Ciena Corporation reported fiscal third-quarter revenue of $1.67 billion, topping analyst expectations of $1.63 billion and rising 37% from $1.22 billion in the same period last year.
Adjusted earnings per share reached $2.11, exceeding the $1.72 consensus estimate by 39 cents. The company’s adjusted gross margin expanded to 46.4% from 41.9% a year earlier, while adjusted operating margin more than doubled to 22.5% from 10.7%.
Revenue growth was driven by the optical networking segment, which generated $1.19 billion, up from $815.5 million in the prior-year quarter. Ciena noted that two customers each contributed over 10% of total revenue, collectively accounting for 41.7% of quarterly sales.
The company’s performance was attributed to sustained demand for high-speed connectivity solutions tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure investments. Shares rose 4.3% in premarket trading following the results.
For the fiscal fourth quarter, Ciena guided revenue to $1.75 billion, plus or minus $50 million, aligning with the $1.7 billion analyst consensus at the midpoint. It also raised its full-year revenue guidance to $6.42 billion, plus or minus $50 million, implying a 35% year-over-year increase at the midpoint.
Gary Smith, president and CEO, said the results underscore Ciena’s leadership in providing high-speed connectivity solutions amid ongoing AI-driven network investment. Marc Graff, chief financial officer, highlighted the company’s ability to deliver profitable growth while positioning for future opportunities.
