MaxLinear Q4 Sales Rise 48% to $136.4M, Narrows GAAP Loss to 11%
MaxLinear’s Q4 net revenue climbed 48% year-over-year to $136.4 million, with GAAP gross margin expanding to 57.6% and GAAP operating loss narrowing to 11% of sales. The company repurchased $20 million of common stock and guides Q1 revenue of $130–$140 million, projecting 56%–61% gross margins.
1. Robust Quarterly and Annual Revenue Growth
MaxLinear reported Q4 net revenue of $136.4 million, an increase of 48% year-over-year and 8% sequentially, driving full-year revenue to $467.6 million, up 30% over fiscal 2024. Infrastructure segment revenues surged 76% year-over-year, powered by strong demand in data center connectivity and wireless infrastructure. Broadband access sales also climbed, though growth rates moderated compared with prior quarters.
2. Improving Profitability Metrics Despite GAAP Losses
GAAP gross margin expanded to 57.6% in Q4 from 55.6% a year ago, while non-GAAP gross margin reached 59.6% versus 59.1% in the prior period. Operating leverage improved, with GAAP operating expenses at 68% of revenue compared with 100% a year earlier, narrowing GAAP loss from operations to 11% of revenue from 45% a year ago. On a non-GAAP basis, income from operations rose to 16% of revenue, compared to a 7% loss in Q4 of fiscal 2024. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share were $0.19, turning positive from a loss of $0.09 per share twelve months prior.
3. First Quarter 2026 Outlook and Demand Variability
Management guided Q1 revenue to range between $130 million and $140 million, above consensus estimates, while forecasting GAAP gross margins of 56.0%–59.0% and non-GAAP margins of 58.0%–61.0%. Anticipated GAAP operating expenses are $85 million to $90 million. The company flagged potential broadband weakness and lumpy infrastructure orders, suggesting near-term revenue could fluctuate by quarter depending on large project cycles and customer stocking patterns.
4. Cash Flow, Capital Return, and Long-Term Strategy
Operating cash flow in Q4 was $10.4 million, bringing full-year cash generation to $19.6 million versus a $45.3 million usage in fiscal 2024. The board authorized a $20 million share repurchase during the quarter, underscoring confidence in long-term growth prospects. Management reiterated focus on high-value markets—Wi-Fi 7, PON broadband access, Ethernet, and storage accelerators—and expects sustained market share gains through 2027.