0.15um standard logic processes, which may only be available for the next five to seven years. Additionally, a portion of our products use 0.11um technology for memory die, which is being phased out in favor of 65nm technology to increase yields and decrease cost. Because of this transition, our customers must re-qualify the affected parts.

Shortages of materials used in the manufacturing of our products and other key components of our customers ’ products may increase our costs, impair our ability to ship our products on time and delay our ability to sell our products.

From time to time, shortages of components and materials that are critical to the manufacture of our products and our customers’ products may occur. Such critical components and materials include semiconductor wafers and packages, double data rate memory die, display components, analog-to-digital converters, digital receivers, video decoders and voltage regulators. If material shortages occur, we may incur additional costs or be unable to ship our products to our customers in a timely fashion, both of which could harm our business and adversely affect our results of operations.

Intense competition in our markets may reduce sales of our products, reduce our market share, decrease our gross profit and result in large losses.

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Many of our competitors have longer operating histories and greater resources to support development and marketing efforts than we do. Some of our competitors operate their own fabrication facilities. These competitors may be able to react more quickly and devote more resources to efforts that compete directly with our own. Our current or potential customers have developed, and may continue to develop, their own proprietary technologies and become our competitors. Increased competition from both competitors and our customers’ internal development efforts could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations by, for example, increasing pressure on our profit margin or causing us to lose sales opportunities. In 2011 and 2010, for example, frame rate conversion technology similar to that used in our line of MotionEngine® advanced video co-processors continued to be integrated into the system-on-chip (“SoC”) products of our competitors, including in television products with refresh rates as high as 120hz. We cannot assure you that we can compete successfully against current or potential competitors.

If we are not able to respond to the rapid technological changes and evolving industry standards in the markets in which we compete, or seek to compete, our products may become less desirable or obsolete.

The markets in which we compete or seek to compete are subject to rapid technological change and miniaturization capabilities, frequent new product introductions, changing customer requirements for new products and features and evolving industry standards. The introduction of new technologies and emergence of new industry standards could render our products less desirable or obsolete, which could harm our business and significantly decrease our revenue. Examples of changing industry standards include the growing use of broadband to deliver video content, increased display resolution and size, faster screen refresh rates, video capability such as high definition and 3D, the proliferation of new display devices and the drive to network display devices together. Our failure to predict market needs accurately or to timely develop new competitively priced products or product enhancements that incorporate new industry standards and technologies, including integrated circuits with increasing levels of integration and new features, using smaller geometry process technologies, may harm market acceptance and sales of our products.

Our products are incorporated into our customers’ products, which have different parts and specifications and utilize multiple protocols that allow them to be compatible with specific computers, video standards and other devices. If our customers’ products are not compatible with these protocols and standards, consumers will return, or not purchase, these products and the markets for our customers’ products could be significantly reduced. Additionally, if the technology used by our customers becomes less competitive due to cost, customer preferences or other factors relative to alternative technologies, sales of our products could decline.

Because of our long product development process and sales cycles, we may incur substantial costs before we earn associated revenue and ultimately may not sell as many units of our products as we originally anticipated.

We develop products based on anticipated market and customer requirements and incur substantial product development expenditures, which can include the payment of large up-front, third-party license fees and royalties, prior to generating associated revenue. Our work under these projects is technically challenging and places considerable demands on our limited resources, particularly on our most senior engineering talent. Additionally, the transition to smaller geometry process technologies continues to significantly increase the cost and complexity of new product development, particularly with regards to tooling, software tools, third party IP and engineering resources. Because the development of our products incorporates not only our complex and evolving technology, but also our customers’ specific requirements, a lengthy sales process is often required before potential customers begin the technical evaluation of our products. Our customers typically perform numerous tests and extensively evaluate our products before incorporating them into their systems. The time required for testing, evaluation and design of our products into a customer’s system can take up to nine months or more. It can take an additional nine months or longer before a customer commences volume shipments of systems that incorporate our products, if at all. Because of the lengthy development and sales cycles, we will experience delays between the time we incur expenditures for research and development, sales and marketing and inventory and the time we generate revenue, if any, from these expenditures.

If actual sales volumes for a particular product are substantially less than originally anticipated, we may experience large write-offs of capitalized license fees, software development tools, product masks, inventories or other capitalized or deferred product-related costs, or increased amortization of non-cancelable prepaid royalties, any of which would negatively affect our operating results. For example, we overestimated demand for certain of our products which led to significant charges for obsolete inventory in 2010 and 2009.

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Our developed software may be incompatible with industry standards and challenging and costly to implement, which could slow product development or cause us to lose customers and design wins.

We provide our customers with software development tools and with software that provides basic functionality for our integrated circuits and enables enhanced connectivity of our customers’ products. Software development is a complex process and we are dependent on software development languages and operating systems from vendors that may limit our ability to design software in a timely manner. Also, as software tools and interfaces change rapidly, new software languages introduced to the market may be incompatible with our existing systems and tools, requiring significant engineering efforts to migrate our existing systems in order to be compatible with those new languages. Software development disruptions could slow our product development or cause us to lose customers and design wins. The integration of software with our products adds complexity, may extend our internal development programs and could impact our customers’ development schedules. This complexity requires increased coordination between hardware and software development schedules and increases our operating expenses without a corresponding increase in product revenue. This additional level of complexity lengthens the sales cycle and may result in customers selecting competitive products requiring less software integration.

The competitiveness and viability of our products could be harmed if necessary licenses of third-party technology are not available to us on terms that are acceptable to us or at all.

We license technology from independent third parties that is incorporated into our products or product enhancements. Future products or product enhancements may require additional third-party licenses that may not be available to us on terms that are acceptable to us or at all. In addition, in the event of a change in control of one of our licensors, it may become difficult to maintain access to its licensed technology. If we are unable to obtain or maintain any third-party license required to develop new products and product enhancements, we may have to obtain substitute technology with lower quality or performance standards, or at greater cost, either of which could seriously harm the competitiveness of our products.

Our limited ability to protect our IP and proprietary rights could harm our competitive position by allowing our competitors to access our proprietary technology and to introduce similar products.

Our ability to compete effectively with other companies will depend, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology, including our semiconductor designs and software code. We provide the computer programming code for our software to customers in connection with their product development efforts, thereby increasing the risk that customers will misappropriate our proprietary software. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as nondisclosure agreements and other methods, to help protect our proprietary technologies. We hold 115 patents and have 30 patent applications pending for protection of our significant technologies. Competitors in both the U.S. and foreign countries, many of whom have substantially greater resources than we do, may apply for and obtain patents that will prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make and sell our products, or they may develop similar technology independently or design around our patents. Effective patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in foreign countries.

We cannot assure you that the degree of protection offered by patent or trade secret laws will be sufficient. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that any patents will be issued as a result of any pending applications or that any claims allowed under issued patents will be sufficiently broad to protect our technology. We may incur significant costs to stop others from infringing our patents. In addition, it is possible that existing or future patents may be invalidated, diluted, circumvented, challenged or licensed to others.

Others may bring infringement actions against us that could be time-consuming and expensive to defend.

We may become subject to claims involving patents or other intellectual property rights. In recent years, there has been significant litigation in the United States and in other jurisdictions involving patents and other intellectual property rights. This litigation is particularly prevalent in the semiconductor industry, in which a number of companies aggressively use their patent portfolios to bring infringement claims. In recent years, there has been an increase in the filing of so-called “nuisance suits,” alleging infringement of intellectual property rights. These claims may be asserted initially or as counterclaims in response to claims made by a company alleging infringement of intellectual property rights. These suits pressure defendants into entering settlement arrangements to quickly dispose of such suits, regardless of merit. We may also face claims brought by companies that are organized solely to hold and enforce patents. In addition, we may be required to indemnify our customers against IP claims related to their usage of our products.

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IP claims could subject us to significant liability for damages and invalidate our proprietary rights. Responding to such claims, regardless of their merit, can be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, divert management’s attention and resources and cause us to incur significant expenses. As each claim is evaluated, we may consider the desirability of entering into settlement or licensing agreements. No assurance can be given that settlements will occur or that licenses can be obtained on acceptable terms or that litigation will not occur. In the event there is a temporary or permanent injunction entered prohibiting us from marketing or selling certain of our products, or a successful claim of infringement against us requiring us to pay damages or royalties to a third-party and we fail to develop or license a substitute technology, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Any IP litigation or claims also could force us to do one or more of the following:


•	stop selling products using technology that contains the allegedly infringing IP;


•	attempt to obtain a license to the relevant IP, which may not be available on terms that are acceptable to us or at all;


•	attempt to redesign those products that contain the allegedly infringing IP; or


•	pay damages for past infringement claims that are determined to be valid or which are arrived at in settlement of such litigation or threatened litigation.

If we are forced to take any of the foregoing actions, we may incur significant additional costs or be unable to manufacture and sell our products, which could seriously harm our business. In addition, we may not be able to develop, license or acquire non-infringing technology under reasonable terms. These developments could result in an inability to compete for customers or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations.

Our products are characterized by average selling prices that decline over relatively short periods of time, which will negatively affect our financial results unless we are able to reduce our product costs or introduce new products with higher average selling prices.

Average selling prices for our products decline over relatively short periods of time, while many of our product costs are fixed. When our average selling prices decline, our gross profit declines unless we are able to sell more units or reduce the cost to manufacture our products. We have experienced declines in our average selling prices and expect that we will continue to experience them in the future, although we cannot predict when they may occur or how severe they will be. Our financial results will suffer if we are unable to offset any reductions in our average selling prices by increasing our sales volumes, reducing our costs, adding new features to our existing products or developing new or enhanced products in a timely manner with higher selling prices or gross profits.

The cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry may lead to significant variances in the demand for our products and could harm our operations.

In the past, the semiconductor industry has been characterized by significant downturns and wide fluctuations in supply and demand. Also, the industry has experienced significant fluctuations in anticipation of changes in general economic conditions, including economic conditions in Asia, Europe and North America. The cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry has also led to significant variances in product demand and production capacity. We have experienced, and may continue to experience, periodic fluctuations in our financial results because of changes in industry-wide conditions.

Other Risks

The continued adverse global economic environment and volatility in global credit and financial markets could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Slow economic activity, increased unemployment, decreased business and consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity concerns have contributed to and continue to contribute to a challenging economic environment. As a result of these conditions and uncertainties, our manufacturers, vendors and customers might experience deterioration of their businesses, cash flow shortages and difficulty obtaining financing which could result in interruptions or delays in the performance of any contracts, reductions and delays in customer purchases, delays in or the inability of customers to obtain financing to purchase our products, and bankruptcy of customers. Furthermore, the constraints in the capital and credit markets, including as a result of the recent crisis involving the Euro and European sovereign debt, may limit the ability of our customers to meet their liquidity needs, which could result in an impairment of their ability to make timely payments to us and to reduce their demand for our products, adversely impacting our results of operations and cash flows. This environment has also made it difficult for us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities.

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The interest of our current or potential significant shareholders may conflict with other shareholders and they may attempt to effect changes at the Company or acquire control over the Company, which could adversely affect the Company ’ s results of operations and financial condition.

Shareholders of the Company may from time to time engage in proxy solicitations, advance shareholder proposals, acquire control over the Company or otherwise attempt to effect changes, including by directly voting their shares on shareholder proposals. Campaigns by shareholders to effect changes at publicly traded companies are sometimes led by investors seeking to increase short-term shareholder value through actions such as financial restructuring, increased debt, special dividends, stock repurchases or sales of assets or the entire company. Responding to proxy contests and other actions by activist shareholders can be costly and time-consuming, disrupting the Company’s operations and diverting the attention of the Company’s Board of Directors and senior management from the pursuit of business strategies. Additionally, uncertainty over the Company’s direction and leadership may negatively impact the Company’s relationship with its customers and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners. As a result, shareholder campaigns could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

We have entered into a standstill agreement with Becker Drapkin Management L.P. and related entities (“Becker Drapkin”) included in a 13(d) 10% group.

We have entered into a standstill agreement with Becker Drapkin that required us to nominate two directors to our board of directors that have been selected by Becker Drapkin. The standstill agreement also requires Becker Drapkin to vote with the board on certain matters and prevents Becker Drapkin from taking certain actions, including participating in any sale transaction or tender offer that is not approved by our board of directors. There is no restriction, however, on Becker Drapkin’s ability to vote against a sale transaction that is approved by our board of directors. All of these provisions could make it more difficult, and deter a third party from making an offer to purchase the Company.

Upon expiration of the term of the standstill agreement, there will no longer be restrictions on Becker Drapkin’s ability to buy additional shares, vote or participate in sale transactions or tender offers. As a result, Becker Drapkin will have the ability to exert significant influence on our management and operations, and matters requiring approval of its stockholders, including the approval of significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of the Company or its assets.

In addition, the acquisition of additional shares or sale of shares by Becker Drapkin could trigger an “ownership change” under Section 382 of the Code and result in a limitation in our ability to use our net operating loss carryfowards, pursuant to Section 382 of the Code.

Future sales of our equity could result in significant dilution to our existing shareholders and depress the market price of our common stock.

We may need to seek additional capital from time to time. If this financing is obtained through the issuance of equity securities, debt convertible into equity securities, options or warrants to acquire equity securities or similar instruments or securities, our existing shareholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage upon the issuance, conversion or exercise of such securities and such dilution could be significant. For example, in May 2011, we issued 4.2 million shares of our common stock in an underwritten registered offering. New equity securities issued by us could have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common stock.

In addition, any such issuance by us or sales of our securities by our security holders, or the perception that such issuances or sales could occur, could negatively impact the market price of our securities. For example, a number of shareholders own significant blocks of our common stock. If one or more of these shareholders were to sell large portions of their holdings in a relatively short time, for liquidity or other reasons, the prevailing market price of our common stock could be negatively affected. This could result in further potential dilution to our existing shareholders and the impairment of our ability to raise capital through the sale of equity, debt or other securities.

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The price of our common stock has and may continue to fluctuate substantially.

Our stock price and the stock prices of technology companies similar to Pixelworks have been highly volatile. The price of our common stock may decline and the value of your investment may be reduced regardless of our performance.

The daily trading volume of our common stock has historically been relatively low. As a result, our shareholders may be unable to sell significant quantities of common stock in the public trading markets without a significant reduction in the price of our common shares. Additionally, market fluctuations, as well as general economic and political conditions, including recessions, interest rate changes or international currency fluctuations, may negatively impact the market price of our common stock. Other factors that could negatively impact our stock price include:


•	actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;


•	changes in expectations as to our future financial performance;


•	changes in financial estimates of securities analysts;


•	announcements by us or our competitors of technological innovations, design wins, contracts, standards, acquisitions or divestitures;


•	the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;


•	issuances or proposed issuances of equity, debt or other securities by us, or sales of securities by our security holders; and


•	changes in market valuations of other technology companies.

Any inability or perceived inability of investors to realize a gain on an investment in our common stock could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations by potentially limiting our ability to retain our customers, to attract and retain qualified employees and to raise capital.

We may be unable to maintain compliance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rules which could cause our common stock to be delisted from the NASDAQ Global Market. This could result in the lack of a market for our common stock, cause a decrease in the value of our common stock, and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules our common stock must maintain a minimum price of $1.00 per share for continued inclusion on the NASDAQ Global Market. The per share price of our common stock has fluctuated significantly. In 2008, we effected a one-for-three reverse split of our common stock in order to regain compliance with the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and our stock price was below $1.00 as recently as May 6, 2009. We cannot guarantee that our stock price will remain at or above $1.00 per share and if the price again drops below $1.00 per share, the stock could become subject to delisting, and we may seek shareholder approval for an additional reverse split. A reverse split could produce adverse effects and may not result in a long-term or permanent increase in the price of our common stock.

In addition to the minimum $1.00 per share requirement, NASDAQ Global Market also requires satisfaction of one of the following in addition to certain other requirements: (i) a minimum of $50.0 million in total asset value and $50.0 million in revenues (in the latest fiscal year or in two of the last three fiscal years), (ii) a minimum of $50.0 million in market value of listed securities, or (iii) a minimum of $10.0 million in stockholders’ equity. As of December 31, 2011, we had a total asset value of less than $50.0 million and as recently as December 31, 2008, our shareholders’ equity was below $10.0 million. In the future, we may be unable to meet these continued listing requirements and our stock could become subject to delisting.

If our common stock is delisted, trading of the stock will most likely take place on an over-the-counter market established for unlisted securities. An investor is likely to find it less convenient to sell, or to obtain accurate quotations in seeking to buy, our common stock on an over-the-counter market, and many investors may not buy or sell our common stock due to difficulty in accessing over-the-counter markets, or due to policies preventing them from trading in securities not listed on a national exchange or other reasons. For these reasons and others, delisting would adversely affect the liquidity, trading volume and price of our common stock, causing the value of an investment in us to decrease and having an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations by limiting our ability to attract and retain qualified executives and employees and limiting our ability to raise capital.

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The anti-takeover provisions of Oregon law and in our articles of incorporation could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock, including by preventing a sale or takeover of us at a price or prices favorable to the holders of our common stock.

Provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws and provisions of Oregon law may have the effect of delaying or preventing a merger or acquisition of us, making a merger or acquisition of us less desirable to a potential acquirer or preventing a change in our management, even if our shareholders consider the merger, acquisition or change in management favorable or if doing so would benefit our shareholders. In addition, these provisions could limit the price that investors would be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. The following are examples of such provisions:


•	our board of directors is divided into three classes that will begin serving staggered terms at the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders, which will make it more difficult for a group of shareholders to quickly replace a majority of directors;


•	our board of directors is authorized, without prior shareholder approval, to create and issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to acquire us or to effect a change of control, commonly referred to as “blank check” preferred stock;


•	members of our board of directors can be removed only for cause and at a meeting of shareholders called expressly for that purpose, by the vote of 75 percent of the votes then entitled to be cast for the election of directors;


•	our board of directors may alter our bylaws without obtaining shareholder approval; and shareholders are required to provide advance notice for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters to be acted upon at a shareholder meeting;


•	Oregon law permits our board to consider other factors beyond stockholder value in evaluating any acquisition offer (so-called “expanded constituency” provisions); and


•	a supermajority (67%) vote of shareholders is required to approve certain fundamental transactions.


Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable.


Item 2.	Properties.

We lease facilities around the world to house our engineering, sales, sales support, administrative and operations functions. We do not own any of our facilities. At December 31, 2011, our major facilities consisted of the following:



Location	Function(s)	Square Feet Utilized	Lease Expiration
China	Engineering; sales; customer support	48,000	Various dates through May 2013
California	Administration; engineering; sales	23,000	June 2013	(a)
Taiwan	Customer support; sales; operations; engineering	16,000	Various dates through November 2014
Oregon	Administration	5,000	November 2013
Japan	Sales; customer support	4,000	Various dates through January 2013

(a) Excludes 14,000 square feet that we sublease to a single tenant. The sublease terminates in June 2013.


Item 3.	Legal Proceedings.

We are subject to legal matters that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. Although we currently believe that resolving such matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, our results of operations, or our cash flows, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and our view of these matters may change in the future.

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Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

PART II


Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Our common stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “PXLW”. Our stock began trading on May 19, 2000. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the highest and lowest sales prices of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market.



Fiscal 2011	High		Low
Fourth Quarter	$	2.42	$	1.80
Third Quarter	2.55		2.03
Second Quarter	3.51		2.24
First Quarter	3.72		3.30

Fiscal 2010	High		Low
Fourth Quarter	$	3.91	$	3.15
Third Quarter	3.62		2.62
Second Quarter	5.78		2.98
First Quarter	5.87		2.97

As of February 29, 2012, there wer e 63 sha reholders of record of our common stock and the last per share sales price of the common stock on that date was $2.38. The number of beneficial owners of our common stock is substantially greater than the number of shareholders of record because a significant portion of our outstanding common stock is held in broker “street name” for the benefit of individual investors.

To date, we have not declared any cash dividends and we currently expect to retain any earnings to finance the expansion and development of our business. In addition, our financial covenants may limit our ability to pay dividends. Accordingly, there is no assurance that we will declare or pay future dividends as they are dependent upon future earnings, capital requirements, our operating and financial condition and approval by our board of directors.

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Performance Graph

Set forth below is a graph that compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S.) Index and the NASDAQ Electronics Components Index over the five-year period ended December 31, 2011. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2006 in our common stock, the NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S.) Index and the NASDAQ Electronics Components Index. In accordance with guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the shareholder return for each entity in the peer group index has been weighted on the basis of market capitalization. The stock price performance in the graph is not intended to forecast or indicate future stock price performance.

COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN

AMONG PIXELWORKS, INC., THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.)

INDEX AND THE NASDAQ ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS INDEX

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Item 6.	Selected Financial Data.

In thousands, except per share data.



	Year ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009			2008			2007
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
Revenue, net	$	64,609		$	69,529		$	61,093		$	85,164		$	105,980
Cost of revenue	34,242			37,366			33,798			42,963			59,273
Gross profit	30,367			32,163			27,295			42,201			46,707
Operating expenses:
Research and development	22,906			22,810			20,075			26,512			38,792
Selling, general and administrative	15,266			15,167			13,745			17,945			25,437
Restructuring	—			94			235			1,589			13,285
Amortization of acquired intangible assets	—			—			—			164			359
Total operating expenses	38,172			38,071			34,055			46,210			77,873
Loss from operations	(7,805		)	(5,908		)	(6,760		)	(4,009		)	(31,166		)
Interest and other income, net	1,380			886			12,338			11,979			2,483
Income (loss) before income taxes	(6,425		)	(5,022		)	5,578			7,970			(28,683		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	141			(5,395		)	(877		)	(8		)	2,237
Net income (loss)	$	(6,566	)	$	373		$	6,455		$	7,978		$	(30,920	)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(0.40	)	$	0.03		$	0.48		$	0.55		$	(1.92	)
Diluted	$	(0.40	)	$	0.03		$	0.47		$	0.55		$	(1.92	)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	16,330			13,442			13,318			14,399			16,069
Diluted	16,330			14,384			13,687			14,410			16,069



	December 31,
	2011		2010		2009		2008		2007
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data
Cash and cash equivalents	$	15,092	$	16,872	$	17,797	$	53,149	$	74,572
Short-and long-term marketable securities	—		12,969		13,062		10,168		44,385
Working capital	13,210		8,072		25,359		61,947		112,360
Total assets	36,377		52,414		56,078		91,732		161,916
Long-term liabilities, net of current portion	5,690		5,635		26,703		73,250		151,871
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)	17,800		13,931		13,073		4,711		(8,027		)

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Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

Overview

Historically, significant portions of our revenue have been generated by sales to a relatively small number of end customers and distributors. We sell our products worldwide through a direct sales force, distributors and manufacturers’ representatives. We sell to distributors in Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea, Europe, Southeast Asia and the U.S, and our manufacturers’ representatives support some of our Korean and European sales. Our distributors typically provide engineering support to our end customers and often have valuable and established relationships with our end customers. In certain countries in which we operate, it is customary to sell to distributors. While distributor payment to us is not dependent upon the distributor’s ability to resell the product or to collect from the end customer, the distributors may provide longer payment terms to end customers than those we would offer.

Significant portions of our products are sold overseas. Sales outside the U.S. accounted for approximately 96% of revenue in 2011 and 2010 and 97% of revenue in 2009 . Our integrators, branded manufacturers and branded suppliers incorporate our products into systems that are sold worldwide. All of our revenue to date has been denominated in U.S. dollars.

Results of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2011 compared with year ended December 31, 2010, and year ended December 31, 2010 compared with year ended December 31, 2009.

Revenue, net

Net revenue was as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,						2011 v. 2010					2010 v. 2009
	2011		2010		2009		$ change			% change		$ change		% change
Revenue, net	$	64,609	$	69,529	$	61,093	$	(4,920	)	(7	)%	$	8,436	14	%

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2011 v. 2010

Net revenue decreased $4.9 million , or 7% , from 2010 to 2011. The decrease was attributable to a 24% decrease in average selling price (“ASP”), partially offset by a 20% increase in units sold and $1.0 million in revenue recorded in 2011 from the license of intellectual property (“IP”) related to our digital projector products. The increase in units sold was primarily attributable to increased sales into the advanced television market of our MotionEngine® co-processor ICs as sales associated with recent design wins ramped in volume at top-tier advanced television market customers. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in digital projector unit sales which was primarily due to an inventory correction during the first half of 2011. The decrease in ASP was primarily due to a greater proportion of unit sales of our MotionEngine® co-processor ICs, which have a lower price point than our other product lines. The decrease was also attributable to reduced pricing on our earlier generation digital projector products and changes in the mix of digital projector product sales.

On January 30, 2012, we provided an outlook for the first quarter of 2012 in our earnings release conference call including anticipated revenue of between $12.0 million and $14.0 million. The earnings release and conference call script were furnished on a current report on Form 8-K. The Company’s revenue forecast reflects our expectations regarding the impact of an industry wide inventory correction, typical seasonality and the recent flooding in Thailand, which has limited the availability of certain component parts that are used in the production of our customers’ products, reducing their production capacity and the demand for our products.

2010 v. 2009

Net revenue increased $8.4 million, or 14%, from 2009 to 2010. The increase was attributable to a 10% increase in units sold and a 4% increase in ASP. The increase in units sold resulted primarily from increased sales of our new digital projector products, including increased sales in the DLP division of the digital projector market, as customer demand strengthened during 2010 as a result of improvements in the world wide economy. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in sales of our MotionEngine® co-processor IC products as we transitioned customers to our next generation MotionEngine® co-processor IC products. The increase in ASP was primarily the result of an increase in the percentage of total revenue from the digital projector market, which generally has higher ASPs than our other products.

Cost of revenue and gross profit

Cost of revenue and gross profit were as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2011		% of revenue		2010		% of revenue		2009		% of revenue
Direct product costs and related overhead ¹	$	33,383	52	%	$	34,629	50	%	$	30,630	50	%
Amortization of acquired developed technology	—		—		1,050		2		2,336		4
Inventory charges ²	289		0		1,543		2		518		1
Other cost of revenue ³	570		1		144		0		314		0
Total cost of revenue	$	34,242	53	%	$	37,366	54	%	$	33,798	55	%
Gross profit	$	30,367	47	%	$	32,163	46	%	$	27,295	45	%


¹	Includes purchased materials, assembly, test, labor, employee benefits, warranty expense and royalties.


²	Includes charges to reduce inventory to lower of cost or market.


³	Includes restructuring, stock-based compensation and additional amortization of a non-cancelable prepaid royalty.

2011 v. 2010

Total cost of revenue decreased to 53% of revenue in 2011 from 54% of revenue in 2010. The decrease resulted primarily from reduced inventory charges as we transitioned our customers to our next generation of MotionEngine® co-processor IC products in 2010 as well as the elimination of amortization expense for acquired developed technology assets that were fully amortized as of the second quarter of 2010. The increase in direct product costs as a percentage of revenue from 2010 to 2011 was primarily due to customer transition to our new digital projector products and MotionEngine® co-processor IC products, which have higher material costs than earlier generation products; this increase was partially offset by $1.0 million of IP license revenue recorded in 2011 for which there were no associated period costs.

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We expect future cost improvements on our MotionEngine® co-processor IC products and next generation digital projector products as we continue to ramp production and realize production efficiencies; however, we are unable to predict the timing and extent of expected cost improvements.

2010 v. 2009

Total cost of revenue decreased to 54% of revenue in 2010 from 55% of revenue in 2009. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in amortization expense for acquired intangible assets that were fully amortized as of the second quarter of 2010. The decrease is partially offset by an increase in inventory charges as we transitioned customers to our next generation products. Direct product costs as a percentage of revenue remained flat in 2010 primarily due to favorable overhead cost absorption as a result of increased revenue without corresponding increases in our fixed costs, offset by a higher mix of our new products which have higher material costs than our legacy products.

Research and development

Research and development expense includes compensation and related costs for personnel, development-related expenses including non-recurring engineering and fees for outside services, depreciation and amortization, expensed equipment, facilities and information technology expense allocations and travel and related expenses.

Research and development expense was as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,						2011 v. 2010				2010 v. 2009
	2011		2010		2009		$ change		% change		$ change		% change
Research and development	$	22,906	$	22,810	$	20,075	$	96	0	%	$	2,735	14	%

2011 v. 2010

Research and development expense increased $0.1 million from 2010 to 2011. The increase is primarily attributable to the following:


•	Compensation expense increased $1.1 million primarily due to annual merit salary increases;


•	Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.8 million due to intellectual property and engineering software tool additions; and


•	Non-recurring engineering and outside services expense decreased $1.3 million due to the timing of development activities.

2010 v. 2009

Research and development expense increased $2.7 million, or 14%, from 2009 to 2010. This increase is primarily attributable to the following:


•	Compensation expense increased $1.2 million as a result of:


•	the elimination of a Company-wide salary reduction that was in effect during the second and third quarters of 2009;


•	an increase in the number of research and development employees; and


•	annual merit salary increases granted during the year.


•	Depreciation and amortization expense, software maintenance expense and expensed equipment and software increased $0.7 million as a result of an increase in engineering software tools, and our purchase of additional equipment during 2010.


•	Non-recurring engineering and outside services increased $0.6 million due to an increase in new product development.

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Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expense includes compensation and related costs for personnel, sales commissions, allocations for facilities and information technology expenses, travel, outside services and other general expenses incurred in our sales, marketing, customer support, management, legal and other professional and administrative support functions.

Selling, general and administrative expense was as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,						2011 v. 2010				2010 v. 2009
	2011		2010		2009		$ change		% change		$ change		% change
Selling, general and administrative	$	15,266	$	15,167	$	13,745	$	99	1	%	$	1,422	10	%

2011 v. 2010

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $0.1 million , or 1% , from 2010 to 2011. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense is primarily attributable to the following:


•	Compensation expense increased $0.7 million primarily due to annual merit salary increases;


•	Stock compensation expense increased $0.3 million; and


•	A general decrease in most other expense categories as the Company focused on cost management.

2010 v. 2009

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $1.4 million, or 10%, from 2009 to 2010. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense is primarily attributable to the following:


•	Compensation expense increased $0.7 million as a result of:


•	elimination of a Company-wide salary reduction in effect during the second and third quarters of 2009;


•	an increase in the number of sales, general and administrative employees; and


•	annual merit salary increases granted during the year.


•	Travel related expense increased $0.3 million.

Restructuring

The Company recorded restructuring expense of $0.0 million, $0.1 million and $0.3 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company’s prior restructuring plans to reduce our operating expenses were completed during 2009, however, due to decreases in estimated future sublease income and related professional fees, lease termination costs of $0.1 million were recorded in 2010.

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Other income, net

Net other income consisted of the following (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,									$ change
	2011			2010			2009			2011 v. 2010			2010 v. 2009
Gain on sale of patents ¹	$	1,600		$	—		$	—		$	1,600		$	—
Gain on sale of marketable securities ²	264			1,397			—			(1,133		)	1,397
Interest expense and other, net ³	(484		)	(511		)	(522		)	27			11
Gain on repurchase of long-term debt, net ⁴	—			—			12,860			—			(12,860		)
Total other income, net	$	1,380		$	886		$	12,338		$	494		$	(11,452	)


¹	In the first quarter of 2011, we sold certain patents and related rights and materials for proceeds and a net gain of $1.6 million. All of the patents were originally obtained by us during our June 2005 acquisition of Equator Technologies, Inc., and the underlying technologies pertain to markets that we no longer pursue.


²	Realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale marketable securities.


³	Consists of interest expense, interest income and amortization of debt issuance costs. The decrease in 2011 is primarily due to a decrease in interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs attributable to the repayment of our convertible subordinated debentures (the “debentures”) in the second quarter of 2011.


⁴	In 2009, we repurchased and retired $44.9 million of our debentures for a net gain of $12.9 million.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

The provision (benefit) for income taxes was as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	141	$	(5,395	)	$	(877	)

The income tax expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011 is comprised of $1.1 million in current and deferred tax expense for our profitable cost-plus foreign entities and accruals for tax contingencies in foreign jurisdictions, partially offset by a benefit of $1.0 million for the reversal of previously recorded tax contingencies due to the expiration of the applicable statutes of limitation. The income tax benefit recorded for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 of $5.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively was primarily due to the reversal of previously recorded tax contingencies due to the expiration of the applicable statutes of limitation, partially offset by current and deferred tax expense in profitable cost-plus foreign jurisdictions.

At December 31, 2011, we continued to provide a full valuation allowance against our U.S. and Canadian deferred tax assets as we do not believe that it is more likely than not that we will realize those assets due to the inability to generate sufficient taxable income necessary to utilize the benefit of the deferred tax assets. We did not record a valuation allowance against our other foreign deferred tax assets as we believe that it is more likely than not that we will realize a benefit from those assets.

As of December 31, 2011, we had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $181.6 million, $38.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, which will expire between 2012 and 2031. As of December 31, 2011, we had available federal, state and foreign research and experimentation tax credit carryforwards of approximately $7.7 million, $2.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively, which begin expiring in 2019 and a general foreign tax credit of $2.9 million which will begin expiring in 2016. Our ability to utilize our federal net operating losses may be limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which imposes an annual limit on the ability of a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” to use its net operating loss carryforwards to reduce its tax liability. An ownership change is generally defined as a greater than 50% point increase in equity ownership by 5% shareholders in any three-year period.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and short- and long-term marketable securities

Our cash and cash equivalent and short- and long-term marketable securities were as follows (in thousands):



	December 31,						$ Change
	2011		2010		2009		2011 v. 2010			2010 v. 2009
Cash and cash equivalents	$	15,092	$	16,872	$	17,797	$	(1,780	)	$	(925	)
Short-term marketable securities	—		12,366		9,822		(12,366		)	2,544
Long-term marketable securities	—		603		3,240		(603		)	(2,637		)
Total cash and marketable securities	$	15,092	$	29,841	$	30,859	$	(14,749	)	$	(1,018	)

Total cash and marketable securities decreased $14.7 million from 2010 to 2011. The decrease resulted primarily from $15.8 million used to repurchase our outstanding debentures, $3.0 million used to repay the outstanding balance on our line of credit, $2.8 million in payments on other asset financing, $2.7 million for purchases of property and equipment and other assets and $0.7 million used in operations. These decreases were partially offset by $8.3 million in net proceeds from our equity offering and $1.6 million in proceeds from the sale of patents.

Total cash and marketable securities decreased $1.0 million from 2009 to 2010. The decrease resulted primarily from $3.0 million in payments on property and equipment and other asset financing and $2.3 million for purchases of property and equipment and other assets. These decreases were partially offset by $0.6 million generated by operating activities, $0.5 million of realized and unrealized gains on marketable securities and a $3.0 million non-formula advance on our short-term line of credit, as discussed below under Capital Resources. Excluding the non-formula advance, our cash and marketable securities would have decreased $4.0 million from 2009 to 2010.

As of December 31, 2011 , cash equivalents consisted of $9.1 million in U.S. denominated money market funds. Although we did not hold short- or long-term investments as of December 31, 2011 , our investment policy requires that our portfolio maintains a weighted average maturity of less than 12 months. Additionally, no maturities can extend beyond 24 months and concentrations with individual securities are limited. Investments must be rated at least A-1 / P-1 / F-1 by at least two Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations, and our investment policy is reviewed at least annually by our Audit Committee.

Although cash balances held at our foreign subsidiaries would be subject to U.S. taxes if repatriated, we have sufficient U.S. net operating losses to eliminate the liability associated with any such repatriation and foreign taxes due upon repatriation would not be significant.

Accounts receivable, net

Accounts receivable, net increased to $4.6 million at December 31, 2011 from $4.5 million at December 31, 2010 . Average number of days sales outstanding decreased to 24 days at December 31, 2011 from 29 days at December 31, 2010 . The decrease in days sales outstanding was primarily due to an increase in customer payments received in advance of payment terms.

Inventories

Inventories decreased to $4.1 million at December 31, 2011 from $4.9 million at December 31, 2010 . Inventory turnover increased to 8.0 at December 31, 2011 from 5.8 at December 31, 2010 , primarily due to lower average inventory balances and increased cost of goods sold during the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. Inventory turnover is calculated based on annualized quarterly operating results and average inventory balances during the quarter.

Capital resources

Equity offering

In May 2011, we sold 4,197,500 shares of common stock in an underwritten registered offering at a price to the public of $2.24 per share. Net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and other expenses, were approximately $8.3 million.

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Short-term line of credit

On December 21, 2010, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Revolving Loan Agreement”) with Silicon Valley Bank (the “Bank”). The Revolving Loan Agreement provides a secured working capital-based revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Line”) in an aggregate amount of up to the lesser of (i) $10.0 million, or (ii) 80% of eligible domestic accounts receivable and certain foreign accounts receivable. In addition, the Revolving Loan Agreement provides for non-formula advances of up to $10.0 million which may be made solely during the last five business days of any fiscal month or quarter and which must be repaid by the Company on or before the fifth business day after the applicable fiscal month or quarter end. Due to their repayment terms, non-formula advances do not provide the Company with usable liquidity.

The Revolving Loan Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as customary events of default. The occurrence of an event of default could result in the acceleration of the Company's obligations under the Revolving Loan Agreement and an increase to the applicable interest rate, and would permit the Bank to exercise remedies with respect to its security interest. As of December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with all of the terms of the Revolving Loan Agreement.

As of December 31, 2011, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Line. As of December 31, 2010, short-term borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Line were non-formula advances in the aggregate of $3.0 million which were repaid within required terms.

Debentures

In 2004, we issued $150.0 million of 1.75% convertible subordinated debentures due 2024. Between 2006 and 2009, we repurchased and retired $134.2 million principal amount of the debentures. On April 13, 2011, we announced an offer to repurchase all of the remaining outstanding debentures, as required under the terms of the indenture governing the debentures. In connection with the offer, we filed a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO on that day, including as an exhibit, a notice to holders of the debentures specifying the terms, conditions and procedures of our offer to repurchase. The remaining $15.8 million principal amount of the debentures were properly tendered to us and were redeemed for cash at par value on May 16, 2011.

Liquidity

While total cash and marketable securities decreased $14.7 million from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011, primarily due to the payment of $18.8 million to repurchase our outstanding debentures and repay our line of credit, our working capital increased by $5.1 million over this same period. As of December 31, 2011, we have no short- or long-term debt and our cash and cash equivalents balance of $15.1 million is highly liquid. We anticipate that our existing working capital will be adequate to fund our operating, investing and financing needs for the next twelve months. If necessary, management will pursue financing arrangements including the issuance of debt or equity securities or will reduce expenditures, in order to meet the Company’s cash requirements. There is no assurance that, if required, we will be able to raise additional capital or reduce discretionary spending to provide the required liquidity which, in turn, may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

From time to time, we may evaluate acquisitions of businesses, products or technologies that complement our business. Any further transactions, if consummated, may consume a material portion of our working capital or require the issuance of equity securities that may result in dilution to existing shareholders.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, product returns, warranty obligations, bad debts, inventories, property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets, amortization of prepaid royalties, valuation of share-based payments, income taxes, litigation and other contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. For product sales, we require customers to provide purchase orders prior to shipment and we consider delivery to occur upon shipment provided title and risk of loss have passed to the customer based on the shipping terms. These conditions are generally satisfied upon shipment of the underlying product.

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On occasion, we derive revenue from the license of our internally developed IP. IP licensing agreements that we enter into generally provide licensees the right to incorporate our IP components in their products with terms and conditions that vary by licensee. Our license fee arrangements generally include multiple deliverables and we are required to determine whether there is more than one unit of accounting. To the extent that the deliverables are separable into multiple units of accounting, we allocate the total fee on such arrangements to the individual units of accounting using management’s best estimate of selling price (“ESP”), if third party evidence (“TPE”) or vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) does not exist. We defer revenue recognition for consideration that is contingent upon future performance or other contractual terms.

The Company’s process for determining its ESP for deliverables without VSOE or TPE considers multiple factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. The key factors considered by the Company in developing the ESPs include the nature and complexity of different technologies being licensed, our cost to provide the deliverables, the availability of substitute technologies in the marketplace and the Company’s historical pricing practices. We then recognize revenue for each unit of accounting depending on the nature of the deliverable(s) comprising the unit of accounting in accordance with the revenue recognition criteria mentioned above.

Sales Returns and Allowances. Our customers do not have a stated right to return product except for replacement of defective products under our warranty program discussed below. However, we have accepted customer returns on a case-by-case basis as customer accommodations in the past. As a result, we provide for these returns in our reserve for sales returns and allowances. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the reserve for returns based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions.

Certain of our distributors have stock rotation provisions in their distributor agreements, which allow them to return 5-10% of the products purchased in the prior six months in exchange for products of equal value. We analyze historical stock rotations at the end of each reporting period. To date, returns under the stock rotation provisions have been nominal.

Certain distributors also have price protection provisions in their distributor agreements with us. Under the price protection provisions, we grant distributors credit if they purchased product for a specific end customer and we subsequently lower the price to the end customer such that the distributor can no longer earn its negotiated margin on in-stock inventory. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate a reserve for price protection credits based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. The reserve for price protection, if required, is included in our reserve for sales returns and allowances.

Product Warranties. We warrant that our products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of twelve months from delivery. Warranty repairs are guaranteed for the remainder of the original warranty period. Our warranty is limited to repairing or replacing products, or refunding the purchase price.

At the end of each reporting period, we estimate a reserve for warranty returns based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. While we engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, which include actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our suppliers, should actual product failure rates or product replacement costs differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability may be required.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We offer credit to customers after careful examination of their creditworthiness. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that may result from the inability of our customers to make required payments. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on our account-by-account risk analysis of outstanding receivable balances. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Inventory Valuation. We value inventory at the lower of cost or market. In addition, we write down any obsolete, unmarketable or otherwise impaired inventory to net realizable value. The determination of obsolete or excess inventory requires us to estimate the future demand for our products. The estimate of future demand is compared to inventory levels to determine the amount, if any, of obsolete or excess inventory. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those we projected at the time the inventory was written down, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Inventory valuation is re-evaluated on a quarterly basis.

Amortization of Non-Cancelable Prepaid Royalty. As of December 31, 2011, we had a prepaid non-cancelable royalty of $1.6 million for the license of IP from a third party. We amortize the prepaid based on our estimated average unit cost, which is dependent upon forecasted shipments of our products that contain the licensed IP. If our actual shipments are less than forecasted, the estimated amortization rate will increase in the future.

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Useful Lives and Recoverability of Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets. We evaluate the remaining useful life and recoverability of equipment and other assets, including identifiable intangible assets with definite lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If there is an indicator of impairment, we prepare an estimate of future, undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of each asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we adjust the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value. While we have concluded that the carrying value of our long-lived assets is recoverable as of December 31, 2011, our analysis is dependent upon our estimates of future cash flows and our actual results may vary.

Stock-Based Compensation . We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires certain estimates, including an expected forfeiture rate and expected term of options granted. We also make decisions regarding the method of calculating expected volatilities and the risk-free interest rate used in the option-pricing model. The resulting calculated fair value of stock options is recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. When there are changes to the assumptions used in the option-pricing model, including fluctuations in the market price of our common stock, there will be variations in the calculated fair value of our future stock option awards, which results in variation in the compensation cost recognized. Additionally, any modification of an award that increases its fair value will require us to recognize additional expense.

Income Taxes. We record deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes and we record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We also regularly conduct a comprehensive review of our uncertain tax positions. In this regard, an uncertain tax position represents our expected treatment of a tax position taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return, that has not been reflected in measuring income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. Until these positions are sustained by the taxing authorities, we do not recognize the tax benefits resulting from such positions and report the tax effects for uncertain tax positions in our consolidated balance sheet.

Contractual Payment Obligations

A summary of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011 is as follows:



	Payments Due By Period
Contractual Obligation	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
Operating leases ¹	$	2,450	$	1,747	$	703	$	—	$	—
Payments on accrued balances related to asset purchases	4,037		1,828		2,125		84		—
Estimated purchase commitments to contract manufacturers	6,189		6,189		—		—		—
Total ²	$	12,676	$	9,764	$	2,828	$	84	$	—


^1.	The operating lease payments above are net of sublease rental income of $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the years ending December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, respectively.


^2.	We are unable to reliably estimate the timing of future payments related to uncertain tax positions and repatriation of foreign earnings; therefore, $3.2 million of income taxes payable has been excluded from the table above.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects, if any, on our consolidated financial statements.

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Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Interest Rate Risk

As of December 31, 2011, all of our invested funds were held in highly liquid money market accounts with yields approaching zero, accordingly, we do not have significant exposure to changes in interest rates.

Exchange Rate Risk

In addition, a portion of our operating expenses, such as employee salaries and foreign income taxes, are denominated in foreign currencies. Accordingly, our operating results are affected by changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and those currencies. Any future strengthening of those currencies against the U.S. dollar will negatively impact our operating results by increasing our operating expenses as measured in U.S. dollars. We analyze our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and may engage in financial hedging techniques in the future to attempt to minimize the effect of these potential fluctuations; however, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect our financial results in the future.


Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The following financial statements and reports are included in Item 8:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Pixelworks, Inc:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Pixelworks, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pixelworks, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Pixelworks, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 7, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Portland, Oregon

March 7, 2012

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PIXELWORKS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)



	December 31,
	2011			2010
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	15,092		$	16,872
Short-term marketable securities	—			12,366
Accounts receivable, net	4,557			4,487
Inventories	4,107			4,858
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,341			2,337
Total current assets	26,097			40,920
Long-term marketable securities	—			603
Property and equipment, net	7,366			5,830
Other assets, net	2,914			5,061
Total assets	$	36,377		$	52,414
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	4,428		$	4,804
Accrued liabilities and current portion of long-term liabilities	8,247			8,983
Current portion of income taxes payable	212			282
Short-term line of credit	—			3,000
Debentures currently payable	—			15,779
Total current liabilities	12,887			32,848
Long-term liabilities, net of current portion	2,467			2,061
Income taxes payable, net of current portion	3,223			3,574
Total liabilities	18,577			38,483
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	—			—
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized, 17,966,170 and 13,566,021 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	346,923			336,254
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(67		)	167
Accumulated deficit	(329,056		)	(322,490		)
Total shareholders’ equity	17,800			13,931
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	36,377		$	52,414

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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PIXELWORKS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Revenue, net	$	64,609		$	69,529		$	61,093
Cost of revenue (1)	34,242			37,366			33,798
Gross profit	30,367			32,163			27,295
Operating expenses:
Research and development (2)	22,906			22,810			20,075
Selling, general and administrative (3)	15,266			15,167			13,745
Restructuring	—			94			235
Total operating expenses	38,172			38,071			34,055
Loss from operations	(7,805		)	(5,908		)	(6,760		)
Gain on sale of patents	1,600			—			—
Interest expense and other, net	(484		)	(511		)	(522		)
Gain on sale of marketable securities	264			1,397			—
Gain on repurchase of long-term debt, net	—			—			12,860
Total other income, net	1,380			886			12,338
Income (loss) before income taxes	(6,425		)	(5,022		)	5,578
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	141			(5,395		)	(877		)
Net income (loss)	$	(6,566	)	$	373		$	6,455
Net income (loss) per share
Basic	$	(0.40	)	$	0.03		$	0.48
Diluted	$	(0.40	)	$	0.03		$	0.47
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	16,330			13,442			13,318
Diluted	16,330			14,384			13,687

(1) Includes:
Additional amortization of non-cancelable prepaid royalty	$	441		$	84		$	251
Stock-based compensation	129			60			20
Amortization of acquired developed technology	—			1,050			2,336
Restructuring	—			—			43
(2) Includes stock-based compensation	845			437			464
(3) Includes stock-based compensation	1,037			707			540

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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PIXELWORKS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(6,566	)	$	373		$	6,455
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	5,114			4,537			4,607
Stock-based compensation	2,011			1,204			1,024
Gain on sale of patents	(1,600		)	—			—
Reversal of uncertain tax positions	(967		)	(6,194		)	(1,819		)
Gain on sale of marketable securities	(264		)	(1,397		)	—
Amortization of debt issuance costs	31			74			124
Other non-cash tax expense (benefit)	26			(26		)	—
Deferred income tax expense	23			247			68
Amortization of acquired developed technology	—			1,050			2,336
Amortization on marketable securities	17			98			24
Gain on repurchase of long-term debt, net	—			—			(12,860		)
Other	11			52			59
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(70		)	1,132			530
Inventories	751			1,300			(1,177		)
Prepaid expenses and other current and long-term assets, net	875			1,117			931
Accounts payable	(399		)	(3,106		)	3,389
Accrued current and long-term liabilities	(274		)	(303		)	(2,377		)
Income taxes payable	546			479			672
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(735		)	637			1,986
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities	12,961			17,485			13,195
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,636		)	(1,795		)	(1,481		)
Proceeds from sale of patents	1,600			—			—
Purchases of licensed technology	(100		)	(480		)	(102		)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	11			6			2
Purchases of available-for-sale marketable securities	—			(16,964		)	(15,110		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	11,836			(1,748		)	(3,496		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of debentures	(15,779		)	—			(31,532		)
Net proceeds from equity offering	8,327			—			—
Net proceeds (payments) from line of credit	(3,000		)	3,000			—
Payments on asset financings	(2,760		)	(3,015		)	(2,161		)
Proceeds from issuances of common stock	331			201			18
Repurchase of common stock	—			—			(167		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(12,881		)	186			(33,842		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(1,780		)	(925		)	(35,352		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	16,872			17,797			53,149
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	15,092		$	16,872		$	17,797

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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PIXELWORKS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except share data)



	Common Stock					Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)			Comprehensive Income (loss)			Accumulated Deficit			Total Shareholders’ Equity
	Shares		Amount			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)			Comprehensive Income (loss)			Accumulated Deficit			Total Shareholders’ Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2008	13,508,127		$	333,974		$	55					$	(329,318	)	$	4,711
Stock issued under stock option and stock purchase plans	123,530		18			—						—			18
Repurchase of common stock	(228,600	)	(167		)	—						—			(167		)
Stock-based compensation expense	—		1,024			—						—			1,024
Net income	—		—			—			$	6,455		6,455			6,455
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $0	—		—			1,003			1,003			—			1,003
Pension adjustment, net of tax of $11	—		—			29			29			—			29
Comprehensive income	—		—			—			$	7,487		—			—
Balance as of December 31, 2009	13,403,057		334,849			1,087						(322,863		)	13,073
Stock issued under stock option and stock purchase plans	162,964		201			—						—			201
Stock-based compensation expense	—		1,204			—						—			1,204
Net income	—		—			—			$	373		373			373
Reclassification of unrealized gain upon sale of available-for-sale securities	—		—			(944		)	(944		)	—			(944		)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $26	—		—			47			47			—			47
Pension adjustment, net of tax of $(14)	—		—			(23		)	(23		)	—			(23		)
Comprehensive loss	—		—			—			$	(547	)	—			—
Balance as of December 31, 2010	13,566,021		$	336,254		$	167					$	(322,490	)	$	13,931
Stock issued under stock option and stock purchase plans	202,649		331			—						—			331
Equity offering	4,197,500		8,327			—						—			8,327
Stock-based compensation expense	—		2,011			—						—			2,011
Net loss	—		—			—			$	(6,566	)	(6,566		)	(6,566		)
Reclassification of unrealized gain upon sale of available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $(26)	—		—			(229		)	(229		)	—			(229		)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $0	—		—			(2		)	(2		)	—			(2		)
Pension adjustment, net of tax of $(1)	—		—			(3		)	(3		)	—			(3		)
Comprehensive loss	—		—			—			$	(6,800	)	—			—
Balance as of December 31, 2011	17,966,170		$	346,923		$	(67	)				$	(329,056	)	$	17,800

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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PIXELWORKS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of Business

We are an innovative designer, developer and marketer of video and pixel processing semiconductors and software for high-end digital video applications and hold 115 patents related to the visual display of digital image data. Our solutions enable manufacturers of digital display and projection devices, such as large-screen flat panel televisions and digital front projectors, to differentiate their products with a consistently high level of video quality, regardless of the content’s source or format. Our core technology leverages unique proprietary techniques for intelligently processing video signals from a variety of sources to ensure that all resulting images are optimized. Additionally, our products help our customers reduce costs and differentiate their display and projection devices, an important factor in industries that experience rapid innovation. Pixelworks was founded in 1997 and is incorporated under the laws of the state of Oregon.

Consolidated Financial Statements

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pixelworks and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. All foreign subsidiaries use the U.S. dollar as the functional currency, and as a result, transaction gains and losses are included in the statement of operations. Transaction gains (losses) were $(9) , $6 and $(69) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Our significant estimates and judgments include those related to revenue recognition, product returns, warranty obligations, bad debts, inventories, property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets, amortization of prepaid royalties, valuation of share-based payments, income taxes, litigation and other contingencies. The actual results experienced could differ materially from our estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2010 and 2009 consolidated financial statements to conform with the 2011 presentation.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We classify all cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents totaled $9,111 and $12,835 at December 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively.

Marketable Securities

Our investments in marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value based on quoted market prices with unrealized holding gains or losses, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amount and do not bear interest when recorded or accrue interest when past due. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that may result from the inability of our customers to make required payments. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on an account-by-account risk analysis of outstanding receivable balances. The determination to write-off specific accounts receivable balances is made based on likelihood of collection and past due status. Past due status is based on invoice date and terms specific to each customer.

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Inventories

Inventories consist of finished goods and work-in-process, and are stated at the lower of standard cost (which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis) or market (net realizable value).

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets which are generally as follows:



	Software	Lesser of 3 years or contractual license term
	Equipment, furniture and fixtures	2 years
	Tooling	2 to 4 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or estimated useful life

The cost of property and equipment repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred.

Licensed Technology

We have capitalized licensed technology assets in other long-term assets. These assets are stated at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the license or the estimated life of the asset, if the license is not contractually limited, which is generally three to five years.

Useful Lives and Recoverability of Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate the remaining useful life and recoverability of equipment and other assets, including identifiable intangible assets with definite lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If there is an indicator of impairment, we prepare an estimate of future, undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of each asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we adjust the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. For product sales, we require customers to provide purchase orders prior to shipment and we consider delivery to occur upon shipment provided title and risk of loss have passed to the customer based on the shipping terms. These conditions are generally satisfied upon shipment of the underlying product.

There are no customer acceptance provisions associated with our products, and except for replacement of defective products under our warranty program discussed below, we have no obligation to accept product returns from end customers; however, we have accepted returns on a case-by-case basis as customer accommodations in the past. As a result, we provide for estimated reductions to gross profit for these sales returns in our reserve for sales returns and allowances. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the reserve based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. The reserve is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.

A portion of our sales are made to distributors under agreements that grant the distributor limited stock rotation rights and price protection on in-stock inventory. The stock rotation rights allow these distributors to exchange a limited amount of their in-stock inventory for other Pixelworks product. We analyze historical stock rotations at the end of each reporting period. To date, returns under the stock rotation provision have been nominal, and as a result, we have not recorded a reserve for stock rotations.

Under price protection provisions, we grant distributors credit if they purchased product for a specific end customer and we subsequently lower the price to the end customer such that the distributor can no longer earn its negotiated margin on in-stock inventory. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate a reserve for price protection credits based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. The reserve for price protection, if required, is included in our reserve for sales returns and allowances, which is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.

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On occasion, we derive revenue from the license of our internally developed intellectual property (“IP”). IP licensing agreements that we enter into generally provide licensees the right to incorporate our IP components in their products with terms and conditions that vary by licensee. Our license fee arrangements generally include multiple deliverables and we are required to determine whether there is more than one unit of accounting. To the extent that the deliverables are separable into multiple units of accounting, we allocate the total fee on such arrangements to the individual units of accounting using management’s best estimate of selling price (“ESP”), if third party evidence (“TPE”) or vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) does not exist. We defer revenue recognition for consideration that is contingent upon future performance or other contractual terms.

The Company’s process for determining its ESP for deliverables without VSOE or TPE considers multiple factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. The key factors considered by the Company in developing the ESPs include the nature and complexity of the licensed technologies, our cost to provide the deliverables, the availability of substitute technologies in the marketplace and the Company’s historical pricing practices. We then recognize revenue for each unit of accounting depending on the nature of the deliverable(s) comprising the unit of accounting in accordance with the revenue recognition criteria mentioned above.

Fees under these agreements generally include (a) license fees relating to our IP, (b) engineering services, and (c) support services. Historically, each of these elements have standalone value and therefore each are treated as separate units of accounting. Any future licensing arrangements will be analyzed based on the specific facts and circumstances which may be different than our historical licensing arrangements.

For deliverables related to licenses of our technology that involve significant engineering services, we recognize revenue in accordance with the provisions of the proportional performance method. We determine costs associated with engineering services using actual labor dollars incurred and estimated other direct or incremental costs allocated based on the percentage of time the engineer(s) spent on the project. These costs are deferred until revenue recognition criteria have been met, at which time they are reclassified as cost of revenue.

Warranty Program

We warrant that our products will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve months from delivery. Warranty repairs are guaranteed for the remainder of the original warranty period. Our warranty is limited to repairing or replacing products, or refunding the purchase price. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate a reserve for warranty returns based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. The reserve for warranty returns is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.

Stock-Based Compensation

We currently sponsor a stock incentive plan that allows for issuance of employee stock options and restricted stock awards, including restricted stock units. We also have an employee stock purchase plan for all eligible employees. The fair value of share-based payment awards is expensed straight-line over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, for the entire award. Additionally, any modification of an award that increases its fair value will require us to recognize additional expense.

The fair values of our stock option grants and purchase rights under our employee stock purchase plan are estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model which is affected by our estimates of the risk free interest rate, our expected dividend yield, expected term and the expected share price volatility of our common shares over the expected term. The fair values of our restricted stock awards are based on the market value of our stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the effect of estimated forfeitures.

Research and Development

Costs associated with research and development activities are expensed as incurred, except for items with alternate future uses which are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life.

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Interest Expense and Other, net

Interest expense and other, consists of the following:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Interest expense	$	(468	)	$	(500	)	$	(640	)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	(31		)	(74		)	(124		)
Interest income	15			63			242
	$	(484	)	$	(511	)	$	(522	)

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We establish a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets if it is “more likely than not” that a portion or all of the asset will not be realized in future tax returns.

An uncertain tax position represents our expected treatment of a tax position taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return, that has not been reflected in measuring income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. Until these positions are sustained by the taxing authorities, we do not recognize the tax benefits resulting from such positions and report the tax effects for uncertain tax positions in our consolidated balance sheet.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, consists of the following:



	December 31,
	2011			2010
Accumulated net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities	$	—		$	231
Accumulated transition pension obligation	(37		)	(48		)
Actuarial loss on pension obligation	(30		)	(16		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(67	)	$	167

Leases

Our various office space and equipment leases are classified as operating leases. Certain of our leases for office space contain provisions under which monthly rent escalates over time and certain leases also contain provisions for reimbursement of a specified amount of leasehold improvements. When lease agreements contain escalating rent clauses, we recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. When lease agreements provide allowances for leasehold improvements, we capitalize the leasehold improvement assets and amortize them on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, and reduce rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease by the amount of the asset capitalized.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

See Note 4 for information regarding accounting policies related to the fair value of our financial instruments.

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Risks and Uncertainties

Concentration of Suppliers and Changes in Customer Demand

We do not own or operate a semiconductor fabrication facility and do not have the resources to manufacture our products internally. We rely on four third-party foundries to produce all of our wafers and three assembly and test vendors for completion of finished products. We do not have any long-term agreements with any of these suppliers. In light of these dependencies, it is reasonably possible that failure to perform by one of these suppliers could have a severe impact on our results of operations. Additionally, the concentration of these vendors within the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan increases our risk of supply disruption due to natural disasters, economic instability, political unrest or other regional disturbances. The recent flooding in Thailand has limited the availability of certain component parts that are used in the production of our customers’ products which has reduced their production capacity and the demand for our products, particularly during the first quarter of 2012. Although our customers have begun efforts to restore their production capacity, we are unable to predict when demand for our products will return to prior levels.

Risk of Technological Change

The markets in which we compete, or seek to compete, are subject to rapid technological change, frequent new product introductions, changing customer requirements for new products and features, and evolving industry standards. The introduction of new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards could render our products less desirable or obsolete, which could harm our business.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We limit our exposure to credit risk associated with cash equivalent balances by holding our funds in high quality, highly liquid money market accounts. We limit our exposure to credit risk associated with accounts receivable by carefully evaluating creditworthiness before offering terms to customers.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (Topic 820)-Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2011-04”), to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements. The provisions of this new guidance are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)-Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), to require an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. The provisions of this new guidance require retrospective application and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The guidance will change the presentation of our consolidated financial statements but will not impact our financial position or results of operations.

NOTE 3. BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS

Accounts Receivable, Net

Accounts receivable consists of the following:



	December 31,
	2011			2010
Accounts receivable, gross	$	4,918		$	4,886
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(361		)	(399		)
Accounts receivable, net	$	4,557		$	4,487

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The following is a summary of the change in our allowance for doubtful accounts:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Balance at beginning of year	$	399		$	428		$	542
Reductions credited	(10		)	(29		)	(75		)
Accounts written-off, net of recoveries	(28		)	—			(39		)
Balance at end of year	$	361		$	399		$	428

Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:



	December 31,
	2011		2010
Finished goods	$	1,203	$	2,232
Work-in-process	2,904		2,626
Inventories	$	4,107	$	4,858

We recorded inventory write-downs of $289, $1,543 and $518 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The inventory write-downs were for lower of cost or market and excess and obsolescence exposure, net of a benefit for sales of previously reserved inventory of $74, $88 and $707 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of current prepaid expenses, deposits, income taxes receivable, other receivables, deferred costs and deferred tax assets.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment consists of the following:



	December 31,
	2011			2010
Software	$	8,411		$	8,273
Equipment, furniture and fixtures	7,776			7,420
Tooling	2,786			2,085
Leasehold improvements	2,688			2,628
	21,661			20,406
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(14,295		)	(14,576		)
Property and equipment, net	$	7,366		$	5,830

Software amortization was $1,882 , $1,803 and $1,973 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense for equipment, furniture, fixtures, tooling and leasehold improvements was $1,707 , $1,563 and $1,723 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Other Assets, Net

Other assets consist primarily of licensed technology, prepaid royalties and deposits. Amortization of licensed technology was $1,525 , $1,171 and $911 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

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Accrued Liabilities and Current Portion of Long-Term Liabilities

Accrued liabilities and current portion of long-term liabilities consist of the following:



	December 31,
	2011		2010
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$	2,638	$	2,365
Current portion of accrued liabilities for asset financings	1,753		2,601
Accrued commissions and royalties	1,407		1,139
Accrued interest payable	520		358
Reserve for warranty returns	439		723
Other	1,490		1,797
Accrued liabilities and current portion of long-term liabilities	$	8,247	$	8,983

The following is a summary of the change in our reserve for warranty returns:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Reserve for warranty returns:
Balance at beginning of year	$	723		$	304		$	593
Provision (benefit)	(8		)	1,132			269
Charge-offs	(276		)	(713		)	(558		)
Balance at end of year	$	439		$	723		$	304

Long-Term Liabilities, Net of Current Portion

Long-term liabilities, net of current portion consist of the following:



	December 31,
	2011		2010
Accrued liabilities for asset financings	$	2,000	$	1,314
Payroll and related liabilities	154		165
Deferred rent	114		302
Other	199		280
Long-term liabilities, net of current portion	$	2,467	$	2,061

Short-Term Line of Credit

On December 21, 2010, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Revolving Loan Agreement”) with Silicon Valley Bank (the “Bank”). The Revolving Loan Agreement provides a secured working capital-based revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Line”) in an aggregate amount of up to the lesser of (i) $10,000, or (ii) 80% of eligible domestic accounts receivable and certain foreign accounts receivable. In addition, the Revolving Loan Agreement also provides for non-formula advances of up to $10,000 which may be made solely during the last five business days of any fiscal month or quarter and which must be repaid by the Company on or before the fifth business day after the applicable fiscal month or quarter end.

Amounts advanced under the Revolving Line bear interest at an annual rate equal to the lender’s prime rate plus 0.25%. Interest on the Revolving Line is due monthly, with the balance due on December 21, 2012, which is the scheduled maturity date for the Revolving Line.

The Revolving Loan Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including with respect to the following: compliance with laws, provision of financial statements and periodic reports, payment of taxes, maintenance of inventory and insurance, maintenance of operating accounts at the Bank, the Bank’s access to collateral, formation or acquisition of subsidiaries, incurrence of indebtedness, dispositions of assets, granting liens, changes in business, ownership or business locations, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, making investments or distributions and affiliate transactions. The covenants also require that the Company maintain a minimum ratio of qualifying financial assets to the sum of qualifying financial obligations.

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The Revolving Loan Agreement also contains customary events of default, including the following: defaults with respect to covenant compliance, the occurrence of a material adverse change, the occurrence of certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, cross-defaults, judgment defaults and material misrepresentations. The occurrence of an event of default could result in the acceleration of the Company’s obligations under the Revolving Loan Agreement and an increase to the applicable interest rate, and would permit the Bank to exercise remedies with respect to its security interest.

To secure the repayment of any amounts borrowed under the Revolving Loan Agreement, the Company granted to the Bank a security interest in substantially all of its assets, excluding its intellectual property assets. The Company has agreed not to pledge or otherwise encumber its intellectual property assets without prior written permission from the Bank.

As of December 31, 2011, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Line. As of December 31, 2010, short-term borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Line were non-formula advances in the aggregate of $3,000, which were repaid within required terms. The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2010 was 3.5%.

Debentures Currently Payable

In 2004, we issued $150,000 of 1.75% convertible subordinated debentures (the “debentures”) due 2024. Between 2006 and 2009, we repurchased and retired $134,221 principal amount of the debentures. On April 13, 2011, we announced an offer to repurchase all of the remaining outstanding debentures, as required under the terms of the indenture governing the debentures. In connection with the offer, we filed a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO on that day, including as an exhibit, a notice to holders of the debentures specifying the terms, conditions and procedures of our offer to repurchase. The remaining $15,779 principal amount of the debentures were properly tendered to us and were redeemed for cash at par value on May 16, 2011.

NOTE 4. MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

As of December 31, 2011, we had no short-or long-term marketable securities. As of December 31, 2010, short- and long-term marketable securities, classified as available-for-sale, consisted of the following:



	Cost		Unrealized Gain (Loss)			Fair Value
Short-term marketable securities:
US government agencies debt securities	$	5,513	$	3		$	5,516
Commercial paper	5,747		—			5,747
Corporate debt securities	1,104		(1		)	1,103
	$	12,364	$	2		$	12,366
Long-term marketable securities:
Equity Securities	$	348	$	255		$	603

Unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity, in the consolidated balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we sold available-for-sale marketable securities for gross proceeds of $612 and $6,759, respectively, and gross realized gains of $264 and $1,397, respectively. Net unrealized holding gains of $255 on available-for sale marketable securities were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:


Level 1:	Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.


Level 2:	Valuations based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.


Level 3:	Valuations based on unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

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The following tables present information about our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010:



	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
As of December 31, 2011:
Money market funds	$	9,111	$	—	$	—	$	9,111
As of December 31, 2010:
Money market funds	$	10,933	$	—	$	—	$	10,933
Certificates of deposit	200		—		—		200
U.S. government agencies debt securities	—		5,516		—		5,516
Commercial paper	—		6,947		—		6,947
Corporate debt securities	—		1,605		—		1,605
Long-term marketable securities	603		—		—		603
Total	$	11,736	$	14,068	$	—	$	25,804

We primarily use the market approach to determine the fair value of our financial assets. The fair value of our current assets and liabilities, including accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates the carrying value due to the short-term nature of these balances. We have currently chosen not to elect the fair value option for any items that are not already required to be measured at fair value in accordance with GAAP.

NOTE 5. RESTRUCTURINGS

The Company’s prior restructuring plans to reduce our operating expenses were completed during 2009, however, due to decreases in estimated future sublease income and related professional fees, lease termination costs of $94 were recorded in 2010. There were no restructuring costs recorded in 2011.

Accrued expenses related to the restructuring plans are included in current and non-current accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The following is a summary of the change in our accrued liabilities related to the restructuring plans:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010
Lease termination costs:
Balance at beginning of year	$	291		$	408
Expensed	—			94
Payments	(172		)	(211		)
Balance at end of year	$	119		$	291

NOTE 6. INCOME TAXES

Current and Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Domestic and foreign pre-tax income (loss) is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Domestic	$	(8,175	)	$	(6,725	)	$	4,376
Foreign	1,750			1,703			1,202
Domestic and foreign pre-tax income (loss)	$	(6,425	)	$	(5,022	)	$	5,578

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Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations is comprised of the following:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Current:
Federal	$	55		$	(178	)	$	55
State	3			(150		)	20
Foreign	60			(5,314		)	(1,020		)
Total current	118			(5,642		)	(945		)
Deferred:
Federal	(3		)	92			—
State	1			155			—
Foreign	25			—			68
Total deferred	23			247			68
Income tax expense (benefit)	$	141		$	(5,395	)	$	(877	)

The reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rate is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Federal statutory rate	34	%	34	%	34	%
Expiration of tax attributes	(63	)	(12	)	—
Change in valuation allowance	29		(25	)	(30	)
Stock compensation	(4	)	(2	)	1
Impact of foreign earnings	3		(9	)	(4	)
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	2		1		4
Tax contingencies, net of reversals	—		117		(20	)
Other	(3	)	4		(1	)
Effective income tax rate	(2	)%	108	%	(16	)%

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Deferred Tax Assets, Liabilities and Valuation Allowance

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



	December 31,
	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	64,930		$	65,111
Research and experimentation credit carryforwards	12,384			11,444
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	4,931			5,260
Deferred stock compensation	2,728			2,360
Depreciation and amortization	2,385			2,373
Capital loss carryforwards	1,648			1,849
Reserves and accrued expenses	992			1,495
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities	—			373
Other	475			1,854
Total gross deferred tax assets	90,473			92,119
Deferred tax liabilities:
Foreign earnings	(679		)	(553		)
Other	(320		)	(240		)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(999		)	(793		)
Less valuation allowance	(89,009		)	(90,866		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	465		$	460

The current portion of the net deferred tax asset balance was $166 and $151 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The non-current portion of the net deferred tax asset balance was $300 and $356 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is included in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets. Long-term deferred tax liabilities were $1 and $47 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and are included in long-term liabilities, net of current portion in the consolidated balance sheets.

We continue to record a full valuation allowance against our U.S. and Canadian net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 as it is not more likely than not that we will realize a benefit from these assets in a future period. We have not provided a valuation allowance against any of our other foreign net deferred tax assets as we have concluded it is more likely than not that we will realize a benefit from these assets in a future period because our subsidiaries in these jurisdictions are cost-plus taxpayers. The net valuation allowance decreased $1,857 , $5,901 and $7,323 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

As of December 31, 2011, we have federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $181,607 , $38,805 and $416 , respectively, which will expire between 2012 and 2031. As of December 31, 2011, we have available federal, state and foreign research and experimentation tax credit carryforwards of approximately $7,689 , $2,756 and $1,938 , respectively, which begin expiring in 2019. We have a general foreign tax credit of $2,857 which will begin expiring in 2016. Our ability to utilize our federal net operating losses may be limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which imposes an annual limit on the ability of a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” to use its net operating loss carryforwards to reduce its tax liability. An ownership change is generally defined as a greater than 50% point increase in equity ownership by 5% shareholders in any three-year period.

We had undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $3,149 as of December 31, 2011, for which we have recorded a deferred tax liability.

Our Chinese subsidiary is designated as an Advanced Technology Service Enterprise, allowing it to benefit from a Chinese tax holiday resulting in a reduction to its tax rates of 15% for 2012 and 2013. The tax rate will return to 25% in 2014 upon expiration of the tax holiday.

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Uncertain Tax Positions

We have recorded tax reserves to address potential exposures involving positions that could be challenged by taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the amount of our uncertain tax positions was a liability of $3,105 and $3,574 , respectively.

The following is a summary of the change in our liability for uncertain tax positions and interest and penalties:



	2011			2010
Uncertain tax positions:
Balance at beginning of year	$	2,625		$	7,186
Accrual for positions taken in a prior year	265			95
Accrual for positions taken in current year	28			1
Reversals due to lapse of statute of limitations	(663		)	(4,657		)
Balance at end of year	$	2,255		$	2,625
Interest and penalties:
Balance at beginning of year	$	949		$	2,276
Accrual for positions taken in prior year	188			210
Accrual for positions taken in current year	17			—
Reversals due to lapse of statute of limitations	(304		)	(1,537		)
Balance at end of year	$	850		$	949

During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we recognized $205, $210 and $391, respectively, of interest and penalties in income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is resolved by settlement or statute of limitations. Settlement of any particular position could require the use of cash. If the uncertain tax positions we have accrued for are sustained by the taxing authorities in our favor, the reduction of the liability will reduce our effective tax rate. We reasonably expect reductions in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and interest and penalties of approximately $1,425 within the next twelve months due to the expiration of statutes of limitation in foreign jurisdictions.

We are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, and foreign examinations for years before 2008, 2007 and 2005, respectively. We do not anticipate that any potential tax adjustments will have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.

We were not subject to, nor had we received any notice of, income tax examinations as of December 31, 2011.

NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Royalties

We license technology from third parties and have agreed to pay certain suppliers a royalty based on the number of chips sold or manufactured, the net sales price of the chips containing the licensed technology or a fixed non-cancelable fee. Royalty expense is recognized based on our estimated average unit cost for royalty contracts with non-cancelable prepayments and the stated contractual per unit rate for all other agreements. Royalty expense was $1,746 , $1,489 and $1,119 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which is included in cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.

401(k) Plan

We sponsor a 401(k) plan for eligible employees. Participants may defer a percentage of their annual compensation on a pre-tax basis, not to exceed the dollar limit that is set by law. A discretionary matching contribution by the Company is allowed and is equal to a uniform percentage of the amount of salary reduction elected to be deferred, which percentage will be determined each year by the Company. The Company made no contributions to the 401(k) plan during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 or 2009.

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Leases

As of December 31, 2011, future minimum payments under operating leases are as follows:



Year Ending December 31:
2012	$	1,747
2013	590
2014	113
	$	2,450

Minimum lease payments above are net of expected sublease rental income of $266 and $135 for the years ending December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $2,155 , $2,004 and $2,014 , respectively.

Contract Manufacturers

In the normal course of business, we commit to purchase products from our contract manufacturers to be delivered within the next 90 days. In certain situations, should we cancel an order, we could be required to pay cancellation fees. Such obligations could impact our immediate results of operations but would not materially affect our business.

Indemnifications

Certain of our agreements include limited indemnification provisions for claims from third-parties relating to our intellectual property. It is not possible for us to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments or indemnification costs under these or similar agreements due to the conditional nature of our obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. We have not made any payments under these agreements in the past, and as of December 31, 2011, we have not incurred any material liabilities arising from these indemnification obligations. In the future, however, such obligations could immediately impact our results of operations but are not expected to materially affect our business.

Legal Proceedings

NOTE 8. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share amounts are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding include the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.

Potentially dilutive common shares from employee equity incentive plans are determined by applying the treasury stock method to the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options, the assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock awards and units, and the assumed issuance of common stock under the stock purchase plan. Potentially dilutive common shares issuable upon conversion of our convertible subordinated debentures are computed using the if-converted-method.

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The following schedule reconciles the computation of basic net income (loss) per share and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share data):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010		2009
Net income (loss)	$	(6,566	)	$	373	$	6,455
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	16,330			13,442		13,318
Dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plans	—			942		369
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	16,330			14,384		13,687
Net income (loss) per common share
Basic	$	(0.40	)	$	0.03	$	0.48
Diluted	$	(0.40	)	$	0.03	$	0.47

The following weighted average shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011	2010	2009
Employee equity incentive plans	3,728,302	1,650,320	1,500,767
Conversion of debentures	—	215,976	356,309

NOTE 9. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Interest	$	265	$	401		$	620
Income taxes, net of refunds received	484		(48		)	196
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisitions of property and equipment and other assets under extended payment terms	$	2,598	$	4,400		$	2,966
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	—		47			1,003

NOTE 10. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix or alter the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to, or imposed on, each series of preferred stock. There are no shares of preferred stock issued as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 .

Common Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 250,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. Shareholders of common stock have unlimited voting rights and are entitled to receive the net assets of the Company upon dissolution, subject to the rights of the preferred shareholders, if any.

Equity Offering

On May 11, 2011, we completed the sale of 3,650,000 shares of common stock in an underwritten registered offering. On May 27, 2011, an additional 547,500 shares were issued pursuant to the 30-day over-allotment option exercised by the underwriter. With the over-allotment shares, a total of 4,197,500 shares of common stock were sold in the offering at a price to the public of $2.24 per share. Net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and other expenses, were approximately $8,327.

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Employee Equity Incentive Plans

On May 23, 2006, our shareholders approved the adoption of the Pixelworks, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”). Our shareholders approved increases to the total authorized shares of 1,000,000, 1,150,000, and 1,000,000 on May 18, 2010, May 19, 2009, and May 20, 2008, respectively, increasing the total authorized shares available for issuance as equity awards to employees and non-employee directors to 4,483,333 shares. The 2006 Plan replaced our previously existing stock incentive plans including our 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, our 2001 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Equator Technologies, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and Equator Technologies, Inc. stand-alone option plans (collectively, “Old Stock Incentive Plans”). Upon adoption of the 2006 Plan, no additional options could be issued under the Old Stock Incentive Plans, although awards previously granted under the Old Stock Incentive Plans remain outstanding according to their original terms. As of December 31, 2011 , 694,395 shares were available for grant under the 2006 Plan.

Stock Options

Options granted must generally be exercised while the individual is an employee. In May 2009, the 2006 Plan was modified to reduce the contractual life of newly issued stock awards from ten to six years. Our new hire vesting schedule provides that each option becomes exercisable at a rate of 25% on the first anniversary date of the grant and 2.083% on the last day of every month thereafter for a total of 36 additional increments. Our merit vesting schedule provides that merit-type awards become exercisable monthly over a period of three years.

The following is a summary of stock option activity:



	Number of shares		Weighted average exercise price
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2010:	2,895,118		$	5.27
Granted	713,000		3.20
Exercised	(60,611	)	1.09
Cancellations and forfeitures	(70,329	)	3.05
Expired	(62,906	)	11.43
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2011:	3,414,272		$	4.85

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding as of December 31, 2011 :



	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Range of exercise prices	Number outstanding as of December 31, 2011	Weighted average remaining contractual life	Weighted average exercise price		Number exercisable as of December 31, 2011	Weighted average exercise price
$0.21 - $0.75	663,544	6.19	$	0.62	570,047	$	0.62
0.76 - 2.50	565,849	5.28	2.11		418,347	2.13
2.51 - 3.25	475,999	3.70	3.12		283,768	3.12
3.26 - 4.00	1,054,460	4.42	3.40		404,092	3.37
4.01 - 49.50	654,420	3.51	15.08		633,540	15.41
$0.21 - $49.50	3,414,272	4.63	$	4.85	2,309,794	$	5.74

During the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 the total intrinsic value of options exercised was $85 , $340 and $10 , respectively, for which no income tax benefit has been recorded because a full valuation allowance has been provided for our U.S. deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2011 , options outstanding had a total intrinsic value of $1,370 .

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Options outstanding that have vested and are expected to vest as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:



	Number of shares	Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average remaining contractual term	Aggregate intrinsic value
Vested	2,309,794	$	5.74	4.65	$	1,148,144
Expected to vest	934,772	2.97		4.55	197,122
Total	3,244,566	$	4.94	4.62	$	1,345,266

The fair value of options vested in each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 approximates total stock-based compensation expense recorded in our statement of operations during each of the respective years.

Restricted Stock

The 2006 Plan provides for the issuance of restricted stock, including restricted stock units, to employees and non-employee directors. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 we granted 218,000, 48,000 and 100,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock with a fair value of $3.19, $4.26 and $0.60 per share, respectively.

The following table summarizes the activities for our unvested restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Number of shares		Weighted average grant date fair value
Unvested at December 31, 2010:	40,000		$	4.26
Granted	218,000		3.19
Vested	(40,000	)	4.26
Cancellations	(23,800	)	3.06
Unvested at December 31, 2011:	194,200		$	3.20
Expected to vest after December 31, 2011	190,466		$	3.20

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

On January 31, 2010, the 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2000 ESPP”) expired. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we issued 12,382 , and 18,326 shares, respectively, for proceeds of $18 and $11 , respectively, under the 2000 ESPP. During the year ended December 31, 2011, there were no shares issued under the 2000 ESPP.

On May 18, 2010, our shareholders approved the adoption of the 2010 Pixelworks, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) for U.S. employees and for certain foreign subsidiary employees. The ESPP provides for separate offering periods commencing on February 1 and August 1, with the first offering period beginning August 1, 2010. Each offering period continues for a period of 18 months with purchases every six months. Each eligible employee may purchase up to 3,000 shares of stock on each purchase date, with a maximum annual purchase amount of $25. The purchase price is equal to 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the shares on the offering date or on the purchase date. A total of 1,300,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the ESPP. During the year ended December 31, 2011 , we issued 110,038 shares for proceeds of $265 under the ESPP.

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Stock-Based Compensation Expense

The fair value of stock-based compensation was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Stock Option Plans:
Risk free interest rate	1.97	%	2.11	%	2.24	%
Expected dividend yield	0	%	0	%	0	%
Expected term (in years)	4.66		4.60		5.00
Volatility	92	%	92	%	84	%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
Risk free interest rate	0.15	%	0.33	%	0.33	%
Expected dividend yield	0	%	0	%	0	%
Expected term (in years)	1.06		1.10		0.50
Volatility	52	%	94	%	137	%

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 was $2.20 , $2.27 and $0.95 , respectively. The risk free interest rate is estimated using an average of treasury bill interest rates. The expected dividend yield is zero as we have not paid any dividends to date and do not expect to pay dividends in the future. Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of our common stock over the expected term as this represents our best estimate of future volatility. From January 2009 to April 2009, the expected term of options was estimated using historical exercise behavior. Subsequent to the May 2009 amendment of our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, which shortened the contractual life of newly issued stock options from ten to six years, we have elected to use the “simplified method” to estimate expected term. Under the simplified method, an option’s expected term is calculated as the average of its vesting period and original contractual life. The expected term of ESPP purchase rights is based on the estimated weighted average time to purchase.

As of December 31, 2011 , unrecognized stock-based compensation cost is $2,511 , which is expected to be recognized as compensation expense over a weighted average period of 1.94 years.

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NOTE 11. SEGMENT INFORMATION

We have identified a single operating segment: the design and development of integrated circuits for use in electronic display devices. Substantially all of our assets are located in the U.S.

Geographic Information

Revenue by geographic region, attributed to countries based on the domicile of the bill-to customer, was as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Japan	$	43,207		$	44,982		$	34,030
Taiwan	10,742			11,577			13,399
U.S.	2,477			2,774			2,047
Europe	2,355			2,930			3,012
China	2,294			1,351			2,809
Korea	1,597			2,674			3,182
Other	1,937			3,241			2,614
	$	64,609		$	69,529		$	61,093
Significant Customers The percentage of revenue attributable to our distributors, top five end customers, and individual distributors or end customers that represented more than 10% of revenue in at least one of the periods presented, is as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Distributors:
All distributors	69		%	61		%	51		%
Distributor A	53		%	44		%	35		%
End Customers: ⁽¹⁾
Top five end customers	51		%	58		%	56		%
End customer A	14		%	20		%	21		%
End customer B	13		%	13		%	10		%
End customer C	9		%	10		%	11		%
________________ ⁽¹⁾ End customers include customers who purchase directly from us, as well as customers who purchase our products indirectly through distributors. Each of the following accounts represented 10% or more of total accounts receivable:
				December 31,
				2011			2010
Account A				54		%	45		%
Account B				10		%	7		%
Account C				4		%	25		%

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NOTE 12. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)



	Quarterly Period Ended
	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
2011
Revenue, net	$	14,700		$	15,690		$	17,391		$	16,828
Gross profit	6,572			7,419			8,456			7,920
Loss from operations	(3,257		)	(1,792		)	(1,167		)	(1,589		)
Loss before income taxes	(1,559		)	(1,932		)	(1,256		)	(1,678		)
Net loss	(1,468		)	(2,058		)	(1,083		)	(1,957		)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted:	(0.11		)	(0.13		)	(0.06		)	(0.11		)
2010
Revenue, net	$	18,692		$	18,665		$	18,027		$	14,145
Gross profit	8,656			8,647			8,294			6,566
Loss from operations	(571		)	(863		)	(1,003		)	(3,471		)
Loss before income taxes	(699		)	(642		)	(814		)	(2,867		)
Net income (loss)	4,602			(1,015		)	7			(3,221		)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	0.34			(0.08		)	0.00			(0.24		)
Diluted	0.32			(0.08		)	0.00			(0.24		)


Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.


Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2011 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed, operated and managed, can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Because of the inherent limitations of disclosure controls and procedures, no evaluation of such disclosure controls and procedures can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.

We conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, the last day of our fiscal year. This assessment was based on criteria established in the framework Internal Control—Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and included an evaluation of elements such as the design and operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, accounting policies, and our overall control environment. Based on our assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of the fiscal year to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in

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accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We reviewed the results of management’s assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 has been audited by KPMG LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is presented below.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Pixelworks, Inc.:

We have audited Pixelworks, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Pixelworks, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Pixelworks, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Pixelworks, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and our report dated March 7, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Portland, Oregon

March 7, 2012

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Item 9B.	Other Information.

Not applicable.

PART III


Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Information concerning the directors, executive officers and corporate governance of the Company is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2012 Proxy Statement”) to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A and is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 11.	Executive Compensation.

Information concerning executive compensation is included in our 2012 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters is included in our 2012 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is included in our 2012 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

Information concerning principal accounting fees and services is set forth in our 2012 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV


Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.


(a)	1. Financial Statements.

The following financial statements are included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


(a)	2. Financial Statement Schedules.

All schedules have been omitted because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto, or is not applicable or required.

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(a)	3. Exhibits.

The exhibits are either filed with this report or incorporated by reference into this report.




Exhibit Number	Description

3.1	Sixth Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Pixelworks, Inc., As Amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2004).

3.2	Third Amendment to Sixth Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Pixelworks, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2008).

3.3	Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Pixelworks, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 10, 2010).

4.1	Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 above (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 declared effective May 19, 2000).

4.2	Third Amended Registration Rights Agreement dated February 22, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 declared effective May 19, 2000).

10.1	Form of Indemnity Agreement between Pixelworks, Inc. and certain of its Officers and Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 declared effective May 19, 2000). +

10.2	Form of Indemnity Agreement between Pixelworks, Inc. and each of the members of the Board and Steven Moore, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2010). +

10.3	Pixelworks, Inc. 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on June 21, 2005). +

10.4	Pixelworks, Inc. Amended and Restated 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2011). +

10.5	Pixelworks, Inc. 2001 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on May 31, 2001). +

10.6	Equator Technologies, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on June 17, 2005). +

10.7	Pixelworks, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on July 16, 2010). +

10.8	Pixelworks, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2009). +

10.9	Pixelworks, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, Terms and Conditions of Option Grants. +

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10.10	Pixelworks, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, Terms and Conditions of Director Stock Unit Awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2010). +

10.11	Pixelworks, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 9, 2011). +

10.12	Summary of Pixelworks Non-Employee Director Compensation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2010). +

10.13	2009 Executive Employment Agreement dated May 11, 2009 and effective April 1, 2009, by and between Bruce Walicek and Pixelworks, Inc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 10, 2010). +

10.14	Form of Pixelworks, Inc. Senior Management Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 31, 2009). +

10.15	Offer letter dated June 22, 2007 between Pixelworks, Inc. and Steven L. Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 9, 2007). +

10.16	Change of Control Severance Agreement dated May 11, 2009 and effective April 1, 2009, by and between Pixelworks, Inc. and Steven L. Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 10, 2010). +

10.17	Change of Control Severance Agreement dated November 20, 2008, by and between Pixelworks, Inc. and Hongmin (Bob) Zhang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 20, 2008). +

10.18	Change of Control Severance Agreement dated November 22, 2008, by and between Pixelworks, Inc. and Tzoyao (T) Chan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 10, 2010). +

10.19	Change of Control Severance Agreement dated December 27, 2011, by and between Pixelworks, Inc. and John Lau. +

10.20	Repatriation Agreement dated December 27, 2011, by and between Pixelworks, Inc. and John Lau. +

10.21	Amendment to the amended and restated Employment Agreement by and between Pixelworks, Inc. and Bruce Walicek (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2012). +

10.22	Amendment to the Amended and restated Change of Control Severance Agreement by and between Pixelworks, Inc. and Steven Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2012). +

10.23	Form of the Amendment to each Change of Control Severance Agreement by and between Pixelworks, Inc. and Tzoyao “T” Chan, John Lau, and Hongmin (Bob) Zhang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2012). +

10.24	Intellectual Property Sublicense Agreement dated March 30, 1999 between VAutomation Incorporated and Pixelworks, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 declared effective May 19, 2000).

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10.25	License Agreement dated February 22, 2000 between Pixelworks, Inc. and InFocus Systems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 declared effective May 19, 2000).

10.26	Office Lease Agreement dated December 2005, by and between CA-The Concourse Limited Partnership and Pixelworks, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 13, 2006).

10.27	Office Lease Agreement dated September 10, 2008 and commencing December 1, 2008 by and between Pixelworks, Inc. and Durham Plaza, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2008).

10.28	Loan and Security Agreement dated December 21, 2010 by and between Silicon Valley Bank and Pixelworks, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 7, 2011).

10.29	Agreement dated as of February 8, 2012, by and among Pixelworks, Inc., Steven R. Becker, Matthew A. Drapkin, BC Advisors, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, Becker Drapkin Management, L.P., a Texas limited partnership, Becker Drapkin Partners (QP), L.P., a Texas limited partnership; Becker Drapkin Partners, L.P., a Texas limited partnership; BD Partners IV, L.P., a Texas limited partnership, and Bradley Shisler (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 10, 2012).

21	Subsidiaries of Pixelworks, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 7, 2011).

23	Consent of KPMG LLP.

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

32.1*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

32.2*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer.



+	Indicates a management contract or compensation arrangement.



*	Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall such exhibits be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise stated in such filing.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



		PIXELWORKS, INC.

Dated:	March 7, 2012	By:	/s/ Bruce A. Walicek
			Bruce A. Walicek
			President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



Signature	Title	Date

/s/ Bruce A. Walicek	President and
Bruce A. Walicek	Chief Executive Officer	March 7, 2012

/s/ Steven L. Moore	Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
Steven L. Moore		March 7, 2012

/s/ Richard L. Sanquini	Chairman of the Board
Richard L. Sanquini		March 7, 2012

/s/ Steven R. Becker	Director
Steven R. Becker		March 7, 2012

/s/ Mark A. Christensen	Director
Mark A. Christensen		March 7, 2012

/s/ Stephen L. Domenik	Director
Stephen L. Domenik		March 7, 2012

/s/ C. Scott Gibson	Director
C. Scott Gibson		March 7, 2012

/s/ Daniel J. Heneghan	Director
Daniel J. Heneghan		March 7, 2012

/s/ Bradley J. Shisler	Director
Bradley J. Shisler		March 7, 2012

/s/ Bruce A. Walicek	Director
Bruce A. Walicek		March 7, 2012

Exhibit 10.9

PIXELWORKS, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTION GRANT

1. General .

These Terms and Conditions of Option Grant (these “ Terms ”) apply to a particular stock option (the “ Option ”) if referenced in the Notice of Grant of Stock Options (the “ Grant Notice ”) corresponding to that particular grant. The recipient of the Option identified in the Grant Notice is referred to as the “ Grantee .” The per share exercise price of the Option as set forth in the Grant Notice is referred to as the “ Exercise Price .” The effective date of grant of the Option as set forth in the Grant Notice is referred to as the “ Award Date .” The exercise price and the number of shares covered by the Option are subject to adjustment under Section 11 of the Plan.

The Option was granted under and subject to the Pixelworks, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”). Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The Option has been granted to the Grantee in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Grantee. The Grant Notice and these Terms are collectively referred to as the “ Option Agreement ” applicable to the Option.

2. Vesting; Limits on Exercise; Incentive Stock Option Status .

The Option shall vest and become exercisable in percentage installments of the aggregate number of shares subject to the Option as set forth on the Grant Notice. The Option may be exercised only to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable.


•	Cumulative Exercisability. To the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable, the Grantee has the right to exercise the Option (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.


•	No Fractional Shares. Fractional share interests shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated.


•	Minimum Exercise. No fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment under Section 11 of the Plan) may be purchased at any one time, unless the number purchased is the total number at the time exercisable under the Option.

•

Incentive Stock Option Status; $100,000 Value Limit. The Grant Notice indicates whether the Option is intended as an Incentive Stock Option (within the meaning of Section 422 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code) or a Nonqualified Stock Option. If the Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option and the aggregate fair market value of the shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options (whether granted under the Option or otherwise) first become exercisable by the Grantee in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, as measured on the applicable Award Dates, the limitations of Section 5.2 of the Plan shall apply and to such extent the Option will be rendered a Nonqualified Stock Option.

3. Continuance of Employment/Service Required; No Employment/Service Commitment .

The vesting schedule applicable to the Option requires Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant through each applicable vesting date as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Option and the rights and benefits under this Option Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Grantee to any proportionate vesting or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 5 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Option Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, affects the Grantee's status, if he or she is an employee, as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Grantee any right to remain employed by or in service to the Company or any Subsidiary, interferes in any way with the right of the Company or any Subsidiary at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to increase or decrease the Grantee's other compensation.

4. Method of Exercise of Option .

The Option shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Company (or such other person as the Administrator may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may implement from time to time) of:


•	a written notice stating the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased pursuant to the Option or by the completion of such other administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may require from time to time,

•

payment in full for the Exercise Price of the shares to be purchased in cash, check or by electronic funds transfer to the Company, or (subject to compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and listing requirements and further subject to such rules as the Administrator may adopt as to any non-cash payment) in shares of Common Stock already owned by the Grantee, valued at their fair market value (as determined under the Plan) on the exercise date;


•	any written statements or agreements required pursuant to Section 16.1 of the Plan; and

•

satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 10 of these Terms.The Administrator also may, but is not required to, authorize a non-cash payment alternative by notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Administrator, or, subject to such procedures as the Administrator may adopt, authorize a “cashless exercise” with a third party who provides simultaneous financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the exercise of the Option.

If the Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option, the Option will qualify as an Incentive Stock Option only if it meets all of the applicable requirements of the Code. The Option may be rendered a Nonqualified Stock Option if the Administrator permits the use of one or more of the non-cash payment alternatives referenced above.

5. Early Termination of Option .

5.1 Expiration Date . Subject to earlier termination as provided below in this Section 5, the Option will terminate on the “Expiration” date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “ Expiration Date ”).

5.2 Possible Termination of Option upon Certain Corporate Events. The Option is subject to termination in connection with certain corporate events as provided in Section 11.3 of the Plan.

5.3 Termination of Option upon a Termination of Grantee's Employment or Services. Subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Option or pursuant to Section 5.2 above, if the Grantee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant terminates, the following rules shall apply (the last day of the Grantee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant is referred to as the Grantee's “ Severance Date ”):

•

other than as expressly provided below in this Section 5.3, (a) the Grantee will have until the date that is 3 months after his or her Severance Date to exercise the Option (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested on the Severance Date, (b) the Option, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 3-month period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 3-month period;

•

if the termination of the Grantee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant is the result of the Grantee's Involuntary Termination, death or Disability, (a) the Grantee (or his or her beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be) will have until the date that is 12 months after the Grantee's Severance Date to exercise the Option (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested on the Severance Date, (b) the Option, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 12-month period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 12-month period. “Involuntary Termination” means that the Grantee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant has ended by the Company's choice, not the choice of the Grantee, and that the Company has made that choice for reasons other than (i) Grantee's own failure to perform his or her duties to the company's satisfaction, or (ii) the Grantee's own bad conduct. However, If the Grantee is party to an agreement with the Company that contains severance conditions and includes a specific definition of the term “Involuntary Termination,” that specific definition will control.

In all events the Option is subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Option or as contemplated by Section 5.2. The Administrator shall be the sole judge of whether the Grantee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant has terminated for purposes of this Option Agreement.

Notwithstanding any post-termination exercise period provided for herein or in the Plan, if the Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option, the Option will qualify as an Incentive Stock Option only if it is exercised within the applicable exercise periods for Incentive Stock Options under, and meets all of the other requirements of, the Code. If the Option is not exercised within the applicable exercise periods for Incentive Stock Options or does not meet such other requirements, the Option will be rendered a Nonqualified Stock Option.

6. Non-Transferability .

The Option and any other rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Grantee, except as set forth in Section 10 of the Plan.

7. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Option Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Company at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Grantee at the address last reflected on the Company's payroll records, or at such other address as either party may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice shall be delivered in person or shall be enclosed in a properly sealed envelope addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited (postage and registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Grantee is no longer employed by or provides services to the Company or a Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.

8. Plan .

The Option and all rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, incorporated herein by this reference. The Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement. The Grantee acknowledges having read and understanding the Plan, the Prospectus for the Plan, and this Option Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Option Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Grantee unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

9. Entire Agreement .

This Option Agreement and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and with respect to all prior Option Agreements under the Plan. The Plan and this Option Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 13 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Company. The Company may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Grantee hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

10. Tax Withholding .

Upon any exercise or payment of the Option or, in the case of an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option, upon the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of the Option prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 422 of the Code, the Company or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right at its option to (a) require the Grantee (or the Grantee's personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of at least the minimum amount of any taxes which the Company or one of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such Option exercise or payment; or (b) deduct from any amount otherwise payable in cash to the Grantee (or the Grantee's personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) the minimum amount of any taxes which the Company or one of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such cash payment. In any case where a tax is required to be withheld in connection with the delivery of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Option, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (subject to Section 16.1 of the Plan) require or grant to the Grantee the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, that the Company reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of shares, valued in a consistent manner at their fair market value or at the sales price in accordance with authorized procedures for cashless exercises, necessary to satisfy the minimum applicable withholding obligation on the Option exercise or payment event. In no event shall the shares withheld exceed the minimum whole number of shares required for tax withholding under applicable law.

11. Governing Law.

This Option Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder.

12. Effect of this Agreement .

Subject to the Company's right to terminate the Option pursuant to Section 11.3 of the Plan, this Option Agreement shall be assumed by, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or successors to the Company.

13. Counterparts .

This Option Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

14. Section Headings .

The section headings of this Option Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect any provision hereof.

Exhibit 10.19

PIXELWORKS, INC.

CHANGE OF CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This Change of Control Severance Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of January 1, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), by and between John Lau (the “Executive”) and Pixelworks, Inc., an Oregon corporation (the “Company”). Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in Section 1 below.

R E C I T A L S

The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to provide the Executive with an incentive to continue Executive's employment following, and so to maximize the value of the Company upon, a Change of Control for the benefit of its shareholders. To do so, the Board believes it appropriate to provide the Executive with certain severance benefits upon the Executive's termination of employment following a Change of Control.

AGREEMENT

The parties therefore agree as follows:

1. Definition of Terms . The following terms referred to in this Agreement shall have the following meanings:

(a) Cause . “Cause” shall mean Executive engaged in any one or more of the following: (i) a material act of dishonesty, fraud, misconduct, or willful violation of any material law, ethical rule or fiduciary duty that is in connection with Executive's responsibilities as an executive of the Company; (ii) acts constituting a felony or moral turpitude which the Board reasonably believes has had or will have a material detrimental effect on the Company's reputation or business; or (iii) repeated willful failure to perform Executive's duties as an executive of the Company and the failure to effect such cure within 30 days after written notice of such violation or breach is given to Executive; or (iv) the willful violation of any material Company policy or procedure, or breach of any material provision of this Agreement or other agreement with the Company, and if such violation or breach is susceptible of cure, the failure to effect such cure within 30 days after written notice of such violation or breach is given to Executive.

(b) Change of Control . “Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) the approval by shareholders of the Company of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, or of a subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in effective voting control over the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

(ii) the approval by the shareholders of the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets;

(iii) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becoming the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the total voting power represented by the Company's then outstanding voting securities; or

(iv) a change in the composition of the Board, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” shall mean directors who either (A) are directors of the Company as of the date hereof, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of those directors who are either identified in (A) or identified as their successors elected under this clause (B).

(c) Good Reason Event. A “Good Reason Event” shall be any of the following: (i) without the Executive's express written consent, a material diminution of the Executive's duties, authority or responsibilities; (ii) without the Executive's express written consent, a reduction by the Company of the Executive's base salary; (iii) without the Executive's express written consent, the imposition of a requirement that Executive's primary place of employment be at a facility or a location more than fifty (50) miles from the Executive's current work location, provided that such requirement to relocate materially increases the Executive's commute; or (iv) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption of this Agreement by any successors contemplated in Section 7 below.

(d) Involuntary Termination . “Involuntary Termination” shall mean (i) any termination of the Executive's employment by the Company which is not effected for valid Cause; or (ii) any termination by the Executive for Good Reason.

(e) Termination Date . “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date of any notice of termination delivered by one party to the other hereunder.

2. Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of two (2) years after a Change of Control, or (ii) the date that all obligations of the parties hereto under this Agreement have been satisfied.

3. At-Will Employment . The Company and the Executive acknowledge that the Executive's employment is and shall continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law. If the Executive's employment terminates for any reason, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or compensation other than as provided by this Agreement, or as may otherwise be established under the Company's then existing employee benefit plans or policies at the time of termination.

4. Severance Benefits .

(a) Termination Following a Change of Control .

(i) If Within Twelve Months Following a Change of Control . If the Executive's employment with the Company terminates as a result of an Involuntary Termination at any time within twelve (12) months after a Change of Control, and the Executive signs the release of claims pursuant to Section 7 hereto, Executive shall be entitled to the following severance benefits:

(1) twelve (12) months of Executive's base salary as in effect as of the date of such termination or, if greater, as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, less applicable withholding, payable in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of the Involuntary Termination;

(2) all stock options granted by the Company to the Executive prior to the Change of Control shall accelerate and become vested and exercisable as to the number of shares that would have otherwise vested during the twelve (12) months following such termination as if the Executive had remained employed by the Company (or its successor) through such date under the applicable option agreements to the extent such stock options are outstanding and unexercisable at the time of such termination; and all stock subject to a right of repurchase by the Company (or its successor) that was purchased prior to the Change of Control shall have such right of repurchase lapse with respect to that number of shares which would have had such right of repurchase lapse under the applicable agreement within twelve (12) months of the date of the termination as if the Executive had remained employed through such date; and

(3) the same level of Company-paid health (i.e., medical, vision and dental) coverage and benefits for such coverage as in effect for the Executive (and any eligible dependents) on the day immediately preceding the Executive's Termination Date; provided , however , that (i) the Executive constitutes a qualified beneficiary, as defined in Section 4980B(g)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; and (ii) Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with such Company-paid coverage until the earlier of (i) the date Executive (and Executive's eligible dependents) is no longer eligible to receive continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA, or (ii) twelve (12) months from the Termination Date.

(ii) If Between Twelve Months and Twenty-Four Months Following Change of Control . If the Executive's employment with the Company terminates as a result of an Involuntary Termination at any time during the period that is from twelve (12) months after a Change of Control to twenty-four (24) months after a Change of Control (such period being the “Second Year”), and the Executive signs the release of claims pursuant to Section 7 hereto, Executive shall be entitled to the following severance benefits:

(1) a lump sum cash amount payable within thirty (30) days of the Involuntary Termination representing a portion of the Executive's base salary and any applicable allowances, with such amount being the resulting product of: the number of months remaining in the Second Year as of the Termination Date, multiplied by the per-month portion of the Executive's base salary and allowances as in effect as of the Termination Date or, if greater, as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, less applicable withholding. For purposes of this subsection (1), only entire months that remain in the Second Year shall be counted as “remaining,” and any fraction of a month that remains after the date of the termination shall not be counted hereunder;

(2) the health benefits set forth in Section 4(a)(i)(3) above, provided , however , that the twelve (12) month period shall be pro-rated to reflect that number of months remaining in the Second Year as of the date of termination. For purposes of this subsection (2), only entire months that remain in the Second Year shall be counted as “remaining,” and any fraction of a month that remains after the date of the termination shall not be counted hereunder; and

(3) the stock option acceleration benefits set forth in Section 4(a)(i)(2) above, provided , however , that the twelve (12) month period shall be pro-rated to reflect that number of months remaining in the Second Year as of the date of termination. For purposes of this subsection (2), only entire months that remain in the Second Year shall be counted as “remaining,” and any fraction of a month that remains after the date of the termination shall not be counted hereunder.

(b) Termination Apart from a Change of Control . If the Executive's employment with the Company terminates other than as a result of an Involuntary Termination within the twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control, then the Executive shall not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits hereunder, but may be eligible for those benefits (if any) as may then be established under the Company's then existing severance and benefits plans and policies at the time of such termination.

(c) Accrued Wages and Vacation; Expenses . Without regard to the reason for, or the timing of, Executive's termination of employment: (i) the Company shall pay the Executive any unpaid base salary due for periods prior to the Termination Date; (ii) the Company shall pay the Executive all of the Executive's accrued and unused vacation through the Termination Date; and (iii) following submission of proper expense reports by the Executive, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by the Executive in connection with the business of the Company prior to the Termination Date. These payments shall be made promptly upon termination and within the period of time mandated by law.

5. Limitation on Payments . In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to the Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the United States Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), and (ii) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then Executive's benefits under this Agreement shall be either

(a) delivered in full, or

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to the Excise Tax,

(c)

(d) whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code.

Any determination required under this section shall be made in writing by the Company's independent public accountants (the “Accountants”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this section, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and the Executive shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this section.

6. Successors .

(a) Company's Successors . Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company's business and/or assets shall assume the Company's obligations under this Agreement and agree expressly to perform the Company's obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” shall include any successor to the Company's business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in this subsection (a) or which becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement by operation of law.

(b) Executive's Successors . Without the written consent of the Company, Executive may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any right or obligation under this Agreement to any other person or entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of this Agreement and all rights of Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.

7. Execution of Release Agreement upon Termination . As a condition of receiving the benefits under Section 4 of this Agreement, the Executive shall within twenty five days after the Executive's Termination Date, , execute and not revoke a general release of claims against the Company in form satisfactory to the Company.

8. Litigation/Audit Cooperation . Following the termination of Executive's employment for any reason, Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (the “Company Group”) in connection with (a) any internal or governmental investigation or administrative, regulatory, arbitral or judicial proceeding involving any member of the Company Group with respect to matters relating to Executive's employment with or service as a member of the board of directors of any member of the Company Group other than a third party proceeding in which Executive is a named party and Executive and the Company (or the applicable member(s) of the Company Group) have not entered into a mutually acceptable joint defense agreement (collectively, “Litigation") or (b) for a two year period following the Termination Date, any audit of the financial statements of any member of the Company Group with respect to the period of time when Executive was employed by any member of the Company Group (“Audit”). Executive acknowledges that such cooperation may include, but shall not be limited to, Executive making himself available to the Company or any other member of the Company Group (or their respective attorneys or auditors) upon reasonable notice for: (i) interviews, factual investigations, and providing declarations or affidavits that provide truthful information in connection with any Litigation or Audit; (ii) appearing at the request of the Company or any member of the Company Group to give testimony without requiring service of a subpoena or other legal process; (iii) volunteering to the Company or any member of the Company Group pertinent information related to any Litigation or Audit; (iv) providing information and legal representations to the auditors of the Company or any member or any member of the Company Group, in a form and within a timeframe requested by the Board, with respect to the Company's or any member of the Company Group's opening balance sheet valuation of intangibles and financial statements for the period in which Executive was employed by the Company or any member of the Company Group; and (v) turning over to the Company or any member of the Company Group any documents relevant to any Litigation or Audit that are or may come into Executive's possession. The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable travel expenses incurred in connection with providing the services under this Section 9, including lodging and meals, upon Executive's submission of receipts. The Company shall also compensate Executive for each hour that Executive provides cooperation in connection with this Section 9 at an hourly rate equal to Executive's base salary as of the Termination Date divided by 2080. Executive shall submit invoices for any month in which Executive performs services pursuant to this Section 9 that details the amount of time and a description of the services rendered for each separate day that Executive performed such services. The Company shall reimburse Executive for such services rendered within fifteen (15) days of receiving an invoice from Executive.

9. 409A Savings Clause . If Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by the rules and regulations issued thereunder by the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (“409A”) as of the date of the Executive's “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 4 until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after his separation from service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of Executive's death. The provisions of this Section 10 shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A. Any amounts otherwise payable to Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following the Executive's separation from service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 10 shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after Executive's separation from service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of Executive's death). To the extent that any benefits pursuant to Section 4 or reimbursements pursuant to Section 5 are taxable to the Executive, any reimbursement payment due to the Executive pursuant to any such provision shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive's taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The benefits and reimbursements pursuant to Section 4 are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits and reimbursements that the Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits or reimbursements that the Executive receives in any other taxable year.

10. Notices . Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid. In the case of the Executive, mailed notices shall be addressed to Executive at the home address which Executive most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices shall be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices shall be directed to the attention of its Secretary.

11. Arbitration.

(a) Any dispute or controversy arising out of, relating to, or in connection with this Agreement, or the interpretation, validity, construction, performance, breach, or termination thereof, shall be settled by binding arbitration to be held in Santa Clara, California in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes then in effect of the American Arbitration Association (the “Rules”). The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in such dispute or controversy. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final, conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator's decision in any court having jurisdiction.

(b) The arbitrator(s) shall apply California law to the merits of any dispute or claim, without reference to conflicts of law rules. The arbitration proceedings shall be governed by federal arbitration law and by the Rules, without reference to state arbitration law. Executive hereby consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in California for any action or proceeding arising from or relating to this Agreement or relating to any arbitration in which the parties are participants.

(c) Executive understands that nothing in this Section modifies Executive's at-will employment status. Either Executive or the Company can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without Cause.

(d) EXECUTIVE HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THIS SECTION, WHICH DISCUSSES ARBITRATION. EXECUTIVE UNDERSTANDS THAT SUBMITTING ANY CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE INTERPRETATION, VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION, PERFORMANCE, BREACH OR TERMINATION THEREOF TO BINDING ARBITRATION, CONSTITUTES A WAIVER OF EXECUTIVE'S RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND RELATES TO THE RESOLUTION OF ALL DISPUTES RELATING TO ALL ASPECTS OF THE EMPLOYER/EXECUTIVE RELATIONSHIP, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS:

(i) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS FOR WRONGFUL DISCHARGE OF EMPLOYMENT; BREACH OF CONTRACT, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED; BREACH OF THE COVENANT OF GOOD FAITH AND FAIR DEALING, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED; NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS; NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL MISREPRESENTATION; NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL INTERFERENCE WITH CONTRACT OR PROSPECTIVE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE; AND DEFAMATION.

(ii) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS FOR VIOLATION OF ANY FEDERAL STATE OR MUNICIPAL CONSTITUTION OR STATUTE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1991, THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT, THE CALIFORNIA FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING ACT, AND THE CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE (except for claims for underlying workers' compensation benefits); and

(iii) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF ANY OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OR EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION.

12. Proprietary Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement . Executive shall execute and comply with the terms of the Company's standard Proprietary Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement.

13. Miscellaneous Provisions .

(a) Effect of Any Statutory Benefits . If any severance benefits are required to be paid to the Executive upon termination of employment with the Company as a result of any requirement of law or any governmental entity in any applicable jurisdiction, the aggregate amount payable pursuant to Section 4 hereof shall be reduced by such amount.

(b) Effect of Standard Company Policy or Other Agreements . To the extent that any severance benefits or payments are required to be paid to the Executive upon termination of employment with the Company as a result of any standard Company policy or other existing agreement(s), Executive shall be entitled to the most favorable of any given benefit (e.g., cash, option vesting, health benefits) available under any one such source, but shall not be entitled also to cumulate the same kind of benefit from multiple agreements or policies.

(c) No Duty to Mitigate . The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor shall any such payment be reduced by any earnings that the Executive may receive from any other source.

(d) Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than the Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

(e) Integration . This Agreement and any agreements referenced herein represent the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and collectively supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to the same subject matter, provided that , for clarification purposes, this Agreement shall not affect any agreements between the Company and Executive regarding intellectual property matters or confidential information of the Company.

(f) Choice of Law . The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the conflicts of law rules, of the State of California.

(g) Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.

(h) Employment Taxes . All payments made pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to withholding of applicable income and employment taxes.

(i) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but both of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.



Pixelworks, Inc.		Executive
/s/ Bruce A. Walicek		/s/ John Lau 12/27/2011
Bruce Walicek		John Lau

Exhibit 10.20

December 29, 2011



TO:	John Lau
FROM:	Bruce Walicek, Chief Executive Officer
Cc:	Steven Moore, Chief Financial Officer
	Canny Ko, Senior Manager, Human Resources
	Personnel File
RE:	Repatriation Agreement

Dear John,

The following agreement details the benefits, terms and conditions of your repatriation from China to the United States as agreed:

Period of Relocation

As of January 1, 2012, Vancouver, WA will be your primary work location (“home office”).

Position

Upon acceptance of this transfer agreement, your position title will be Senior Vice President, Foundry, IP & EDA. You will continue to report to me.

Base Salary

As of January 1, 2012, your annual base salary will be $210,000. As you may remember, Pixelworks US pays bi-weekly, with pay dates every other Friday. Paychecks will include wages due through the two-week period (Sunday through Saturday) prior to the pay date. Should payday fall on a holiday, it will be paid on the previous workday.

Benefit Coverage

Upon repatriation, you will be covered by US benefits. Pixelworks US benefits, payroll, and other human resource management services are provided through TriNet HR Corporation, a professional employer organization. As a result of this arrangement, TriNet will be considered your employer of record for these purposes; however, I will be responsible for directing your work, reviewing your performance, setting your schedule and otherwise directing your work at Pixelworks.

Moving Allowance

Pixelworks will provide you with a one-time Moving Allowance of USD $5,000 to assist you with returning your household goods to Oregon. You understand and agree that this one-time payment is in lieu of any obligation that Pixelworks might have, under your Expatriate Agreement dated August, 2006, to pay for the return of your household goods. You should recognize that this allowance may be treated as taxable income.

Taxes

Pixelworks will cover the costs of tax consulting services for you for your tax preparation related to Pixelworks income incurred on or before December 31, 2011, with services for tax consulting provided through a company of our choosing. In addition, Pixelworks will cover the costs associated with tax equalization related to your expatriate assignments at Pixelworks that might have occurred on or before December 31, 2011.

At-Will Employment

Pixelworks is an at-will employer, and your employment will not be for any specific period of time. You are free to quit and the Company is free to terminate employment at any time, with or without cause. It is further understood that this at-will employment relationship can only be changed in a formal written employment contract signed by the Chief Executive Officer.

Governing Law

This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Oregon.

Acknowledgement

By signing this repatriation agreement, you are aware that you are expected to follow the policies and other rules set forth by the Company. You understand these policies are subject to revision at the discretion of the Company. If you should have any questions concerning this letter, now or in the future, you understand that you can address these concerns with Human Resources or directly with me.

Signed & Accepted:



/s/ John Lau		12/27/2011
John Lau		Date

Signed by Pixelworks:



/s/ Bruce A. Walicek		12/27/2011
Bruce A. Walicek		Date
Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Pixelworks, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form S-8 (Nos.333-168175, 333-161125, 333-152945, 333-136553, 333-126017, 333-125945, 333-123526, 333-121274, 333-89394, 333-62000, 333-41722, and 333-41720) and Form S-3 (Nos. 333-170768, 333-118100, 333-100548, and 333-67838) of Pixelworks, Inc. of our reports dated March 7, 2012, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Pixelworks, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, which reports appear in the December 31, 2011 annual report on Form 10‑K of Pixelworks, Inc.

/s/KPMG LLP

Portland, Oregon

March 7, 2012

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Bruce A. Walicek, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Pixelworks, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


a.	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


b.	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


c.	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


d.	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


a.	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


b.	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



Date:	March 7, 2012	By:	/s/ Bruce A. Walicek
			Bruce A. Walicek
			President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Steven L. Moore, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Pixelworks, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


a.	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


b.	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


c.	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


d.	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


a.	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


b.	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



Date:	March 7, 2012	By:	/s/ Steven L. Moore
			Steven L. Moore
			Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Pixelworks, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Bruce A. Walicek, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:


1.	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


2.	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



By:		/s/ Bruce A. Walicek
		Bruce A. Walicek
		President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:		March 7, 2012

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Pixelworks, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Steven L. Moore, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:


1.	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


2.	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



By:		/s/ Steven L. Moore
		Steven L. Moore
		Vice President,Chief Financial Officer Secretary, and Treasurer

Date:		March 7, 2012