$CEVA vs $MXL: Contrasting AI Semiconductor Paths After MXL's +400% Surge 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.