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CEVA vs MXL
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CEVA (CEVA) vs. MaxLinear (MXL) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CEVA is a semiconductor intellectual property (IP) licensor with gross margins near 89%, while MXL (MaxLinear) sells physical chips and systems-on-chip (SoCs) at a much larger revenue scale.
- MXL posted roughly 56% year-over-year revenue growth in its latest reported quarter, driven by data-center optical interconnects and wireless infrastructure.
- CEVA has gained momentum from edge AI and "Physical AI" licensing wins, including adoption of its NeuPro NPU (neural processing unit) portfolio.
- Both companies reported GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) net losses in recent quarters, reflecting elevated research and development and restructuring costs.
- CEVA has shown stronger relative share-price momentum recently, while MXL is positioned as a cyclical recovery play with meaningful upside target revisions from analysts.
- Explore more detail on these names through CEVA Major News and CEVA Today's Price Move, as well as MXL Major News and MXL Today's Price Move.
- For AI-driven trading ideas across the broader market, explore the curated Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Investors comparing CEVA and MXL are examining two very different semiconductor business models operating in the same demanding market environment. CEVA licenses wireless-connectivity, sensing, and AI IP to chipmakers, earning royalties on devices that use its technology. MXL, by contrast, designs and sells radio frequency (RF), analog, and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband, infrastructure, and data-center applications. This stock comparison is relevant to growth-oriented traders and investors seeking to understand how an asset-light IP-licensing model and a cyclical chip-product maker are each positioned around the expanding AI and connectivity demand story.
CEVA Overview and Recent Performance
CEVA (CEVA, Inc.) develops and licenses silicon and software IP that enables smart edge devices to connect, sense, and infer data. Its portfolio spans Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), and 5G connectivity, alongside AI processors such as its NeuPro NPU line. The company generates revenue through licensing fees and per-unit royalties, a model that supports gross margins near 88–89% but keeps quarterly revenue comparatively modest.
Recent market activity has centered on the company's AI narrative. In its latest reported quarters, AI processor licensing contributed roughly one-third of total licensing revenue, and CEVA announced that Microchip Technology would adopt its NeuPro NPU portfolio across its product roadmap. Royalty revenue has also firmed, helped by record cellular IoT (Internet of Things) and Wi-Fi shipments and early automotive ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) ramps. These developments, together with analyst coverage highlighting the company's "Physical AI" positioning, have supported a sharp re-rating in the shares in recent months, though the stock remains volatile and the company still posts GAAP operating losses as it invests heavily in research and development.
MXL Overview and Recent Performance
MXL (MaxLinear, Inc.) is a provider of RF, analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits used in broadband access, wired and wireless infrastructure, data-center optical interconnects, and industrial applications. Unlike CEVA, MaxLinear sells finished chips and SoCs, giving it a far larger revenue base but lower gross margins.
In its latest reported quarter, MXL delivered roughly 56% year-over-year revenue growth, with management citing strong demand for high-speed optical interconnects and next-generation PAM4 DSP (pulse-amplitude modulation digital signal processor) solutions aimed at hyperscale data centers. The company also narrowed its net loss compared with the prior-year period, though restructuring charges and elevated operating expenses have kept GAAP profitability elusive. Following the results, at least one major firm raised its price target and reaffirmed a Buy rating, describing the company as executing on a steady recovery after a pronounced industry downcycle. The shares have been volatile year-to-date, reflecting both cyclical rebound optimism and lingering profitability concerns.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two names is business model and scale. CEVA operates an asset-light IP-licensing model with roughly $28–30 million in quarterly revenue and near-89% gross margins, but its profitability depends on converting design wins into recurring royalties. MXL generates more than $125 million in quarterly revenue selling physical semiconductors, with structurally lower margins but direct exposure to high-volume data-center and broadband markets.
Growth drivers also differ. CEVA is leveraged to the adoption of edge AI, wireless connectivity standards, and the emerging Physical AI theme, where its licensing momentum is translating into analyst upgrades and strong relative share-price performance. MXL is more closely tied to AI infrastructure build-outs through optical interconnects and to a cyclical recovery in broadband and connectivity. On risk, MXL carries exposure to semiconductor pricing pressure and restructuring costs, while CEVA faces execution risk in converting new AI licenses into sustained royalties and elevated share-price volatility. Both remain GAAP loss-making, making cash generation and margin trajectory key watch items for investors.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, momentum, and catalyst positioning, Tickeron's AI framework would likely express a current preference for CEVA over MXL. CEVA has demonstrated stronger and more sustained relative share-price momentum, a higher-margin and more scalable IP model, and a clear catalyst path tied to edge AI and Physical AI licensing. MXL, while showing impressive revenue growth and a credible data-center recovery story, still presents a more mixed trend profile and lingering restructuring overhang. This assessment reflects relative positioning and momentum rather than a definitive forecast, and either name could outperform depending on how upcoming catalysts and market conditions evolve.
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 30, 2026
CEVA moved below its 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 43 of 54 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CEVA as a result. In 76 of 97 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 78%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CEVA turned negative on November 02, 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 29 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 66%.
The 10-day moving average for CEVA crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 15 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 79%.
The 50-day moving average for CEVA moved below the 200-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
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 77%.
The Aroon Indicator for CEVA entered a downward trend on November 06, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where CEVA's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 21 of 25 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 84%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 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.
Following a +10.06% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CEVA advanced for three days, in 215 of 293 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 12 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously 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 (2.242) is normal, around the industry mean (5.443). P/E Ratio (-67.750) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.640). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.478) is also within normal values, averaging (3.803). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.014) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.321) is also within normal values, averaging (46.468).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 17 (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 Seasonality Score of 46 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 64 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CEVA’s price grows at a higher 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 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 80, placing this stock worse than average.
MXL's RSI Indicator ascends from oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for MXL moved out of oversold territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 28 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 24 of the 28 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 86%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 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.
Following a +13.04% 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%.
MXL may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
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 70 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 78%.
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 46 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 35 of the 46 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 76%.
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.
The 10-day moving average for MXL crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 9 of 13 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
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%.
The Aroon Indicator for MXL entered a downward trend on November 06, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 14 (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 Valuation Rating of 18 (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 (9.200) is normal, around the industry mean (5.443). P/E Ratio (-41.678) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.640). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.394) is also within normal values, averaging (3.803). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.014) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (10.764) is also within normal values, averaging (46.468).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 62 (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 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.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 97 (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 80, placing this stock worse than average.
CEVA | MXL | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 12 Undervalued | 18 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 97 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 92 | 96 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 64 | 62 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 17 | 14 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 46 | 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 (12) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as MXL (18). This means that CEVA’s stock grew similarly to MXL’s over the last 12 months.
MXL's Profit vs Risk Rating (97) 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 (62) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as CEVA (64). This means that MXL’s stock grew similarly to CEVA’s over the last 12 months.
MXL's P/E Growth Rating (14) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as CEVA (17). This means that MXL’s stock grew similarly to CEVA’s over the last 12 months.
| CEVA | MXL | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 84% | 4 days ago 86% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 70% | 4 days ago 78% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 78% | 4 days ago 78% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 66% | 4 days ago 76% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 78% | 4 days ago 81% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 80% | 4 days ago 79% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 13 days ago 73% | 13 days ago 79% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 77% | 5 days ago 81% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 76% | 4 days ago 82% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 77% | 4 days ago 79% |
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 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MXL’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CEVA’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 7 bearish.
- MXL’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
CEVA (@Semiconductors) experienced а -8.20% price change this week, while MXL (@Semiconductors) price change was -27.11% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Semiconductors industry was -9.64%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -28.16%, and the average quarterly price growth was -31.80%.
Reported Earning Dates
CEVA is expected to report earnings on Nov 09, 2026.
MXL is expected to report earnings on Feb 03, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Semiconductors (-9.64% 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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MXL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MXL has been closely correlated with CEVA. These tickers have moved in lockstep 67% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if MXL jumps, then CEVA could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To MXL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MXL | 100% | +10.99% | ||
| CEVA - MXL | 67% Closely correlated | +10.34% | ||
| SIMO - MXL | 64% Loosely correlated | +4.15% | ||
| AIP - MXL | 63% Loosely correlated | +11.74% | ||
| SMTC - MXL | 62% Loosely correlated | +12.75% | ||
| AMD - MXL | 62% Loosely correlated | +11.04% | ||
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