MaxLinear Raises AI Data Center Outlook Third Time as Revenue Surges 72%

MaxLinear lifted its full-year 2026 optical data center revenue outlook for the third straight time, raising the target to $250–$270 million from an earlier $150–$170 million range set at the start of the year—an upward revision of more than $100 million. In its third-quarter update, the Carlsbad, California chipmaker reported net revenue of $218.1 million, up 72% year over year and 29% sequentially, driven by demand for its AI data center optical chip platform. CEO Kishore Seendripu pointed to a “significant growth inflection.” The company also expanded working capital in Q3, including accounts receivable rising 44% sequentially to $73.4 million and prepaid expenses jumping 60% to $121.6 million, supporting the idea that hyperscalers are pulling orders forward to secure supply. It amended its revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo to add $70 million, bringing total capacity to $200 million.