MaxLinear

S&P Global Ratings has raised the outlook for MaxLinear from negative to positive and affirmed the corporate rating at B. The rating reflects improved operational performance driven by strong demand for higher-margin products for optical infrastructure and AI data centers, with the infrastructure division posting 141% revenue growth in the first half of 2026. S&P expects reduced adjusted leverage ratios through 2027, higher EBITDA margins of around 30%, and potentially positive free cash flow from 2027, but sees near-term constraints from inventory and prepayment investments as well as a potential arbitration risk of about $160 million. An upgrade to B+ is possible if MaxLinear demonstrates sustained revenue growth, improved profitability, and lower leverage. » More on de.investing.com

At the Citi Global TMT Conference, MaxLinear said infrastructure now accounts for over 50% of revenue and will grow 150–170% by 2026. The forecast for optical data center revenues has been raised three times in a row and averages $220m; management is aiming for a 20–25% market share within two to three years. New products (1.6T Rushmore, 3.2T Big Sky, updated Panther accelerators), a gross margin headed toward about 60% in 2026, and diversified manufacturing (TSMC and Samsung) are expected to support further growth and margin improvement. » More on de.investing.com

MaxLinear stock slid about 10.3% premarket despite the company reporting Q2 non-GAAP earnings of $0.35 (consensus $0.33) and revenue of $168.8m (consensus ~ $166m). Management highlighted 55% year-over-year revenue growth and a 145% increase in the data center segment driven by the Keystone PAM4 DSP platform. For Q3, MaxLinear forecasts revenue of $210–220m, well above the analyst consensus of ~ $175m. High analyst expectations, a strong share-price rally before the release, and a still-negative GAAP operating loss of $4.2m led to profit-taking. » More on de.investing.com