Quarterlytics / Technology / Communication Equipment / Ciena

Ciena

cien · NYSE Technology
Claim this profile
Ticker cien
Exchange NYSE
Sector Technology
Industry Communication Equipment
Employees 5001-10,000
← All annual reports
FY2004 Annual Report · Ciena
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
ANNUAL  REPOR T  2004 

In a world of generalists n n n

Ciena Corporation supplies application-

focused communications networking equipment,

software and services to communications service

providers, cable operators, governments and

enterprises. We are leveraging our core com-

petencies in optical networking, data networking

and broadband access to develop and deliver

solutions that address our customers’ most

important networking challengesn n n challenges

that impact their businesses. 

We are the network specialist, focused on:

n optimizing edge networks for 

broadband communications;

n enhancing enterprise data services; and 

n evolving network infrastructure to support

new services. 

We don’t intend to deliver everything in a 

network. Just the right things n n n right where

they are needed.

 
Ciena has chosen to be a specialist

 
Ciena is a profoundly differ-

ent  company  than  it  was  just 

as in 
easing customers’
critical network 
pain points

two  years ago.  Following  four

strategic acquisitions  since  the

summer of 2003 and several key

technology partnerships,  Ciena

has deliberately augmented its portfolio with the platforms

that enable us to go to market as the network specialist.

We’ve  combined  Ciena’s  leadership  position  in  optical

networking with products and partners to form a best-of-

breed  arsenal  designed  to  enable  high-performance,

cost-effective  applications  that  can  be  tailored  to  meet

unique customer needs.

What  does  it  mean  to  be  the  network  specialist? 

It means that we specialize in curing specific network chal-

lenges rather than pursuing particular technologies. It means

that  our  application-centric  approach  to  solving  our 

customers’ challenges targets the emerging, high-growth

applications that are most critical to their businesses. And

it means that we work to enable such applications in a way

that actually reduces the cost of network ownership while

expanding network possibil-

ities.  In  other words,  we

don’t  deliver  everything

across  the  network—just

the right things, right where

they’re needed. 

as in 
exploiting new 
applications for 
our customers’ 
business gain

As a specialist, Ciena lays claim to a valuable role in

the network marketplace that no other company can fill.

In today’s  business  climate,  our  customers  tell  us  they

require a specialist, i.e., the world has enough vendors who

approach specific  challenges  with  a  set  of  generalist

offerings.  That  opens  the

door  for  a  company  that  has

the 

flexibility,  the  critical

mass  and  the  expertise  to

focus  strictly  on  the  most

strategic applications n n n

as in 
expanding network
possibilities while
reducing cost 
of ownership

A Targeted Approach: 
Key Applications That Impact Multiple Markets

As the network specialist, Ciena focuses on the most critical, high-value applications that are driving

our customers’ business today and tomorrow. Many of these applications are key drivers to multiple

market segments. 

We’ve created segment-specific teams to work with our telco, cable, government and enterprise

customers to tailor solutions to their unique business challenges. By combining segment-specific

expertise  with  application-specific  products  and  technologies,  Ciena’s  approach  is  designed 

to maximize customers’ immediate and long-term strategic value with relevant solutions to their

unique challenges.

ACCESS
MODERNIZATION

ADVANCED
DATA SERVICES

OPTICAL 
TRANSPORT &
SWITCHING 

NETWORK
CONSOLIDATION

FIXED/MOBILE
CONVERGENCE

VOICE OVER IP

HIGH- 
PERFORMANCE
STORAGE
EXTENSION

VOICE/VIDEO/DATA
TRIPLE PLAY

CABLE
From residential voice, video-on-demand, and HDTV to commercial data services, it’s all about efficiently enabling high-growth
applications. We’re helping cable operators tap multiple markets with a single efficient network. With 15 million homes
passed, Ciena is a leading provider to cable operators, supplying seven of the top ten cable operators in the United States.

ENTERPRISE
With new regulatory compliance requirements and growing business continuity concerns, large enterprises are demanding
lower-cost, higher-performance connectivity that extends value across the entire business. That’s our sweet spot, and we’re
partnering with leading resellers and integrators to reach forward-thinking enterprise customers, providing real-world business
solutions for customers in finance, health care, education, insurance and retail.

TELCO
More than ever, telecom service providers need the best of both worlds. They must deliver the right mix of high-value services
while at the same time maximizing network/operational efficiency. From broadband to core optics, Ciena cures today’s critical
pain points. More importantly, Ciena’s solutions provide network scalability and flexibility that enable telco networks to
evolve to meet the changing demands of their consumer and enterprise customers. Ciena’s telecom customers include
the largest service providers in the world, with core, metro and access networks deployed all over the globe.

GOVERNMENT
For reasons ranging from national security to economic pressures, there is a strategic need for governments to be more
responsive, to collaborate more effectively, and to make decisions in real time. Ciena’s enabling the applications that help
realize this transformation. We’re building one of the world’s largest government networks with DISA (Defense Information
Systems Agency) and we’re delivering applications to multiple government agencies including defense, civilian and research. 

Fellow Shareholders,

GARY B. SMITH

Much about the networking industry and about Ciena has
changed over the last several years, but our goal of building
a  business  to  achieve  maximum,  sustained  revenue  and
earnings  potential—as  well  as  our  approach  to  reaching
that goal—remains the same. I’ll take this opportunity to
report on our steps forward in 2004 and discuss our business
drivers in the year ahead. 

I’ll be the first to congratulate those within Ciena who
have made possible our progress thus far. We’ve achieved
a lot in terms of positioning ourselves for growth in strategic
markets.  But  I’m  also  the  first  to  recognize  that  we  have
considerable work ahead. As shareholders, you need to know
how we get to profitability and, beyond that, to earnings
growth. To  address  that,  we  must  first  review  briefly  how
we got here.

There’s no question that Ciena is a profoundly different
company than it was. In 2001, we were an optical networking
supplier to telco customers. That’s all we did, and we did it
very well. But a collapse in the telecom industry dramatically
affected  demand  for  the  kinds  of  products  we  sold. We
had a business with  enormous  customer  credibility  and  a
reputation for delivering economic value through applied,
practical technology, but our market largely dissolved, and
our revenue plunged 80% from 2001 to 2002.

At that point we had two basic options. We could stop
our research and development, cut costs to the bone, and
bide our time to see what the market might do. That might
have  brought  us  to  profitability  short-term,  but  without
investment  there  is  no  innovation—and  no  fuel  to  drive
future growth.

Our  other  option—the  strategy  we  chose  and  have
stuck with—was to continue to invest carefully in our business,
while  at  the  same  time,  expanding  our  focus  to  include
emerging  applications  that  we  believed  offered  growth
opportunities. We chose to find ways to leverage our core
competencies  and  augment  our  portfolio  and  expertise  to
position Ciena for new opportunities in strategic application
areas  that  address not  only  telco  customers  but  also  cable
operators, enterprises and government agencies. 

With a new application-driven approach to our customers’
network challenges, and a revamped portfolio built through
internal  R&D,  acquisitions  and  technology  partnerships,
we’ve  transformed  Ciena  into  a  specialist  in  high-value
applications  like  the  voice-video-data  triple  play,  HDTV,
broadband service delivery, voice over IP and data storage

extension,  to  name  a  few.  With  the  discipline  to  focus
strictly on the applications that offer the greatest business
value to customers in multiple markets, we believe we are
expanding  our  business  opportunity  without  spreading
ourselves too thin. In fact, we can already point to momentum
across our customer segments:

In our traditional market of telco service providers:
n We are building a nationwide network with MCI;
n We are delivering broadband access in all four

Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) and 
multiple independent carriers; and

n We have sold products to 22 of the top 30 service 

providers worldwide.

In the cable market:
n With 15 million homes passed, we are the leading

provider of optical Ethernet solutions to cable operators,
supplying seven of the top ten operators in the U.S.; and
n We’ve decreased the equipment cost for transport from
$150 to $15 per video stream, which has enabled appli-
cations like video-on-demand by making cable operators
price-competitive with traditional video rentals.

In the government market:
n We are providing the foundation for one of the world’s

largest government networks with the Defense
Information Systems Agency; and, 

n We are currently enabling applications for multiple govern-
ment agencies including defense, civilian and research. 

In the enterprise market:
n We’re tapping new opportunities through channel 

partners like EMC and others; and

n We currently have 30 major enterprise customers 
in multiple verticals including finance, health care, 
education, insurance and retail.

Growing Revenue
The new markets we’ve entered and the new customers we’ve
added are in large part responsible for our revenue growth
in 2004. Our 2004 revenue of $298.7 million represents an
increase of 5.5% over 2003 revenue of $283.1 million.

On the basis of generally accepted accounting princi-
ples, or GAAP, our net loss for the year was $789.5 million,
or a loss of $1.51 per share. On an adjusted basis, our loss
for fiscal 2004 would have been $158.6 million, or a loss of
$0.30 per share1, an improvement from fiscal 2003’s adjusted
net loss of $0.38 per share. 

1 In evaluating Ciena’s business, Ciena’s management team excludes certain charges or credits that are required by GAAP because we believe they do not represent the
operational results of our ongoing business. Excluded items generally share one or more of the following characteristics: they are unusual and Ciena does not expect
them to recur in the ordinary course of its business; they do not involve the expenditure of cash; they are unrelated to the ongoing operation of the business in the
ordinary course; or their magnitude and timing is largely outside of the Company’s control.

 
To drive future revenue momentum, however, we must
also  leverage  our  expertise  in  emerging  applications  to
expand  the  breadth  of  products  we’re  selling  to  existing
customers. We’ve done a good job of this with customers
like  Verizon  where  we  started  selling  long-haul  transport
solutions  and  now  also  provide  broadband  access  and
data networking solutions. We’re working to achieve this
same sort of breadth with other customers.

We’re  also  working  to  accelerate  portfolio-wide  sales
through partnerships and channels. We’ve added products
to the portfolio through our partnerships with Laurel Networks
and Turin Networks, and we’ve tapped into new enterprise
markets and channel opportunities with partners like EMC.
We’re also reselling to enterprises through our traditional
carrier customers who are looking for ways to better serve
their large enterprise customers.

Improving Gross Margin
We reported gross margin of 29.5% for our fiscal 2004 fourth
quarter,  a  significant  improvement  from  second  quarter‘s
gross margin low of 11%. However, we continue to believe
that  Ciena  can  and  should  operate  with  an  overall  gross
margin of better than 40%. So how will we get there? 

First, as we increase the percentage of revenue coming
from  higher  margin  products,  our  overall  margin  will
improve. The gross margin improvement we saw over the
course  of  2004  for  instance,  reflected  an  increase  in  the
percentage of revenue coming from data networking and
broadband applications.

Second, we will continue to take steps to more proactively
market  and  sell  profitable  service  offerings.  Our  services
gross margin has already begun to show the results of our
early  efforts,  improving  to  22.3%  in  our  fiscal  2004  fourth
quarter from -2.9% in the same period a year prior.

Third,  we  will  continue  to  pursue  aggressive  product
cost reductions, particularly in our transport and switching
products.  While  transport  and  switching  applications  are
not a primary focus for our customers today, we believe
access  network  expansion  and  emerging  broadband
applications  will  ultimately  drive  future  demand.  In  the
meantime, we’ll pursue product cost reductions to ensure
we remain cost competitive.

Optimizing Operating Costs
Ensuring our operating costs are appropriately aligned with
our revenue opportunity and with gross margin is another
critical component to achieving sustained profitability and
future earnings growth.

At the end of our fiscal 2004 fourth quarter our ongoing
operating  expenses,  which  we  consider  to  be  the  costs
associated  with  selling  and  supporting  our  products  and
running our business, totaled $74.5 million. This represented
a  nearly  7%  decrease  over  the  same  period  a  year  prior
despite the addition of ongoing operating expenses asso-
ciated  with  two  acquisitions  completed  and  integrated
into our business during that time frame. 

In addition to closing our San Jose, CA facility during
2004, we also combined our Core Networking and our Metro
and Enterprise Solutions groups to form a single Transport
and Switching group in a move designed to help us identify
and  eliminate  development  redundancies.  Through  2005
we’ll continue to look for opportunities to reduce or eliminate
costs  and  will  constantly  evaluate  whether  our  expenses
are in line with our opportunity.

A New Ciena 
In late October, we went to market with a defined identity
as the network specialist. The positioning included a new
logo, a new, customer-facing website and a new approach
to our customers’ challenges. By changing our voice and
appearance to the world, we quickly convey that Ciena has
changed from the company it was. 

This  positioning  reflects  the  transition  we’ve  made 
in the last two years and clarifies to customers changes 
to our portfolio, changes to our approach to the market, 
and significant and ongoing changes to our business. It
demonstrates the strategy behind our acquisitions while
distinguishing  us  from  peers  and  competitors  who  are 
still  approaching  customers  with  generalist  offerings  to
specific challenges. 

Being  the  specialist  inherently  implies  focus,  and  our
focus  is  on  doing  what  we’ve  always  done  best:  solving
real-world networking problems with innovative solutions.
I  firmly  believe  that  through  the  combination  of  the
actions we’ve taken, we have set the stage for continued
meaningful improvements to Ciena’s business model during
fiscal 2005. We have set some aggressive goals for ourselves
in the coming year. We realize we have a lot of work ahead
of us, but we have a committed team that realizes the only
way to get there is by executing one quarter at a time.

On behalf of myself and all the employees of Ciena, 
I  thank  our  customers  and  our  shareholders  for  their 
continued support. 

GARY B. SMITH
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For Annual and Transition Reports pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Mark One)
[ X ] Annual Report pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004

OR

[

] Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from _________ to __________

Commission file number 0–21969

Ciena Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) Delaware

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 23–2725311

(Address of principal executive offices) 1201 Winterson Road, Linthicum, MD

(Zip Code) 21090–2205

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) (410) 865–8500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.01 par value

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) 
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

YES [ X ]

NO [

]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained 
herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information 
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

]

[

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). 

YES [ X ]

NO [

]

The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was 
$1,954,477,066, based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on April 30, 2004.

The number of shares of Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of December 6, 2004 was 571,762,211.

Documents Incorporated by Reference
Part III of the Form 10-K incorporates by reference certain portions of the Registrant’s proxy 
statement for its 2005 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Commission 
not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

PAGE 1

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

n Part I

The information in this Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements related
to markets for Ciena’s products and services and trends in its business that involve risks and uncertainties.
Ciena’s  actual  results  may  differ  materially  from  the  results  discussed  in  these  forward-looking  statements.
Factors that might cause such a difference include those discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations-Risk  Factors”  and  “Business”  as  well  as  those  discussed
elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Item 1. Business

Overview
Ciena Corporation supplies application-focused communications networking equipment, software and services
to  communications  service  providers,  cable  operators,  governments  and  enterprises.  Ciena  is  a  network
specialist,  focused  on  optimizing  access  and  edge  networks  for  broadband  communication,  enhancing
enterprise data services and evolving network infrastructure to support new services through automation
and  convergence.  Ciena  leverages  its  core  competencies  in  optical  networking,  data  networking  and
broadband access to develop and deliver solutions that address its customers’ most important networking
problems. Our solutions enable customers to gain a competitive advantage by increasing the functionality
of their networks and reducing their costs of transporting data, voice and video.

Ciena was incorporated in Delaware in November 1992, and completed its initial public offering on February 7,
1997. Ciena’s principal executive offices are located at 1201 Winterson Road, Linthicum, Maryland 21090. Our
telephone number is (410) 865-8500, and our web site address is www.ciena.com. We make our annual reports
on  Form  10-K,  quarterly  reports  on  Form  10-Q,  current  reports  on  Form  8-K,  and  amendments  to  those
reports, available free of charge on the Investor Relations page of our web site as soon as reasonably practi-
cable after we file these reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In fiscal 2001, Ciena’s annual revenue reached $1.6 billion, based largely on the sale of a single product cate-
gory,  long-distance  optical  transport  equipment,  primarily  to  inter-exchange  carriers  (IXCs)  and  emerging
telecommunications carriers in the US, Europe, and Asia. In early 2001, the telecommunications industry began
a severe decline, which has affected almost all of its participants, including communications networking equip-
ment suppliers like Ciena. This decline caused the market for networking equipment to shrink substantially,
with a resulting adverse impact on our revenue and profitability. In response to these changes in the telco mar-
ket,  we  embarked  upon  a  strategy  designed  to  increase  our  addressable  market  through  a  combination  of
internal development, acquisitions and strategic alliances targeting emerging high-value applications. Since
2001, we have entered new market segments, including cable, government and enterprise, by expanding our
network solution offerings and developing a growing number of strategic relationships. We have broadened
our portfolio of products and services beyond the network core—where the backbone of carriers’ networks
reside—to increase our emphasis on technologies that reside toward the edge of large communications net-
works where end users gain access. We have also worked to increase our market share by adding new features
and enhanced functionality to our products.

During fiscal 2004, to further implement our strategy, we completed the acquisitions of Catena Networks,
Inc. and Internet Photonics Inc. Through the Catena acquisition, we added broadband access solutions
that enable the delivery of traditional “plain old telephone service” (POTS), DSL, video services, and voice
over IP (VoIP) from a single, integrated platform. Through the Internet Photonics acquisition, we added
carrier-grade optical Ethernet transport and switching solutions for deployment of Ethernet private-line
services  by  cable  operators  and  carriers.  The  broadband  access  markets  served  by  these  products  are
expected to benefit as service providers shift spending to the access portions of their networks to enable
increased residential access to high-bandwidth services such as DSL, video on demand and high defini-
tion television (HDTV).

PAGE 2

 
CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Ciena had revenue of $298.7 million for its fiscal year ended October 31, 2004, an increase of 5.5% when com-
pared with fiscal 2003 revenue of $283.1 million. Ciena recorded a net loss of $789.5 million in fiscal 2004
compared with a net loss of $386.5 million for fiscal 2003. The percentage of Ciena’s total revenues from trans-
port and switching products declined from 80.6% in fiscal 2003 to 65.5% in fiscal 2004 and the percentage of
our revenues from data networking products and broadband access products increased from 4.4% in fiscal
2003 to 18.3% in fiscal 2004. During fiscal 2004, Ciena also expanded its customer base to include a wider
range of customers, including communications service providers, cable operators, government agencies, and
through  strategic  distribution  channels  and  relationships,  large  enterprises.  In  December  2003,  Ciena  was
awarded  a  contract  by  Science  Applications  International  Corporation  (SAIC)  to  support  the  United  States
Defense Information Systems Agency’s Global Information Grid Bandwidth Expansion (GIG-BE) project, the
United States Department of Defense’s initiative to transform its global communications infrastructure. During
fiscal 2003, AT&T and Qwest each represented more than 10% of Ciena’s total revenue. During fiscal 2004,
SAIC was the only customer that represented more than 10% of Ciena’s total revenue.

Ciena  organizes  its  operations  into  four  separate  business  segments:  the  Transport  and  Switching  Group
(TSG), the Data Networking Group (DNG), the Broadband Access Group (BBG) and Global Network Services
(GNS). These segments, used for financial reporting as well as internal organization, were realigned in 2004
to reflect Ciena’s expanded solutions portfolio and its addressable markets. These business segments pro-
vide products and services for applications across the four market segments in which Ciena operates: telco,
cable, government and enterprise.

The  matters  discussed  in  this  section  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  Consolidated  Financial
Statements found under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which includes further financial
information about our segments and total assets, revenues, measures of profits and loss and financial infor-
mation about geographic areas.

Industry Background
Deregulation in the United States and privatization in many other countries during the 1990’s began a transition
from a telecommunications industry characterized by a small number of heavily regulated large communica-
tions  service  providers  to  one  in  which  many  new  competitors  began  to  emerge.  Rapid  traffic  growth  and
readily available capital further fueled growth in the number of service providers, as emerging carriers built
new  networks  and  fought  to  take  market  share  from  the  incumbent  carriers.  The  rapid  adoption  of  the
Internet  prompted  service  providers  and  enterprises  to  construct  large-scale  data  networks  as  overlays  to
existing legacy voice networks. As a consequence of this rapid build-out, the capital expenditure-to-revenue
ratio at most communications service providers rose to an unsustainable level.

Beginning in late 2000, capital markets tightened. Communications service providers responded by curtailing
network build-outs and dramatically reducing their overall capital spending, significantly affecting the revenue
and profitability of communications network equipment providers like Ciena. Emerging carriers defaulted on
debt, and many went into bankruptcy. Several large communications service providers were caught in financial
and other regulatory scandals adding to the overall turmoil in the telecommunications industry.

Competitive Threats Emerge
The challenges in the telecom industry were further compounded by the emergence of a number of competi-
tive  threats  that  dramatically  affected  communications  service  providers’  traditional  business  models.
Worldwide, established and emerging service providers faced brutal price competition for local and long-
distance voice services and a deterioration of their businesses due to increasing consumer reliance upon dis-
tance-insensitive  pricing  of  wireless  carriers.  As  new  technologies  and  alternatives  for  broadband  access
services  emerged,  the  list  of  credible  competitors  to  traditional  carriers  grew.  Increased  availability  and
reduced consumer cost of broadband access through cable operators resulted in the replacement of second

PAGE 3

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

phones as an Internet access medium. In North America, the entry of the regional bell operating companies
(RBOCs)  into  the  long  distance  market  led  to  deteriorating  business  models  and  uncertain  futures  for  the
IXCs. At the same time, the RBOCs’ business models were threatened by wireless displacement of traditional
voice revenues and the emergence of cable operators as broadband service providers.

Focus on Broadband Services
The emergence of these competitive threats has caused virtually all communications service providers to look
for ways to combat them, with the approach taken varying depending on the service provider, the strengths
and weaknesses of their existing network and their customer base.

To combat the loss of local voice revenue, the RBOCs looked to expanding long-distance voice and broad-
band  services  including  Internet,  data  and  video,  within  their  traditional  consumer  customer  base.
However, modernizing the RBOC access networks to support broadband services is costly, and regulatory
rulings  limiting  competitive  access  to  last-mile  networks  were  firmly  established.  Recent  regulatory
changes  have  clarified  competitive  access  rules,  encouraging  the  RBOCs  to  modernize  their  access  net-
works. These same regulatory changes, coupled with difficulty in providing competitive bundled services,
have caused IXCs to rethink their focus and exit certain traditional business. In 2004, AT&T announced that
it would cease to compete for traditional consumer long-distance voice businesses in an effort to focus on
higher value and more profitable business services for voice and data.

Cable  operators  have  looked  to  maximize  the  value  of  their  existing  infrastructure  and  customer  base  and
expand their service offerings beyond traditional cable subscription. Improved equipment technology enabled
cable operators to provide services like video on demand at prices competitive to video or DVD rentals and
data services that are speed and price competitive with RBOC offerings. In addition, expanding HDTV pro-
gramming content and consumer availability of equipment has increased demand for HDTV services.

With the addition of voice services to the offerings of traditional cable operators and new video services from
RBOCs, the competition to provide consumers with new broadband service bundles that include voice, video
and data is accelerating.

Similar trends are also occurring internationally, with competition for customers spreading among traditional
voice, wireless and satellite carriers. In parts of Europe and Asia, wireless carriers are looking to hold onto cus-
tomers by evolving their relatively new 3G wireless networks to meet the growing demand for broadband-
enabled  services  and  data-rich  applications  on  mobile  devices.  Additionally,  there  is  perceived  to  be  vast
opportunity in developing geographies in Asia in particular, where country-wide, broadband communication
services are being deployed for the first time.

Changing Needs of Enterprise and Government
At the same time that competition was increasing for traditional communications service providers, the needs
of some of their largest enterprise customers were changing. Increased reliance on information technology
combined with world events and large regional power outages brought concerns of network reliability and
business  continuity  to  the  forefront.  Simultaneously,  increased  competition  among  networking  solutions
providers and changes in market demand resulted in reduced costs to enterprises for products and services
focused on transport of data and voice. As a result, many large enterprises and U.S. Government agencies
turned away from relying solely on traditional service providers for their communications needs and took on
the challenge of building their own, secure private networks, some on a global scale.

Broadband Service Bundles Driving Network Convergence
In the face of this increased competition, the major challenge faced by nearly all service providers is evolving
their networks to process a growing range of broadband services efficiently and to deliver them profitably.

PAGE 4

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The networks of most incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), IXCs and overseas post, telephone and tele-
graph entities (PTTs) were designed to carry voice traffic and to deliver voice services while the networks of
most cable operators were optimized for limited video and data services. As the demand for data services
grew, traditional communications service providers built separate data networks and operated them concur-
rently  with  their  existing  voice  networks.  With  the  demand  shifting  to  broadband  and  to  complete  service
bundles, service providers once again face the challenge of how to evolve their networks to profitably sup-
port a range of new services such as VoIP, IP television (IPTV) and HDTV. Most service providers have con-
cluded  that  the  only  way  to  offer  advanced  broadband  bundles  that  include  voice,  data,  video  and  other
services profitably is to consolidate their separate voice and data networks onto a single converged network,
one that is capable of delivering multiple broadband services over a single infrastructure.

Strategy
While this vision of network convergence is widely shared, there are divergent perceptions regarding how it
will  be  achieved.  Some  equipment  vendors  envision  that  the  converged  network  will  be  based  on  a  com-
pletely new network infrastructure. We believe, however, that the transition to a converged all-service network
will be an evolutionary process, one in which service providers will seek to maximize the value of their exist-
ing network investment. Our strategic initiatives, relationships and investments are intended to capitalize on
this evolution. In addition, we are focused on leveraging our expertise to address the evolving and emerging
needs of large enterprises and government customers whose focus on business continuity, disaster recovery
and network reliability have led them to look to networking partners other than traditional service providers.

In  fiscal  2001,  nearly  80%  of  Ciena’s  revenue  came  from  a  single  product  category,  long-haul  optical  transport
equipment, and from a single customer segment, telco service providers. Since then, through internal develop-
ment, acquisition and strategic relationships, we have significantly diversified our product portfolio and with it, our
customer base. In addition to our historical focus on products and services addressed primarily to applications for
telco  service  providers,  Ciena  now  addresses  applications  for  cable  operators,  government  entities  and  large
enterprises. We intend to continue to focus on these additional market segments and have created a wholly owned
subsidiary, CIENA Government Solutions, Inc., for purposes of facilitating our government contracts activity.

Our strategy is based on leveraging our key strengths to capitalize on service providers’ focus on new rev-
enue opportunities and operational savings as they move toward converged voice and data networks as well
as on the network efficiencies and reliability we can bring to bear on large enterprise and government net-
works. We believe our key strengths include our solid base of major customers, our position as an industry
technology leader and our experience in successfully introducing economically driven network innovation.

Since the decline in the communications equipment market began, our strategy has been to enhance our
competitive position by continuing to invest in our business. This strategy entails taking steps to:

• Expand our addressable market by adding new broadband service and delivery capabilities to our port-

folio through internal development, acquisition and strategic relationships;

• Increase our market share within our existing markets by enhancing the features and functions of current

products and reducing their cost;

• Increase our effort to develop, market and sell products and services focused on optimizing access and

edge networks for broadband communication and enhanced enterprise data services;

• Realign our resources to better reflect our market opportunities and focus on reducing ongoing operat-

ing expenses;

• Broaden and diversify our customer base by expanding the range of solutions we provide and develop-
ing new sales channels and distribution arrangements to increase our exposure to enterprises and gov-
ernment customers; and

• Increase sales to existing major customers by leveraging our new features, products and strategic rela-

tionships to establish Ciena as a strategic supplier.

PAGE 5

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

We believe restoring sustained profitability to Ciena requires simultaneous revenue growth and an internal
transformation of our business and processes. Our efforts toward this transformation are well underway and
will continue. They include:

• Balancing continued strategic investment with careful cost control and prudent cash management;
• Closely aligning development, sales and marketing investments with market opportunity;
• Reducing fixed manufacturing overhead costs through outsourcing;
• Improving  gross  margin  by  adding  products  with  higher  software  content  and  devoting  significant

research and development resources to product cost reductions;

• Expanding our service offerings and delivering them more profitably; and
• Modifying our business processes to match the demands of our evolving customer base and prod-

uct portfolio.

Ciena’s Application Focus
Ciena  focuses  its  research  and  development  and  sales  and  marketing  efforts  on  developing  and  selling
equipment, software and services that address the networking problems of our customers in the telco, cable,
government and enterprise market segments and which enable them to exploit the new, high-value applica-
tions that are driving their businesses.

Telco Applications
Ciena offers equipment, software and services focused on key telco applications including small business and
residential services focused on the triple play of voice, video and data. Ciena also provides equipment, soft-
ware  and  services  to  address  applications  for  enterprise  and  data  services,  storage  connectivity  services,
Ethernet converged services, Ethernet private line and virtual private line, data services gateway and frame
relay, and ATM corporate services.

Building  on  our  heritage  in  optical  communication  and  core  networking,  Ciena  also  provides  a  number  of
products designed to improve network infrastructure, such as IP/MPLS migration and convergence, broad-
band aggregation, end-to-end automated service provisioning, optical cross-connect, metro fiber buildouts,
long-haul transport and switching and wireless aggregation.

Cable Applications
Ciena offers equipment, software and services focused on cable provider applications including VoIP, video
on  demand,  HDTV,  fiber  relief,  convergence  of  commercial  and  residential  services  over  a  single  optical
switching and transport network, residential voice, video and data and wireless backhaul.

Government Applications
Ciena also offers equipment, software and services focused on applications of particular interest to government
entities, including research networks, storage extension for business continuance and disaster recovery, network
consolidation, SONET/SDH evolution, long-haul transport and switching, and circuit-to-packet voice migration.

Enterprise Applications
Ciena  offers  equipment,  software  and  services  focused  on  key  enterprise  applications  including  wide  area
network  consolidation,  maximizing  enterprise  fiber,  data  resource  consolidation  and  storage  extension  for
business continuance and disaster recovery.

PAGE 6

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Business Segments
Ciena is organized into four separate business segments for both financial reporting and management purposes.

Broadband Access Group (BBG)
Ciena’s broadband access group supplies customers with products that enable them to deliver next genera-
tion broadband access applications. This group was initially formed in May 2004 as a result of Ciena’s acqui-
sition of Catena Networks. The products supported by this group include:

• CNX-5™ Broadband DSL System
• CNX-100™ Modular Broadband Loop Carrier
• CN 1000™ Next-Generation Broadband Access Platform
• CN 1000™ FX ONU Optical Networking Unit

Data Networking Group (DNG)
Ciena  delivers  market-leading  platforms  for  metropolitan  network  multiservice  aggregation.  Ciena’s  DN
series multiservice edge switching platform enhances bandwidth efficiency, provisioning, and scalability by
converging traditional and emerging data services such as ATM, DSL, Frame Relay, TDM/CES, and IP/MPLS
in the network core and at the edge. The platform also offers a safe migration path to IP/MPLS, while simul-
taneously supporting existing legacy services. The DN series of multiservice edge switches includes four dif-
ferent switches of varying capacity:

• DN 7000™ Multiservice Edge Switch
• DN 7050™ Multiservice Edge Switch
• DN 7100™ Multiservice Edge Switch
• DN 7200™ Multiservice Edge Switch

The Data Networking group also manages Ciena’s relationship with Laurel Networks. Under the agreement
with Laurel, which is exclusive as to certain designated customers, Ciena markets, sells and supports Laurel
Networks’ service edge routers to communications service providers worldwide.

Global Network Services (GNS)
Ciena provides a comprehensive portfolio of managed and consulting services for its products including:

• Deployment services including network design, product installation, testing and commissioning Ciena

access, data and optical networks;

• Managed  services  including  helpdesk,  spares  and  logistics  management,  engineering  dispatch,

advanced technical support and hardware and software warranty extensions; and

• Training and documentation services including product training, service partner certification and docu-

mentation services.

Transport and Switching Group (TSG)
Ciena’s Transport and Switching Group combines into a consolidated group Ciena’s former core networking
and metro and enterprise networking groups, and includes products acquired as a result of our acquisition of
Internet Photonics.

PAGE 7

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Products supported by this group include:

• CoreStream™ Agility Optical Transport System
• MultiWave Sentry® 4000 Optical Transport System
• MultiWave Sentry® 1600 Optical Transport System
• MultiWave™ Metro
• CoreStream™ System Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers (OADMs)
• CoreDirector® family of intelligent optical core switches.
• ONLINE Metro™ Multiservice DWDM Platform
• MetroDirector K2™ Multiservice Platform
• CN 4300™ Managed Optical Wavelength Services Aggregator
• CN 3600™ Intelligent Optical Multiservice Switch
• CN 2600™ Multiservice Edge Aggregator
• CN 2300™ Managed Multiservice Access Multiplexer
• CN 2200™ Managed Optical Services Multiplexer
• CN 2130™ Managed Amplified Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer
• CN 2110™ Dispersion Compensating Module
• CN 2100™ Passive Wavelength Multiplexer
• CN 2000™ Storage Extension Platform

Product Development
We believe that to be successful and remain technologically competitive in our industry, we must continue
to develop new products that meet our customers’ evolving needs. We also must continue to enhance and
maintain our existing products to maximize their functionality and commercial acceptance and reduce our
overall  costs  of  manufacturing  these  products.  As  a  result,  we  have  invested  and  expect  to  continue  to
invest  in  our  products  and  their  feature  sets.  Ciena’s  research  and  development  expenses  (exclusive  of
stock compensation cost of $15.7 million, $12.8 million, and $6.5 million) were $239.6 million, $199.7 million
and $198.9 million for fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, respectively. For more information regarding
our research and development expenses, see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Conditions and Results of Operations.”

Our product development process is driven by market demand and a close collaboration among our market-
ing, sales and product development organizations. We also incorporate feedback from our customers in the
product development process. In some cases, we will work with and make strategic investments in partners
to develop new or modify existing products. In addition, we participate in industry and standards organiza-
tions where appropriate and incorporate information from these contacts throughout the product develop-
ment process.

Marketing and Distribution
We  are  focused  on  selling  our  communications  networking  equipment,  software  and  services  by  building
long-term  relationships  with  service  providers,  cable  operators,  governments,  enterprises,  and  other  cus-
tomers through our direct sales efforts and channel relationships. We maintain a direct sales presence in loca-
tions throughout the United States, Latin America, Canada, Europe and Asia. Through these offices we sell
and support the products of our business segments. We also maintain a channel program with a dedicated
team that works with resellers, systems integrators and service providers to sell and market our solutions to
service providers, governments and enterprises.

In support of its worldwide sales efforts, Ciena conducts marketing communications programs intended to
position and promote its equipment, software and services within the communications networking industry.
Marketing personnel also coordinate our participation in trade shows and conduct media relations activities
with trade and general business publications.

PAGE 8

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Manufacturing
Ciena relies on electronic manufacturing service (EMS) providers that offer full turnkey manufacturing for the
assembly and test of the majority of our products. We work closely with these EMS providers to manage mate-
rial, quality, cost and delivery times. We continue to perform a significant portion of the module assembly and
testing of our legacy long-haul wave division multiplexing (WDM) products. For our most recent long-haul WDM
product releases, we outsource all module assembly and functional testing. We manufacture in-house all the in-
fiber Bragg gratings used in all our long-haul WDM products. While many products undergo final system inte-
gration and test prior to shipment from our Maryland facility, we also employ a direct order fulfillment model
with some of our EMS providers where they perform final system integration and test prior to direct shipment
to our customers from their facilities. We will continue to evaluate the extent to which EMS providers can pro-
vide turnkey manufacturing, testing and value-added services across all of our product lines on a reliable and
cost-effective basis, and we expect to increasingly rely upon direct order fulfillment by our EMS providers.

Competition
Competition among providers of communications networking equipment, software and services is intense,
and  has  become  increasingly  so  as  the  market  for  communications  networking  solutions  has  declined.
Competition in these markets is based on price, functionality, manufacturing capability, installation, services,
existing business and customer relationships, scalability and the ability of the products and services to meet
customers’ immediate and future network requirements. Competition is dominated by a small number of very
large,  usually  multi-national,  vertically  integrated  companies.  Each  of  these  competitors  has  substantially
greater  financial,  technical  and  marketing  resources,  and  greater  manufacturing  capacity  as  well  as  better
established relationships with the incumbent carriers than Ciena. Included among Ciena’s competitors are:
Advanced  Fibre  Communications,  Inc.,  Alcatel,  Cisco  Systems,  Inc.,  Ericsson,  Fujitsu  Group,  Hitachi  Ltd.,
Huawei  Technologies  Co.  Ltd.,  Lucent  Technologies  Inc.,  Marconi  Corporation,  NEC  Corporation,  Nortel
Networks, Siemens AG, Tellabs, Inc., UTStarcom Incorporated and ZTE Corporation. There are also several
smaller, but established companies, such as ADVA AG Optical Networking, and Sycamore Networks, Inc., that
offer one or more products that compete directly or indirectly with our offerings. In addition, there are a vari-
ety  of  earlier-stage  companies  with  products  targeted  at  the  communications  networking  market  in  some
stage of development or deployment, most of them employing advanced technology that could offer advan-
tages over products offered by Ciena.

Patents, Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property Rights
As of October 31, 2004, Ciena held 264 United States patents and 408 pending U.S. patent applications. We
also have a number of foreign patents and patent applications. Of the United States patents that have been
issued to Ciena, the earliest any will expire is 2015. In addition, Ciena has licensed patents from third parties.
Ciena  also  licenses  from  third  parties  certain  software  components  for  its  network  management  products.
These licenses are perpetual but will generally terminate after an uncured breach of the agreement by Ciena.
Ciena also relies on contractual rights, trade secrets and copyrights to establish and protect its proprietary
rights in its products.

Ciena monitors unauthorized use of its products and enforces its intellectual property rights against infringe-
ment or misappropriation, including by making assertions of patent infringement and filing patent infringement
lawsuits when warranted. We have also been subject to several claims of patent infringement, which in some
cases have required us to pay the patent holders substantial sums or enter into license agreements requiring
ongoing royalty payments. The frequency of assertions of patent infringement in the field of communications
networking equipment is increasing as patent holders seek alternative sources of revenue and competitors
utilize such tactics to their competitive advantage. Such actions can be costly and may require Ciena to take
patent licenses or to redesign or stop selling products that allegedly infringe patents belonging to others.

PAGE 9

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Ciena’s practice is to require its employees and consultants to execute non-disclosure and proprietary rights
agreements  upon  commencement  of  employment  or  consulting  arrangements  with  Ciena.  These  agree-
ments acknowledge Ciena’s exclusive ownership of all intellectual property developed by the individual dur-
ing  the  course  of  his  or  her  work  with  Ciena.  The  agreements  also  require  that  each  person  maintain  the
confidentiality of all proprietary information disclosed to them. In jurisdictions where these agreements are
enforceable,  Ciena  employees  of  the  rank  of  vice  president  or  higher  generally  sign  an  agreement  not  to
compete with Ciena for a period of twelve months following any termination of employment.

CIENA®, LightWorks ON-Center®, MULTIWAVE®, CoreDirector®, COREDIRECTOR CI®, MULTIWAVE METRO®,
MULTIWAVE  SENTRY® and  SMARTSPAN® are  federally  registered  trademarks  of  Ciena  Corporation.
CORESTREAM™,  FASTMESH™,  FLEXIBLE  CONCATENATION™,  LIGHTWORKS™,  LIGHTWORKS  eOS™,
LIGHTWORKS  iOS™,  LIGHTWORKS  OS™,  LIGHTWORKS  TOOLKIT™,  METRODIRECTOR  K2™,  MULTIWAVE
METRO  ONE™,  ON-CENTER™,  ONLINE™;  ONWAVE™;  OPTX™;  OSRP™,  SIMPLY  SMARTER  LIGHT™,
SMARTSUPPORTSM,  SMARTTOOLSSM,  VLSR™,  WAVEDIRECTOR™;  WAVELOCK™,  WAVELOGIC™,  AND
WAVEWATCHER™ are  trademarks  and  service  marks  of  Ciena  Corporation.  Unauthorized  use  of  any  Ciena
trademark, service mark or logo is prohibited.

Employees
As of October 31, 2004, Ciena and its subsidiaries employed 1,651 persons. None of Ciena’s employees are
currently represented by a labor union and Ciena considers its relations with its employees to be good.

Directors and Executive Officers
The table below sets forth certain information concerning each of the directors and executive officers of Ciena:
Name
Patrick H. Nettles, Ph.D.(1)
Gary B. Smith(1)
Stephen B. Alexander

Age Position
61
44
45

Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Senior Vice President, General Manager of Transport and Switching, 
Chief Technology Officer
Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer
Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President, World Wide Sales
Senior Vice President, General Manager, Broadband Access Group
Senior Vice President, Broadband Architecture and Market Development
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development
Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer
Senior Vice President, General Manager of Data Networking
Senior Vice President, Global Operations
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Vice President, Controller and Treasurer

Steve W. Chaddick
Joseph R. Chinnici
James F. Collier III
James Frodsham
Jim Hjartarson
Laura Howard
Jesús León
Robert A. O’Neil
Arthur Smith, Ph.D.
Russell B. Stevenson, Jr.
Andrew C. Petrik
Stephen P. Bradley, Ph.D.(1)(3)(4)
Harvey B. Cash(1)(2)(4)
Don H. Davis, Jr.(1)(2)
John R. Dillon(1)(3)
Lawton W. Fitt(1)(3)
Judith M. O’Brien(1)(2)(4)
Michael J. Rowny(1)(3)
Gerald H. Taylor(1)(2)

53
50
46
38
48
43
60
46
38
63
41
63 Director
66 Director
65 Director
63 Director
51 Director
54 Director
54 Director
63 Director

(1) Ciena’s Directors hold staggered terms of office, expiring as follows: Ms. O’Brien and Messrs. Cash and Smith in 2005; Messrs. Bradley,

Davis and Taylor in 2006; and Ms. Fitt and Messrs. Dillon, Nettles and Rowny in 2007.

(2) Member of the Compensation Committee
(3) Member of the Audit Committee
(4) Member of the Governance and Nominations Committee

PAGE 10

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Patrick H. Nettles, Ph.D. has served as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors since May 2001. From
October 2000 to May 2001, Dr. Nettles was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and he was
President,  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Director  from  April  1994  to  October  2000.  Dr.  Nettles  serves  as  a
Trustee for the California Institute of Technology and also serves on the Advisory Board to the President at
Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Nettles also serves on the board of directors of Axcelis Technologies, Inc.,
Carrius Technologies, Inc. and The Progressive Corporation.

Gary B. Smith has served as Chief Executive Officer since May 2001 and as President, Chief Operating Officer
and  a  Director  of  Ciena  since  October  2000.  Mr.  Smith  served  as  Senior  Vice  President,  Chief  Operating
Officer from August 1999 to October 2000. Mr. Smith served as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales from
September  1998  to  August  1999,  and  he  was  previously  Vice  President  of  International  Sales  since  joining
Ciena in November 1997. Mr. Smith currently serves on the board of directors for CommVault Systems, Inc.
and  the  American  Electronics  Association,  and  also  serves  as  a  commissioner  for  Global  Information
Infrastructure Commission.

Stephen B. Alexander joined Ciena in 1994 and has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology
Officer of Ciena since January 2000 and General Manager of Transport and Switching since October 2004.
Mr.  Alexander  served  as  Ciena’s  Vice  President  and  Chief  Technology  Officer  from  September  1998  to
January 2000.

Steve W. Chaddick joined Ciena in 1994 and has served as Chief Strategy Officer since May 2001 and served
as Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Strategy from January 2002 to October 2004. Mr. Chaddick
served as Senior Vice President, Systems and Technology from February 2000 to May 2001. Between July 1999
and February 2000, Mr. Chaddick served as President of Ciena’s Core Switching Division. From August 1998
to July 1999, Mr. Chaddick served as Ciena’s Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development.
Mr. Chaddick serves on the board of directors of VistaScape Security Systems Corp.

Joseph R. Chinnici joined Ciena in 1994 and has served as Ciena’s Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer since August 1997. Mr. Chinnici serves on the board of directors for Guilford Pharmaceuticals
Inc. and Brix Networks, Inc.

James F. Collier III has served as Senior Vice President, World Wide Sales since May 2004. Mr. Collier served
as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development from June 2003 to May 2004. Mr. Collier served as Ciena’s
Vice President, North American Sales between May 2002 and May 2003. Prior to joining Ciena, Mr. Collier was
employed by Nortel as Vice President of Major Accounts from April 2001 to April 2002 and as Vice President
of Business Management, Wireless Networks Division from January 1997 to April 2001.

James Frodsham has served as Senior Vice President, General Manager of the Broadband Access Group since
October 2004 and served as Senior Vice President, General Manager of Ciena’s former Metro and Enterprise
Solutions Group from May 2004 to October 2004. From August 2000 to January 2003, Mr. Frodsham served as
chief operating officer and as a member of the board of directors of Innovance Networks, an optical networking
company. Prior to that, Mr. Frodsham was employed for 13 years with Nortel Networks in optical networking
at  the  component  and  systems  level,  lastly  as  Vice  President,  PLM  Optical  Networking  Group,  from
December 1998 to June 2000. Mr. Frodsham serves on the board of directors of Innovance Networks.

Jim Hjartarson has served as Senior Vice President, Broadband Architecture and Market Development since
October  2004.  Mr.  Hjartarson  previously  served  as  Senior  Vice  President,  General  Manager,  Broadband
Access  Group  from  May  2004  to  October  2004.  From  January  1999  to  May  2004,  Mr.  Hjartarson  served  in
numerous  positions,  including  President,  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Director,  Executive  Vice  President  of
Engineering, and Chief Technical Officer, for Catena Networks, a company that Mr. Hjartarson co-founded

PAGE 11

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

that was acquired by Ciena in May 2004. Prior to founding Catena, Mr. Hjartarson was Vice President and
General Manager at Cadence Design Systems and served in numerous positions during a 16 year career at
Nortel,  including  Director  of  Global  Loop  and  Access  Technology.  Mr.  Hjartarson  serves  on  the  board  of
directors of the Telecommunications Industry Association.

Laura Howard has served as Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development since September
2004. Prior to joining Ciena, Ms. Howard served as Chief Marketing Officer for ProQuent Systems, a wireless
network  solutions  company,  from  January  2004  to  September  2004.  From  February  to  May  of  2003,  Ms.
Howard served as Chief Marketing Officer for Enterasys Networks. From May 2000 until June of 2002, Ms.
Howard served as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Product Management and Business Development for
communications  equipment  start-up,  Gotham  Networks.  From  November  1998  to  May  2000,  Ms.  Howard
served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for Ericsson Data Networking, an operating division of Ericsson,
AB. Ms. Howard has also previously held executive positions in marketing, product management and busi-
ness development for, 3Com Corporation, Shiva Corporation and Sun Microsystems.

Jesús  León has  served  as  Senior  Vice  President,  Chief  Development  Officer  since  August  2002.  Mr.  Leon
served  as  Senior  Vice  President,  Metro  Transport  and  Metro  Switching  from  August  2001  to  August  2002,
Senior Vice President, Metro Transport from May 2001 to August 2001, Senior Vice President, Products and
Technology  between  March  1999  and  May  2001,  and  Vice  President,  Products  and  Technology  between
September 1998 and March 1999.

Robert  A.  O’Neil has  served  as  Senior  Vice  President,  General  Manager  of  Data  Networking  since
November  2003.  Mr.  O’Neil  served  as  Vice  President  of  Data  Networking  for  Ciena  from  June  2003  to
November 2003. From November 2002 until he joined Ciena, Mr. O’Neil served as Vice President of Sales
of WaveSmith Networks, which was acquired by Ciena in June 2003. From January 2001 to November 2002,
Mr. O’Neil was a Venture Partner of Bessemer Venture Partners, a venture capital firm. From April 1998 to
December 2002, Mr. O’Neil served as the Vice President of Sales, Network Access Division of Nortel.

Arthur Smith, Ph.D. has served as Senior Vice President, Global Operations since September 2003. Previously,
Dr.  Smith  served  as  Senior  Vice  President,  Worldwide  Customer  Services  and  Support  from  June  2002  to
September 2003 and as Senior Vice President, Core Transport Division from May 2001 through June 2002. Prior
to  May  2001,  Dr.  Smith  held  engineering  management  positions  in  Ciena’s  Transport  Division  since  joining
Ciena in May 1997.

Russell B. Stevenson, Jr. has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since joining
Ciena in August 2001. From March 2000 to August 2001, he was Executive Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary of ARBROS Communications, Inc., an integrated communications provider. From 1996 to 2000,
Mr. Stevenson was Executive Vice President and General Counsel of CyberCash, Inc.

Andrew C. Petrik joined Ciena in 1996 and has served as Vice President, Controller and Treasurer of Ciena
since August 1997.

Stephen P. Bradley, Ph.D. has served as a Director of Ciena since April 1998. Professor Bradley is the William
Ziegler Professor of Business Administration and teaches Competitive and Corporate Strategy in the Advanced
Management Program at the Harvard Business School. A member of the Harvard faculty since 1968, Professor
Bradley is also Chairman of Harvard’s Executive Program in Competition and Strategy: Building and Sustaining
Competitive Advantage. Professor Bradley serves on the board of directors of the Risk Management Foundation
of the Harvard Medical Institutions and Ameriss Corporation.

PAGE 12

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Harvey B. Cash has served as a Director of Ciena since April 1994. Mr. Cash is a general partner of InterWest
Partners, a venture capital firm in Menlo Park, California that he joined in 1985. Mr. Cash serves on the board
of directors of i2 Technologies Inc., Silicon Laboratories, Inc., First Acceptance Corp., Airspan Networks, Inc.,
Staktek Holdings, Inc., Voyence Inc. and Resolution EBS Inc.

Don H. Davis, Jr. has served as a Director of Ciena since March 2002. Mr. Davis has been Chairman of Rockwell
Automation, Inc. since 1998 (Rockwell International Corporation changed its name to Rockwell Automation,
Inc. on June 29, 2001) and served as Chief Executive Officer from 1998 to February 2004. Mr. Davis previously
served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for Rockwell International’s
automation and former semiconductor systems and automotive components businesses. Mr. Davis also serves
on the boards of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. and Journal Communications, Inc. and is a member of the Business
Council, the Business Roundtable, and The Conference Board. Mr. Davis is also a past chairman of the Board
of Governors of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Washington, DC.

John R. Dillon has served as Director of Ciena since October 1999. Mr. Dillon has served in a variety of posi-
tions at The Coca-Cola Company, Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. and Fuqua National. Mr. Dillon joined Cox Enterprises
in 1980 and, until his retirement in 1996, served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and director.

Lawton W. Fitt has served as a Director of Ciena since November 2000. Ms. Fitt has served as Director of
the Royal Academy of Arts in London since October 2002. Ms. Fitt resigned from the Royal Academy of Arts
in December 2004 and anticipates departing in the first half of 2005. Ms. Fitt was an investment banker with
Goldman Sachs & Co. from 1979 to October 2002, where she was a partner from 1994 and a managing direc-
tor  from  1996  to  October  2002.  Ms.  Fitt  is  a  trustee  of  the  Darden  School  Foundation  and  a  director  of
Reuters PLC.

Judith M. O’Brien has served as a Director of Ciena since July 2000. Since February 2001, Ms. O’Brien has been
a Managing Director at Incubic L.L.C., a venture capital firm in Mountain View, California. From February 1984
until February 2001, Ms. O’Brien was a partner with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she specialized
in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate matters. Ms. O’Brien serves on the board
of directors of Arcturus Bioscience, Inc., GeoVector Corporation, Grandis Inc., Memec Group Holdings Limited
and Mistletoe Technologies, Inc.

Michael J. Rowny has served as a Director of Ciena since August 2004. Mr. Rowny has been Chairman of Rowny
Capital, a private equity firm, since 1999. From 1994 to 1999, and previously from 1983 to 1986, Mr. Rowny was
with MCI Communications in positions including President and Chief Executive Officer of MCI’s International
Ventures, Alliances and Correspondent group, acting Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President of Finance,
and Treasurer. Mr. Rowny serves on the board of directors of Intelliden Corporation, Llamagraphics, Inc. and
is chairman of Step 9 Software Corporation.

Gerald  H.  Taylor has  served  as  a  Director  of  Ciena  since  January  2000.  Mr.  Taylor  serves  as  a  Managing
Member of MortonsGroup, LLC and serves on the board of directors of Lafarge North America Inc. From 1996
to 1998, Mr. Taylor was Chief Executive Officer of MCI Communications Corporation.

PAGE 13

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Item 2. Properties
As of October 31, 2004, all of Ciena’s properties are leased. Ciena’s principal executive offices are located in
Linthicum, Maryland. We lease nine facilities related to ongoing operations of our four business segments
and related functions. These include four buildings located at various sites near Linthicum, Maryland, one as
an engineering facility, two as manufacturing facilities, and one as an administrative and sales facility. Ciena
also  has  engineering  and/or  service  facilities  located  in  Alpharetta,  Georgia;  Shrewsbury,  New  Jersey;
Durham, North Carolina; Acton, Massachusetts; and Kanata, Ontario. Ciena also leases various small offices
in the United States and abroad to support its sales and services. We believe the facilities we are now using
are adequate and suitable for business requirements.

Ciena leases a number of properties that we no longer occupy. As part of its restructuring costs, Ciena pro-
vides for the estimated cost of the net lease expense for these facilities. The cost is based on the fair value of
the  future  minimum  lease  payments  under  contractual  obligations  offset  by  the  fair  value  of  the  estimated
future sublease payments. As of October 31, 2004, Ciena’s accrued restructuring liability related to these prop-
erties was $79.9 million. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management,
additional  restructuring  costs  associated  with  these  facilities  may  be  required.  For  additional  information
regarding Ciena’s lease obligations, See Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Item 3. Legal Proceedings
On  October  3,  2000,  Stanford  University  and  Litton  Systems  filed  a  complaint  in  the  United  States  District
Court for the Central District of California alleging that optical fiber amplifiers incorporated into Ciena’s prod-
ucts infringe U.S. Patent No. 4,859,016 (the “‘016 Patent”). The complaint seeks injunctive relief, royalties and
damages.  We  believe  that  we  have  valid  defenses  to  the  lawsuit  and  intend  to  defend  it  vigorously.  On
October 10, 2003, the court stayed the case pending final resolution of matters before the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office (the “PTO”), including a request for and disposition of a reexamination of the ‘016 Patent.
On October 16, 2003 and November 2, 2004, the PTO granted reexaminations of the ‘016 Patent, thus result-
ing in a continuation of the stay of the case.

On July 19, 2000, Ciena and CIENA Properties, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary that was merged into Ciena
on October 29, 2004, filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware request-
ing  damages  and  injunctive  relief  against  Corvis  Corporation,  which  was  renamed  Broadwing  Corporation
(“Broadwing”) in October 2004. The suit charged Broadwing with infringing four patents relating to Ciena’s
optical networking communication systems and technology. A jury trial to determine whether Broadwing is
infringing  these  patents  commenced  on  February  10,  2003.  On  February  24,  2003,  the  jury  decided  that
Broadwing was infringing on Ciena’s U.S. Patent No. 5,938,309 (the “‘309 Patent”), relating to inverse multi-
plexing. The jury decided that Broadwing was not infringing on two other Ciena patents and was deadlocked
with respect to Broadwing’s infringement on the fourth patent, U.S. Patent No. 5,504,609 (the “‘609 Patent”),
relating to wave division multiplexing. This trial was immediately followed by a trial on Broadwing’s affirma-
tive defenses based on the validity of the ‘309 Patent and the U.S. Patent No. 5,557,439, one of the patents
that the jury found was not infringed by Broadwing. On February 28, 2003, the jury in this trial determined that
the patents were valid. In April 2003, following a third trial, another jury decided that Broadwing was infring-
ing Ciena’s ‘609 Patent, on which the previous jury had deadlocked. Based on these favorable verdicts collec-
tively holding that Broadwing is infringing two valid Ciena patents, Ciena moved for an injunction to prohibit
the sale by Broadwing of the infringing products. On September 9, 2004, the United States District Court for
the District of Delaware entered judgment on the jury verdicts and granted Ciena’s motion for an injunction
against Broadwing relating to the ‘309 Patent and denied Ciena’s motion for an injunction relating to the ‘609
Patent. On September 17, 2004, Ciena filed a motion requesting that the Court reconsider its injunction rul-
ing relating to the ‘609 Patent and, on the same date, the Court indicated by order its intent to reconsider
the denial of an injunction with respect to the ‘609 Patent. The parties await the Court’s ruling on the ‘609
Patent injunction issue. On November 15, 2004, the parties completed briefing on motions for judgment as

PAGE 14

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

a matter of law and a new trial filed by both Ciena and Broadwing with respect to certain aspects of the jury
verdicts.  On  October  7,  2004,  Broadwing’s  counsel  filed  a  request  for  ex  parte  re-examination  of  the  ‘309
Patent with the PTO.

As a result of our merger with ONI Systems Corp. in June 2002, we became a defendant in a securities class
action lawsuit. Beginning in August 2001, a number of substantially identical class action complaints alleging
violations of the federal securities laws were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District
of New York. These complaints name ONI, Hugh C. Martin, ONI’s former chairman, president and chief exec-
utive officer; Chris A. Davis, ONI’s former executive vice president, chief financial officer and administrative
officer; and certain underwriters of ONI’s initial public offering as defendants. The complaints were consoli-
dated into a single action, and a consolidated amended complaint was filed on April 24, 2002. The amended
complaint alleges, among other things, that the underwriter defendants violated the securities laws by failing
to disclose alleged compensation arrangements (such as undisclosed commissions or stock stabilization prac-
tices) in the initial public offering’s registration statement and by engaging in manipulative practices to artifi-
cially inflate the price of ONI’s common stock after the initial public offering. The amended complaint also
alleges that ONI and the named former officers violated the securities laws on the basis of an alleged failure
to  disclose  the  underwriters’  alleged  compensation  arrangements  and  manipulative  practices.  No  specific
amount of damages has been claimed. Similar complaints have been filed against more than 300 other issuers
that have had initial public offerings since 1998, and all of these actions have been included in a single coor-
dinated proceeding. Mr. Martin and Ms. Davis have been dismissed from the action without prejudice pur-
suant  to  a  tolling  agreement.  In  July  2004,  following  mediated  settlement  negotiations,  the  plaintiffs,  the
issuer  defendants  (including  Ciena),  and  their  insurers  entered  into  a  settlement  agreement,  whereby  the
plaintiffs’ cases against the issuers are to be dismissed. This settlement is subject to court approval and will
not require Ciena to pay any fees or other amounts. The settling parties have moved the court for approval
of the settlement, which motion has been opposed by the underwriter defendants.

Ciena and ONI Systems were previously defendants in two separate lawsuits filed by Nortel Networks in the
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and United States District Court for the Northern
District of California. The suits alleged, among other things, infringement of Nortel patents by ONI and Ciena
products.  In  January  2003,  Ciena  agreed  to  make  a  one-time  payment  of  $25  million  to  Nortel  and  in
exchange Nortel granted Ciena a license under the patents that were the subject of the lawsuit and certain
related patents. Both lawsuits above were dismissed and Nortel and Ciena agreed not to sue each other for
patent infringement for a two year period that expires on January 17, 2005. During the two year period, Ciena
and Nortel Networks have sought to negotiate an acceptable cross-license arrangement but no such agree-
ment has been reached.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.

PAGE 15

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

n Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters
Ciena’s Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “CIEN”. The following
table  sets  forth  for  the  fiscal  periods  indicated  the  high  and  low  sales  prices  of  the  Common  Stock,  as
reported on the NASDAQ National Market.

Price Range of Common Stock
Low
High

Fiscal Year 2003

First Quarter ended January 31
Second Quarter ended April 30
Third Quarter ended July 31
Fourth Quarter ended October 31

Fiscal Year 2004

First Quarter ended January 31
Second Quarter ended April 30
Third Quarter ended July 31
Fourth Quarter ended October 31

$7.74
$6.12
$6.74
$7.45

$8.14
$7.44
$4.20
$2.93

$3.49
$4.19
$4.80
$5.10

$5.63
$4.06
$2.66
$1.67

The market price of Ciena’s Common Stock has fluctuated significantly and may be subject to significant fluctu-
ations in the future. See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.”

As of December 6, 2004, there were approximately 2,677 holders of record of Ciena’s Common Stock and
571,762,211 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

Ciena has never paid cash dividends on its capital stock. If and when we return to profitability, we intend to
retain earnings for use in our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foresee-
able future.

Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7. “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial state-
ments and the notes thereto included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Ciena has a
52 or 53 week fiscal year, which ends on the Saturday nearest to the last day of October in each year. For pur-
poses of financial statement presentation, each fiscal year is described as having ended on October 31. Fiscal
2000, fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003, and fiscal 2004 comprised 52 weeks and fiscal 2001 comprised 53 weeks.

Balance Sheet Data:

(in thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents, short-term 

and long-term investments

Total assets
Long-term obligations, 

excluding current portion

Stockholders’ equity

2000

2001

As of October 31,
2002

2003

2004

$ 238,318
1,027,201

$1,795,141
3,317,301

$2,078,464
2,751,022

$1,626,218
2,378,165

$1,285,578
2,137,054

4,882
$ 809,835

869,865
$2,128,982

999,935
$1,527,269

861,149
$1,330,817

824,053
$1,154,422

PAGE 16

 
CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Statement of Operations Data:

(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenue
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit (loss)
Operating expenses:

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative
Stock compensation costs:

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative
Amortization of intangible assets
In-process research and development
Restructuring costs
Goodwill impairment
Long-lived asset impairment
Recovery of sale, export, 

use tax liabilities and payments

Provision (benefit) for doubtful accounts
Settlement of accrued contract obligation
Amortization of goodwill

Total operating expenses
Income (loss) from operations
Interest and other income, net
Interest expense
Loss on equity investments, net
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Income (loss) before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income (loss)
Basic net income (loss) per common share
Diluted net income (loss) per common 
and dilutive potential common share

Weighted average basic 

2000
$858,750
477,393
381,357

125,434
90,922
33,960

—
—
40
438
—
—
—
—

Year Ended October 31,
2002
$ 361,155
596,034
(234,879)

2003
$ 283,136
210,091
73,045

2001
$ 1,603,229
904,549
698,680

235,831
146,949
57,865

17,783
8,378
15,206
4,413
45,900
7,039
1,719,426
8,400

239,619
130,276
52,612

15,672
3,560
1,092
8,972
—
98,093
557,286
127,336

199,699
103,193
38,478

12,824
2,728
1,225
17,870
2,800
13,575
—
47,176

—
28,010
(8,538)
3,197
273,463
107,894
13,020
(340)
—
—
120,574
39,187
$ 81,387
0.29
$

—
(6,579)
—
177,786
2,438,397
(1,739,717)
63,579
(30,591)
—
—
(1,706,729)
87,333
$(1,794,062)
(5.75)
$

—
14,813
—
—
1,249,331
(1,484,210)
61,145
(45,339)
(15,677)
(2,683)
(1,486,764)
110,735
$(1,597,499)
(4.37)
$

—
—
—
—
439,568
(366,523)
42,959
(36,331)
(4,760)
(20,606)
(385,261)
1,256
$(386,517)
(0.87)
$

2004
$ 298,707
226,954
71,753

198,850
108,259
27,274

6,514
4,051
1,318
30,839
30,200
57,107
371,712
15,926

(5,388)
(2,794)
—
—
843,868
(772,115)
22,908
(26,813)
(4,107)
(8,216)
(788,343)
1,121
$(789,464)
(1.51)
$

$

0.27

$

(5.75)

$

(4.37)

$

(0.87)

$

(1.51)

common shares outstanding

281,621

311,815

365,202

446,696

521,454

Weighted average basic common 
and dilutive potential common 
shares outstanding

299,662

311,815

365,202

446,696

521,454

PAGE 17

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Item 7. Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results 

of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with “Selected Consolidated Financial
Data” and Ciena’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report on
Form 10-K.

Overview
In early 2001, the telecommunications industry began a severe decline, and our dominant historical customer
base, communications carriers, responded by curtailing network build-outs and reducing their overall capital
expenses. As a result, the market for our core networking products and our revenue declined sharply. While
we expect that most major carriers will hold their aggregate capital spending flat for the next several years,
we believe that communications service providers, cable operators, governments and enterprises will make
significant  investments  in  next-generation  equipment,  particularly  equipment  that  resides  at  the  edge  of
communications networks and enables the creation and delivery of new high-bandwidth data services.

During the past three years, we have undertaken a number of significant efforts to position Ciena to realize
these  market  opportunities  and  leverage  our  historical  focus  and  expertise  in  core  networking.  Through
acquisitions, strategic relationships with equipment suppliers and internal development, we have sought to
expand our addressable market, diversify our customer base and broaden our networking solutions portfo-
lio. During fiscal 2002, we acquired ONI Systems Corp., which provided our customers with a broader and
more comprehensive set of optical transport and access products for metropolitan networks and enterprises.
Through our acquisitions of WaveSmith Networks and Akara Corporation during fiscal 2003, we bolstered our
presence in the telco and enterprise markets and added multi-service switching and extended storage solu-
tions. In May 2004, we completed our acquisitions of Catena Networks and Internet Photonics. Through the
Catena acquisition, we added broadband access solutions that enable the delivery of traditional “plain old
telephone  service”  (POTS),  DSL,  video  services,  and  VoIP  from  a  single,  integrated  platform.  Through  the
Internet Photonics acquisition, we added carrier-grade optical Ethernet transport and switching solutions for
deployment  of  Ethernet  private-line  services  by  cable  operators  and  carriers.  We  believe  the  broadband
access market is positioned to benefit as service providers shift spending to target the access portions of their
networks to enable increased residential access to high-bandwidth services such as DSL, video on demand
and HDTV.

We  have  taken  steps  to  expand  our  sales  channels  beyond  direct  sales  to  service  providers,  developing  a
growing  number  of  distribution  arrangements  and  other  strategic  relationships  that  target  enterprise  and
government customers. One of the results of the expansion of our product portfolio and increase in our sales
channels has been the diversification of our customer base. During fiscal 2002, AT&T and Sprint each repre-
sented more than 10% of Ciena’s total revenue. During fiscal 2003, AT&T and Qwest each represented more
than 10% of Ciena’s total revenue. During fiscal 2004, SAIC was the only customer that represented more than
10% of Ciena’s total revenue.

We are focused on reducing our ongoing operating expenses and realigning our resources to better reflect
our market opportunities and changing product mix. As part of this strategy we have reduced staff from 3,778
employed on October 31, 2001 to 2,118 employed on October 31, 2002 to 1,816 employed as of October 31,
2003 to 1,651 employed as October 31, 2004 and closed several facilities, including the closure of our San
Jose, California facility on September 30, 2004. While our operating expenses have fluctuated due to acqui-
sitions,  restructuring  and  asset  impairments,  we  have  taken  significant  steps  to  reduce  ongoing  operating
expenses. Consistent with our overall strategy, we plan to continue to seek a reduction in operating expenses
in fiscal 2005, in order to strike an appropriate balance between ongoing strategic investment in our business,
careful expense control and prudent cash management.

PAGE 18

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

During 2004, we reorganized the internal structure of our sales and engineering functions to better align
these operations with our expanded product portfolio and to better support our new markets. We reorgan-
ized our operations effective as of the second quarter of fiscal 2004 into multiple operating segments for
the purpose of making operating decisions and assessing performance. Those operating segments were
the  following:  Core  Networking  Group  (CNG);  Metro  and  Enterprise  Solutions  Group  (MESG);  Data
Networking Group (DNG); and Global Network Services (GNS). During the third quarter of fiscal 2004 the
Broadband Access Group (BBG) was organized from the operations of Catena. In October 2004, in order
to improve operational efficiencies, operating decisions and assess performance, we combined the oper-
ations of CNG and MESG and formed the Transport and Switching Group (TSG).

The decline and shift in our customers’ spending patterns, and our efforts to reposition Ciena, including the
acquisitions we made, have had a number of significant effects on our business during the last three fiscal
years including the following:

• We have begun to see results of our efforts to expand and diversify our products, markets and customer
base. The percentage of revenue from transport and switching products declined from 84.2% in fiscal
2002  to  80.6%  in  fiscal  2003  to  65.5%  in  fiscal  2004.  The  percentage  of  revenue  from  data  networking
products and broadband access products increased from 0% in fiscal 2002 to 4.4% in fiscal 2003 to 18.3%
in fiscal 2004.

• As a result of our acquisitions we have incurred charges for in-process research and development of $0.0
million, $2.8 million and $30.2 million in fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, respectively, and have also
incurred  intangible  asset  amortization  expense  of  $9.0  million,  $17.9  million  and  $30.8  million  in  fiscal
2002, fiscal 2003, and fiscal 2004, respectively.

• The sharp decline in demand for our long distance optical transport equipment products caused us to
incur $286.5 million of costs related to obsolete inventory and excess purchase commitments during fis-
cal 2002.

• The need to reduce the size of our operations, in response to the shrinking demand for our products,
caused  us  to  incur  restructuring  charges  of  $98.1  million,  $13.6  million,  and  $57.1  million  during  fiscal
2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, respectively.

• As a result of the decline in the forecasted demand for our products, along with the reduction in valua-
tions  of  comparable  businesses,  we  incurred  goodwill  impairments  of  $557.3  million,  $0.0  million  and
$371.7 million in fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, respectively. As a result of this decline we also
incurred long-lived asset impairments of $127.3 million, $47.2 million and $15.9 million in fiscal 2002, fis-
cal 2003 and fiscal 2004 respectively.

• Uncertainties relating to our customers’ financial conditions resulted in charges of bad debt expense of
$14.8 million in fiscal 2002, the recovery of doubtful accounts of $2.8 million in fiscal 2004 and the recov-
ery of sale, export, use tax liabilities and payments of $5.4 million in fiscal 2004.

• We made several investments in privately held technology companies. The decline in the value of these
investments  resulted  in  the  loss  of  $15.7  million,  $4.8  million  and  $4.1  million  during  fiscal  2002,  fiscal
2003, and fiscal 2004, respectively.

• As a result of net losses during fiscal 2002 and projected future net losses, Ciena recorded a net income

tax charge of $110.7 million to establish a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets.

Ciena’s net losses of $1,597.5 million, $386.5 million and $789.5 million, in fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal
2004, respectively, were primarily attributable to the factors listed above.

PAGE 19

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Results of Operations
Fiscal 2003 Compared to Fiscal 2004
Revenue, Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit
Cost of goods sold consists of component costs, direct compensation costs, warranty and other contractual
obligations, training costs, royalties, license fees, direct technical support costs, cost of excess and obsolete
inventory and overhead related to manufacturing, technical support and engineering, furnishing and installa-
tion operations.

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in revenue, cost of goods sold
and gross profit from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004.

Revenue:

Products
Services
Total revenue
Costs:

Products
Services

Total cost of goods sold
Gross profit

Fiscal Year

2003

%*

2004

%*

$240,772
42,364
283,136

153,602
56,489
210,091
$ 73,045

85.0
15.0
100.0

54.2
20.0
74.2
25.8

$250,210
48,497
298,707

186,461
40,493
226,954
$ 71,753

83.8
16.2
100.0

62.4
13.6
76.0
24.0

Increase
(decrease)

$ 9,438
6,133
15,571

32,859
(15,996)
16,863
$ (1,292)

%**

3.9
14.5
5.5

21.4
(28.3)
8.0
(1.8)

* Denotes % of total revenue
** Denotes % change from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in product revenue, product
cost of goods sold and product gross profit from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004.

Fiscal Year

Product revenue
Product cost of goods sold
Product gross profit

2003
$240,772
153,602
$ 87,170

%*
100.0
63.8
36.2

2004
$250,210
186,461
$ 63,749

%*
100.0
74.5
25.5

* Denotes % of product revenue
** Denotes % change from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004

Increase
(decrease)
$ 9,438
32,859
$(23,421)

%**
3.9
21.4
(26.9)

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in service revenue, service cost
of goods sold and service gross profit (loss) from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004.

Fiscal Year

Service revenue
Service cost of goods sold
Service gross profit (loss)

2003
$ 42,364
56,489
$(14,125)

%*
100.0
133.3
(33.3)

2004
$48,497
40,493
$ 8,004

%*
100.0
83.5
16.5

* Denotes % of service revenue
** Denotes % change from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004

Increase
(decrease)
$ 6,133
(15,996)
$ 22,129

%**
14.5
(28.3)
156.7

PAGE 20

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in geographic distribution of
revenues from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004.

Domestic
International
Total

Fiscal Year

2003
$178,564
104,572
$283,136

%*
63.1
36.9
100.0

2004
$221,456
77,251
$298,707

%*
74.1
25.9
100.0

Increase
(decrease)
$ 42,892
(27,321)
$ 15,571

%**
24.0
(26.1)
5.5

* Denotes % of total revenue
** Denotes % change from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004

Historically, we have relied on a limited number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenue. During
fiscal  2003  and  fiscal  2004,  certain  customers  each  accounted  for  at  least  10%  of  our  revenues  during  the
respective periods as follows (in thousands, except percentage data):

Qwest
AT&T
SAIC
Total

2003
$31,148
39,444
*

$70,592

Fiscal Year

%*
11.0
13.9
—
24.9

2004

*

*

46,557
$46,557

%**
—
—
15.6
15.6

* Denotes revenues recognized less than 10% for the period
** Denotes % of total revenue

Revenue

• Product revenue increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004, primarily due to sales of our newly acquired
broadband  access  products  and  increased  sales  of  our  data  networking  products,  partially  offset  by
decreased sales from our transport and switching products.

• Service revenue increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to increased sales of maintenance contracts.
• Domestic revenue increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 primarily due to sales of our newly acquired
broadband  access  products,  and  increased  sales  of  our  data  networking  products  and  maintenance
services.

• International revenue decreased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 primarily due to decreased sales of our

transport and switching products outside the U.S.

Gross Profit

• Gross profit as a percentage of revenue decreased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 largely due to the sale
of  lower  margin  products  and  less  revenue  from  the  sale  of  previously  reserved  excess  and  obsolete
inventory. This was partially offset by an increase in margin on our services revenue.

• Gross profit on products as a percentage of product revenue decreased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004
largely due to a lower margin product mix and less revenue from the sale of previously reserved excess
and obsolete inventory.

• Gross  profit  on  services  as  a  percentage  of  services  revenue  increased  from  fiscal  2003  to  fiscal  2004

largely due to increased sales of maintenance services and reduced service overhead costs.

PAGE 21

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Operating Expenses
The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in operating expenses from
fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004.

Fiscal Year

2003
$199,699
103,193
38,478

12,824
2,728
1,225
17,870
2,800
13,575
—
47,176

%*
70.5
36.4
13.6

4.5
1.0
0.4
6.3
1.0
4.8
0.0
16.7

2004
$198,850
108,259
27,274

6,514
4,051
1,318
30,839
30,200
57,107
371,712
15,926

Increase
(decrease)
(849)
$
5,066
(11,204)

(6,310)
1,323
93
12,969
27,400
43,532
371,712
(31,250)

%*
66.6
36.2
9.1

2.2
1.4
0.4
10.3
10.1
19.1
124.4
5.3

—
—
$439,568

0.0
0.0
155.2

(5,388)
(2,794)
$843,868

(1.8)
(0.9)
282.5

(5,388)
(2,794)
$404,300

%**
(0.4)
4.9
(29.1)

(49.2)
48.5
7.6
72.6
978.6
320.7
—
(66.2)

—
—
92.0

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative
Stock compensation costs:

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative

Amortization of intangible assets
In-process research and development
Restructuring costs
Goodwill impairment
Long-lived asset impairment
Recovery of sale, export, 

use tax liabilities and payments
Benefit for doubtful accounts, net
Total operating expenses

* Denotes % of total revenue
** Denotes % change from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004

• Research and development expense decreased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to reductions in depre-
ciation expense, employee related costs, prototype costs, and facility related costs, partially offset by the
accelerated leasehold improvements amortization costs of $22.5 million associated with the closing of
our San Jose, California facility.

• Selling and marketing expense increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to an increase in the num-
ber of sales and marketing employees and increases in tradeshow and marketing activities partially off-
set by reductions in depreciation expense.

• General and administrative expense decreased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 primarily due to decreases
in legal costs, consulting and outside service expense, employee related costs and facility related costs.
• Stock compensation costs decreased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to the lower level of unvested
stock options and restricted stock assumed as part of our various acquisitions. As of October 31, 2004,
the  balance  of  deferred  stock  compensation,  presented  as  a  reduction  of  stockholders’  equity,  was
$13.8 million.

• Amortization of intangible assets costs increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to higher amounts of
purchased intangible assets, such as developed technology and customer relationships resulting from
our acquisitions of Catena and Internet Photonics.

• In-process  research  and  development  (IPR&D)  costs  represents  the  estimated  value  of  purchased  in-
process technology that had not reached technological feasibility and had no alternative future use at
the time of the acquisition. In fiscal 2003, $1.3 million and $1.5 million of the recorded IPR&D were from
our Akara and WaveSmith acquisitions, respectively. In fiscal 2004 we recorded $25.0 million and $5.2 mil-
lion of IPR&D from our Catena and Internet Photonics acquisitions, respectively.

• Restructuring costs increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to additional workforce reductions and
excess facility charges largely related to the closure of our San Jose, CA facility. The charges that resulted
from these actions were taken as part of an effort to reduce our fixed operating costs.

PAGE 22

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

• Goodwill impairment increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to the decline in the forecasted demand
for our products, along with the reduction in valuations of comparable businesses, which implied that the
fair value of three reporting units was below their carrying value. Based on these factors as well as oper-
ating results, forecasts, and business factors within these reporting units, we recorded an impairment of
$371.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. During fiscal 2003, Ciena did not have an impairment 
of goodwill.

• Long-lived  assets  impairment  charges  for  fiscal  2004  were  $15.9  million  of  impaired  research  and
development equipment, which was classified as held for sale. These charges in fiscal 2004 were largely
attributable to the closure of our San Jose, CA facility. During fiscal 2003, an impairment of $29.6 million
was recorded due to the decrease in demand for the MetroDirector K2 technology. Additionally, during
fiscal 2003, we recorded a charge of $17.6 million related to the impairment of sales demonstration units,
manufacturing test equipment and research and development equipment as a result of our continued
restructuring activities.

• Recovery of sales, export, use tax liabilities and payments during fiscal 2004 was due to the resolution of

various sales, export and use tax liabilities associated with pre-acquisition ONI activities.

• Benefit for doubtful accounts, net during fiscal 2004 was related primarily to the payment of an amount
due from a customer from whom payment was previously deemed doubtful due to the customer’s finan-
cial condition.

Other Items
The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in other items from fiscal 2003
to fiscal 2004.

Fiscal Year

Interest and other income, net
Interest expense
Loss on equity investments, net
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Provision for income taxes

2003
$42,959
$36,331
$ 4,760
$20,606
$ 1,256

%*
15.2
12.8
1.7
7.3
0.4

2004
$22,908
$26,813
$ 4,107
$ 8,216
$ 1,121

%*
7.7
9.0
1.4
2.8
0.4

* Denotes % of total revenue
** Denotes % change from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004

Increase 
(decrease)
$(20,051)
$ (9,518)
$
(653)
$(12,390)
(135)
$

%**
(46.7)
(26.2)
(13.7)
(60.1)
(10.7)

• Interest and other income, net decreased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 primarily because of the impact

of lower cash and invested balances.

• Interest expense decreased from 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to the decrease in our debt obligations between

the two periods.

• Loss on equity investments, net decreased from 2003 to fiscal 2004. The $4.8 million loss on equity invest-
ments for fiscal 2003 was related to the decline in our investments in privately held technology compa-
nies that was determined to be other than temporary. The $4.1 million loss on equity investments in 2004
was a decline in our investments in privately held technology companies of $4.7, that was determined to
be other than temporary, offset by the receipt of $1.6 million for an investment that had been previously
written down to $1.0 million.

• Loss on extinguishment of debt during fiscal 2003 was related to a tender offer for the ONI 5.0% convert-
ible notes, which resulted in our purchasing $154.7 in principal amount of notes for $140.3 million. Since
the notes had an accreted value of $119.7 million, the purchase resulted in a non-cash loss of $20.6 mil-
lion. During fiscal 2004 the loss on extinguishment of debt is related to the repurchase of all remaining
ONI 5.0% convertible subordinated notes.

• Provision for income taxes for 2003 and 2004 was primarily attributable to foreign tax related to Ciena’s
foreign  operations.  We  did  not  record  a  tax  benefit  for  Ciena’s  domestic  losses  during  either  period.
Ciena will continue to maintain a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets until sufficient
evidence exists to support its reversal.

PAGE 23

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Fiscal 2002 Compared to Fiscal 2003
Revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit (loss)
The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in revenue, cost of goods sold
and gross profit (loss) from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003.

Fiscal Year

2002

%*

2003

%*

$ 304,155
57,000
361,155

514,549
81,485
596,034
$(234,879)

84.2
15.8
100.0

142.5
22.6
165.1
(65.1)

$240,772
42,364
283,136

153,602
56,489
210,091
$ 73,045

85.0
15.0
100.0

54.2
20.0
74.2
25.8

Increase 
(decrease)

$ (63,383)
(14,636)
(78,019)

(360,947)
(24,996)
(385,943)
$ 307,924

%**

(20.8)
(25.7)
(21.6)

(70.1)
(30.7)
(64.8)
131.1

Revenue:

Products
Services
Total revenue
Costs:

Products
Services

Total cost of goods sold
Gross profit (loss)

* Denotes % of total revenue
** Denotes % change from 2002 to 2003

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in product revenue, product
cost of goods sold and product gross profit (loss) from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003.
Fiscal Year

Product revenue
Product cost of goods sold
Product gross profit (loss)

* Denotes % of product revenue
** Denotes % change from 2002 to 2003

2002
$ 304,155
514,549
$(210,394)

%*
100.0
169.2
(69.2)

2003
$240,772
153,602
$ 87,170

%*
100.0
63.8
36.2

Increase 
(decrease)
$ (63,383)
(360,947)
$ 297,564

%**
(20.8)
(70.1)
141.4

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in service revenue, service cost
of goods sold and service gross profit (loss) from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003.

Fiscal Year

2002
$ 57,000
81,485
$(24,485)

%*
100.0
143.0
(43.0)

2003
$ 42,364
56,489
$(14,125)

%*
100.0
133.3
(33.3)

Increase 
(decrease)
$(14,636)
(24,996)
$ 10,360

%**
(25.7)
(30.7)
42.3

Service revenue
Service cost of goods sold
Service gross profit (loss)

* Denotes % of service revenue
** Denotes % change from 2002 to 2003

PAGE 24

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in geographic distribution of
revenues from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003.

Fiscal Year

2002
$232,524
128,631
$361,155

%*
64.4
35.6
100.0

2003
$178,564
104,572
$283,136

%*
63.1
36.9
100.0

Increase 
(decrease)
$(53,960)
(24,059)
$(78,019)

%**
(23.2)
(18.7)
(21.6)

Domestic
International
Total

* Denotes % of total revenue
** Denotes % change from 2002 to 2003

Historically, we have relied on a limited number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenue. During
fiscal  2002  and  fiscal  2003,  certain  customers  each  accounted  for  at  least  10%  of  our  revenues  during  the
respective periods as follows (in thousands, except percentage data):

Sprint
Qwest
AT&T
Total

2002
$ 58,739
*

74,111
$132,850

Fiscal Year

%**
16.3
—
20.5
36.8

2003

*

31,148
39,444
$70,592

%**
—
11.0
13.9
24.9

* Denotes revenues recognized less than 10% for the period
** Denotes % of total revenue

Revenue

• Product revenue decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 primarily due to decreased sales of our trans-
port and switching products partially offset by sales of our newly acquired data networking products.
• Service revenue decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to decreased sales of installation services.
• Domestic revenue decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 primarily due to decreased sales of our trans-
port and switching products and installation services partially offset by sales of our newly acquired data
networking products.

• International revenue decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 primarily due to decreased sales of our

transport and switching products and installation services outside the U.S.

Gross Profit (Loss)

• Gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 largely due to a $291.8
million decrease in inventory obsolescence cost. During fiscal 2002, the sharp decline in demand for our
long distance optical transport equipment products caused us to incur $286.5 million of costs related
to obsolete inventory and excess purchase commitments. During fiscal 2003 we recorded a benefit of
$5.3 million related to the sale of this previously reserved inventory.

• Gross profit on products as a percentage of product revenue increased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003

largely due to a $291.8 million decrease in inventory obsolescence cost.

• Gross  loss  on  services  as  a  percentage  of  services  revenue  decreased  from  fiscal  2002  to  fiscal  2003

largely due to reduced service overhead costs.

PAGE 25

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Operating Expenses
The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in operating expenses from
fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003.

2002
$ 239,619
130,276
52,612

15,672
3,560
1,092
8,972
—
98,093
557,286
127,336
14,813
$1,249,331

%*
66.3
36.1
14.6

4.3
1.0
0.3
2.5
0.0
27.2
154.3
35.3
4.1
345.9

Fiscal Year

2003
$199,699
103,193
38,478

12,824
2,728
1,225
17,870
2,800
13,575
—
47,176
—
$439,568

%*
70.5
36.4
13.6

4.5
1.0
0.4
6.3
1.0
4.8
0.0
16.7
0.0
155.2

Increase 
(decrease)
$ (39,920)
(27,083)
(14,134)

(2,848)
(832)
133
8,898
2,800
(84,518)
(557,286)
(80,160)
(14,813)
$(809,763)

%**
(16.7)
(20.8)
(26.9)

(18.2)
(23.4)
12.2
99.2
—
(86.2)
(100.0)
(63.0)
(100.0)
(64.8)

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative
Stock compensation costs:

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative

Amortization of intangible assets
In-process research and development
Restructuring costs
Goodwill impairment
Long-lived assets impairment
Provision for doubtful accounts, net
Total operating expenses

* Denotes % of total revenue
** Denotes % change from 2002 to 2003

• Research and development expense decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to reductions in depre-

ciation expense, employee-related costs, prototype costs, and consulting expenses.

• Selling and marketing expense decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to reduced levels of sales

staff, advertising costs, outside consultants, facility costs, and depreciation expense.

• General and administrative expense decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 primarily due to decreases

in staffing levels and reduced consulting and facilities related costs.

• Stock  compensation  costs  decreased  from  fiscal  2002  to  fiscal  2003  due  to  the  reduced  level  of
unvested stock options and restricted stock assumed as part of our various acquisitions. As of October 31,
2003, the balance of deferred stock compensation, presented as a reduction of stockholders’ equity, was
$9.7 million.

• Amortization of intangible assets costs increased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to higher amounts of
purchased intangible assets, such as developed technology and customer relationships, resulting from
our acquisitions.

• In-process research and development costs in fiscal 2003 were $2.8 million. As a result of our acquisi-
tions of Akara and WaveSmith, we recorded $1.3 million and $1.5 million of IPR&D, respectively, during
fiscal 2003.

• Restructuring costs decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 primarily due to reductions in the number

of employee terminations and lower charges associated with exiting excess facilities.

• Goodwill impairment decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to the lack of impairment during
fiscal 2003. During fiscal 2002, we incurred a goodwill impairment of $557.3 million as a result of the
decline in the forecasted demand for our products, along with the reduction in valuations of compa-
rable businesses.

• Long-lived assets impairment charges decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to the reduction in
value of our impaired fixed assets, which were classified as held for sale, partially offset by an increase
in developed technology impairment charges for Metro Director K2 of $29.6 million during fiscal 2003.
• Provision for doubtful accounts, net decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to the reduction in the

number of customers that filed for bankruptcy and reduced payment delinquencies.

PAGE 26

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Other Items
The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in other items from fiscal 2002
to fiscal 2003.

2002
$ 61,145
$ 45,339
$ 15,677
$ 2,683
$110,735

%*
16.9
12.6
4.3
0.7
30.7

Fiscal Year

2003
$42,959
$36,331
$ 4,760
$20,606
$ 1,256

%*
15.2
12.8
1.7
7.3
0.4

Increase 
(decrease)
$ (18,186)
(9,008)
$
$ (10,917)
$ 17,923
$(109,479)

%**
(29.7)
(19.9)
(69.6)
668.0
(98.9)

Interest and other income, net
Interest expense
Loss on equity investments, net
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Provision for income taxes

* Denotes % of total revenue
** Denotes % change from 2002 to 2003

• Interest and other income, net decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 primarily because of the impact

of lower average interest rates and lower cash and invested balances.

• Interest expense decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to the decrease in our debt obligations

between the two periods.

• Loss on equity investments, net decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to a lower decline in our
investments in privately held technology companies that were determined to be other than temporary in
fiscal 2003.

• Loss on extinguishment of debt increased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to an increase in the amount

of ONI 5.0% convertible subordinated notes repurchased.

• Provision for income taxes decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to a reduction in the provision
required to establish a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. We intend to maintain a val-
uation allowance against our deferred tax  assets  until  sufficient  positive  evidence exists to  support  its
reversal. The income tax provision for fiscal 2003 was primarily attributable to foreign taxes related to our
foreign operations.

Summary of Operating Segments
The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in our operating segment rev-
enues for the fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004.

Revenues:
TSG
DNG
BBG
GNS

Consolidated revenue

Fiscal Year

2003

%*

2004

%*

$228,345
12,427
—
42,364
$283,136

80.6
4.4
—
15.0
100.0

$195,766
23,150
31,294
48,497
$298,707

65.5
7.8
10.5
16.2
100.0

Increase
(decrease)

$(32,579)
10,723
31,294
6,133
$ 15,571

%**

(14.3)
86.3
—
14.5
5.5

* Denotes % of total revenue
** Denotes % change from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004

• TSG revenue decreased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to reduced sales of metropolitan transport,
metropolitan switching and core switching products. These reductions were partially offset by an increase
in sales of core transport products and initial sales of our new optical Ethernet transport products that
were obtained from our May 2004 Internet Photonics acquisition.

• DNG revenue increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to the increase in sales of multiservice edge
switching products. Ciena recognized initial sales of these products beginning in the third quarter of fis-
cal 2003. These products were obtained from the June 2003 WaveSmith acquisition.

PAGE 27

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

• BBG revenue increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to the initial sales of our newly acquired broad-

band access products obtained from the May 2004 Catena acquisition.

• GNS revenue increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to increased sales of maintenance contracts.

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in our operating segment reve-
nues for fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003.

Revenues:
TSG
DNG
BBG
GNS

Consolidated revenue

Fiscal Year

2002

%*

2003

%*

$304,155
—
—
57,000
$361,155

84.2
0.0
0.0
15.8
100.0

$228,345
12,427
—
42,364
$283,136

80.6
4.4
0.0
15.0
100.0

Increase
(decrease)

$(75,810)
12,427
—
(14,636)
$(78,019)

%**

(24.9)
—
—
(25.7)
(21.6)

* Denotes % of total revenue
** Denotes % change from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003

• TSG revenue decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 primarily due to decreased sales of core transport
and core switching products partially offset by increased sales of our metropolitan transport products.
• DNG revenue increased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to the initial sales of our newly acquired multi-

service edge switching products beginning in the third quarter fiscal 2003.

• GNS revenue decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to decreased sales of installation service.

Segment Profit (Loss)
Segment  profit  (loss)  is  determined  based  on  internal  performance  measures  used  by  the  Chief  Executive
Officer  to  assess  the  performance  of  each  operating  segment  in  a  given  period.  In  connection  with  that
assessment, the Chief Executive Officer excludes the following other non-performance items: corporate sell-
ing  and  marketing;  corporate  general  and  administrative  costs;  stock  compensation  costs;  amortization  of
intangible assets; in-process research and development; restructuring costs; goodwill impairment; long-lived
asset impairment; recovery of sales; export and use taxes; provisions or recovery of doubtful accounts; accele-
rated amortization of leaseholds; interest income, interest expense, equity investment gains or losses, gains
or losses on extinguishment of debt, and provisions for income taxes.

PAGE 28

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth the changes in our segment profit (loss)
and the reconciliation to consolidated net loss for the fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004.

Fiscal Year

2003

2004

Segment profit (loss):

TSG
DNG
BBG
GNS

Total segment profit (loss)
Other non-performance items:

Corporate selling and marketing
Corporate general and administrative
Stock compensation costs:

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative
Amortization of intangible assets
In-process research and development
Restructuring costs
Goodwill impairment
Long-lived asset impairment
Recovery of sales, export, 

use tax liabilities and payments
Recovery of doubtful accounts, net
Accelerated amortization of leaseholds
Interest and other financial charges, net

Provision for income taxes
Consolidated net loss

** Denotes % change from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004

$(119,731)
788
—
(19,480)
(138,423)

(91,424)
(38,478)

(12,824)
(2,728)
(1,225)
(17,870)
(2,800)
(13,575)
—
(47,176)

—
—
—
(18,738)
(1,256)
$(386,517)

$(116,811)
(9,533)
535
6,011
(119,798)

(93,023)
(27,274)

(6,514)
(4,051)
(1,318)
(30,839)
(30,200)
(57,107)
(371,712)
(15,926)

5,388
2,794
(22,535)
(16,228)
(1,121)
$(789,464)

Increase 
(decrease)

$

2,920
(10,321)
535
25,491
18,625

(1,599)
11,204

6,310
(1,323)
(93)
(12,969)
(27,400)
(43,532)
(371,712)
31,250

5,388
2,794
(22,535)
2,510
135
$(402,947)

%**

(2.4)
(1,309.8)
—
(130.9)
(13.5)

1.7
(29.1)

(49.2)
48.5
7.6
72.6
978.6
320.7
—
(66.2)

—
—
—
(13.4)
(10.7)
104.3

• TSG segment loss decreased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 primarily due to lower research and develop-

ment costs partially offset by reduced sales of higher margin core switching products.

• DNG segment profit decreased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to higher research and development

costs partially offset by additional increases in revenues recognized in fiscal 2004.

• BBG segment profit increased from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 due to the initial activities associated with

this group, formed from the newly acquired operations of Catena in May 2004.

• GNS  segment  loss  decreased  from  fiscal  2003  to  fiscal  2004  due  to  increased  sales  of  maintenance 

services and reduced service overhead costs.

PAGE 29

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The  table  below  (in  thousands,  except  percentage  data)  sets  forth  the  changes  in  our  operating  segment
profit (loss) and the reconciliation to consolidated net loss for fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003.

Segment profit (loss):

TSG
DNG
BBG
GNS

Total segment profit (loss)
Other non-performance items:

Corporate selling and marketing
Corporate general and administrative
Stock compensation costs:

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative
Amortization of intangible assets
In-process research and development
Restructuring costs
Goodwill impairment
Long-lived asset impairment
Provision for doubtful accounts, net
Interest and other financial charges, net
Provision for income taxes

Consolidated net loss

** Denotes % change from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003

Fiscal Year

2002

2003

$ (457,956)
—
—
(31,928)
(489,884)

$(119,731)
788
—
(19,480)
(138,423)

Increase 
(decrease)

$ 338,225
788
—
12,448
351,461

(114,890)
(52,612)

(91,424)
(38,478)

23,466
14,134

(15,672)
(3,560)
(1,092)
(8,972)
—
(98,093)
(557,286)
(127,336)
(14,813)
(2,554)
(110,735)
$(1,597,499)

(12,824)
(2,728)
(1,225)
(17,870)
(2,800)
(13,575)
—
(47,176)
—
(18,738)
(1,256)
$(386,517)

2,848
832
(133)
(8,898)
(2,800)
84,518
557,286
80,160
14,813
(16,184)
109,479
$1,210,982

%**

(73.9)
—
—
(39.0)
(71.7)

(20.4)
(26.9)

(18.2)
(23.4)
12.2
99.2
—
(86.2)
—
(63.0)
—
633.7
(98.9)
(75.8)

• TSG segment loss decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 primarily due to lower excess and obsolete

inventory costs of $291.8 million and lower research and development costs.

• DNG segment profit increased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to the initial activities associated with

this group, formed from the operations of WaveSmith acquired in June 2003.

• GNS segment loss decreased from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003 due to fewer sales of lower margin installa-
tion  services,  increased  sales  of  maintenance  services,  combined  with  an  overall  reduction  in  service
overhead costs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
At October 31, 2004, our principal source of liquidity was cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments
and long-term investments. We had $202.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, $746.4 million in short-term
investments and $336.5 million in long-term investments.

Our operating activities consumed net cash of $22.8 million, $230.3 million and $245.4 million in fiscal 2002, fis-
cal 2003, and fiscal 2004 respectively. Cash used in operating activities during fiscal 2002 was primarily attribut-
able  to  the  net  loss,  offset  by  non-cash  charges  related  to  goodwill  impairment,  amortization  of  other
intangibles,  deferred  stock  compensation  and  debt  issuance  costs,  the  non-cash  portion  of  restructuring
charges, depreciation expense, provision for inventory excess and obsolescence, a decrease in deferred income
tax asset and a decrease in accounts receivable. Cash used in operating activities during fiscal 2003 was prima-
rily attributable to the net loss, the reduction in accrued liabilities and an increase in accounts receivable. This
was offset by the non-cash charges for early extinguishment of debt, restructuring charges and related asset

PAGE 30

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

write-downs, depreciation, amortization and impairment of intangibles. Cash used in operating activities during
fiscal 2004 was primarily attributable to the net loss and the reduction in accrued liabilities. This was offset by
the  non-cash  charges  for  goodwill  impairment,  amortization  of  intangibles,  depreciation  and  amortization  of
leaseholds, in-process research and development, impairment of long-lived assets, and stock compensation.

Our investment activities provided net cash of $236.6 million, $291.7 million and $170.7 million in fiscal 2002,
fiscal  2003  and  fiscal  2004  respectively.  Investment  activities  included  the  net  redemption  of  $26.0  million,
$364.8 million and $201.4 million of short- and long-term investments during fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal
2004,  respectively.  Included  in  investment  activities  were  additions  to  capital  equipment  and  leasehold
improvements in fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003, and fiscal 2004 of $66.3 million, $29.5 million and $33.0 million, respec-
tively. The capital equipment expenditures were primarily for customer demonstration systems, test systems,
manufacturing  equipment,  computer  equipment,  leasehold  improvements  and  intellectual  property.  Also
included in investment activities was the investment of approximately $10.0 million, $15.0 million and $4.4 mil-
lion of equity investments in privately held technology companies, accounted for under the cost method, dur-
ing fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, respectively. In fiscal 2002, we acquired cash of $286.9 million, net of
expenditures, in connection with our acquisition of ONI. In fiscal 2003 we used cash of $29.7 million, net of
expenditures, in connection with our acquisition of Akara and WaveSmith. In fiscal 2004, we acquired cash of
$4.9 million, net of expenditures, in connection with our acquisitions of Catena and Internet Photonics.

Our financing activities used net cash of $234.5 million, $128.9 million and $32.3 million in fiscal 2002, fiscal
2003 and fiscal 2004, respectively. The primary use of cash during fiscal 2002 related to the redemption of all
outstanding Cyras Systems LLC 4.5% convertible subordinated notes for $178.4 million and the purchase of
ONI 5.0% convertible subordinated notes for $75.2 million. Also during fiscal 2002, we received $15.1 million
from the exercise of stock options and the sale of stock through our employee stock purchase plan and
$5.0 million from the repayment of notes receivable from stockholders. During fiscal 2003 the primary use of
cash  was  related  to  the  purchase  of  $154.7  million  of  the  remaining  $202.9  million  outstanding  ONI  5.0%
convertible subordinated notes. We paid $139.2 million for the notes and fees of $1.1 million related to the
purchase. Also, during fiscal 2003, we received $13.8 million from the exercise of stock options and the sale
of stock through our employee stock purchase plan and $1.9 million from the repayment of notes receivable
from stockholders. During fiscal 2004 the primary use was related to the purchase of the remaining ONI 5.0%
convertible  subordinated  notes  for  $49.2  million  offset  by  $16.8  million  received  for  the  exercise  of  stock
options and the sale of stock through our employee stock purchase plan.

Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that our cash and cash equivalents, short-
term investments, and cash generated from operations will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expen-
ditures,  investment  requirements,  and  other  liquidity  requirements  associated  with  our  existing  operations
through at least the next 12 months.

PAGE 31

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Contractual Obligations
The following is a summary of our future minimum payments under contractual obligations as of October 31,
2004 (in thousands):

Convertible notes(1)
Operating leases
Purchase obligations(2)
Total

Total
$ 780,563
223,034
59,351
$1,062,948

Less than
one year
$ 25,875
39,643
59,351
$124,869

One to
three years
$ 51,750
67,546
—
$119,296

Three to 
five years
$702,938
55,579
—
$758,517

Thereafter
$ —
60,266
—
$60,266

(1)

(2)

The terms of our convertible notes with a principal value of $690.0 million include interest at 3.75% payable on a semi-annual basis on 
February 1 and August 1 of each year; the notes are due February 1, 2008.

Purchase commitments related to amounts we are obligated to pay to our contract manufacturers and component suppliers for inventory.

Some of our commercial commitments, including some of the future minimum payments set forth above, are
secured by standby letters of credit. The following is a summary of our commercial commitments secured by
standby letters of credit by commitment expiration date as of October 31, 2004 (in thousands):

Standby letters of credit

Total 
$15,376

Less than
one year
$14,766

One to
three years

$610

Three to
five years
$ —

Thereafter

$ —

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Ciena does not engage in any off-balance sheet financing arrangements. In particular, we do not have any
interest  in  so-called  limited  purpose  entities,  which  include  special  purpose  entities  (SPEs)  and  structured
finance entities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires Ciena to make estimates and judgments that
affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent
assets  and  liabilities.  On  an  on-going  basis,  we  re-evaluate  our  estimates,  including  those  related  to  bad
debts, inventories, investments, intangible assets, goodwill, income taxes, warranty obligations, restructuring,
and  contingencies  and  litigation.  Ciena  bases  its  estimates  on  historical  experience  and  on  various  other
assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Among other things, these estimates
form the basis for judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent
from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
During fiscal 2004, re-evaluation of certain estimates led to the effects described below.

Revenue Recognition
Ciena’s  products  and  services  include  hardware,  software,  and  professional  services.  Ciena  recognizes  rev-
enue  when  persuasive  evidence  of  an  arrangement  exists,  delivery  has  occurred,  the  fee  is  fixed  or  deter-
minable  and  collectibility  is  probable.  The  third  and  fourth  criteria  may  require  Ciena  to  make  significant
judgments or estimates.

Reserve for Inventory Obsolescence
Ciena writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory by an amount equal
to  the  difference  between  the  cost  of  inventory  and  the  estimated  market  value  based  on  assumptions
about future demand and market conditions. During fiscal 2003, we recorded a benefit for inventory reserves
of $5.3 million primarily related to the realization of sales from previously reserved excess inventory. During
fiscal 2004, we recorded a charge of $4.2 million primarily related to excess inventory due to a change in
forecasted sales for certain products. If actual market conditions differ from those we have projected, we
may be required to take additional inventory write-downs or benefits.

PAGE 32

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Restructuring
As part of its restructuring costs, Ciena provides for the estimated cost of the net lease expense for facilities
that are no longer being used. The provision is equal to the fair value of the minimum future lease payments
offset by the fair value of the estimated sublease payments. Due to the continued excess supply of commercial
properties in certain markets where our unused facilities are located, we have reduced our estimate of the
total future sublease payments we will receive. As a result, we recorded an additional restructuring cost of
$57.1 million in fiscal 2004. As of the end of fiscal 2004, Ciena’s accrued restructuring liability related to net
lease  expense  and  other  related  charges  was  $79.9  million.  The  total  minimum  lease  payments  for  these
restructured facilities are $116.9 million. These lease payments will be made over the lives of our leases, which
range from seven months to fifteen years. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those we have
projected, we may be required to recognize additional restructuring costs associated with these facilities.

Goodwill
Due to Ciena’s reorganization into operating segments, SFAS 142 requires that we assign goodwill to Ciena’s
reporting  units.  Ciena  has  determined  its  operating  segments  and  reporting  units  are  the  same.  In  accor-
dance with SFAS 142 Ciena will test each reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, and
between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would, more likely than not, reduce the
fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. Based on the operating results, forecasts, and busi-
ness factors with the segments, Ciena recorded an impairment loss of $371.7 million in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2004. If actual market conditions differ or projected forecasts change at the time of our annual assess-
ment in fiscal 2005 or in periods prior to our annual assessment, we may be required to record additional
goodwill impairment charges.

Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance
As of October 31, 2004, Ciena has recorded a valuation allowance of $1.08 billion against our gross deferred
tax  assets  of  $1.08  billion.  We  calculated  the  valuation  allowance  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of
Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standard  No.  109,  “Accounting  for  Income  Taxes”  (“SFAS  109”)  which
requires  an  assessment  of  both  positive  and  negative  evidence  when  measuring  the  need  for  a  valuation
allowance.  Positive  evidence,  such  as  operating  results  during  the  most  recent  three-year  period,  is  given
more weight when due to our current lack of visibility, there is a greater degree of uncertainty that the level
of future profitability needed to record the deferred assets will be achieved. Our results over the most recent
three-year period were heavily affected by our recent business restructuring activities. Our cumulative loss in
the most recent three-year period represents sufficient negative evidence to require a valuation allowance
under the provisions of SFAS 109. We intend to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evi-
dence exists to support its reversal.

Effects of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46
(“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51.”
FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if
the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not
have sufficient equity at risk for the  entity to finance  its  activities  without  additional subordinated financial
support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after
January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of
FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2003. The adop-
tion of this standard did not have a material impact on Ciena’s financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 150 (“SFAS 150”), “Accounting
for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This Statement establishes
standards  for  how  an  issuer  classifies  and  measures  in  its  statement  of  financial  position  certain  financial

PAGE 33

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instru-
ment that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances) because that financial instrument
embodies an obligation of the issuer. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or mod-
ified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after
June  15,  2003,  except  for  mandatory  redeemable  financial  instruments  of  nonpublic  entities.  The  FASB  has
defined implementation of SFAS 150 indefinitely for certain non-controlling interests, the provisions of which
are currently not applicable to Ciena. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on Ciena’s
financial position or results of operations.

In March 2004, the FASB issued a proposed statement, “Share-Based Payment,” which addresses the account-
ing for share-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for
equity  instruments  of  the  enterprise  or  liabilities  that  are  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  enterprise’s  equity
instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. The proposed statement would
eliminate the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using Accounting Principles Board
(“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and generally would require instead
that such transaction be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. In October 2004, the FASB delayed
the effective date of the proposed statement from periods ending after January 1, 2005 until periods ending
after June 30, 2005. Ciena continues to monitor the potential impact of the proposed statement on its finan-
cial condition and results of operations.

In March 2004, the FASB approved Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-
Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” The objective of this issue is to pro-
vide guidance for identifying other-than-temporarily impaired investments. EITF No. 03-1 also provides new
disclosure requirements for investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired. In September 2004, the
FASB issued EITF No. 03-1-1, which delayed the effective date of EITF No. 03-1, with the exception of certain
disclosure requirements. Ciena does not believe that EITF No. 03-1 will have a material impact on its finan-
cial condition and results of operations.

In  November  2004,  the  FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  151  (“SFAS  151”),
“Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4.” This Statement amends the guidance in ARB
No. 43 Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense,
freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). Paragraph 5 of ARB 43, Chapter 4, previously stated
that “…under some circumstances, items such as idle facility expense, excessive spoilage, double freight, and
rehandling  costs  may  be  so  abnormal  to  require  treatment  as  a  current  period  charges…”  This  Statement
requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the crite-
rion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to
the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this
Statement will be effective for inventory costs during the fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Ciena
does not believe that the adoption of this Statement will have a material impact on its financial condition or
results of operations.

Quarterly Results of Operations
The tables below (in thousands, except per share data) set forth the operating results and percentage of reve-
nue represented by certain items in Ciena’s statements of operations for each of the eight quarters in the
period  ended  October  31,  2004.  This  information  is  unaudited,  but  in  our  opinion  reflects  all  adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of such
information in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The results for any quarter are not
necessarily indicative of results for any future period.

PAGE 34

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Total Enterprise-Wide Data:

Jan. 31,
2003

Apr. 30,
2003

Jul. 31, Oct. 31,

Jan. 31, Apr. 30,

2003

2003

2004

2004

Jul. 31,
2004

Oct. 31, 
2004

$ 61,221
9,253
70,474

$ 63,399
10,141
73,540

$ 59,294
9,184
68,478

$ 56,858
13,786
70,644

$ 54,674
11,740
66,414

$ 62,422
12,277
74,699

$ 64,340
11,249
75,589

$ 68,774
13,231
82,005

39,577
14,632
54,209
16,265

40,406
14,919
55,325
18,215

39,194
12,749
51,943
16,535

34,425
14,189
48,614
22,030

34,560
11,301
45,861
20,553

56,289
10,188
66,477
8,222

48,069
8,723
56,792
18,797

47,543
10,281
57,824
24,181

53,734
26,605

52,193
25,663

47,963
24,536

45,809
26,389

47,177
25,468

46,479
25,075

57,762
29,468

47,432
28,248

14,706

8,066

7,969

7,737

7,091

5,992

6,969

7,222

3,798
759

3,406
676

2,932
687

2,688
606

2,205
518

1,408
415

1,860
1,214

1,041
1,904

374

346

312

193

121

79

879

239

3,554

3,421

4,479

6,416

3,396

3,395

12,667

11,381

—
—
—

—

—

—
2,356
—

1,500
2,247
—

1,300
8,972
—

—
3,393
—

—
5,185
—

30,200
13,547

—
34,982
— 371,712

368

13,280

33,528

—

—

7,217

8,709

—

—

—

—

(1,931)

(3,457)

—

—
103,530
(87,265)

—
96,495
(78,280)

—
105,905
(89,370)

—
133,638
(111,608)

—
89,369
(68,816)

(2,794)
83,303
(75,081)

—
158,326
(139,529)

—
512,870
(488,689)

13,301
(12,203)

11,131
(8,061)

8,865
(8,070)

9,662
(7,997)

7,678
(7,384)

5,614
(6,473)

4,936
(6,469)

4,680
(6,487)

(10)

(20,606)

—

—

—

—

(4,750)

454

—

(8,216)

139

—

(200)

(4,500)

—

—

(106,783)

(75,210)

(88,575)

(114,693)

(76,284)

(75,801)

(141,262)

(494,996)

359

77
$(107,142) $(75,461) $(88,874) $(115,040) $(76,708) $(76,216) $(141,467) $(495,073)

415

424

205

347

299

251

Revenue:

Products
Services
Total Revenue
Costs:

Products
Services

Total cost of goods sold

Gross profit

Operating expenses:

Research 

and development
Selling and marketing
General 

and administrative
Stock compensation costs:

Research 

and development
Selling and marketing
General 

and administrative

Amortization of 

intangible assets
In-process research 
and development
Restructuring costs
Goodwill impairment
Long-lived 

asset impairment
Recovery of sale, 
export, use tax 
liabilities and payments

Benefit for doubtful 

accounts, net

Total operating expenses
Loss from operations
Interest and other 

income, net

Interest expense
Gain (loss) on equity 
investments, net

Loss on extinguishment 

of debt

Loss before 

income taxes

Provision for 
income tax

Net loss
Basic and diluted net 
loss per common 
share and dilutive 
potential common share $

(0.25) $

(0.17) $ (0.20) $

(0.24) $ (0.16) $ (0.16)

$(0.25) $

(0.87)

Weighted average basic 
common and dilutive 
potential common share

432,572

433,932

451,009

470,244

472,935

475,189

566,234

569,462

PAGE 35

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Jan. 31, Apr. 30,

Jul. 31, Oct. 31,

Jan. 31, Apr. 30,

2003

2003

2003

2003

2004

2004

Jul. 31,
2004

Oct. 31,
2004

$ 61,221 $ 63,399 $ 54,088 $ 49,637 $ 51,174 $ 59,221 $ 42,240 $ 43,131
9,311
16,332
13,231

7,138
14,962
11,249

3,201
—
12,277

3,500
—
11,740

—
—
10,141

7,221
—
13,786

5,206
—
9,184

—
—
9,253

$ 70,474 $ 73,540 $ 68,478 $ 70,644 $ 66,414 $ 74,699 $ 75,589 $ 82,005

$ (33,998)
—
—
(5,815)

(30,355)
(238)
—
(6,252)

(30,839)
1,519
—
(5,221)

(24,539)
(493)
—
(2,192)

(25,672)
(3,988)
—
213

(38,432)
(3,305)
(233)
1,667

(29,923)
(2,197)
(141)
1,709

(22,784)
(43)
909
2,422

$ (39,813) $(36,845) $(34,541) $ (27,224) $(29,447) $(40,303) $ (30,552) $ (19,496)

(24,261)

(22,796)

(21,423)

(22,944)

(22,645)

(21,380)

(25,377)

(23,621)

Segment Data:

Revenue:
TSG
DNG
BBG
GNS

Consolidated 

revenue
Segment 

profit (loss):

TSG
DNG
BBG
GNS

Total segment 
profit (loss)
Other non-

performance items:
Corporate selling 
and marketing
Corporate general 

and administrative (14,706)

(8,066)

(7,969)

(7,737)

(7,091)

(5,992)

(6,969)

(7,222)

Stock compensation 

costs:

Research and
development

Selling and 
marketing
General and

(3,798)

(3,406)

(2,932)

(2,688)

(2,205)

(1,408)

(1,860)

(1,041)

(759)

(676)

(687)

(606)

(518)

(415)

(1,214)

(1,904)

administrative

(374)

(346)

(312)

(193)

(121)

(79)

(879)

(239)

Amortization of 

intangible assets
In-process research 
and development
Restructuring costs
Goodwill impairment
Long-lived 

asset impairment

Recovery of 

sale, export, 
use tax liabilities 
and payments

Benefit for doubtful 

accounts, net

Accelerated 

amortization 
of leasehold
Interest and 

other financial 
charges, net
Provision for 

income taxes

Consolidated 

net loss

(3,554)

(3,421)

(4,479)

(6,416)

(3,396)

(3,395)

(12,667)

(11,381)

—
—
—

—

—

—

—

—
(2,356)
—

(1,500)
(2,247)
—

(1,300)
(8,972)
—

—
(3,393)
—

—
(5,185)
—

(30,200)
(13,547)

—
(34,982)
— (371,712)

(368)

(13,280)

(33,528)

—

—

(7,217)

(8,709)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,931

3,457

2,794

—

—

—

—

(1,649)

(12,504)

(8,382)

(19,518)

3,070

795

(3,085)

(7,468)

(720)

(1,733)

(6,307)

(359)

(251)

(299)

(347)

(424)

(415)

(205)

(77)

$(107,142) $(75,461) $(88,874) $(115,040) $(76,708) $(76,216) $(141,467) $(495,073)

PAGE 36

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Risk Factors
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other information contained in this
report, you should consider the following factors before investing in our securities.

Our business and results of operations could continue to be adversely affected by unfavorable
and uncertain conditions in the communications industry.
The last three years have seen substantial changes in the communications industry. Many of our customers
and potential customers, including communications service providers that have historically provided a signifi-
cant  portion  of  our  sales,  have  confronted  static  or  declining  revenue.  Many  have  experienced  significant
financial distress, and some have gone out of business. Others have announced their withdrawal from seg-
ments of the business. This has resulted in significant changes in the structure of the communications net-
working  industry,  with  greater  concentration  of  purchasing  power  in  a  small  number  of  large  services
providers, cable operators and government agencies, combined with a substantial reduction in the number
of potential customers and overall demand. Together these factors have adversely affected our revenue and
operating results. In addition, most of our customers have become more conservative and uncertain about
their future purchases, which has made managing our business difficult.

We expect the factors described above to continue to affect our business and results of operations for an inde-
terminate period, in several significant ways:

• capital expenditures by many of our customers may be flat or reduced;
• we will continue to have only limited ability to forecast the volume and product mix of our sales;
• managing our expenditures will be difficult in light of the uncertainties surrounding our business;
• increased competition will enable customers to insist on more favorable terms and conditions for sales,
including extended payment terms or other financing assistance, as a condition of procuring their busi-
ness; and

• the bankruptcies or weakened financial condition of some of our customers may require us to write off

amounts due to us from prior sales.

The result of any one or a combination of these factors could have a material adverse impact our business,
financial condition and results of operations.

We  face  intense  competition  from  larger  and  smaller  companies  that  could  hurt  our  sales
and profitability.
The  markets  in  which  we  compete  for  sales  of  networking  equipment,  software  and  services  are  extremely
competitive. Competition in these markets is based on price, functionality, manufacturing capability, installa-
tion, services, existing business and customer relationships, scalability and the ability of products and services
to meet customers’ immediate and future network requirements. Competition in the market for sales to com-
munications service providers is particularly intense. A small number of very large companies have historically
dominated the communications networking equipment industry. We sell systems, software and services that
compete  directly  with  product  offerings  of  these  companies.  These  competitors  have  substantially  greater
financial, technical and marketing resources, greater manufacturing capacity and better established relation-
ships with incumbent carriers and other potential customers than Ciena.

We also compete with a growing number of smaller companies that provide significant competition. These
emerging  competitors  often  base  their  products  on  the  latest  available  technologies,  which  may  result  in
improved performance or cost reductions. They may achieve commercial availability of their products more
quickly due to the narrower focus of their efforts. Our inability to compete successfully against these compa-
nies would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

PAGE 37

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Increased competitive tactics among providers of communications networking equipment and services
could make it difficult to maintain our gross profit margins and could harm our results of operations.
Greater concentration of purchasing power and decreased demand for communications networking products
in recent years have resulted in increased competitive pressures. We expect aggressive competitive tactics to
continue, and perhaps become more severe. These tactics include:

• intense price competition in sales of new equipment, resulting in lower profit margins;
• discounting resulting from sales of used equipment or inventory that a competitor has written down or

written off;

• early announcements of competing products and other extensive marketing efforts;
• “one-stop shopping” options;
• competitors offering to repurchase Ciena equipment from existing customers;
• customer financing assistance;
• marketing and advertising assistance; and
• intellectual property disputes.

Tactics such as those described above can be particularly effective in a concentrated base of potential cus-
tomers such as communications service providers. Our service provider customers are under increasing com-
petitive pressure to deliver their services at the lowest possible cost. This pressure may result in the pricing
of communications networking systems becoming a more important factor in customer decisions. This may
favor larger competitors that can spread the effect of price discounts across a larger array of products and
services and across a larger customer base than ours. If we are unable to offset any reductions in the average
sales  price  for  our  products  by  a  reduction  in  the  cost  of  our  products,  our  gross  profit  margins  will  be
adversely affected. Our inability to compete successfully and maintain our gross profit margins would harm
our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our revenue and operating results can fluctuate unpredictably from quarter to quarter.
Purchases by customers in the markets that we serve can be unpredictable, sporadic and subject to unantic-
ipated changes. Our results, in turn, can fluctuate unpredictably from quarter to quarter. Current economic
and  market  conditions  have  made  it  even  more  difficult  to  make  reliable  estimates  of  future  revenue.
Fluctuations  in  our  revenue  can  lead  to  even  greater  fluctuations  in  our  operating  results.  Our  budgeted
expense levels depend in part on our expectations of long-term future revenue. Any substantial adjustment
to expenses to account for lower levels of revenue is difficult and takes time. Consequently, if our revenue
does decline, our levels of inventory, operating expenses and general overhead would be high relative to our
revenue, resulting in additional operating losses.

Other factors can also contribute to fluctuations in our revenue and operating results, including:

• variations and the mix between higher and lower margin products and services;
• fluctuations in demand for our products;
• changes in our pricing policies or the pricing policies of our competitors;
• the timing and size of orders from customers, including the impact of, and our ability to recognize reve-

nue from, a significant customer contract;

• changes in customers’ requirements, including changes or cancellations to orders from customers;
• the introduction of new products by us or our competitors;
• changes in the price or availability of components for our products; 
• readiness of customer sites for installation;
• satisfaction of contractual customer acceptance criteria and related revenue recognition issues;
• manufacturing and shipment delays and deferrals;
• increased service, installation, warranty or repair costs;
• the timing and amount of employer payroll tax to be paid on employee gains on stock options exercised; and
• changes in general economic conditions as well as those specific to our market segments.

PAGE 38

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

We may not be successful in selling our products into new markets and developing and manag-
ing new sales channels.
We believe that, in order to grow our revenues and business, we must successfully penetrate new markets and
build a larger and more diverse customer base. As we have expanded our product portfolio through acquisi-
tions, strategic relationships and internal development, we have entered and begun to sell our products in new
markets, including enterprises, cable operators and federal, state and local governments. We do not have as
much experience in selling to these markets and have only recently realigned our internal sales resources to
reflect the size of our addressable markets. To succeed in these new markets, we believe we must develop and
manage new sales channels through resellers, distributors and systems integrators. Since we have only limited
experience in developing and managing such channels, it is uncertain to what extent we will be successful.

In addition, we have only recently formed CIENA Government Solutions, Inc. for purposes of facilitating our gov-
ernment contracts activity. Sales to federal, state and local governments often require compliance with complex
procurement rules and regulations with which we have little experience. We may be unable to increase our sales
to government contractors if we determine that we cannot comply with applicable rules and regulations. In
addition,  failure  to  comply  with  rules  and  regulations  for  existing  contracts  could  result  in  civil,  criminal  or
administrative proceedings involving fines and suspension or debarment from federal government contracts.

Failure to succeed in the cable, government and enterprise markets will adversely affect our ability to grow
our customer base and revenues, which would adversely affect our profitability.

If we do not succeed in increasing our sales to large domestic and international service providers
and adding additional service providers as customers, our business and revenues will suffer.
Our future success will depend on our ability to increase our sales to large domestic and international service
providers. We have limited experience in selling to large service providers relative to many of our larger com-
petitors. Many of our competitors have long-standing relationships with such customers, which presents addi-
tional challenges to the sales process. The sales cycle for these larger customers is often substantially longer
than  for  sales  to  smaller  customers  and  large  service  providers  often  require  extensive  testing  of  products
before deciding to purchase them. Even after a product has been selected for a service provider’s network and
a contract has been signed, we are unable to recognize revenue until final network certification tests are com-
pleted satisfactorily, a process that is often lengthy and difficult. Complying with these certification require-
ments may involve unanticipated delays that could adversely affect our ability to sell to larger service providers
or the timing of recognition of revenue. If we do not succeed in increasing our sales to large service provider
customers and adding additional service providers as customers, our business and revenues will suffer.

Our  strategy  of  pursuing  strategic  acquisitions  and  investments  may  expose  us  to  increased
costs and unexpected liabilities.
Our business strategy includes acquiring or making strategic investments in other companies to increase our
portfolio  of  products  and  services,  expand  the  markets  we  address,  diversify  our  customer  base  and  to
acquire or accelerate the development of new or improved products. To do so, we may use cash, issue equity
that would dilute our current stockholders’ ownership, incur debt or assume indebtedness. In addition, we
may incur significant amortization expenses related to intangible assets and charges associated with impair-
ment of goodwill. Strategic investments and acquisitions involve numerous risks, including:

• difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies and products of the acquired companies;
• diversion of management’s attention;
• potential  difficulties  in  completing  projects  of  the  acquired  company  and  costs  related  to  in-process

research and development; 

• the potential loss of key employees of the acquired company;
• dependence on unfamiliar or relatively small supply partners; and
• exposure to unanticipated liabilities, including intellectual property infringement claims.

PAGE 39

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Acquisitions and strategic investments may also involve risks of entering markets in which we have little or no
prior experience and competitors have stronger market positions. As a result of these and other risks, any
acquisitions or strategic investments may not reap the intended benefits and may ultimately have a negative
impact on our business, results of operation and financial condition.

Product performance problems, including difficulties arising as a result of our increasing reliance
on direct order fulfillment for manufacturing, could damage our business reputation and limit
our sales prospects.
The development and production of new products with high technology content is complicated and often
involves problems with software, components and manufacturing methods. We outsource the manufacturing
of certain of our products to EMS providers. In addition, we expect to increasingly rely upon direct order ful-
fillment,  through  which  our  manufacturing  providers  will  test  our  products  on  our  behalf  and  deliver  them
directly to customers. There can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful or enable us to realize
the cost reductions and other intended benefits of these changes. If significant reliability, quality, or network
monitoring problems develop, including those due to defects in software or faulty components, a number of
negative effects on our business could result, including:

• costs associated with fixing software or hardware defects;
• high service and warranty expenses;
• payment of liquidated damages for performance failures;
• high inventory obsolescence expense;
• high levels of product returns;
• delays in collecting accounts receivable;
• reduced orders from existing customers; and
• declining interest from potential customers.

Although we maintain accruals for product warranties, actual costs could exceed these amounts. From time
to  time,  we  encounter  interruptions  or  delays  in  the  activation  of  our  products  at  a  customer’s  site.  These
interruptions or delays may result from product performance problems or from issues with installation and
activation, some of which are outside our control. If we experience significant interruptions or delays that we
cannot promptly resolve, confidence in our products could be undermined, which could cause us to lose cus-
tomers or otherwise harm our business.

The steps that we are taking to restructure and reduce the size of our operations could disrupt
our business.
Since November 2001, we have taken several steps, including reductions in force, dispositions of assets and
office closures, and internally reorganizing our sales and engineering functions to reduce the size and cost of
our operations and to better match our resources with our market opportunities.

During the next six to twelve months we expect to continue to take steps to reduce our operating expenses.
These efforts could cause disruption to our business in a number of ways that could result in lost revenue and
increased expenses. For example, if we do not effectively manage any effort to restructure our sales force and
other customer-facing operations, our relationships with our customers could be disturbed.

In addition to potential business disruption, our cost reduction efforts could result in accounting charges dur-
ing  the  period  of  such  restructuring.  Restructuring  costs,  accelerated  amortization  of  leasehold  costs  and
asset impairment costs of $93.5 million were incurred during our 2004 fiscal year, primarily associated with the
September 30, 2004 closing of our San Jose, California facility. If we cannot manage our restructuring and cost
reduction and restructuring efforts effectively, our business, results of operations and financial condition could
be harmed.

PAGE 40

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

We  must  continue  to  make  substantial  investments  in  product  development  in  order  to  keep
pace with technological advances and succeed in existing and new markets for our products.
In order to be successful, we must balance our initiatives to reduce our operating costs against the need to
keep  pace  with  technological  advances.  The  market  for  communications  networking  equipment,  software
and  services  is  characterized  by  rapid  technological  change,  frequent  introductions  of  new  products,  and
recurring changes in customer requirements. To succeed, we must continue to develop new products and
new features for existing products. In addition, we must be able to identify and gain access to new technologies
as our market segments evolve. We also believe that we must continue to invest research and development
resources in our continuing effort to reduce our manufacturing costs for new and existing products. Managing
these efforts to keep pace with new technologies and reduce manufacturing costs is difficult and there is no
assurance that we will be successful.

We are investing substantial resources in developing and delivering products that reside toward the edge of
large communications networks. We have also undertaken a number of efforts to expand our addressable
markets and the range of products and services we are able to offer existing and potential customers across
the  telecommunications,  cable,  government  and  enterprise  markets.  We  are  implementing  this  strategy
through a combination of internal development,  acquisitions  of  smaller  companies,  and strategic  alliances
with other vendors. At the same time, we are continuing to make the necessary investments to maintain our
technology leadership in our core networking products. If we do not execute this strategy effectively, our solu-
tions  could  become  less  attractive  to  customers  in  one  or  more  markets  where  we  sell  our  products.  As  a
result, we could lose existing market share for core networking products to our competitors, and fail to suc-
ceed in the new markets that we are entering.

Selling our products often involves a long sales cycle and requires substantial investments of our
resources that may not produce anticipated benefits.
In order to sell our products to both potential and existing customers, we must invest in financial, engineering,
manufacturing and logistics support resources, even though we are unsure of the volume, duration or timing
of customer purchases. Our customers are generally technically sophisticated and demanding and the sales
cycle for certain of our products is often lengthy. Because of lengthy sales cycles, Ciena is increasingly subject
to the impact of competitive threats and tactics that could result in Ciena being unable to consummate a sale.
Consequently, we may incur substantial expenses and devote time and resources to potential relationships that
never materialize or fulfill our expectations, in which event our investment may largely be lost.

If we are required to further write down a significant portion of the approximately $408.6 mil-
lion of goodwill on our balance sheet at October 31, 2004, the related charge could result in a
net loss for the period in which the write down occurs.
As of October 31, 2004, we had $408.6 million of goodwill on our balance sheet. This amount primarily rep-
resents the remaining excess of the total purchase price of our acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets
acquired. At October 31, 2004, goodwill represented 19.1 percent of our total assets.

We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”
as of November 1, 2001. SFAS No. 142 requires that we review and test goodwill and indefinite lived intangi-
ble assets for impairment rather than amortize them. Prior to the reorganization of Ciena into operating seg-
ments, the fair value of our goodwill was tested annually for impairment, and between annual tests if an event
occurred or circumstances changed that would, more likely than not, have reduced the fair value of Ciena on
an enterprise entity level, rather than a segment level, below its carrying value. Due to our reorganization into
operating segments, SFAS 142 requires that we assign goodwill to our reporting units. We have determined
that our operating segments and reporting units are the same. In accordance with SFAS 142 we are required
to annually test each segment reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment, and between annual tests if an event

PAGE 41

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

occurs or circumstances change that would, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of the segment report-
ing unit below its carrying value.

In connection with our annual test for impairment, we determined that the carrying value, including goodwill,
of CNG, MESG and BBG exceeded their respective fair value during the fourth quarter of 2004. As a result
we assessed the fair value of the assets of these segments, including identified intangible assets, and liabili-
ties and derived and implied fair value for each reporting unit’s goodwill. Since the carrying amount of the
goodwill assigned to CNG, MESG and BBG was greater than the implied fair value, an impairment loss of
$93.3 million, $129.0 million and $149.4 million, respectively, was recognized in fiscal 2004.

If we are required to further record impairment charges related to goodwill and other intangible assets, such
charges would have the effect of decreasing our earnings or increasing our losses in such period. If we are
required  to  take  a  substantial  impairment  charge,  our  earnings  per  share  or  net  loss  per  share  would  be
adversely impacted in such period.

We may not be successful in enhancing and upgrading our products.
Since our products are based on complex technology, we can experience unanticipated delays in develop-
ing, improving, manufacturing or deploying them. Modifying our products to enable customers to integrate
them into a new type of network architecture entails similar development risks.

At any given time, various enhancements to our products are in the development phase and are not yet ready
for commercial manufacturing or deployment. The maturing process from laboratory prototype to customer
trials, and subsequently to general availability, involves a number of steps, including:

• completion of product development;
• the qualification and multiple sourcing of critical components;
• validation of manufacturing methods and processes;
• extensive quality assurance and reliability testing, and staffing of testing infrastructure;
• validation of software; and
• establishment of systems integration and systems test validation requirements.

Each  of  these  steps,  in  turn,  presents  serious  risks  of  failure,  rework  or  delay,  any  one  of  which  could
decrease  the  speed  and  scope  of  product  introduction  and  marketplace  acceptance  of  the  product.
Specialized application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”) and intensive software testing and validation
are key to the timely introduction of enhancements to several of our products, and schedule delays are com-
mon in the final validation phase, as well as in the manufacture of specialized ASICs. In addition, unexpected
intellectual  property  disputes,  failure  of  critical  design  elements,  and  a  host  of  other  execution  risks  may
delay or even prevent the introduction of these products. If we do not develop and successfully introduce
products in a timely manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be harmed.

We may incur significant costs and our competitive position may suffer as a result of our efforts to
protect and enforce our intellectual property rights or respond to claims of infringement from others.
Despite  efforts  to  protect  our  proprietary  rights,  unauthorized  parties  may  attempt  to  copy  or  otherwise
obtain  and  use  our  products  or  technology.  This  is  likely  to  become  an  increasingly  important  issue  as  we
expand our operations and sales into countries that provide a lower level of protection for intellectual prop-
erty. Monitoring unauthorized use of our products is difficult, and we cannot be certain that the steps we have
taken will prevent unauthorized use of our technology. If competitors are able to use our technology, our ability
to compete effectively could be harmed. We have filed a patent infringement lawsuit to enforce our intellectual
property rights, and may become involved with additional disputes in the future. Such lawsuits can be costly
and may significantly divert the time and attention of our personnel.

PAGE 42

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

We have also been subject to several claims of patent infringement, which in some cases have required us
to pay the patent holders substantial sums or enter into license agreements requiring ongoing royalty pay-
ments. The frequency of assertions of patent infringement is increasing as patent holders use such actions
as a competitive tactic as well as to seek alternative sources of revenue. There is a possibility that we may
again find ourselves required to take patent licenses or to redesign or stop selling products that allegedly
infringe patents belonging to others. If we are sued for infringement and are unsuccessful in defending the
suit,  we  could  be  subject  to  significant  damages,  and  our  business  and  customer  relationships  could  be
adversely affected.

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel, we may be unable to manage our busi-
ness effectively.
If we are unable to retain and motivate our existing employees and attract qualified personnel to fill key posi-
tions, we may be unable to effectively develop our existing products, make timely product introductions and
increase sales. Since we generally do not have employment contracts with our employees, we must rely upon
providing  competitive  compensation  packages  and  a  dynamic  work  environment  to  retain  and  motivate
employees.  In  response  to  the  decline  in  our  revenue  and  weakness  in  the  communications  networking
equipment market, we have not increased salaries for most of our employees since the end of fiscal 2001. In
addition, we have paid our employees significantly reduced or no bonuses under our bonus program since
the end of fiscal 2001. Since our compensation packages include equity-based incentives, pressure on our
stock price could affect our ability to continue to offer competitive compensation packages to our employ-
ees.  In  addition  to  these  compensation  issues,  we  must  continue  to  motivate  employees  to  execute  our
strategies and achieve our goals, which may be difficult due to morale challenges posed by the workforce
reductions and uncertainty in our industry.

If we lose members of our management team or other key personnel, it may be difficult to replace them. It
may also be difficult to effectively execute our strategy of positioning Ciena to benefit from opportunities in
new markets. Competition for highly skilled technical and other personnel with experience our industry can
be intense. As a result, we may not be successful in identifying, recruiting and hiring qualified engineers and
other key personnel.

We  must  appropriately  manage  our  relationships  with  electronic  manufacturing  service  (EMS)
providers responsible for the manufacturing of our products in order to ensure that our product
requirements are met timely and effectively.
We rely on EMS providers to perform the majority of the manufacturing operations for our products. The
qualification of these providers is an expensive and time-consuming process, and these contract manu-
facturers build product for other companies, including our competitors. In addition, we do not have con-
tracts in place with some of these providers. We may not be able to effectively manage our relationships
with our EMS providers, and we cannot be certain that they will be able to fill our orders in a timely man-
ner. If we underestimate our future product requirements, the EMS providers may not have enough prod-
uct to meet our customer requirements, and this could result in delays in the shipment of our products
which  could  harm  our  business.  If  we  overestimate  product  requirements,  we  may  have  to  write  off
excess inventory.

We are constantly reviewing our manufacturing capability, including the work of our EMS providers, to ensure
that our production requirements are met in terms of cost, capacity and quality. Periodically, we may decide
to transfer the manufacturing of a product from one EMS provider to another, to better meet our production
needs. It is possible that we may not effectively manage this transition or the new contract manufacturer may
not perform as well as expected and, as a result, we may not be able to fill orders in a timely manner, which
could harm our business.

PAGE 43

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Our failure to manage our service delivery partners effectively could adversely impact our finan-
cial results and relationship with customers.
We  rely  on  a  number  of  service  delivery  partners,  both  domestic  and  international,  to  complement  Ciena’s
global service and support resources. The certification of these partners incurs costs and is time-consuming,
and these partners service products for other companies, including our competitors. We may not be able to
effectively manage our relationships with our partners and we cannot be certain that they will be able to deliver
our services in the manner or time required. If our service partners are unsuccessful in delivering services:

• our services revenue may be adversely affected;
• our relationship with customers could suffer; and
• we may suffer delays in recognizing product revenues in cases where revenue recognition is dependent

upon product installation, testing and acceptance.

We depend on a limited number of suppliers, and for some items we do not have a substitute supplier.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for components of our products, as well as for equipment used
to manufacture and test our products. Our products include several high-performance components for which
reliable, high-volume suppliers are particularly limited. Furthermore, some key optical and electronic compo-
nents we use in our products are currently available only from sole or limited sources, and in some cases, that
source also is a competitor. Any delay in component availability for any of our products could result in delays
in deployment of these products and in our ability to recognize revenue. These delays could also harm our
customer relationships and our results of operations.

Furthermore, the market for optical components has recently been consolidated resulting in reduced com-
petition,  which  could  lead  to  higher  prices.  In  addition,  the  loss  of  a  source  of  supply  of  key  components
could require us to re-engineer products that use those components, which would increase our costs.

On occasion, we have experienced delays in receipt of components and have received components that do
not perform according to their specifications. Any future difficulty in obtaining sufficient and timely delivery of
components could result in delays or reductions in product shipments, which, in turn, could harm our business.

Any  delays  in  component  availability  for  any  of  our  products  or  test  equipment  could  result  in  delays  in
deployment of these products and in our ability to recognize revenue from them. These delays could also
harm our customer relationships and our results of operations.

Risks associated with our international operations could make these operations more costly.
We market, sell and service our products globally. We have established offices around the world, including in
North America, Europe, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region. We expect that our international activities
will be dynamic over the foreseeable future as we enter some new markets and withdraw from or reduce oper-
ations in others in order to match our resources with revenue opportunities. These changes to our interna-
tional operations will require significant management attention and financial resources. In some countries, our
success will depend in part on our ability to form relationships with local partners. Our inability to identify
appropriate partners or reach mutually satisfactory arrangements for international sales of our products could
impact our ability to maintain or increase international market demand for our products.

International operations are subject to inherent risks, and our future results could be adversely affected by a
variety of uncontrollable and changing factors. These include:

• greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable and longer collection periods;
• difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations;
• the impact of recessions in economies outside the United States;
• unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
• certification requirements;

PAGE 44

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

• reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;
• potentially adverse tax consequences;
• political and economic instability;
• trade protection measures and other regulatory requirements;
• effects of changes in currency exchange rates;
• service provider and government spending patterns; and
• natural disasters and epidemics.

Such factors could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.

We may be required to assume warranty, service and other unexpected obligations in connec-
tion with our resale of complementary products of other companies.
We have entered into agreements with strategic partners that permit us to distribute the products of other
companies. As part of our strategy to diversify our customer base in the markets that we serve, we may enter
into additional resale agreements in the future. To the extent we succeed in reselling the products of these
companies, we may be required by customers to assume warranty and service obligations. While our suppli-
ers have agreed to support us with respect to those obligations, they are relatively small companies with lim-
ited financial resources. If they should be unable, for any reason, to provide the required support, we may
have to expend our own resources on doing so. This risk is amplified by the fact that the equipment has been
designed and manufactured by others, and is thus subject to warranty claims whose magnitude we are cur-
rently unable to evaluate fully.

Our exposure to the credit risks of our customers may make it difficult to collect receivables and
could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Industry and economic conditions have weakened the financial position of some of our customers. To sell to
some of these customers, we may be required to take risks of uncollectible accounts. While we monitor these
situations carefully and attempt to take appropriate measures to protect ourselves, it is possible that we may
have to write down or write off doubtful accounts. Such write-downs or write-offs, if large, could have a mate-
rial adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could have a
material adverse effect on our business, operating results and stock price.
Beginning with our annual report for our fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 will require Ciena to include  a  report  by  our  management  on  our  internal  controls  over
financial reporting. Such report must contain an assessment by management of the effectiveness of our inter-
nal controls over financial reporting as of the end of our fiscal year and a statement as to whether or not such
internal controls are effective. Such report must also contain a statement that our independent auditors have
issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of such internal controls.

In order to achieve timely compliance with Section 404, in fiscal 2004 we began a process to document and
evaluate our internal controls over financial reporting. Our efforts to comply with Section 404 have resulted
in,  and  are  likely  to  continue  to  result  in,  significant  costs,  the  commitment  of  time  and  operational
resources and the diversion of management’s attention. If our management identifies one or more mate-
rial weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert such internal
controls are effective. If we are unable to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting are effec-
tive  as  of  October  31,  2005  (or  if  our  independent  auditors  are  unable  to  attest  that  our  management’s
report is fairly stated or they are unable to express an opinion on our management’s evaluation or on the
effectiveness of our internal controls), our business may be harmed. Market perception of our financial con-
dition and the trading price of our stock may be adversely affected and customer perception of our busi-
ness may suffer.

PAGE 45

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Our stock price is volatile.
Our common stock price has experienced substantial volatility in the past, and is likely to remain volatile in
the future. Volatility can arise as a result of a number of the factors discussed in this “Risk Factors” section, as
well as divergence between our actual or anticipated financial results and published expectations of analysts,
and announcements that we, our competitors, or our customers may make.

Forward-looking Statements.
Some of the statements contained, or incorporated by reference, in this annual report discuss future expecta-
tions, contain projections of results of operations or financial condition or state other “forward-looking” infor-
mation. Those statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could
cause the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. The “forward-looking”
information is based on various factors and was derived using numerous assumptions. In some cases, you can
identify these so-called “forward-looking statements” by words like “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,”
“anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of those words
and other comparable words. You should be aware that those statements only reflect our predictions. Actual
events or results may differ substantially. Important factors that could cause our actual results to be materially
different  from  the  forward-looking  statements  are  disclosed  throughout  this  report,  particularly  under  the
heading “Risk Factors” above. We do not undertake a duty to update any of our forward-looking statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The  following  discussion  about  Ciena’s  market  risk  disclosures  involves  forward-looking  statements.  Actual
results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Ciena is exposed to
market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Ciena does not use deriv-
ative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

Interest Rate Sensitivity. Ciena maintains a short-term and long-term investment portfolio. These available-
for-sale securities are subject to interest rate risk and will fall in value if market interest rates increase. If mar-
ket interest rates were to increase immediately and uniformly by 10% from levels at October 31, 2004, the fair
value of the portfolio would decline by approximately $76.3 million.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk. As a global concern, Ciena faces exposure to adverse movements in foreign
currency exchange rates. These exposures may change over time as business practices evolve and if our expo-
sure increases, adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates could have a material adverse impact on
Ciena’s financial results. Ciena’s primary exposures are related to non-dollar denominated operating expenses
in  Canada,  Latin America, Europe and Asia  where  Ciena  sells  primarily  in  U.S.  dollars. Ciena is  prepared  to
hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency if this exposure becomes material. As of October 31, 2004, the
assets and liabilities of Ciena related to non-dollar denominated currencies were not material. Therefore we
do not expect an increase or decrease of 10% in the foreign exchange rate would have a material impact on
Ciena’s financial position.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The following is an index to the consolidated financial statements and supplementary data:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

PAGE 46

Page 
Number
47
48
49
50
51
52

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ciena Corporation:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Ciena  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  at  October  31,  2004  and  October  31,  2003,  and  the  results  of  their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2004 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are  free  of  material  misstatement.  An  audit  includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

McLean, VA 
December 9, 2004

PAGE 47

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Ciena Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories, net
Prepaid expenses and other

Total current assets
Long-term investments
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Other long-term assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:

Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Restructuring liabilities
Unfavorable lease commitments
Income taxes payable
Deferred revenue

Total current liabilities
Long-term deferred revenue
Long-term restructuring liabilities
Long-term unfavorable lease commitments
Other long-term obligations
Convertible notes payable
Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock—par value $0.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 

zero shares issued and outstanding

Common stock—par value $0.01; 980,000,000 shares 

authorized; 473,214,856 and 571,656,659 shares issued and outstanding

Additional paid-in capital
Deferred stock compensation
Notes receivable from stockholders
Changes in unrealized gains on investments, net
Translation adjustment
Accumulated deficit

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PAGE 48

October 31,

2003

2004

$ 309,665
796,809
43,600
44,995
34,334
1,229,403
519,744
114,930
336,039
108,408
69,641
$ 2,378,165

$

44,402
98,926
14,378
9,380
4,640
14,473
186,199
14,547
52,164
61,312
2,698
730,428
1,047,348

$ 202,623
753,251
45,878
47,614
29,906
1,079,272
329,704
51,252
408,615
208,015
60,196
$ 2,137,054

$

31,509
76,045
16,203
9,902
3,354
21,566
158,579
16,010
65,180
51,341
1,522
690,000
982,632

—

—

4,732
4,861,182
(9,664)
(448)
2,792
(345)
(3,527,432)
1,330,817
$ 2,378,165

5,717
5,482,175
(13,761)
(48)
(2,488)
(277)
(4,316,896)
1,154,422
$ 2,137,054

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Ciena Corporation
Consolidated Statements Of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenue:

Products
Services
Total revenue
Costs:

Products
Services

Total cost of goods sold
Gross profit (loss)
Operating expenses:

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative
Stock compensation costs:

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative
Amortization of intangible assets
In-process research and development
Restructuring costs
Goodwill impairment
Long-lived asset impairment
Recovery of sale, export, use tax liabilities and payments
Provision (benefit) for doubtful accounts

Total operating expenses

Loss from operations
Interest and other income (expense), net
Interest expense
Loss on equity investments, net
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Loss before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net loss
Basic and diluted net loss per common share 

Year Ended October 31,
2003

2004

2002

$ 304,155
57,000
361,155

$ 240,772
42,364
283,136

$ 250,210
48,497
298,707

514,549
81,485
596,034
(234,879)

239,619
130,276
52,612

15,672
3,560
1,092
8,972
—
98,093
557,286
127,336
—
14,813
1,249,331
(1,484,210)
61,145
(45,339)
(15,677)
(2,683)
(1,486,764)
110,735
$(1,597,499)

153,602
56,489
210,091
73,045

199,699
103,193
38,478

12,824
2,728
1,225
17,870
2,800
13,575
—
47,176
—
—
439,568
(366,523)
42,959
(36,331)
(4,760)
(20,606)
(385,261)
1,256
$(386,517)

186,461
40,493
226,954
71,753

198,850
108,259
27,274

6,514
4,051
1,318
30,839
30,200
57,107
371,712
15,926
(5,388)
(2,794)
843,868
(772,115)
22,908
(26,813)
(4,107)
(8,216)
(788,343)
1,121
$(789,464)

and dilutive potential common share

$

(4.37)

$

(0.87)

$

(1.51)

Weighted average basic common and dilutive 

potential common shares outstanding

365,202

446,696

521,454

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PAGE 49

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Ciena Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock
Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-in-
Capital

328,022,264
—

$3,280
—

$3,704,885
—

Accumu-
lated 
Deferred Receivable Other

Notes

Stock
Compen-
sation

from
Stock-
holders

Compre-
hensive
Income

$(37,373) $(3,236) $ 4,842

Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)

Total 
Stockholders’ 
Equity
(Deficit)

$(1,543,416) $ 2,128,982
(1,597,499)

— (1,597,499)

—
—

3,699,493

—

—

—
—

37

—

—

—

—
—

—

—
—

15,103

—

(8,826)

— 21,216

— 3,731
267
—

net of issuance costs

101,120,724

1,011

963,877

— (5,673)

—

—

—

— 5,043

432,842,481
—

4,328
—

4,683,865
—

(24,983)

(3,866)
—

8,840
—

(3,140,915)
(386,517)

1,527,269
(386,517)

(in thousands, except share data)
Balance at 

October 31, 2001

Net loss
Changes in unrealized 

gains on investments, net

Translation adjustment
Comprehensive loss
Exercise of stock options
Unearned stock 
compensation
Deferred  stock 

compensation costs

Issuance of common stock, 

Repayment of receivables 

from stockholders

Balance at 

October 31, 2002

Net loss
Changes in unrealized 

gains on investments, net

Translation adjustment
Comprehensive loss
Exercise of stock options
Unearned stock 
compensation
Deferred stock 

compensation costs
Forfeiture of unearned
stock compensation

Issuance of  common stock, 

Repayment of receivables 

from stockholders

Balance at 

October 31, 2003

Net loss
Changes in unrealized 

gains on investments, net

Translation adjustment
Comprehensive loss
Exercise of warrant
Exercise of stock options
Unearned
stock compensation
Deferred stock 

compensation costs
Forfeiture of unearned 
stock compensation

Issuance of common stock, 

net of issuance costs
Reduction of receivables 

from stockholders

Balance at 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

— (6,743)
350
—

—
—

4,608,143

—

—
—

—
—

46

—

—
—

—
—

13,752

—

(7,385)

— 17,093
5,611

(5,611)

—
—
—
(1)
16,700
955

—
—
—
—
—
(18,178)

— (5,280)
68
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
49,142
7,995,906
—

—

—

—
—
—
1
80
—

—

—

— 11,883

(2,198)

2,198

—

—

—

400

—

—

—

—

90,396,755

904

605,537

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

3,731
267
(1,593,501)
15,140

(8,826)

21,216

959,215

5,043

—
—

—

—

—
—

—

—

(6,743)
350
(392,910)
13,798

(7,385)

17,093
—

169,534

3,418

—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—

—

—

(5,280)
68
(794,676)
—
16,780
(17,223) 

11,883

—

606,441

400

net of issuance costs

35,764,232

358

169,176

—

—

—

3,418

473,214,856
—

4,732
—

4,861,182
—

(9,664)
—

(448)
—

2,447
—

(3,527,432)
(789,464)

1,330,817 
(789,464)

October 31, 2004

571,656,659

$5,717

$5,482,175

$(13,761) $

(48) $(2,765) $(4,316,896)

$1,154,422

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PAGE 50

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Ciena Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:

Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss 

to net cash used in operating activities:

Early extinguishment of debt
Amortization of premium on marketable securities
Loss from equity investments
Non-cash impairment of long-lived assets
Accretion of convertible notes payable
In-process research and development
Depreciation and amortization of leasehold improvements
Goodwill impairment
Stock compensation
Amortization of intangibles
Provision for doubtful accounts
Provision for inventory excess and obsolescence
Provision for warranty and other contractual obligations
Other
Changes in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Deferred income tax asset
Prepaid expenses and other
Accounts payable and accruals
Income taxes payable
Deferred revenue and other obligations

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Additions to equipment, furniture, 
fixtures and intellectual property

Proceeds from sale of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Purchase of available for sale securities
Maturities of available for sale securities
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
Minority equity investments, net

Net cash provided by investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net proceeds from (repayment of) other obligations
Repayment of convertible notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants
Repayment of notes receivable from stockholders

Net cash used in financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

Cash paid during the period for:

Interest
Income taxes

Issuance of common stock for notes receivable from stockholders

Year Ended October 31,
2003

2004

2002

$(1,597,499)

$ (386,517)

$(789,464)

2,683
2,469
15,677
127,336
12,693
—
122,048
557,286
20,324
8,972
14,813
250,457
13,271
4,188

358,493
(27,807)
186,861
(14,479)
(8,358)
(7,170)
(65,079)
(22,821)

20,606
11,948
4,760
47,176
6,432
2,800
80,842
—
16,777
21,153
—
(5,296)
9,301
5,291

(14,187)
9,216
—
3,977
(66,486)
4,626
(2,689)
(230,270)

(66,330)
—
(1,521,479)
1,547,516
286,899
(10,000)
236,606

(1,015)
(253,654)
15,140
5,043
(234,486)
(20,701)
397,890
$ 377,189

(29,544)
1,060
(1,049,993)
1,414,808
(29,668)
(15,000)
291,663

(4,370)
(140,261)
13,798
1,916
(128,917)
(67,524)
377,189
$ 309,665

8,216
26,924
4,107
15,926
599
30,200
72,213
371,712
11,883
34,708
284
4,172
8,351
3,449

(2,562)
962
—
15,253
(67,671)
(1,286)
6,589
(245,435)

(32,999)
1,857
(696,344)
897,738
4,864
(4,407)
170,709

100
(49,243)
16,780
47
(32,316)
(107,042)
309,665
$ 202,623

$
$
$

36,776
485
—

$
$
$

30,287
1,780
—

$ 26,927
2,363
$
—
$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PAGE 51

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Ciena Corporation
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Ciena Corporation and Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates
Description of Business
Ciena Corporation supplies application-focused communications networking equipment, software and serv-
ices to communications service providers, cable operators, governments and enterprises. Ciena is a network
specialist,  focused  on  optimizing  access  and  edge  networks  for  broadband  communication,  enhancing
enterprise  data  services  and  evolving  network  infrastructure  to  support  new  services  through  automation
and convergence.

Ciena was incorporated in Delaware in November 1992, and completed its initial public offering on February 7,
1997. Ciena’s principal executive offices are located at 1201 Winterson Road, Linthicum, Maryland 21090.

Principles of Consolidation
Ciena has 19 wholly owned U.S. and international subsidiaries, which have been consolidated in the accom-
panying financial statements. On May 3, 2004, Ciena acquired by merger Catena Networks Inc. (“Catena”), a
Delaware company based in Ottawa, Ontario, and Internet Photonics, Inc., (“Internet Photonics”), a Delaware
company based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. On August 29, 2003, Ciena acquired all of the outstanding capi-
tal stock of Akara Corporation (“Akara”), a Delaware company based in Ottawa, Ontario. On June 16, 2003,
Ciena acquired by merger WaveSmith Networks, Inc. (“WaveSmith”), a Delaware company based in Acton,
Massachusetts.  On  June  21,  2002,  Ciena  acquired  by  merger  ONI  Systems  Corp.  (“ONI”),  a  Delaware
Company  which  was  headquartered  in  San  Jose,  California.  The  Catena,  Internet  Photonics,  Akara,
WaveSmith  and  ONI  transactions  were  all  accomplished  as  tax-free  reorganizations,  all  of  which  were
recorded using the purchase accounting method.

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Ciena  and  its  wholly  owned
subsidiaries. All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year
Ciena has a 52 or 53 week fiscal year, which ends on the Saturday nearest to the last day of October in each
year  (October  30,  2004,  November  1,  2003,  and  November  2,  2002).  For  purposes  of  financial  statement
presentation, each fiscal year is described as having ended on October 31. Fiscal 2004, fiscal 2003 and fis-
cal 2002 were comprised of 52 weeks.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
Ciena to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
revenue  and  expenses,  together  with  amounts  disclosed  in  the  related  notes  to  the  financial  statements.
Actual results could differ from the recorded estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Ciena considers all highly liquid investments purchased with expected original maturities of three months or
less to be cash equivalents.

Investments
Ciena’s short-term and long-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value,
with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized
gains or losses and declines in value determined to be other than temporary, if any, on available-for-sale secu-
rities, are reported in other income or expense as incurred.

PAGE 52

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Ciena  also  has  certain  other  minority  equity  investments  in  privately  held  technology  companies.  These
investments are generally carried at cost as Ciena owns less than 20% of the voting equity and does not have
the ability to exercise significant influence over these companies. As of October 31, 2003 and October 31,
2004, $21.3 million and $21.6 million of these investments are included in other long-term assets, respectively.
These investments are inherently high risk as the market for technologies or product manufactured by these
companies are usually early stage at the time of the investment by Ciena and such markets may never be
significant. Ciena could lose its entire investment in some or all of these companies. Ciena monitors these
investments for impairment and makes appropriate reductions in carrying values when necessary. During fiscal
2002,  fiscal  2003,  and  fiscal  2004,  Ciena  recorded  a  charge  of  $16.6  million,  $4.8  million  and  $4.1  million,
respectively, from a decline in the fair values of certain equity investments that were determined to be other
than temporary.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on the first-in, first-out basis. Ciena
records a provision for excess and obsolete inventory whenever such an impairment has been identified.

Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the
straight-line method over useful lives of 2 years to 5 years for equipment, furniture and fixtures and 9 months
to 10 years for leasehold improvements. Impairments of equipment, furniture and fixtures are determined in
accordance  with  Statement  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  144  “Accounting  for  the  Impairment  or
Disposal  of  Long-Lived  Assets”  (“SFAS  144”).  This  statement  is  effective  for  fiscal  2003  and  supersedes
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of” (“SFAS 121”).

Internal  use  software  and  web  site  development  costs  are  capitalized  in  accordance  with  Statement  of
Position (SOP) No. 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal
Use,”  and  Emerging  Issues  Task  Force  (“EITF”)  Issue  No.  00-02,  “Accounting  for  Web  Site  Development
Costs.” Qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage, which consist primarily of out-
side services and purchased software license costs, are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful
life of the asset.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Ciena has recorded goodwill and purchased intangible assets as a result of several acquisitions. See Note 2.
Ciena  accounts  for  goodwill  in  accordance  with  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  142
“Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible  Assets”  (“SFAS  142”),  which  requires  Ciena  to  test  each  reporting  unit’s
goodwill  for  impairment  on  an  annual  basis,  which  Ciena  has  determined  to  be  the  last  business  day  of
September each year, and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would, more
likely  than  not,  reduce  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit  below  its  carrying  value.  See  Note  4.  Purchased
intangible  assets  are  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated  amortization.  Amortization  is  computed  using  the
straight-line  method  over  the  economic  lives  of  the  respective  assets,  generally  three  to  seven  years.  It  is
Ciena’s policy to assess periodically the carrying amount of its purchased intangible assets to determine if
there has been an impairment to their carrying value. Impairments of other intangibles assets are determined
in accordance SFAS 144.

Concentrations
Substantially all of Ciena’s cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, are custodied at
three major U.S. financial institutions. The majority of Ciena’s cash equivalents consist of money market funds
and overnight repurchase agreements. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided
on such deposits. Generally these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and, therefore, bear minimal risk.

PAGE 53

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Historically, Ciena has relied on a limited number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenue. During
fiscal 2004 only SAIC accounted for at least 10% of Ciena’s revenue. During fiscal 2003 Qwest and AT&T each
accounted for at least 10% of Ciena’s revenue. During fiscal 2002, Sprint and AT&T each accounted for at least
10% of Ciena’s revenue. Ciena expects that a significant portion of our future revenue will continue to be gen-
erated by a limited number of customers. The loss of any one of these customers or any substantial reduc-
tion in orders by any one of these customers could materially adversely affect Ciena’s financial condition or
operating results. See Note 17.

Additionally, Ciena’s access to certain raw materials is dependent upon single and sole source suppliers. The
inability of any supplier to fulfill supply requirements of Ciena could affect future results. Ciena relies on a
small number of contract manufacturers to perform the majority of the manufacturing operations for its prod-
ucts. If Ciena cannot effectively manage these manufacturers and forecast future demand, or if they fail to
deliver products or components on time, Ciena’s business may suffer.

Revenue Recognition
Ciena  recognizes  revenue  in  accordance  with  Staff  Accounting  Bulletin  No.  104,  “Revenue  Recognition”
(“SAB 104”), which states that revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria
are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;
the  price  to  the  buyer  is  fixed  and  determinable;  and  collectibility  is  reasonably  assured.  For  transactions
involving  the  sale  of  software,  revenue  is  recognized  in  accordance  with  Statement  of  Position  No.  97-02
(“SOP 97-2”), “Software Revenue Recognition,” including deferral of revenue recognition in instances where
vendor  specific  evidence  for  undelivered  elements  is  not  determinable.  For  arrangements  that  involve  the
delivery or performance of multiple products, services and or rights to use assets, the determination as to how
the  arrangement  consideration  should  be  measured  and  allocated  to  the  separate  deliverables  of  the
arrangement  is  determined  in  accordance  with  the  EITF  Issue  No.  00-21,  “Revenue  Arrangements  with
Multiple Deliverables.”

Revenue Related Accruals
Ciena provides for the estimated costs to fulfill customer warranty and other contractual obligations upon the
recognition of the related revenue. Such reserves are determined based upon actual warranty cost experi-
ence, estimates of component failure rates, and management’s industry experience. Ciena’s sales contracts
generally do not permit the right of return of product by the customer after the product has been accepted.

Research and Development
Ciena charges all research and development costs to expense as incurred.

Advertising Costs
Ciena expenses all advertising costs as incurred.

Income Taxes
Ciena accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109
(“SFAS 109”), “Accounting for Income Taxes.” SFAS 109 is an asset and liability approach that requires the
recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to dif-
ferences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  for  financial  reporting  purposes  and  their
respective  tax  bases,  and  for  operating  loss  and  tax  credit  carry  forwards.  In  estimating  future  tax  conse-
quences, SFAS 109 generally considers all expected future events other than the enactment of changes in tax
laws or rates. Valuation allowances are provided, if based upon the weight of the available evidence, it is more
likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Tax savings resulting from deduc-
tions associated with stock options and certain stock warrants are credited directly to additional paid in cap-
ital when realization of such benefit is fully assured. See Note 14.

PAGE 54

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of Ciena’s financial instruments, which include short-term and long-term investments,
accounts  receivable,  accounts  payable,  and  other  accrued  expenses,  approximate  their  fair  values  due  to
their short maturities.

At October 31, 2004, the fair value of the Ciena convertible subordinated notes was $596.9 million. The fair
value is based on the quoted market price for the notes.

Foreign Currency Translation
The majority of Ciena’s foreign branches and subsidiaries use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency, as
the U.S. parent exclusively funds the branches and subsidiaries’ operations with U.S. dollars. For those sub-
sidiaries  using  the  local  currency  as  their  functional  currency,  assets  and  liabilities  are  translated  at
exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly
to a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, transla-
tion adjustments are recorded in other income. The net gain (loss) on foreign currency re-measurement and
exchange rate changes for fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004 was immaterial for separate financial state-
ment presentation.

Computation of Basic Net Income (Loss) per Common Share and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per
Common and Dilutive Potential Common Share
Ciena calculates earnings per share in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 128, “Earnings per Share” (“SFAS 128”). SFAS 128 simplifies the earnings per share (“EPS”) computation
and replaces the presentation of primary EPS with a presentation of basic EPS. This statement also requires
dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement for entities with a complex
capital structure and requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used for the basic and
diluted EPS computations. See Note 12.

Software Development Costs
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be
Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed” (“SFAS 86”), requires the capitalization of certain  software  develop-
ment costs incurred subsequent to the date technological feasibility is established and prior to the date the
product is generally available for sale. The capitalized cost is then amortized over the estimated product life.
Ciena defines technological feasibility as being attained at the time a working model is completed. To date,
the period between achieving technological feasibility and the general availability of such software has been
short,  and  software  development  costs  qualifying  for  capitalization  have  been  insignificant.  Accordingly,
Ciena has not capitalized any software development costs.

Accounting for Stock Options
In  October  1995,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
Standard No. 123 (“SFAS 123”), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” SFAS 123 allows companies to
account  for  stock-based  compensation  either  under  the  new  provisions  of  SFAS  123  or  using  the  intrinsic
value method provided by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”), “Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees,” but requires pro forma disclosure in the footnotes to the financial statements as if the
measurement provisions of SFAS 123 had been adopted.

In  December  2002,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
Standard No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure” (“SFAS 148”). SFAS
148 amends SFAS 123, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based
method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS 148 amends the disclosure
requirements  of  SFAS  123  to  require  prominent  disclosures  in  both  annual  and  interim  financial  statements

PAGE 55

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used
on reported results. SFAS 148 is effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002.

Ciena has elected to continue to account for its stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions
of APB 25 as interpreted by FASB Interpretation No. 44, “Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock
Compensation, an Interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25,” (“FIN 44”) and present the pro forma disclosures
required by SFAS 123 as amended by SFAS 148.

Had compensation cost for Ciena’s stock option plans and employee stock purchase plan been determined
based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in fiscal year 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004 consistent
with the provisions of SFAS 123 as amended by SFAS 148, Ciena’s net loss and net loss per share for fiscal
2003 and fiscal 2004 would have increased and Ciena’s net loss and net loss per share for fiscal 2002 would
have decreased to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share data):

Net loss as reported
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation 

expense determined under fair value method 
for all awards, net of related tax effects

Add: Stock-based employee compensation 
expense included in reported net income, 
net of related tax effects

Net loss pro forma
Basic and diluted net loss per share—as reported
Basic and diluted net loss per share—pro forma

2002
$(1,597,499)

October 31,
2003
$(386,517)

2004
$(789,464)

(19,744)

39,553

39,638

20,324
$(1,557,431)
(4.37)
$
(4.26)
$

16,777
$(409,293)
(0.87)
$
(0.92)
$

11,883
$(817,219)
(1.51)
$
(1.57)
$

The weighted average fair value of each option granted under the various stock option plans for 2002, 2003
and 2004 is $4.88, $3.32 and $2.82, respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date
of grant using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions for
fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004:

Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life (years)
Expected dividend yield

Employee Stock Option Plans
October 31,
2003
71%
3.20%
4.5
0.0%

2002
92%
2.60%
4.5
0.0%

2004
63%–71%
3.50%
4.5
0.0%

Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
October 31,
2003
71%
1.30%
0.5
0.0%

2004
63%–71%
1.50%
0.5
0.0%

2002
92%
1.30%
0.5
0.0%

Segment Reporting
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No.  131  (“SFAS  131”),  “Disclosures  about  Segments  of  an  Enterprise  and  Related  Information.”  SFAS  131
establishes  annual  and  interim  reporting  standards  for  operating  segments  of  a  company.  It  also  requires
entity-wide disclosures about the products and services an entity provides, the material countries in which it
holds assets and reports revenue, and its major customers.

PAGE 56

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Ciena reorganized its operations effective as of the second quarter of fiscal 2004 into multiple operating seg-
ments for the purpose of making operating decisions and assessing performance. Those operating segments
were  the  following:  Core  Networking  Group  (CNG);  Metro  and  Enterprise  Solutions  Group  (MESG);  Data
Networking  Group  (DNG);  and  Global  Network  Services  (GNS).  During  the  third  quarter  of  fiscal  2004  the
Broadband  Access  Group  (BBG)  was  organized  from  the  operations  of  Catena,  acquired  on  May  3,  2004.
During October 2004 in order to improve operational efficiencies, operating decisions and assess perform-
ance, Ciena combined the operations of CNG and MESG and formed the Transport and Switching Group
(TSG). See Note 17.

Newly Issued Accounting Standards
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51.” FIN 46 requires certain variable interest
entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not
have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity
to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective
for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities
created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or
annual  period  beginning  after  December  15,  2003.  The  adoption  of  this  standard  did  not  have  a  material
impact on Ciena’s financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 150 (“SFAS 150”), “Accounting
for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics  of  both  Liabilities  and  Equity.”  This  Statement  estab-
lishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures in its statement of financial position certain financial
instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instru-
ment that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances) because that financial instrument
embodies an obligation of the issuer. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modi-
fied after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after
June 15, 2003, except for mandatory redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities. The FASB has
defined implementation of SFAS 150 indefinitely for certain non-controlling interests, the provisions of which
are currently not applicable to Ciena. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on Ciena’s
financial position or results of operations.

In March 2004, the FASB issued a proposed statement, “Share-Based Payment,” which addresses the account-
ing for share-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for
equity  instruments  of  the  enterprise  or  liabilities  that  are  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  enterprise’s  equity
instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. The proposed statement would
eliminate the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using Accounting Principles Board
(“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and generally would require instead
that such transaction be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. In October 2004, the FASB delayed
the effective date of the proposed statement from periods ending after January 1, 2005 until periods ending
after June 30, 2005. Ciena continues to monitor the potential impact of the proposed statement on its finan-
cial condition and results of operations.

In March 2004, the FASB approved EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
and Its Application to Certain Investments.” The objective of this issue is to provide guidance for identifying
other-than-temporarily  impaired  investments.  EITF  No.  03-1  also  provides  new  disclosure  requirements  for
investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired. In September 2004, the FASB issued EITF No. 03-1-1,
which delayed the effective date of EITF No. 03-1, with the exception of certain disclosure requirements. Ciena
does not believe that EITF No. 03-1 will have a material impact on its financial condition and results of operations.

PAGE 57

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

In  November  2004,  the  FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  151  (“SFAS  151”),
“Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4.” This Statement amends the guidance in ARB
No. 43 Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense,
freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). Paragraph 5 of ARB 43, Chapter 4, previously stated
that “… under some circumstances, items such as idle facility expense, excessive spoilage, double freight,
and  rehandling  costs  may  be  so  abnormal  to  require  treatment  as  a  current  period  charges….”  This
Statement  requires  that  those  items  be  recognized  as  current-period  charges  regardless  of  whether  they
meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production
overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provi-
sions of this Statement will be effective for inventory costs during the fiscal years beginning after June 15,
2005. Ciena does not believe that the adoption of this Statement will have a material impact on its financial
condition or results of operations.

Reclassification
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year consolidated financial statement
presentation.

(2) Business Combinations
In  fiscal  2004,  Ciena  acquired  Catena  and  Internet  Photonics.  In  fiscal  2003,  Ciena  acquired  Akara  and
WaveSmith. In fiscal 2002, Ciena acquired ONI. As a result of these acquisitions, Ciena has recorded charges
for in-process research and development and recorded intangible assets related to existing technology.

In-process research and development represents in-process technology that, as of the date of the acquisition,
has not reached technological feasibility and has no alternative future use. Based on valuation assessments,
the value of these projects is determined by estimating the resulting net cash flows from the sale of the prod-
ucts  resulting  from  the  completion  of  the  projects,  reduced  by  the  portion  of  the  revenue  attributable  to
developed technology and the percentage of completion of the project. The resulting cash flows are then
discounted back to their present values at appropriate discount rates.

Existing technology represents purchased technology for which development had been completed as of the
date of acquisition. This amount is determined using the income approach. This method consisted of esti-
mating future net cash flows attributable to existing technology for a discrete projection period and discount-
ing the net cash flows to their present value. The existing technology will be amortized over its useful life.

The purchase price for Ciena’s acquisitions have been based on the average closing price of Ciena’s com-
mon stock for two trading days prior to, the date of, and the two trading days after the announcement of
the acquisition.

PAGE 58

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price at the date of the acquisitions (in thousands):

Cash, cash equivalents, long-
and short-term investments

Inventory
Equipment, furniture and  fixtures
Other tangible assets
Existing technology
Non-compete agreements
Contracts and purchase orders
Goodwill
Deferred stock compensation
Other assumed liabilities
Ciena initial investment
Unfavorable lease commitments
Promissory notes and loans
Convertible subordinated notes payable
In-process research and development
Total purchase price

Catena
at May 3,
2004

$ 12,936
6,254
2,813
9,236
73,000
—
18,000
326,241
16,130
(23,150)
—
(351)
—
—
25,000
$466,109

Internet 
Photonics
Akara at WaveSmith
at May 3, August 29, at June 16,
2003

2003

2004

$

767
1,499
1,287
1,666
10,000
2,200
21,100
120,574
1,094
(6,857)
—
—
(9,357)
—
5,200
$149,173

$ 1,232
909
282
1,542
9,300
3,100
2,100
34,275
—
(2,658)
—
(541)
(6,099)
—
1,300
$44,742

$ 4,159
983
793
472
54,300
—
5,400
89,264
7,385
(2,405)
(5,000)
—
—
—
1,500
$156,851

ONI at
June 21, 
2002

$ 623,559
14,705
40,759
25,847
13,000
1,000
1,100
590,895
8,826
(43,336)
—
(80,183)
—
(218,013)
—
$ 978,159

Catena
Catena  was  a  privately  held  corporation  headquartered  in  Ottawa,  Ontario.  Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the
acquisition agreement, Catena merged into Ciena, and the outstanding shares of Catena common and pre-
ferred stock were exchanged for approximately 67,773,442 shares of Ciena common stock. The aggregate
purchase  price  was  $466.1  million,  which  included  Ciena  common  stock  valued  at  $407.2  million,  Ciena
options, warrants and restricted stock valued at $53.7 million, and transaction costs of $5.2 million.

The $73.0 million assigned to existing technology will be amortized over periods ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 years.
The  $18.0  million  assigned  to  the  contracts,  customer  relationships  and  purchase  orders  will  be  amortized
over periods ranging from 3 months to 4.5 years.

The goodwill allocated to the purchase price was $326.2 million and is not deductible for tax purposes. The
operations of Catena were incorporated into Ciena’s BBG operating segment, and accordingly the goodwill
from this transaction has been assigned to this operating segment.

The following unaudited pro forma data summarizes the results of operations for the period indicated as if
the Catena acquisition had been completed as of the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro
forma data gives effect to the combined actual operating results prior to the May 3, 2004 acquisition, adjusted
to include the pro forma effect of amortization of intangibles and deferred stock compensation costs. These
pro forma amounts do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have actually been obtained if
the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented or that may be obtained in the future
(in thousands, except per share data.)

(unaudited)
Revenue
Net loss
Diluted net loss per common share 

Fiscal Year

2003
$ 317,013
$(431,932)

2004
$ 348,943
$(802,038)

and dilutive potential common share

$

(0.84)

$

(1.44)

PAGE 59

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Internet Photonics
Internet Photonics was a privately held corporation headquartered in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. Pursuant to the
terms  of  the  acquisition  agreement,  Internet  Photonics  merged  into  Ciena,  and  the  outstanding  shares  of
Internet Photonics common and preferred stock were exchanged for approximately 22,623,313 shares of Ciena
common stock. The aggregate purchase price was $149.2 million, which included Ciena common stock valued
at $139.4 million, Ciena options, and restricted stock valued at $6.1 million, and transaction costs of $3.7 million.

The $10.0 million assigned to existing technology will be amortized over 6.5 years. The $2.2 million assigned
to non-compete agreements will be amortized over 12 months. The $21.1 million assigned to the contracts,
customer relationships and purchase orders will be amortized over periods ranging from 3 months to 6.5 years.
The $9.4 million assigned to the value of the loan was based upon the present value of the loan at the time of
the acquisition. The loan was payable to Ciena and was eliminated during the allocation of the purchase price.

The goodwill allocated to the purchase price was $120.6 million and is not deductible for tax purposes. The
operations of Internet Photonics were incorporated into Ciena’s TSG operating segment, and accordingly the
goodwill  from  this  transaction  has  been  assigned  to  this  operating  segment.  The  operations  of  Internet
Photonics are not material to the consolidated financial statements of Ciena, and accordingly, separate pro
forma financial information has not been presented.

Akara
On August 29, 2003, Ciena completed the acquisition by merger of Akara, a privately held corporation head-
quartered  in  Ottawa,  Ontario.  Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the  acquisition  agreement,  Akara  became  a  wholly
owned subsidiary of Ciena, and the outstanding shares of Akara common and preferred stock were exchanged
for $30.6 million in cash and approximately 2,343,015 shares of Ciena common stock. The aggregate purchase
price was $44.7 million, which included Ciena common stock valued at $13.8 million, and transaction costs of
$0.3 million.

The $2.1 million assigned to the contracts and purchase orders will be amortized over five years. The $6.1 mil-
lion assigned to the value of the promissory notes and loans was based upon the present value of the notes
at the time of the acquisition. Ciena paid $3.1 million of these obligations in full during the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2003, and the remaining $3.0 million payable to Ciena was eliminated during the consolidation.

The amount of goodwill allocated to the purchase price was $34.3 million and is not deductible for tax pur-
poses. At the time of the acquisition Ciena operated as one operating segment and reported only certain
enterprise-wide  disclosures.  Accordingly,  the  goodwill  from  this  transaction  was  not  part  of  a  separate
reportable segment. The operations of Akara were not material to the consolidated financial statements of
Ciena and, accordingly, separate pro forma financial information has not been presented.

WaveSmith
On June 16, 2003, Ciena completed the acquisition by merger of WaveSmith, a privately held corporation
headquartered  in  Acton,  Massachusetts.  Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the  acquisition  agreement,  WaveSmith
merged into Ciena, and the outstanding shares of WaveSmith common and preferred stock were exchanged
for approximately 33,421,217 shares of Ciena common stock. The aggregate purchase price was $156.8 mil-
lion,  which  included  Ciena  common  stock  valued  at  $142.7  million,  Ciena  options,  warrants  and  restricted
stock valued at $7.9 million, transaction costs of $1.2 million and an initial Ciena investment of $5.0 million.

The $5.4 million assigned to the contracts and purchase orders will be amortized over a range of two months
to five years.

The amount of goodwill allocated to the purchase price was $89.3 million and is not deductible for tax pur-
poses. At the time of the acquisition Ciena operated as one operating segment and reported only certain

PAGE 60

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

enterprise-wide  disclosures.  Accordingly,  the  goodwill  from  this  transaction  was  not  part  of  a  separate
reportable segment. The operation of WaveSmith was not material to the consolidated financial statements
of Ciena and, accordingly, separate pro forma financial information has not been presented.

ONI
On June 21, 2002, Ciena completed the acquisition by merger of ONI headquartered in San Jose, California.
Under the terms of the agreement, each outstanding share of capital stock of ONI was exchanged for 0.7104
shares of Ciena common stock, and Ciena assumed all ONI outstanding options and warrants as well as the
ONI outstanding convertible debt. The stockholders of ONI received 101,120,724 shares of Ciena common
stock of which 1,039,429 shares were restricted and subject to repurchase at the time of the acquisition.

Additionally,  Ciena  converted  options  and  warrants  to  purchase  approximately  18,193,345  ONI  shares  into
options and warrants to purchase 12,924,552 shares of Ciena common stock. The aggregate purchase price
was  $978.2  million,  including  Ciena  common  stock  valued  at  $875.7  million,  Ciena  options,  warrants  and
restricted stock valued at $89.2 million and transaction costs of $13.3 million.

The $2.1 million assigned to the other intangible assets, non-compete agreements and contracts, was amor-
tized over a range of two months to one year.

During the quarter ended July 31, 2002, Ciena and ONI reduced their combined workforce by approximately
283 employees. Approximately $3.8 million of costs associated with the ONI workforce reduction qualify for
treatment under EITF 95-3 “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Combination” and were
recorded as an element of the acquisition.

The $80.2 million assigned to the value of the unfavorable lease commitments was based upon the present
value of the assumed lease obligations based upon current rental rates at the time of the acquisition. These
unfavorable lease commitments will be paid over the respective lease terms through fiscal 2011. The $218.0
million  assigned  to  the  value  of  the  ONI  $300.0  million  principal  amount  of  5.0%  convertible  subordinated
notes  due  October  15,  2005  was  based  upon  the  present  value  of  the  notes  at  the  time  of  the  acquisition.
Ciena accreted the difference between the present value of the notes and the outstanding principal value over
the remaining period to October 15, 2005, such that the carrying value of the notes would equal the principal
value at the time the notes become due. Ciena has subsequently repurchased these notes. See Note 11.

The amount of goodwill allocated to the purchase price was $590.9 million and is not deductible for tax pur-
poses. At the time of the acquisition Ciena operated as one operating segment and reported only certain
enterprise-wide  disclosures.  Accordingly,  the  goodwill  from  this  transaction  was  not  part  of  a  separate
reportable segment.

The following unaudited pro forma data summarizes the results of operations for the period indicated as if
the ONI acquisition had been completed as of the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro
forma data gives effect to actual operating results prior to the June 21, 2002 acquisition, adjusted to include
the pro forma effect of amortization of intangibles, deferred stock compensation costs, and the tax effects to
the pro forma adjustments. These pro forma amounts do not purport to be indicative of the results that would
have actually been obtained if the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented or that
may be obtained in the future (in thousands, except per share data.)

(unaudited)
Revenue

Net loss

Year Ended 
2002
$ 431,495
$(1,702,866)

Diluted net loss per common share 

and dilutive potential common share

$

(3.93)

PAGE 61

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

(3) Restructuring Costs
Ciena has previously taken actions to align its workforce, facilities and operating costs with business operations.
Prior to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 146 (“SFAS 146”), “Accounting for
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” for transactions initiated after December 31, 2002, Ciena fol-
lowed the guidance of EITF 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other
Costs  to  Exit  an  Activity  (including  Certain  Costs  Incurred  in  a  Restructuring),”  for  restructuring  charges.
However, given the manner in which Ciena undertook such restructuring activities, there have been no signifi-
cant differences in financial reporting. Ciena historically has committed to a plan and incurred the liability con-
currently—meeting the criteria of both EITF 94-3 and SFAS 146 consistently. The following table displays the
activity and balances of the restructuring reserve account for the years ended October 31, 2003 and October 31,
2004 (in thousands):

Balance at October 31, 2002
Additional reserve recorded
Adjustment to previous estimates
Non-cash charges
Cash payments
Balance at October 31, 2003
Additional reserve recorded
Adjustment to previous estimates
Cash payments
Balance at October 31, 2004
Current restructuring liabilities
Non-current restructuring liabilities

Liabilities 
recorded in 
connection 
with purchase 
combination
$ 121

Consolidation
of excess
facilities
$ 76,940

2,168(a)
(310)(a)
—
(15,105)
63,693
27,834(c)
7,323(c)
(18,913)
$ 79,937
$ 14,757
$ 65,180

430(b)
—
—
(551)
—
—
—
—
$ —
$ —
$ —

Total
$ 82,260
14,838
(833)
(1,913)
(27,810)
66,542
49,630
7,477
(42,266)
$ 81,383
$ 16,203
$ 65,180

Workforce
reduction
$ 5,199

12,240(a)
(523)(a)

(1,913)
(12,154)
2,849
21,796(c)
154(c)
(23,353)
$ 1,446
$ 1,446
—
$

(a) During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, Ciena recorded a restructuring charge of $2.4 million associated with the workforce reduction 
of approximately 75 employees. During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, Ciena recorded a restructuring charge of $2.2 million associated
with a workforce reduction of approximately 84 employees, lease terminations and non-cancelable lease costs. During the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2003, Ciena recorded a restructuring charge of $9.0 million associated with a workforce reduction of approximately 231 employees,
lease terminations and non-cancelable lease costs.

(b) During fiscal 2003, Ciena and WaveSmith reduced their combined workforce by 8 employees. Approximately $0.4 million of cost associ-
ated  with  the  WaveSmith  workforce  reduction  qualify  for  treatment  under  EITF  95-3  “Recognition  of  Liabilities  in  Connection  with  a
Purchase Combination” and were recorded as an element of the acquisition.

(c) During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, Ciena recorded a restructuring charge of $1.3 million related to the exit of a warehouse, $1.4 mil-
lion related to work force reductions of approximately 52 employees and $0.7 million related to an adjustment to previous estimates.
During  the  second  quarter  of  fiscal  2004,  Ciena  recorded  a  restructuring  charge  of  $2.5  million  related  to  a  workforce  reduction  of
approximately  68  employees  and  $2.6  million  primarily  related  to  an  adjustment  in  estimated  sub  leasing  income  and  operating
expenses of previously restructured facilities. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, Ciena recorded a restructuring charge of $12.5 million
related to a workforce reduction of approximately 321 employees, $0.7 million related to exit activities of Ciena’s San Jose, CA facility
and an adjustment of $0.3 million related to an estimate of previously restructured facilities. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, Ciena
recorded a restructuring charge of $5.4 million related to a workforce reduction of approximately 119 employees, $25.8 million primarily
related to the exiting of Ciena’s San Jose, CA facility and $3.8 million primarily related to an adjustment in estimate of operating expenses
of previously restructured facilities.

PAGE 62

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

(4) Goodwill and Long Lived Asset Impairments

Goodwill Impairment
Effective November 1, 2001, Ciena adopted SFAS 142 and ceased to amortize goodwill. On adoption of SFAS
142, Ciena determined that its operations represented a single reporting unit. Ciena completed an impair-
ment review of the goodwill associated with its reporting unit during the three months ended January 31,
2002. Ciena compared the fair value of its reporting unit at November 1, 2001 to the carrying value including
goodwill for the unit at November 1, 2001, and determined that the carrying value, including goodwill, did
not exceed the unit’s fair value. As a result, no impairment charge was required on adoption.

Prior to the reorganization of Ciena into operating segments during fiscal 2004, the fair value of Ciena’s good-
will was tested for impairment on an annual basis, and between annual tests if an event occurred or circum-
stances changed that would, more likely than not, have reduced the fair value of Ciena on an enterprise level,
rather than a segment level, below its carrying value. Due to Ciena’s reorganization into operating segments,
SFAS 142 requires that Ciena assign goodwill to its reporting units. Ciena has determined its operating seg-
ments and reporting units are the same. In accordance with SFAS 142 Ciena tests each reporting unit’s good-
will for impairment on an annual basis, which Ciena has determined to be the last business day of September
each year, and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would, more likely than not,
reduce  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit  below  its  carrying  value.  The  following  table  summarizes  the
changes and reorganization assignment in the carrying amount of Ciena’s goodwill to its reporting units as of
October 31, 2004 for fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004 (in thousands):

CNG

MESG

TSG*

DNG

BBG

Total
$ 178,891
590,895
(557,286)
212,500
123,539
336,039
(121)
— $ 335,918
446,815
(2,406)
(371,712)
—
$ 408,615

Balance as of November 1, 2001
Goodwill acquired during fiscal 2002
Impairment losses
Balance as of October 31, 2002
Goodwill acquired during fiscal 2003
Balance as of October 31, 2003
Purchase adjustments
Assignment as of January 31, 2004
Goodwill acquired during fiscal 2004
Purchase adjustments
Impairment losses
Reorganization assignment
Balance as of October 31, 2004

$151,121
—
—
(93,321)
(57,800)

$

— $

$ 97,924
120,574
(289)
(129,009)
(89,200)

— $86,873
—
—
—
(1,858)
—
147,000
— $147,000

326,241
(259)
— (149,382)
—
—
$ 176,600
$85,015

* CNG and MESG were combined to form TSG during October fiscal 2004.

During fiscal 2004 Ciena performed its annual testing to determine and measure goodwill impairment on a
reporting unit basis, and with the assistance from independent valuation experts management performed an
assessment of the fair value of Ciena’s reporting units and their intangible assets as of September 27, 2004.
Ciena compared the fair value of each of its reporting units to each reporting unit’s carrying value including
goodwill  and  determined  that  the  carrying  value,  including  goodwill,  of  CNG,  MESG,  and  BBG  exceeded
their  respective  fair  values  as  of  September  27,  2004.  As  a  result,  Ciena  assessed  the  fair  values  of  CNG,
MESG, and BBG assets, including identified intangible assets, and liabilities and derived an implied fair value
for the reporting unit’s goodwill. Since the carrying amount of the goodwill assigned to CNG, MESG and BBG
was greater than the implied fair values, an impairment loss of $93.3 million, $129.0 million and $149.4 million
for CNG, MESG, and BBG, respectively, was recognized in fiscal 2004.

PAGE 63

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The fair value of Ciena’s reporting units were determined using the average of the outcomes from the follow-
ing valuation methods: market multiples; comparable transactions; and discounted cash flows. A control pre-
mium  of  15%  to  20%  was  added  to  the  valuation  results  for  each  reporting  unit.  Ciena  determined  the
estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets of its reporting units using discounted cash flows. The
cash flow periods used ranged from one to seven years, applying annual growth rates of 5% to 118%. Ciena
used discount rates of 10% to 30% based on the specific risks and circumstances associated with the identi-
fied intangible asset or other non-goodwill assets or liability being evaluated. The assumptions supporting
the estimated cash flows for identified intangible assets and other non-goodwill assets and liabilities, includ-
ing the discount rate, reflects management’s estimates. The discount rate was based upon Ciena’s weighted
average cost of capital as adjusted for the risks associated with its operations.

During fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2003, Ciena, with the assistance from independent valuation experts, performed
an assessment of the fair value of Ciena’s single reporting unit and its intangible assets as of September 27,
2002 and September 26, 2003, respectively. Ciena compared its fair value to its carrying value including good-
will and determined that its carrying value, including goodwill, exceeded fair value as of September 27, 2002
but did not exceed fair value as of September 26, 2003. As a result, during fiscal 2002 Ciena assessed the fair
value of its assets, including identified intangible assets, and liabilities and derived an implied fair value for
its goodwill. Since the carrying amount of goodwill was greater than its implied fair value, an impairment loss
of $557.3 million was recognized in fiscal 2002.

During  fiscal  2002  fair  value  of  Ciena  was  determined  using  the  average  market  price  of  Ciena’s  common
stock over a 10-day period before and after September 27, 2002 and a control premium of 25%. During fiscal
2003 the fair value of Ciena was determined using the average market price of Ciena’s common stock over a
10-day period before and after September 26, 2003 and a control premium of 25%. Ciena determined the
estimated fair value of identified intangible assets and non-goodwill intangible assets and liabilities using dis-
counted cash flows. The cash flow periods used were eight years, applying annual growth rates of 10% to
86%. Ciena used discount rates of 10% to 32% based of the specific risks and circumstances associated with
the identified intangible asset or other non-goodwill assets or liability being evaluated. The assumptions sup-
porting the estimated cash flows for identified intangible assets and other non-goodwill assets and liabilities,
including  the  discount  rate,  reflects  management’s  estimates.  The  discount  rate  was  based  upon  Ciena’s
weighted average cost of capital as adjusted for the risks associated with its operations.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment—Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures
During fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003, and fiscal 2004, Ciena recorded impairment losses of $127.3 million, $17.6 mil-
lion and $15.9 million, respectively, related to excess equipment, furniture and fixtures that were classified as
held for sale as a result of Ciena’s restructuring activities.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment—Other Intangible Assets
As part of Ciena’s review of financial results for fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, Ciena performed an assess-
ment of  the  carrying  value  of  Ciena’s  other  intangible  assets.  The  assessment  was  performed  pursuant  to
SFAS 144 in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004 and pursuant to SFAS 121 in fiscal 2002. No impairments were required
in fiscal 2002 or fiscal 2004. During fiscal 2003 Ciena recorded a charge of $29.6 million, related to the impair-
ment of acquired MetroDirector K2 developed technology. The method used for determining fair value was
the held for use model, two step method. This charge was based on the amount by which the carrying amount
of the developed technology exceeded its fair value. Fair value was determined based on discounted future
cash flows derived from the developed technology, which had separately identifiable cash flows. The cash
flow periods used were five years, applying a first year growth rate of 5% with subsequent declines of between
10% and 20% in the following years. The discount rate used was 21.0%. The assumptions supporting the esti-
mated future cash flows, including the discount rate reflect management’s best estimates. The discount rate
was based upon Ciena’s weighted average cost of capital as adjusted for the risks associated with its operations.

PAGE 64

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

(5) Marketable Debt And Equity Securities
Cash, short-term and long-term investments are comprised of the following (in thousands):
October 31, 2004
Gross
Gross

Corporate bonds
Asset-backed obligations
Commercial paper
US government obligations
Money market funds

Included in cash and cash equivalents
Included in short-term investments
Included in long-term investments

Corporate bonds
Asset-backed obligations
Municipal bonds
Commercial paper
US government obligations
Money market funds

Included in cash and cash equivalents
Included in short-term investments
Included in long-term investments

Amortized
Cost
$ 403,178
215,811
17,999
448,455
202,623
$1,288,066
202,623
754,813
330,630
$1,288,066

Amortized
Cost
$ 617,837
161,474
5,024
10,487
518,609
309,994
$1,623,425
309,665
793,807
519,953
$1,623,425

Unrealized Unrealized

Gains
$ —
—
—
—
—
$ —
—
—
—
$ —

Losses
$1,059
165
4
1,260
—
$2,488
—
1,562
926
$2,488

October 31, 2003
Gross
Gross

Unrealized Unrealized

Gains
$ 787
322
7
2
2,095
—
$3,213
—
3,012
201
$3,213

Losses
$163
—
—
28
229
—
$420
—
10
410
$420

Estimated 
Fair
Value
$ 402,119
215,646
17,995
447,195
202,623
$1,285,578
202,623
753,251
329,704
$1,285,578

Estimated 
Fair
Value
$ 618,461
161,796
5,031
10,461
520,475
309,994
$1,626,218
309,665
796,809
519,744
$1,626,218

The following table summarizes maturities of debt investments (including restricted investments) at October 31,
2004 (in thousands):

Less than one year
Due in 1-2 years
Due in 2-5 years

Amortized
Cost
$ 754,813
330,630
—
$1,085,443

Estimated 
Fair Value
$ 753,251
329,704
—
$1,082,955

(6) Accounts Receivable
As  of  October  31,  2003,  the  trade  accounts  receivable,  net  of  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts,  included
three  customers  that  each  accounted  for  23.6%,  12.5%,  and  10.1%  of  the  net  trade  accounts  receivable,
respectively. As of October 31, 2004, the trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts,
included three customers that each accounted for 24.0%, 12.3%, and 11.2% of the net trade accounts receiv-
able, respectively.

PAGE 65

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Ciena  performs  ongoing  credit  evaluations  of  its  customers  and  generally  has  not  required  collateral  or
other forms of security from its customers. Ciena maintains an allowance for potential losses on a specific
identification basis. Ciena’s allowance for doubtful accounts as of October 31, 2003 and October 31, 2004
was $1.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Ciena recorded a provision for doubtful accounts of approxi-
mately $14.8 million during fiscal 2002. This provision relates to the estimated losses of $18.1 million from three
customers, each of whom filed for bankruptcy protection during fiscal 2002, offset by a payment of $3.3 million
of the gross outstanding accounts receivable balance due from iaxis Limited through Ciena’s sales agreement
with Dynegy. Ciena did not record any additional provision for doubtful accounts during fiscal 2003. During fis-
cal 2004, Ciena recovered $3.1 million from a customer, from which payment was previously deemed doubtful
due to the customer’s financial condition. Ciena also recorded a provision for doubtful accounts of approxi-
mately $0.3 million during fiscal 2004 relating to one customer.

The following table summarizes the activity in Ciena’s allowance for doubtful accounts (in thousands):
Year ended
October 31,
2002
2003
2004

Balance at
beginning of period
$1,491
$9,473
$1,498

Deductions
$6,831
$7,975
$ 821

Provisions
$14,813
$ —
284
$

Balance at  
end of period
$9,473
$1,498
$ 961

(7) Inventories
Inventories are comprised of the following (in thousands):

Raw materials
Work-in-process
Finished goods

Reserve for excess and obsolescence

October 31,

2003
$ 16,121
5,904
46,063
68,088
(23,093)
$ 44,995

2004
$ 19,591
3,833
46,123
69,547
(21,933)
$ 47,614

Ciena writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the differ-
ence  between  the  cost  of  inventory  and  the  estimated  market  value  based  on  assumptions  about  future
demand and market conditions. As a result of the decline in capital spending by Ciena’s customers, and a
further  decline  in  forecasted  revenue  of  existing  products  in  fiscal  2002,  Ciena  recorded  a  provision  for
excess inventory and purchase commitments of $286.5 million, which included charges of $250.5 million for
excess and obsolescence, and $36.0 million for excess inventory purchase commitments. During fiscal 2003,
Ciena recorded a benefit for excess inventory of $5.3 million, primarily related to the realization of sales from
previously reserved excess inventory. During fiscal 2004, Ciena recorded a provision for inventory reserves of
$4.2 million, primarily related to excess inventory due to a change in forecasted sales for certain products.

The following table summarizes the activity in Ciena’s reserve for excess and obsolete inventory (in thousands):
Year ended
October 31,
2002
2003
2004

Balance at
beginning of period
$53,804
$48,145
$23,093

Balance at 
end of period
$48,145
$23,093
$21,933

Provisions
(Benefits)
$250,457
$ (5,296)
$ 4,172

Deductions
$256,116
$ 19,756
$ 5,332

PAGE 66

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

(8) Equipment, Furniture And Fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures are comprised of the following (in thousands):

Equipment, furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvements

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
Construction-in-progress

October 31,

2003
$ 332,843
70,145
402,988
(288,170)
112
$ 114,930

2004
$ 259,809
38,064
297,873
(247,336)
715
$ 51,252

During fiscal 2004 Ciena recorded $22.5 million in accelerated amortization expense of leasehold improve-
ments  related  to  the  closure  of  Ciena’s  San  Jose,  CA  facility.  This  expense  is  included  in  the  research  and
development  expense  for  fiscal  2004.  In  addition,  during  fiscal  2002,  fiscal  2003,  and  fiscal  2004  Ciena
recorded impairment losses of $127.3 million, $17.6 million, and $15.9 million, respectively, for equipment, fur-
niture and fixtures as a result of its restructuring activities. See Note 4.

(9) Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets are comprised of the following (in thousands):

October 31,

Developed technology
Patents and licenses
Covenants not to compete, 

outstanding purchase 
orders and contracts

Gross

2003
Accumulated
Intangible Amortization Intangible
$ 71,729
$(22,975)
$ 94,704
27,671
(8,984)
36,655

Net

Gross

2004
Accumulated
Intangible Amortization Intangible
$134,628
$(43,076)
$177,704
33,462
(13,208)
46,670

Net 

12,700
$144,059

(3,692)

9,008
$108,408

54,000
$278,374

(14,075)

39,925
$208,015

In January 2003, Ciena reached a settlement agreement with Nortel. Under the agreement, Ciena made a
one-time payment of $25 million to Nortel, and Nortel granted Ciena a license under the patents in suit and
certain related patents. Ciena accounted for the $25.0 million liability by recording an expense of $2.5 million
in first quarter 2003 related to the settlement of the litigation, and recording the remaining $22.5 million as
an intangible asset that is being amortized over eight years based upon the expected life of the patent rights
acquired in the settlement.

During fiscal 2003, as a result of the WaveSmith acquisition, we recorded $54.3 million in developed technol-
ogy and $5.4 million in other intangibles related to contracts and outstanding purchase orders. As a result of
the Akara acquisition, we recorded $9.3 million in developed technology and $5.2 million in other intangibles
related to noncompete agreements and customer relationships.

During fiscal 2004, as a result of the Internet Photonics and Catena acquisitions, Ciena recorded $10.0 million
and $73.0 million in existing technology, respectively and $23.3 million from Internet Photonics and $18.0 mil-
lion from Catena in other intangibles related to covenants not to compete, outstanding purchase orders and
contracts. Ciena also acquired miscellaneous patents and licenses for $10.0 million that are being amortized
over a life of four to seven years.

As a result of the impairment of intangible assets, we recorded a charge against gross developed technology
of $29.6 million in fiscal 2003. See Note 4.

PAGE 67

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The aggregate amortization expense of other intangible assets was $9.0 million, $21.2 million, and $34.7 mil-
lion for fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, respectively. Expected future amortization of other intangible
assets is as follows (in thousands):
Year ended October 31,
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Thereafter

$ 43,791
42,483
42,483
41,273
21,054
16,931
$208,015

(10) Other Balance Sheet Details
Other long-term assets (in thousands):

Maintenance spares inventory, net
Deferred debt issuance costs
Investments in privately held companies
Other

Accrued liabilities (in thousands):

Warranty
Accrued compensation, 

payroll related tax and benefits

Accrued excess inventory purchase commitments
Accrued interest payable
Other

October 31,

2003
$26,206
12,869
21,292
9,274
$69,641

2004
$18,959
9,841
21,592
9,804
$60,196

October 31,

2003
$37,380

33,206
1,405
6,583
20,352
$98,926

2004
$30,189

23,531
803
6,469
15,053
$76,045

Balance at

The following table summarizes the activity in Ciena’s accrued warranty and other contractual obligations
(in thousands):
Year ended
October 31, beginning of period
2002
2003
2004

Balance at 
end of period
$45,498
$37,380
$30,189

Settlements
$(12,411)
$(17,600)
$(16,542)

Provisions
$13,271
$ 9,301
$ 8,351

Acquired
$4,792
$ 181
$1,000

$39,846
$45,498
$37,380

Deferred revenue (in thousands):

Products
Services

Less current portion
Long-term deferred revenue

October 31,

2003
$ 4,772
24,248
29,020
(14,473)
$ 14,547

2004
$ 8,578
28,998
37,576
(21,566)
$ 16,010

PAGE 68

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

(11) Convertible Notes Payable
On February 9, 2001, Ciena completed a public offering of 3.75% convertible notes, in an aggregate princi-
pal amount of $690 million, due February 1, 2008. Interest is payable on February 1 and August 1 of each year
beginning August 1, 2001.

The notes may be converted into shares of Ciena’s common stock at any time before their maturity or their
prior  redemption  or  repurchase  by  Ciena.  The  conversion  rate  is  9.5808  shares  per  each  $1,000  principal
amount  of  notes,  subject  to  adjustment  in  certain  circumstances.  On  or  after  the  third  business  day  after
February 1, 2004, Ciena has the option to redeem all or a portion of the notes that have not been previously
converted at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentage of principle amount):

Period
Beginning on the third business day after February 1, 2004 and ending on January 31, 2005
Beginning on February 1, 2005 and ending on January 31, 2006
Beginning on February 1, 2006 and ending on January 31, 2007
Beginning on February 1, 2007 and ending on January 31, 2008

Redemption
Price
102.143%
101.607%
101.071%
100.536%

On June 21, 2002, in connection with its acquisition of ONI, Ciena assumed the outstanding ONI 5.0% con-
vertible subordinated notes, in an aggregate principal amount of $300 million, due October 15, 2005. Interest
was payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The ONI 5.0% convertible subordinated notes were ini-
tially recorded at a value of $218.0 million based upon the fair value of the outstanding notes at the time of
the acquisition.

During the fourth quarter fiscal 2002, Ciena purchased on the open market $97.1 million of the $300 million
outstanding  ONI  convertible  subordinated  notes.  Ciena  paid  $75.2  million  for  notes  with  a  cumulative
accreted book value of $72.5 million, which resulted in a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $2.7 million.

During the first quarter fiscal 2003, Ciena purchased $154.7 million of the remaining $202.9 million outstand-
ing ONI 5.0% convertible subordinated notes pursuant to a tender offer. Ciena paid $140.3 million related to
the tender offer for notes with a cumulative accreted book value of $119.7 million, which resulted in a loss on
early extinguishment of debt of $20.6 million.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, Ciena purchased the remaining $48.2 million of the outstanding ONI
5.0% convertible subordinated notes. Ciena paid $49.2 million for the notes with a cumulative accreted book
value of $41.0 million, which resulted in a loss on early extinguishment of $8.2 million.

At closing on October 31, 2004, the fair value of the Ciena convertible subordinated notes was $596.9 million.
The fair value is based on the quoted market price for the notes.

(12) Loss Per Share Calculation
Basic EPS is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is
computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, stock options and warrants
using  the  treasury  stock  method.  Approximately  41.5  million,  34.6  million  and  48.8  million  options  and
restricted  stock  were  outstanding  during  fiscal  2002,  fiscal  2003,  and  fiscal  2004  respectively,  but  were  not
included in the computation of EPS as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

PAGE 69

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

(13) Stockholders’ Equity
Stockholder Rights Plan
In December 1997, Ciena’s Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan. This plan is designed to
deter any potential coercive or unfair takeover tactics in the event of an unsolicited takeover attempt. It is not
intended to prevent a takeover of Ciena on terms that are favorable and fair to all shareholders and will not
interfere with a merger approved by the Board of Directors. Each right entitles shareholders to buy a “unit”
equal to one one-thousandth of a share of Preferred Stock of Ciena. The rights will be exercisable only if a
person or a group acquires or announces a tender or exchange offer to acquire 15% or more of Ciena’s com-
mon stock or if Ciena enters into certain other business combination transactions not approved by the Board
of Directors.

In the event the rights become exercisable, the rights plan allows for Ciena shareholders to acquire stock of the
surviving corporation, whether or not Ciena is the surviving corporation, having a value twice that of the exer-
cise price of the rights. The rights were distributed to shareholders of record in January 1998. The rights will
expire in December 2007 and are redeemable for $0.001 per right at the approval of Ciena’s Board of Directors.

Income Taxes

(14)
Loss before income taxes and the provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

Loss before income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
Current:

Federal
State
Foreign

Total current

Deferred:
Federal
State
Foreign

Total deferred

Provision for income taxes

2002
$(1,486,764)

(16,168)
—
989
(15,179)

116,802
9,112
—
125,914
$ 110,735

October 31,
2003
$(385,261)

2004
$(788,343)

—
—
1,256
1,256

—
—
—
1,256
1,256

$

—
—
1,121
1,121

—
—
—
1,121
1,121

$

The tax provision reconciles to the amount computed by multiplying income before income taxes by the U.S.
federal statutory rate of 35% as follows:

Provision at statutory rate
Non-deductible purchased research and development
Research and development credit
Non-deductible goodwill and other
Valuation allowance

October 31,

2003

.35%

(0.30)
1.30
(1.60)
(34.70)

2004

.35%

(1.34)
0.57
(16.50)
(17.87)

(0.30)%

(0.14)%

PAGE 70

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

October 31,

2003

2004

Deferred tax assets:

Reserves and accrued liabilities
Depreciation and amortization
NOL and credit carry forward
Convertible notes
Other
Gross deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax asset

$ 84,530
1,371
803,407
(2,875)
7,765
894,198
(894,198)
—
$

$

$

77,449
(26,392)
1,019,101
—
7,748
1,077,906
(1,077,906)
—

During fiscal 2002, Ciena established a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. Ciena intends to
maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal.

As of October 31, 2004, Ciena had a $2.57 billion net operating loss carry forward and a $76.8 million income
tax credit carry forward which begin to expire in fiscal year 2018 and 2012 respectively. Ciena’s ability to use
net operating losses and credit carry forwards may be subject to limitations pursuant to the ownership change
rules of the Internal Revenue Code Section 382.

The income tax provision does not reflect the tax savings resulting from deductions associated with Ciena’s
stock.  The  tax  benefit  on  deductions  of  approximately  $102.1  million  associated  with  Ciena’s  stock  will  be
credited to additional paid-in capital when realized.

Approximately $128.0 million of the valuation allowance as of October 31, 2004 was attributable to deferred tax
assets associated with the acquisitions of ONI, WaveSmith, Akara, Catena and IPI that when realized, will first
reduce goodwill, then other non-current intangibles of the acquired companies, and then income tax expense.

The  IRS  is  currently  examining  Ciena’s  federal  income  tax  returns  for  fiscal  1999  through  fiscal  2002.
Management does not expect the outcome of these examinations to have a material effect on Ciena’s con-
solidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

(15) Employee Benefit Plans
Active Equity Incentive Plans
Ciena  maintains  four  active  equity  incentive  plans  under  which  it  grants  stock  options,  restricted  stock,  or
other forms of equity-based compensation: the 1999 Non-Officer Incentive Stock Plan (the “1999 Plan”); the
Third Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”); the 1996 Outside Directors Stock
Option Plan (the “1996 Plan”); and the Ciena Corporation 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”).

The 1999 Plan authorizes the issuance of non-qualified options to employees of Ciena who are not executive
officers or directors. The exercise price for each option is established by the Board of Directors at not less
than 85% of fair market value of the Common Stock at the time of grant. Options issued under the plan vest
over four years. As of October 31, 2004, there were 57,175,278 shares authorized for issuance.

PAGE 71

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The 1994 Plan authorizes the issuance of either qualified or non-qualified options to directors, employees or
consultants. In general, Ciena uses the 1994 Plan to grant options to executive officers. The exercise price for
options under the plan is established by the Board of Directors at not less than the fair market value of the
Common Stock at the time of grant. The Board determines the terms of vesting of options issued under the
plan. Ciena’s current practice is for options to vest over a four-year period. As of October 31, 2004, there were
59,642,297 shares authorized for issuance in the plan.

The 1996 Plan provides for the issuance of non-qualified options to non-employee directors of Ciena. The
plan provides automatic grants of (i) an initial option at the time of a director’s election to the Board and (ii)
annual options on the day following Ciena’s annual meeting of shareholders. The exercise price is equal to
the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant. Initial options vest over three years, and annual options
vest after one year. As of October 31, 2004, there were 1,500,000 shares authorized in the plan.

The 2000 Plan was assumed by Ciena as a result of its merger with ONI. It authorizes the issuance of stock
options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock bonuses to employees, officers, directors, consult-
ants, independent contractors and advisors. The terms of awards under the plan are established by the Board
of Directors or its Compensation Committee. The exercise price of options may not be less than 85% of the
fair market value of the stock at the date of grant (100% of the fair market value for qualified options). The
Board of Directors (or the Compensation Committee) has broad discretion to establish the terms and condi-
tions for grants of restricted stock and stock bonuses. As of October 31, 2004, there were 54,676,136 shares
authorized in the plan. Under the terms of the plan, this number will increase by 5.0% of the number of issued
and outstanding shares of Ciena each January 1st, unless the Compensation Committee reduces the amount
of the increase in any year. By action of the Compensation Committee, the amount of the increase on January
1, 2004 was only 2.0% of the issued and outstanding shares of Ciena. In addition, any shares subject to options
or other awards under the ONI 1997 Stock Plan, ONI 1998 Equity Incentive Plan, or ONI 1999 Equity Incentive
Plan that are forfeited upon cancellation of the option or award are available for grant and issuance under the
2000 Plan.

Other Equity Incentive Plans
As  a  result  of  its  acquisitions  of  Lightera,  Omnia,  Cyras,  ONI,  WaveSmith,  Akara,  Catena  and  Internet
Photonics,  Ciena  has  assumed  obligations  under  various  equity  incentive  plans  previously  maintained  by
those companies, including the obligation to honor grants made under these plans prior to the acquisitions.
Ciena  will  issue  Ciena  Common  Stock  upon  the  exercise  of  options  outstanding  under  these  plans,  and
restricted stock issued under these plans has been converted into restricted shares of Ciena Common Stock.
Ciena does not intend to issue any further grants under these plans.

These include the following inactive plans:

• Internet Photonics 2000 Corporate Stock Option Plan
• Catena 1998 Equity Incentive Plan
• WaveSmith 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
• ONI 1997 Stock Option Plan
• ONI 1998 Equity Incentive Plan
• ONI 1999 Equity Incentive Plan
• Cyras 1998 Stock Plan
• Omnia 1997 Stock Plan
• Lightera 1998 Stock Plan

PAGE 72

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Stock Option Activity
The following table is a summary of Ciena’s stock option activity (shares in thousands):

Balance at October 31, 2001
Granted and assumed
Exercised
Canceled
Balance as of October 31, 2002
Granted and assumed
Exercised
Canceled
Balance at October 31, 2003
Granted and assumed
Exercised
Canceled
Balance as of October 31, 2004

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise
Price
$45.56
12.07
2.30
56.63
19.20
4.83
1.75
30.17
10.10
3.31
1.71
9.95
$ 6.89

Shares
46,932
26,620
(2,118)
(28,959)
42,475
22,382
(2,004)
(13,995)
48,858
37,245
(5,504)
(17,004)
63,595

At October 31, 2004, approximately 0.6 million shares of Common Stock subject to repurchase by Ciena had
been issued upon the exercise of options and restricted stock purchase agreements, and 26.9 million of the
total outstanding options were vested and not subject to repurchase by Ciena upon exercise. As of October 31,
2004, approximately 85.5 million options are available for issuance under these plans.

Of  the  63.6  million  options  outstanding  approximately  3.5  million  are  performance  based  options  (PBO’s).
These  PBO’s  become  exercisable  if  Ciena  meets  specific  goals  established  by  Ciena’s  board  of  directors.
Ciena expenses the cost of each PBO using the intrinsic value method prescribed by ABP 25 and recognizes
these costs straight-line over the estimated performance period.

In addition to the outstanding stock options, as of October 31, 2004, approximately 0.2 million restricted stock
units (RSU) had been issued from the 2000 Plan. A RSU is a right to receive a share of Corporation’s Common
Stock when the unit vests or, if the holder elects to defer receipt, at a later date determined by the holder.
Ciena expenses the cost of each RSU using the intrinsic value method prescribed by ABP 25 and recognizes
these costs straight-line over the vesting period.

In May 2002, Ciena commenced a registered exchange offer pursuant to which it offered eligible employees
the opportunity to exchange outstanding certain stock options for new options with an exercise price to be
established  in  November  2002.  The  stock  options  included  in  the  offer  had  an  exercise  price  greater  than
$12.00 per share and were outstanding under the 1994 Plan, the 1999 Plan or the Cyras Systems, Inc. 1998
Plan (“the Cyras Plan”). New options exchanged for options issued under the 1994 Plan and the 1999 Plan
were to be issued under the 1999 Plan, and the new options exchanged for options tendered under the Cyras
Plan  were  to  be  issued  under  the  Cyras  Plan.  Except  for  options  issued  after  October  16,  2001,  the  new
options were to be exercisable for one half the number of shares covered by the old options tendered for
exchange. With respect to options issued after October 16, 2001, the new options were to be exercised for
the  same  number  of  shares  as  the  old  options  tendered  for  exchange.  Eligible  employees  tendered  for
exchange in the offer options to purchase a total of 15.1 million shares. On November 19, 2002, Ciena com-
pleted the exchange offer and issued new options for approximately 6.4 million shares at an exercise price of
$4.53 per share.

PAGE 73

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

The following table summarizes information with respect to stock options outstanding at October 31, 2004
(shares in thousands):

Options Outstanding
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
5.67
9.36
9.38
9.13
8.05
8.32
7.64
6.22
7.92

Number
Outstanding
at Oct. 31, 2004
7,716
7,203
8,100
7,896
8,682
6,779
7,935
9,284
63,595

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$ 0.58
2.36
3.26
4.01
4.53
5.88
8.18
23.07
$ 6.89

Range of
Exercise Price
$ 0.01–$ 1.28
$ 1.29–$ 2.95
$ 2.96–$ 3.38
$ 3.39–$ 4.48
$ 4.49–$ 4.53
$ 4.54–$ 6.71
$ 6.72–$ 11.875
$11.876–$149.50
$ 0.01–$149.50

Vested Options 
Not Subject to 
Repurchase Upon Exercise

Number at 
Oct. 31, 2004
5,532
1,347
457
1,213
4,642
1,835
3,963
7,933
26,922

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price
$ 0.70
2.32
3.04
4.30
4.53
5.72
8.80
23.92
$10.02

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In March 1998, the shareholders approved the Corporation’s 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“1998
ESPP”) under which 5.0 million shares of common stock had been reserved for issuance. Eligible employees
were able to purchase a limited number of shares of Ciena’s stock at 85% of the market value at certain
plan-defined dates. Approximately 1.3 million and 1.9 million shares of common stock have been issued for
$4.7 million and $10.0 million during fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2003 respectively. In March 2003 the 1998 ESPP
terminated by its own terms due to the issuance all remaining shares of Ciena’s common stock available for
issuance under this plan.

In March 2003, the shareholders approved the Corporation’s 2003 Employee Stock Purchase plan under which
20.0 million shares of common stock had been reserved for issuance. Eligible employees may purchase a lim-
ited  number  of  shares  of  Ciena’s  stock  at  85%  of  the  market  value  at  certain  plan-defined  dates.
Approximately 1.5 million and 2.7 million shares of common stock have been issued for $6.2 million and
$8.4 million during fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, respectively. As of October 31, 2004 approximately 15.8 million
shares are available for issuance under this plan.

Employee 401(k) Plan
Ciena has a 401(k) defined contribution profit sharing plan. The plan covers all employees who are not part
of an excluded group. Participants may contribute up to 60% of pre-tax compensation, subject to certain
limitations. The plan includes an employer matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 3% an employee
contributes each pay period. Ciena may also make discretionary annual profit sharing contributions up to
the  IRS  regulated  limit.  Ciena  has  made  no  profit  sharing  contributions  to  date.  During  fiscal  2002,  fiscal
2003,  and  fiscal  2004,  Ciena  made  matching  contributions  of  approximately  $4.1  million,  $2.0  million  and
$1.6 million respectively.

PAGE 74

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

(16) Commitments And Contingencies
Operating Lease Commitments
Ciena  has  certain  minimum  obligations  under  non-cancelable  operating  leases  expiring  on  various  dates
through 2019 for equipment and facilities. Future annual minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable
operating leases at October 31, 2003 are as follows (in thousands):
Year ended October 31,
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Thereafter

$ 39,643
37,371
30,175
28,125
27,454
60,266
$223,034

Rental expense for fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003, and fiscal 2004 was approximately $24.7 million, $16.6 million and
$16.3  million,  respectively.  In  addition  Ciena  paid  approximately  $7.2,  $22.7  and  $19.3  million  during  fiscal
2002, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, respectively, related to rent costs for restructured facilities and unfavorable
lease  commitments,  which  was  offset  against  Ciena’s  restructuring  liabilities  and  unfavorable  lease  obliga-
tions, respectively.

Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and Suppliers
Ciena relies on a small number of contract manufacturers to perform the majority of the manufacturing oper-
ations for its products. In order to reduce lead times and ensure adequate component supply, Ciena enters
into  agreements  with  these  suppliers  that  allow  them  to  procure  inventory  for  Ciena’s  forecasted  future
demands. As of October 31, 2004, Ciena has purchase commitments of $59.4 million.

Litigation
On  October  3,  2000,  Stanford  University  and  Litton  Systems  filed  a  complaint  in  the  United  States  District
Court for the Central District of California alleging that optical fiber amplifiers incorporated into Ciena’s prod-
ucts infringe U.S. Patent No. 4,859,016 (the “‘016 Patent”). The complaint seeks injunctive relief, royalties and
damages.  We  believe  that  we  have  valid  defenses  to  the  lawsuit  and  intend  to  defend  it  vigorously.  On
October 10, 2003, the court stayed the case pending final resolution of matters before the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office (the “PTO”), including a request for and disposition of a reexamination of the ‘016 Patent.
On October 16, 2003 and November 2, 2004, the PTO granted reexaminations of the ‘016 Patent, thus result-
ing in a continuation of the stay of the case.

On July 19, 2000, Ciena and CIENA Properties, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary that was merged into Ciena on
October 29, 2004, filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware requesting
damages  and  injunctive  relief  against  Corvis  Corporation,  which  was  renamed  Broadwing  Corporation
(“Broadwing”) in October 2004. The suit charged Broadwing with infringing four patents relating to Ciena’s
optical  networking  communication  systems  and  technology.  A  jury  trial  to  determine  whether  Broadwing  is
infringing  these  patents  commenced  on  February  10,  2003.  On  February  24,  2003,  the  jury  decided  that
Broadwing was infringing on Ciena’s U.S. Patent No. 5,938,309 (the “‘309 Patent”), relating to inverse multiplex-
ing. The jury decided that Broadwing was not infringing on two other Ciena patents and was deadlocked with
respect to Broadwing’s infringement on the fourth patent, U.S. Patent No. 5,504,609 (the “‘609 Patent”), relat-
ing  to  wave  division  multiplexing.  This  trial  was  immediately  followed  by  a  trial  on  Broadwing’s  affirmative

PAGE 75

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

defenses based on the validity of the ‘309 Patent and the U.S. Patent No. 5,557,439, one of the patents that
the jury found was not infringed by Broadwing. On February 28, 2003, the jury in this trial determined that the
patents were valid. In April 2003, following a third trial, another jury decided that Broadwing was infringing
Ciena’s ‘609 Patent, on which the previous jury had deadlocked. Based on these favorable verdicts collectively
holding that Broadwing is infringing two valid Ciena patents, Ciena moved for an injunction to prohibit the sale
by  Broadwing  of  the  infringing  products.  On  September  9,  2004,  the  United  States  District  Court  for  the
District  of  Delaware  entered  judgment  on  the  jury  verdicts  and  granted  Ciena’s  motion  for  an  injunction
against Broadwing relating to the ‘309 Patent and denied Ciena’s motion for an injunction relating to the ‘609
Patent. On September 17, 2004, Ciena filed a motion requesting that the Court reconsider its injunction rul-
ing relating to the ‘609 Patent and, on the same date, the Court indicated by order its intent to reconsider
the denial of an injunction with respect to the ‘609 Patent. The parties await the Court’s ruling on the ‘609
Patent injunction issue. On November 15, 2004, the parties completed briefing on motions for judgment as
a matter of law and a new trial filed by both Ciena and Broadwing with respect to certain aspects of the jury
verdicts.  On  October  7,  2004,  Broadwing’s  counsel  filed  a  request  for  ex  parte  re-examination  of  the  ‘309
Patent with the PTO.

As a result of our merger with ONI Systems Corp. in June 2002, we became a defendant in a securities class
action lawsuit. Beginning in August 2001, a number of substantially identical class action complaints alleging
violations of the federal securities laws were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District
of New York. These complaints name ONI, Hugh C. Martin, ONI’s former chairman, president and chief exec-
utive officer; Chris A. Davis, ONI’s former executive vice president, chief financial officer and administrative
officer; and certain underwriters of ONI’s initial public offering as defendants. The complaints were consoli-
dated into a single action, and a consolidated amended complaint was filed on April 24, 2002. The amended
complaint alleges, among other things, that the underwriter defendants violated the securities laws by failing
to disclose alleged compensation arrangements (such as undisclosed commissions or stock stabilization prac-
tices) in the initial public offering’s registration statement and by engaging in manipulative practices to artifi-
cially inflate the price of ONI’s common stock after the initial public offering. The amended complaint also
alleges that ONI and the named former officers violated the securities laws on the basis of an alleged failure
to  disclose  the  underwriters’  alleged  compensation  arrangements  and  manipulative  practices.  No  specific
amount of damages has been claimed.

Similar complaints have been filed against more than 300 other issuers that have had initial public offerings
since 1998, and all of these actions have been included in a single coordinated proceeding. Mr. Martin and
Ms. Davis have been dismissed from  the  action  without  prejudice  pursuant  to  a  tolling  agreement.  In  July
2004, following mediated settlement negotiations, the plaintiffs, the issuer defendants (including Ciena), and
their insurers entered into a settlement agreement, whereby the plaintiffs’ cases against the issuers are to be
dismissed. This settlement is subject to court approval. The settling parties have moved the court for approval
of the settlement, which motion has been opposed by the underwriter defendants.

Ciena and ONI Systems were previously defendants in two separate lawsuits filed by Nortel Networks in the
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and United States District Court for the Northern
District of California. The suits alleged, among other things, infringement of Nortel patents by ONI and Ciena
products.  In  January  2003,  Ciena  agreed  to  make  a  one-time  payment  of  $25  million  to  Nortel  and  in
exchange Nortel granted Ciena a license under the patents that were the subject of the lawsuit and certain
related patents. Both lawsuits above were dismissed and Nortel and Ciena agreed not to sue each other for
patent infringement for a two year period that expires on January 17, 2005. During the two year period, Ciena
and Nortel Networks have sought to negotiate an acceptable cross-license arrangement but no such agree-
ment has been reached.

PAGE 76

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

(17) Segment Reporting
Ciena reorganized its operations effective as of the second quarter of fiscal 2004 into multiple operating seg-
ments for the purpose of making operating decisions and assessing performance. Those operating segments
were  the  following:  Core  Networking  Group  (CNG);  Metro  and  Enterprise  Solutions  Group  (MESG);  Data
Networking  Group  (DNG);  and  Global  Network  Services  (GNS).  During  the  third  quarter  of  fiscal  2004  the
Broadband Access Group (BBG) was organized from the operations of our May 3, 2004 acquisition of Catena.
During October 2004 in order to improve operational efficiencies, operating decisions and assess performance,
Ciena combined the operations of CNG and MESG and formed the Transport and Switching Group (TSG).

Ciena’s geographic distributions of revenue are the following (in thousands):

Fiscal Year

Domestic
International
Total

2002
$232,524
128,631
$361,155

%
64.4
35.6
100.0

2003
$178,564
104,572
$283,136

%
63.1
36.9
100.0

2004
$221,456
77,251
$298,707

%
74.1
25.9
100.0

Historically, Ciena has relied upon on a limited number of customers for a majority of our revenue. During the
following fiscal years customers who each accounted for at least 10% of Ciena’s revenue during the respec-
tive periods are as follows (in thousands):

Sprint
Qwest
AT&T
SAIC
Total

Fiscal Year

2002
$ 58,739
n/a
74,111
n/a
$132,850

%*
16.3
—
20.5
—
36.8

2003
$
n/a
31,148
39,444
n/a
$70,592

%*
—
11.0
13.9
—
24.9

2004
$

n/a
n/a
n/a
46,557
$46,557

%*

—
—
—
15.6
15.6

*—denotes % of total revenue.
n/a—denotes revenue recognized less than 10% for the period.

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth our operating segment revenues during
the respective periods:

Fiscal Year

2002

$304,155
—
—
57,000

%*

84.2
0.0
0.0
15.8

2003

$228,345
12,427
—
42,364

%*

80.6
4.4
0.0
15.0

2004

$195,766
23,150
31,294
48,497

%*

65.5
7.8
10.5
16.2

Revenues:

TSG
DNG
BBG
GNS

Consolidated 

revenue

$361,155

100.0

$283,136

100.0

$298,707

100.0

* Denotes % of total revenue.

Segment Profit (Loss)
Segment  profit  (loss)  is  determined  based  on  internal  performance  measures  used  by  the  Chief  Executive
Officer  to  assess  the  performance  of  each  operating  segment  in  a  given  period.  In  connection  with  that
assessment, the Chief Executive Officer excludes the following other non-performance items: corporate sell-
ing and marketing; corporate general and administrative costs; stock compensation; amortization of intangi-
bles;  in-process  research  and  development;  restructuring  costs;  goodwill  impairment;  long-lived  asset

PAGE 77

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

impairment; recovery of sale, export and use taxes; provisions or recovery of doubtful accounts; accelerated
amortization  of  leaseholds;  interest  income,  interest  expense,  equity  investment  gains  or  losses,  gains  or
losses on extinguishment of debt, and provisions for income taxes.

The table below (in thousands, except percentage data) sets forth our segment profit (loss) and the reconcil-
iation to consolidated net loss during the respective periods:

Segment profit (loss):

TSG
DNG
BBG
GNS

Total segment loss
Other non-performance items:

Corporate selling and marketing
Corporate general and administrative
Stock compensation costs:

Research and development
Selling and marketing
General and administrative
Amortization of intangible assets
In-process research and development
Restructuring costs
Goodwill impairment
Long-lived asset impairments
Recovery of sale, export, 

use tax liabilities and payments
Recovery of doubtful accounts, net
Accelerated amortization of leasehold
Interest and other financial charges, net
Provision for income taxes

Consolidated net loss

2002

$ (457,956)
—
—
(31,928)
(489,884)

(114,890)
(52,612)

(15,672)
(3,560)
(1,092)
(8,972)
—
(98,093)
(557,286)
(127,336)

—
(14,813)
—
(2,554)
(110,735)
$(1,597,499)

Fiscal Year
2003

$(119,731)
788
—
(19,480)
(138,423)

(91,424)
(38,478)

(12,824)
(2,728)
(1,225)
(17,870)
(2,800)
(13,575)
—
(47,176)

—
—
—
(18,738)
(1,256)
$(386,517)

2004

$(116,811)
(9,533)
535
6,011
(119,798)

(93,023)
(27,274)

(6,514)
(4,051)
(1,318)
(30,839)
(30,200)
(57,107)
(371,712)
(15,926)

5,388
2,794
(22,535)
(16,228)
(1,121)
$(789,464)

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting 

and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Ciena have evaluated the effectiveness of Ciena’s
disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) and have con-
cluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report the disclosure controls and procedures were
effective. There was no change in Ciena’s internal controls over financial reporting during Ciena’s last fiscal
quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Ciena’s internal controls over finan-
cial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information
None.

PAGE 78

CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

n Part III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Information relating to Ciena’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Part I of this report under the cap-
tion Item 1. “Business—Director, and Executive Officers.”

Additional information concerning our Audit Committee and regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the
Exchange Act responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Ciena’s Proxy Statement to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by
this Form 10-K with respect to our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 16, 2005.

As part of our system of corporate governance, our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics that is
specifically applicable to our chief executive officer and senior financial officers. This code of ethics is avail-
able on the corporate governance page of our web site at http://www.ciena.com.

Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Ciena’s Proxy Statement to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this
Form 10-K with respect to our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 16, 2005.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Ciena’s Proxy Statement to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this
Form 10-K with respect to our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 16, 2005.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Ciena’s Proxy Statement to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this
Form 10-K with respect to our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 16, 2005.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to Ciena’s Proxy Statement to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this
Form 10-K with respect to our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 16, 2005.

n Part IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) 1. The information required by this item is included in Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K.
2. The information required by this item is included in Item 8 of Part II of  this Form 10-K.
3. Exhibits: See Index to Exhibits. The Exhibits listed in the accompanying  Index to Exhibits are filed or

incorporated by reference as part of this report.

(b) Exhibits.  See  Index  to  Exhibits.  The  Exhibits  listed  in  the  accompanying  Index  to  Exhibits  are  filed  or

incorporated by reference as part of this report.

(c) Not applicable.

PAGE 79

 
CIENA CORPORATION 10-K

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Linthicum, County of Anne Arundel, State of Maryland, on the 9th day of December 2004.

Ciena Corporation
By: /s/ Gary B. Smith 
Gary B. Smith
President, Chief Executive Officer 

and Director

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signatures
/s/ Patrick H. Nettles
Patrick H. Nettles, Ph.D.

Title
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

Date
December 9, 2004 

/s/ Gary B. Smith
Gary B. Smith 
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Joseph R. Chinnici
Joseph R. Chinnici
(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ Andrew C. Petrik
Andrew C. Petrik 
(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ Stephen P. Bradley, Ph.D.
Stephen P. Bradley, Ph.D.

/s/ Harvey B. Cash
Harvey B. Cash

/s/ Don H. Davis, Jr.
Don H. Davis, Jr.

/s/ John R. Dillon
John R. Dillon

/s/ Lawton W. Fitt
Lawton W. Fitt

/s/ Judith M. O’Brien
Judith M. O’Brien

/s/ Michael J. Rowny
Michael J. Rowny

/s/ Gerald H. Taylor
Gerald H. Taylor

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

December 9, 2004 

December 9, 2004

December 9, 2004 

December 9, 2004 

December 9, 2004 

December 9, 2004 

December 9, 2004 

December 9, 2004 

December 9, 2004 

December 9, 2004 

December 9, 2004 

Sr. Vice President, Finance 
and Chief Financial Officer 

Vice President, Controller 
and Treasurer

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

PAGE 80

 
Outside Board Members

STEPHEN P. BRADLEY, PH.D.
William Ziegler Professor of
Business Administration
Harvard Business School

HARVEY B. CASH 
General Partner
InterWest Partners

DON H. DAVIS, JR. 
Retired Chairman and CEO 
Rockwell Automation

JOHN R. DILLON
Retired CFO
Cox Enterprises

LAWTON W. FITT 
Secretary (Chief Executive)
Royal Academy of Arts

JUDITH M. O’BRIEN 
Managing Director
INCUBIC Venture Funds

MICHAEL J. ROWNY
Chairman
Rowny Capital

GERALD H. TAYLOR 
Independent Communications
Consultant

Corporate Headquarters

Executive Officers

Ciena Corporation 
1201 Winterson Road
Linthicum, MD 21090-2205
Telephone: (800) 921-1144 or
(410) 865-8500
www.Ciena.com

Annual Meeting
Ciena’s annual shareholder meeting
will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday,
March 16, 2005 at the Four Points 
by Sheraton BWI Airport Hotel,
Baltimore, Maryland.

Independent Certified 
Public Accountants
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
McLean, VA

General Counsel
Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.
Baltimore, MD

Transfer Agent
EquiServe Trust Company, N.A.
PO Box 43023
Providence, RI 02940-3023
Shareholder Inquiries: (781) 575-4593
www.EquiServe.com

Common Stock Market Data
Since its initial public offering on
February 7, 1997, Ciena’s Common
Stock has traded on the Nasdaq
Stock Market under the symbol
CIEN and appears in most daily
newspaper stock tables as CIEN.

Investor Relations
For additional copies of this report or
other financial information, contact:
Investor Relations
Ciena Corporation
1201 Winterson Road
Linthicum, MD 21090-2205
IR Hotline: (888) 243-6223 or
(410) 694-5700

Additional information is available on
Ciena’s website at www.Ciena.com 

PATRICK H. NETTLES, PH.D.
Executive Chairman of the 
Board of Directors

GARY B. SMITH 
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director

STEPHEN B. ALEXANDER
Senior Vice President 
and General Manager, 
Transport and Switching Group, 
Chief Technology Officer 

STEVE W. CHADDICK
Senior Vice President, 
Chief Strategy Officer

JOSEPH R. CHINNICI
Senior Vice President, 
Finance and Chief Financial Officer

JAMES F. COLLIER III
Senior Vice President, 
World Wide Sales

JAMES FRODSHAM
Senior Vice President and
General Manager, 
Broadband Access Group

JIM HJARTARSON
Senior Vice President, 
Broadband Architecture 
and Market Development

LAURA HOWARD
Senior Vice President, 
Marketing and Corporate
Development

JESÚS LEÓN
Senior Vice President, 
Chief Development Officer

ARTHUR SMITH, PH.D.
Senior Vice President, 
Global Operations

RUSSELL B. STEVENSON, JR.
Senior Vice President, 
General Counsel and Secretary

ANDREW C. PETRIK
Vice President, 
Controller and Treasurer

m
o
c
.

e
v
i
t
a
e
r
c

i

c
f
.

w
w
w

D
M

,
a
d
s
e
h
t
e
B

.
c
n

I

s
n
o
i
t
a
c

i

n
u
m
m
o
C

l

a

i

c
n
a
n

i

F

:

n
g
i
s
e
D

n
o
i
t
a
r
o
p
r
o
C
a
n
e
C
5
0
0
2
©

i

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CIE-AR-05

1201 Winterson Road, Linthicum, Maryland 21090-2205

410.865.8500

800.921.1144

www.ciena.com