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CEVA vs MXL
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Ceva (CEVA) vs. MaxLinear (MXL) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Different semiconductor models: Ceva licenses intellectual property (IP) for wireless connectivity and edge AI, while MaxLinear sells physical radio-frequency and optical data-center chips.
- Scale gap: MaxLinear's roughly $7.7 billion market capitalization is more than eight times Ceva's, though both remain unprofitable on a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) basis.
- Contrasting momentum: MaxLinear shares have surged more than 400% over the past year, while Ceva has pulled back sharply after a strong 2026 run.
- Different AI exposure: MaxLinear rides AI data-center optics; Ceva targets edge AI and connectivity licensing.
- Valuation tension: Both trade on elevated multiples relative to current earnings, making sentiment and execution the key variables.
Introduction
Ceva, Inc. and MaxLinear, Inc. are two semiconductor names frequently discussed together because each offers a distinct route to the artificial-intelligence hardware opportunity. Yet they operate at opposite ends of the chip industry's value chain: Ceva monetizes design IP and royalties, while MaxLinear manufactures and sells finished integrated circuits. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing a smaller, IP-driven play in edge AI and connectivity against a larger, product-driven business leveraged to data-center optical infrastructure. Examining their relative performance, market positioning, and recent catalysts helps clarify which profile may better suit current market conditions.
Ceva Overview and Recent Performance
Ceva is a provider of silicon and software IP used in wireless connectivity, smart sensing, and AI processing, including its NeuPro neural processing unit (NPU) architecture. It earns revenue through licensing agreements and ongoing royalties rather than selling chips directly, which gives the business an asset-light profile and very high gross margins.
Recent market activity has been volatile for CEVA. The stock rose substantially earlier in 2026 before pulling back sharply in recent weeks, partly reflecting profit-taking and lingering questions about how quickly design wins convert into durable royalties. The company reported a beat-and-raise quarter, with revenue growing roughly 13% year-over-year, and announced a landmark AI licensing agreement with a major software and AI platform company that selected its NeuPro-M NPU for custom silicon. It also expanded its ultra-wideband (UWB) partnership with LG Electronics. Despite these catalysts, the shares have traded well below their 52-week high, and analysts remain split between Buy and Hold ratings, with price targets spanning a wide range.
MaxLinear Overview and Recent Performance
MaxLinear designs and sells radio-frequency, analog, and mixed-signal integrated circuits used in broadband, connectivity, storage, and, increasingly, data-center infrastructure. Its most prominent growth engine is optical interconnect silicon—specifically PAM4 (pulse-amplitude modulation, four-level) digital signal processors (DSPs) used in high-speed 400G and 800G optical links for hyperscale data centers.
MXL has been one of the strongest semiconductor performers over the past year, with the shares up more than 400% on a trailing 52-week basis. The company reported a June quarter in which revenue rose approximately 55% year-over-year and infrastructure revenue grew roughly 145%, making it the company's largest segment. MaxLinear also returned to GAAP profitability during the quarter and raised its 2026 optical data-center outlook. The rally has, however, made valuation a central debate, with the stock trading at a steep premium to trailing sales. Its beta, a measure of volatility, is also notably high, underscoring how quickly sentiment can shift.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies contrast sharply across several dimensions. Ceva's IP-licensing model generates high gross margins and requires little manufacturing capital, but its revenue scale remains modest and dependent on converting design wins into royalties over multiple years. MaxLinear's product model carries manufacturing costs and wafer-supply risks, yet it has demonstrated far stronger near-term revenue growth from optical infrastructure.
In terms of growth drivers, Ceva's story centers on edge AI adoption, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and automotive sensing, while MaxLinear's hinges on hyperscale spending on 800G optical links and next-generation 1.6T platforms. Their AI exposure is therefore complementary rather than overlapping: one targets intelligent devices at the network edge, the other the infrastructure that moves data between them.
Risk profiles also differ. Ceva carries customer-concentration risk and an unproven profitability record, whereas MaxLinear faces elevated valuation expectations, a volatile historical share-price pattern, and sensitivity to data-center capital-spending cycles. On market sentiment, MaxLinear's momentum has been far stronger recently, but Ceva's pullback has triggered some analyst upgrades on valuation grounds.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor MXL at present. The stock's trend consistency, accelerating revenue, return to GAAP profitability, and upward-revised optical outlook represent a clearer momentum profile than Ceva's, which is navigating a sharp correction and thinner proof of durable profitability. That said, the verdict is probabilistic: MaxLinear's extreme valuation and high volatility make it more vulnerable to sentiment reversals, while Ceva's lower valuation and strategic AI licensing win could improve its relative positioning if sentiment stabilizes. The comparison ultimately reflects a trade-off between established momentum and a more speculative but potentially less crowded turnaround story.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CEVA is a Hold and MXL is a Hold.
CEVA in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026
CEVA moved below its 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 48 of 55 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 87%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CEVA as a result. In 80 of 98 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 82%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CEVA turned negative on October 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 31 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 70%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CEVA declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 76%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator entered the oversold zone -- be on the watch for CEVA's price rising or consolidating in the future. That's also the time to consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 4 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
The 10-day moving average for CEVA crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 28, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
Following a +5.01% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CEVA advanced for three days, in 212 of 289 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
CEVA may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 154 of 197 cases where CEVA Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 78%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 15 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.276) is normal, around the industry mean (6.294). P/E Ratio (-68.750) is within average values for comparable stocks, (22.044). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.478) is also within normal values, averaging (3.761). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.321) is also within normal values, averaging (45.794).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 22 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. CEVA’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 92 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CEVA’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 76, placing this stock worse than average.
MXL's RSI Indicator leaves overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Oscillator for MXL moved out of overbought territory on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 26 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 23 of the 26 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 88%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on MXL as a result. In 74 of 90 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 82%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for MXL turned negative on October 12, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 41 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 87%.
MXL moved below its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MXL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
MXL broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 4 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
The 10-day moving average for MXL crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 13 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
Following a +17.30% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MXL advanced for three days, in 253 of 319 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 161 of 200 cases where MXL Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 81%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 19 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: MXL's P/B Ratio (13.341) is slightly higher than the industry average of (6.294). P/E Ratio (-60.441) is within average values for comparable stocks, (22.044). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.394) is also within normal values, averaging (3.761). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (10.764) is also within normal values, averaging (45.794).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 20 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. MXL’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 78 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. MXL’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 76, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 96 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
CEVA | MXL | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 15 Undervalued | 19 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 78 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 92 | 96 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 59 | 34 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 22 | 20 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CEVA's Valuation (15) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as MXL (19). This means that CEVA’s stock grew similarly to MXL’s over the last 12 months.
MXL's Profit vs Risk Rating (78) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as CEVA (100). This means that MXL’s stock grew similarly to CEVA’s over the last 12 months.
CEVA's SMR Rating (92) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as MXL (96). This means that CEVA’s stock grew similarly to MXL’s over the last 12 months.
MXL's Price Growth Rating (34) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as CEVA (59). This means that MXL’s stock grew similarly to CEVA’s over the last 12 months.
MXL's P/E Growth Rating (20) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as CEVA (22). This means that MXL’s stock grew similarly to CEVA’s over the last 12 months.
| CEVA | MXL | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 80% | 4 days ago 88% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 67% | 4 days ago 76% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 82% | 4 days ago 82% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 70% | 4 days ago 87% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 78% | 4 days ago 81% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 81% | 4 days ago 80% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 18 days ago 73% | 18 days ago 79% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 76% | 4 days ago 81% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 70% | 4 days ago 80% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 78% | 4 days ago 81% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CEVA’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while MXL’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CEVA’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- MXL’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CEVA’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MXL’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CEVA’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- MXL’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
CEVA (@Semiconductors) experienced а -17.89% price change this week, while MXL (@Semiconductors) price change was -25.83% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Semiconductors industry was -6.98%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.80%, and the average quarterly price growth was +1.99%.
Reported Earning Dates
CEVA is expected to report earnings on Nov 11, 2026.
MXL is expected to report earnings on Oct 22, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Semiconductors (-6.98% weekly)The semiconductor industry manufacturers all chip-related products, including research and development. These chips are used in innumerable electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, smartphones, and GPSs. Intel Corporation, NVIDIA Corp., and Broadcomm are some of the prominent players in this industry. Semiconductor companies usually tend to do well during periods of healthy economic growth, thereby inducing further research and development in the industry – which in turn augurs well for productivity and growth in the economy. In the near future, demand for semiconductor products (and possibly innovation within the segment) should only expand further, with the proliferation of 5G, autonomous vehicles, IoT, and various AI-driven electronics set to herald a new, advanced chapter in the technology-driven world as we know it. With burgeoning prospects comes great competition. In 2015, SIA estimated that U.S. semiconductor industry ranks as the second most competitive U.S. industry out of 2882 U.S. industries designated manufacturers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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CEVA and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CEVA has been closely correlated with AMKR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if CEVA jumps, then AMKR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CEVA | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEVA | 100% | -5.98% | ||
| AMKR - CEVA | 70% Closely correlated | -5.06% | ||
| AIP - CEVA | 70% Closely correlated | -5.82% | ||
| AMD - CEVA | 67% Closely correlated | -5.95% | ||
| RMBS - CEVA | 66% Loosely correlated | -6.05% | ||
| SYNA - CEVA | 66% Loosely correlated | -0.31% | ||
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MXL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MXL has been loosely correlated with CEVA. These tickers have moved in lockstep 64% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if MXL jumps, then CEVA could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To MXL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MXL | 100% | -8.77% | ||
| CEVA - MXL | 64% Loosely correlated | -5.98% | ||
| INTC - MXL | 61% Loosely correlated | -5.79% | ||
| AIP - MXL | 60% Loosely correlated | -5.82% | ||
| SIMO - MXL | 59% Loosely correlated | -3.25% | ||
| MCHP - MXL | 59% Loosely correlated | -0.55% | ||
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