e10-q
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

     
(XBOX)   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2002

OR

     
(BOX)   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)

     
Delaware   23-2725311
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)    
     
1201 Winterson Road, Linthicum, MD   21090
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

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

         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 (XBOX) NO (BOX)

         Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

     
Class   Outstanding at May 23, 2002

 
Common stock. $0.01 par value   329,916,848

Page 1 of 32 pages

 


 

CIENA CORPORATION

INDEX

FORM 10-Q

                 
            PAGE NUMBER
           
PART I -
  FINANCIAL INFORMATION        
 
               
Item 1
  Financial Statements        
 
               
 
  Consolidated Statements of Operations        
 
  quarters and six months ended April 30, 2001        
 
  and April 30, 2002     3  
 
               
 
  Consolidated Balance Sheets        
 
  October 31, 2001 and April 30, 2002     4  
 
               
 
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows        
 
  six months ended April 30, 2001 and        
 
  April 30, 2002     5  
 
               
 
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements     6  
 
               
Item 2
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of        
 
  Financial Condition and Results of        
 
  Operations     13  
 
               
Item 3
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     29  
 
               
PART II -
  OTHER INFORMATION        
 
               
Item 1
  Legal Proceedings     29  
 
               
Item 4
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     30  
 
               
Item 6
  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K     31  
 
               
Signatures
            32  

2


 

Item 1. Financial Statements

CIENA CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

                                       
          Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
         
 
          April 30,   April 30,   April 30,   April 30,
          2001   2002   2001   2002
         
 
 
 
Revenue
  $ 425,396     $ 87,053     $ 777,385     $ 249,209  
Excess and obsolete inventory costs
    8,357       223,277       14,058       243,691  
Cost of goods sold
    223,152       87,525       409,288       206,798  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Gross profit (loss)
    193,887       (223,749 )     354,039       (201,280 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating expenses:
                               
 
Research and development (exclusive of
                               
 
$1,672, $3,465, $1,672, $7,417 deferred
                               
 
stock compensation costs)
    54,344       59,558       96,848       124,314  
 
Selling and marketing (exclusive of
$491, $851, $491, $1,807 deferred stock
compensation costs)
    38,782       29,835       68,418       67,435  
 
General and administrative (exclusive of
                               
   
$572, $176, $572, $402 deferred stock
                               
 
compensation costs)
    16,787       13,276       27,932       26,931  
 
Deferred stock compensation costs
    2,735       4,492       2,735       9,626  
 
Amortization of goodwill
    25,373             26,271        
 
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,000       1,813       1,109       3,626  
 
In-process research and development
    45,900             45,900        
 
Restructuring costs
          121,348             128,176  
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
          16,055             16,055  
 
   
     
     
     
 
     
Total operating expenses
    184,921       246,377       269,213       376,163  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from operations
    8,966       (470,126 )     84,826       (577,443 )
Interest and other income (expense), net
    20,707       15,045       25,003       31,217  
Interest expense
    (7,128 )     (8,637 )     (7,215 )     (19,142 )
Loss on equity investments, net
          (434 )           (5,740 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    22,545       (464,152 )     102,614       (571,108 )
Provision for income taxes
    73,225       148,001       100,048       111,636  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (50,680 )   $ (612,153 )   $ 2,566     $ (682,744 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Basic net income (loss) per common share
  $ (0.17 )   $ (1.86 )   $ 0.01     $ (2.08 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Diluted net income (loss) per common share
                               
   
and dilutive potential common share
  $ (0.17 )   $ (1.86 )   $ 0.01     $ (2.08 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Weighted average basic common shares
                               
 
outstanding
    306,329       328,764       296,758       328,312  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Weighted average basic common and
                               
   
dilutive potential common shares
                               
   
outstanding
    306,329       328,764       310,164       328,312  
 
   
     
     
     
 

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

3


 

CIENA CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)

                         
            October 31,   April 30,
            2001   2002
           
 
       
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 397,890     $ 514,731  
 
Short-term investments
    902,594       853,994  
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,491 and $14,517
    395,063       61,194  
 
Inventories, net
    254,968       75,573  
 
Deferred income taxes, net
    186,861       21,167  
 
Prepaid expenses and other
    53,713       35,084  
 
   
     
 
   
Total current assets
    2,191,089       1,561,743  
Long-term investments
    494,657       348,942  
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net
    331,490       214,880  
Goodwill
    178,891       178,891  
Other intangible assets, net
    47,874       44,248  
Deferred income taxes, net
          52,551  
Other long term assets
    73,300       71,999  
 
   
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 3,317,301     $ 2,473,254  
 
   
     
 
       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
 
Accounts payable
  $ 68,735     $ 48,068  
 
Accrued liabilities
    148,523       164,811  
 
Income taxes payable
    6,649       6,250  
 
Deferred revenue
    29,480       21,284  
 
Other current obligations
    995       1,219  
 
   
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    254,382       241,632  
Deferred income taxes
    64,072       58,318  
Long-term deferred revenue
          11,008  
Other long-term obligations
    5,982       5,612  
Convertible notes payable
    863,883       690,000  
 
   
     
 
   
Total liabilities
    1,188,319       1,006,570  
 
   
     
 
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;
               
     
328,022,264 and 329,812,705 shares issued and outstanding
    3,280       3,298  
Additional paid-in capital
    3,667,512       3,688,253  
Notes receivable from stockholders
    (3,236 )     (2,273 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    4,842       3,566  
Accumulated deficit
    (1,543,416 )     (2,226,160 )
 
   
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    2,128,982       1,466,684  
 
   
     
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 3,317,301     $ 2,473,254  
 
   
     
 

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

4


 

CIENA CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

                         
            Six Months Ended April 30,
           
            2001   2002
           
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,566     $ (682,744 )
   
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
     
Tax benefit related to exercise of stock options
    62,108        
     
Non-cash charges from equity investments, net
          3,755  
     
Non-cash portion of restructuring charges and related to asset write-downs
          94,847  
     
Accretion of redemption premium
    883       4,530  
     
Effect of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    43       (1,614 )
     
In-process research and development
    45,900        
     
Depreciation and amortization
    42,840       68,221  
     
Amortization of goodwill, other intangibles, deferred stock compensation and debt issuance costs
    30,877       14,766  
     
Provision for inventory excess and obsolescence
    14,058       210,239  
     
Provision for doubtful accounts
          16,055  
     
Provision for warranty and other contractual obligations
    17,853       10,731  
     
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
       
Accounts receivable
    (18,061 )     318,925  
       
Inventories
    (144,181 )     (30,844 )
       
Deferred income tax asset
    37,940       113,143  
       
Prepaid income tax
           
       
Prepaid expenses and other
    (33,990 )     20,726  
       
Accounts payable and accruals
    52,317       (8,897 )
       
Income taxes payable
    (252 )     (399 )
       
Deferred income tax liability
    409       (5,754 )
       
Deferred revenue and other obligations
    7,418       2,812  
 
   
     
 
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    118,728       148,498  
 
   
     
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
 
Additions to equipment, furniture and fixtures
    (134,956 )     (46,361 )
 
Purchases of available-for-sale investments
    (763,946 )     (568,273 )
 
Maturities of available-for-sale investments
    165,841       755,989  
 
Acquisition of businesses, inclusive of intellectual property and
               
other intangibles, net of cash acquired
    54,101        
 
Minority equity investments
    (8,005 )     (4,999 )
 
   
     
 
     
Net cash (used) provided in investing activities
    (686,965 )     136,356  
 
   
     
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
 
Net proceeds from (repayment of) other obligations
    1,011       (803 )
 
Proceeds from (repayment of) issuance of convertible notes
    669,300       (178,413 )
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants
    898,921       10,240  
 
Repayment of notes receivable from stockholders
    30       963  
 
   
     
 
     
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
    1,569,262       (168,013 )
 
   
     
 
     
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    1,001,025       116,841  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    143,187       397,890  
 
   
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,144,212     $ 514,731  
 
   
     
 

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

5


 

CIENA CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(1) Significant Accounting Policies

Interim Financial Statements

         The interim financial statements included herein for CIENA Corporation (the “Company” or “CIENA”) have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, financial statements included in this report reflect all normal recurring adjustments which the Company considers necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods covered and of the financial position of the Company at the date of the interim balance sheet. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to understand the information presented. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s October 31, 2001 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K annual report for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2001.

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, CIENA evaluates its estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, restructuring, and contingencies and litigation. CIENA bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making 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. CIENA believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

         CIENA recognizes product revenue in accordance with the shipping terms specified and when collection is reasonably assured. For transactions where CIENA has yet to obtain customer acceptance, revenue is deferred until the terms of acceptance are satisfied. Revenue for installation services is recognized as the services are performed unless the terms of the supply contract combine product acceptance with installation, in which case, revenues for installation services are recognized when the terms of acceptance are satisfied and installation is completed. Revenues from installation service fixed price contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date compared to estimated total costs for each contract. Amounts received in excess of revenue recognized are included as deferred revenue in the accompanying balance sheets. For transactions involving the sale of software, revenue is recognized in accordance with Statement of Position No. 97-2 (SOP 97-2), “Software Revenue Recognition”, including deferral of revenue recognition in instances where vendor specific objective evidence for undelivered elements is not determinable. For distributor sales where risks of ownership have not transferred, CIENA recognizes revenue when the product is shipped through to the end user.

         CIENA maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of CIENA’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. As of April 30, 2002, our accounts receivable balance net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $14.5 million, was $61.2 million, which included three customers who accounted for 25%, 24%, and 15% of the net trade accounts receivable, respectively.

         CIENA provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. While CIENA engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component suppliers, CIENA’s warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates and material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Should actual product failure rates, material usage or service delivery costs differ from CIENA’s estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.

6


 

         CIENA writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. As a result of the further decline in capital spending by our customers and a further decline in forecasted revenues of existing products, we recorded provisions for inventory, including purchase commitments, of $243.7 during the six months ended April 30, 2002. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

         CIENA holds minority interests in companies having operations or technology in areas within its strategic focus, some of which are publicly traded and have highly volatile share prices. As of April 30, 2002, $21.1 million of these investments are included in other long-term assets. CIENA records an investment impairment charge when it believes an investment has experienced a decline in value that is other than temporary. During the six months ended April 30, 2002, we recorded a charge of $6.6 million from a decline in the fair value of a public equity investment that was determined to be other than temporary. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the investments that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

         During the six months ended April 30, 2002, CIENA recorded a non-cash charge to establish a valuation allowance of $305.8 million against our gross deferred tax assets of $379.5 million. The valuation allowance is calculated in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 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. 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 deliberate and planned business restructuring activities. The Company’s cumulative loss in the most recent three-year period, inclusive of the loss for the quarter ended April 30, 2002, represented sufficient negative evidence to require a valuation allowance under the provisions of SFAS 109. The Company intends to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Although realization is not assured, CIENA has concluded that the remaining net deferred tax asset as of April 30, 2002 in the amount of $73.7 million will be realized based on the scheduling of deferred tax liabilities, and the carry-back of losses. The amount of the deferred tax assets actually realized, however, could vary if there are differences in the timing or amount of future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities. Should CIENA determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

Newly Issued Accounting Standards

         In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligation” (SFAS No. 143). SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002, and will require companies to record a liability for asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred, which typically could be upon completion or shortly thereafter. The FASB decided to limit the scope to legal obligation and the liability will be recorded at fair value. The effect of adoption of this standard on the Company’s results of operations and financial positions is being evaluated.

         In October 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (SFAS No. 144). SFAS No. 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. It provides a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of and replaces SFAS No. 121 “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of”. The effect of adoption of this standard on the Company’s results of operations and financial positions is being evaluated.

Reclassification

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

(2) Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset – Adoption of Statement 142

         In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS No. 142). SFAS No. 141 addresses financial accounting and reporting for business combinations. This statement requires the purchase method of accounting to be used for all business combinations, and prohibits the pooling-of-interests method of accounting. This statement is effective for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and supercedes APB Opinion No. 16, “Business Combinations” as well as Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 38, “Accounting for Preacquisition Contingencies of Purchased Enterprises”.

7


 

         SFAS No. 142 addresses how intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets should be accounted for in financial statements upon their acquisition. This statement requires goodwill amortization to cease and for goodwill to be periodically reviewed for impairment for fiscal years beginning after October 31, 2001. SFAS No. 142 supercedes APB Opinion No. 17, “Intangible Assets”. The Company adopted the provisions of this standard for its first quarter of fiscal 2002.

         The following table presents the impact of SFAS 142 on net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share had SFAS 142 been in effect for the quarter and first six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                                 
    Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    April 30,   April 30,
   
 
    2001   2002   2001   2002
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (50,680 )   $ (612,153 )   $ 2,566     $ (682,744 )
Adjustments:
                               
Amortization of goodwill
    25,373             26,271        
 
   
     
     
     
 
Adjusted net income (loss)
  $ (25,307 )   $ (612,153 )   $ 28,837     $ (682,744 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Weighted average shares-basic
    306,329       328,764       296,758       328,312  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Weighted average shares-diluted
    306,329       328,764       310,164       328,312  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Adjusted basic EPS
  $ (0.08 )   $ (1.86 )   $ 0.10     $ (2.08 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Adjusted diluted EPS
  $ (0.08 )   $ (1.86 )   $ 0.09     $ (2.08 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Reported basic EPS
  $ (0.17 )   $ (1.86 )   $ 0.01     $ (2.08 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Reported diluted EPS
  $ (0.17 )   $ (1.86 )   $ 0.01     $ (2.08 )
 
   
     
     
     
 

         There was no impairment or amortization of goodwill recorded for the first six months ended April 30, 2002.

(3) Inventories

         Inventories are comprised of the following (in thousands):

                 
    October 31,   April 30,
    2001   2002
   
 
Raw materials
  $ 161,837     $ 101,333  
Work-in-process
    75,669       27,577  
Finished goods
    71,266       73,069  
 
   
     
 
 
    308,772       201,979  
Less reserve for excess and obsolescence
    (53,804 )     (126,406 )
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 254,968     $ 75,573  
 
   
     
 

         During the six months ended April 30, 2002, the Company recorded a provision for excess inventory of $210.2 million and a charge for excess inventory purchase commitments of $33.5 million. The following is a summary of the change in the reserve for excess and obsolete inventory during the six months ended April 30, 2002 (in thousands):

             
        Inventory
        Reserve
       
Reserve balance as of Oct. 31, 2001
  $ 53,804  
 
Provisions for excess inventory
    210,239  
 
Actual inventory scrapped
    (137,637 )
 
   
 
Reserve balance as of April 30, 2002
  $ 126,406  
 
   
 

8


 

         The following is a summary of the change in the reserve for excess and obsolete inventory during the six months ended April 30, 2001 (in thousands):

             
        Inventory
        Reserve
       
Reserve balance as of Oct. 31, 2000
  $ 18,238  
 
Provisions for excess inventory
    14,058  
 
Actual inventory scrapped
    (7,021 )
 
   
 
Reserve balance as of April 30, 2001
  $ 25,275  
 
   
 

(4) Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures

         Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures (in thousands):

                 
    October 31,   April 30,
    2001   2002
   
 
Equipment, furniture and fixtures
  $ 516,433     $ 408,297  
Leasehold improvements
    62,017       42,292  
 
   
     
 
 
    578,450       450,589  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (249,195 )     (236,071 )
Construction in-progress
    2,235       362  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 331,490     $ 214,880  
 
   
     
 

         During the six months ended April 30, 2002, the Company recorded net charges of $88.4 million related to the write-down and disposal of certain property, equipment and leasehold improvements as part of its restructuring program. See Note 6.

(5) Other Balance Sheet Details

         Other long-term assets (in thousands):

                 
    October 31,   April 30,
    2001   2002
   
 
Maintenance spares inventory, net
  $ 23,075     $ 19,241  
Deferred debt issuance costs
    18,925       17,411  
Investments in privately held companies
    16,051       21,051  
Other
    15,249       14,296  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 73,300     $ 71,999  
 
   
     
 

          Accrued liabilities (in thousands):

                 
    October 31,   April 30,
    2001   2002
   
 
Accrued restructuring costs (see Note 6)
  $ 15,439     $ 33,999  
Warranty and other contractual obligations
    39,846       41,589  
Accrued compensation and payroll related tax
    43,570       36,897  
Accrued excess inventory purchase commitments
    6,128       14,752  
Accrued interest payable
    8,363       6,469  
Other
    35,177       31,105  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 148,523     $ 164,811  
 
   
     
 

9


 

         Deferred revenue (in thousands):

                   
      October 31,   April 30,
      2001   2002
     
 
Products
  $ 23,382     $ 12,268  
Services
    6,098       20,024  
 
   
     
 
 
  29,480     32,292  
Less current portion
    (29,480 )     (21,284 )
 
   
     
 
 
Long-term deferred revenue
  $     $ 11,008  
 
   
     
 

(6) Restructuring Charge and Related Accrual

         During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2001, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $15.4 million relating to consolidation of excess facilities. The consolidation of excess facilities included the closure of certain manufacturing warehouse facilities and the consolidation of certain operational centers related to business activities that have been restructured. The charge included $7.0 million primarily related to lease terminations and non-cancelable lease costs and also included an $8.4 million write-down related to property and equipment consisting primarily of leasehold improvements and production equipment.

         On November 12, 2001, the Company announced a workforce reduction of approximately 380 employees concentrated in manufacturing operations staff. The Company recorded a restructuring charge of $6.8 million associated with this action in the first quarter of fiscal 2002.

         On February 5, 2002, CIENA announced a workforce reduction of approximately 400 employees largely concentrated in manufacturing operations and research and development activities associated with the closure of our Marlborough, Massachusetts research and development facility. On March 26, 2002, CIENA announced a company wide workforce reduction of approximately 650 employees. The Company recorded a restructuring charge of $121.4 million associated with the workforce reductions, lease terminations, non-cancelable lease costs and the write-down of certain property, equipment and leasehold improvements associated with this action in the second quarter of fiscal 2002.

         The following table displays the activity and balances of the restructuring reserve account for the period ended April 30, 2002 (in thousands):

                                           
              Reserve recorded                        
              during the first                        
      Balance   six months ended   Non-cash   Cash   Balance
      Oct 31, 2001   April 30, 2002   Reduction   Reduction   April 30, 2002
     
 
 
 
 
Workforce reduction
  $     $ 20,845     $ 893     $ 13,019     $ 6,933  
Consolidation of excess facilities and other charges
    15,439       107,331       93,954       1,750       27,066  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
 
Total
  $ 15,439     $ 128,176     $ 94,847     $ 14,769     $ 33,999  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

         As of April 30, 2002, approximately 1,430 employees have been terminated. The remaining balance of the workforce reduction will be paid by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002.

         Since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company has recorded a net charge of $96.8 million related to the write-down and disposal of certain property, equipment and leasehold improvements. These assets are being carried at their fair market value less selling and disposal costs. The remaining facilities balance is related to the net lease expense. This will be paid over the respective lease terms through fiscal 2011.

(7) Earnings Per Share Calculation

         The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic net income per common share (“basic EPS”) and diluted net income per common and dilutive potential common share (“diluted EPS”). 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 (in thousands except per share amounts):

10


 

                   
      Quarter ended April 30,
     
      2001   2002
     
 
Net loss
  $ (50,680 )   $ (612,153 )
 
   
     
 
Weighted average shares-basic
    306,329       328,764  
 
   
     
 
Weighted average shares-diluted
    306,329       328,764  
Basic EPS
  $ (0.17 )   $ (1.86 )
Diluted EPS
  $ (0.17 )   $ (1.86 )
 
   
     
 
                   
      Six months ended April 30,
     
      2001   2002
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,566     $ (682,744 )
 
   
     
 
Weighted average shares-basic
    296,758       328,312  
 
   
     
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
               
 
Employee stock options and warrants
    13,406        
 
   
     
 
 
Weighted average shares-diluted
    310,164       328,312  
Basic EPS
  $ 0.01     $ (2.08 )
Diluted EPS
  $ 0.01     $ (2.08 )
 
   
     
 

         Stock options to purchase 26.3 million and 46.8 million shares of common stock were outstanding during the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and April 30, 2002, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS as the effect would be anti-dilutive. In addition, stock options to purchase 9.6 million and 45.6 million shares of common stock were outstanding during the six months ended April 30, 2001 and April 30, 2002, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

(8) Comprehensive Income

         The components of comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):

                                 
    Quarter ended April 30,   Six months ended April 30,
   
 
    2001   2002   2001   2002
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (50,680 )   $ (612,153 )   $ 2,566     $ (682,744 )
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
    761       (1,836 )     761       (1,386 )
Change in accumulated translation adjustments
    (342 )     54       (249 )     110  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (50,261 )   $ (613,935 )   $ 3,078     $ (684,020 )
 
   
     
     
     
 

(9) Employee Benefit Plans

Stock Incentive Plans — Tender Offering

         On April 17, 2002, and subsequently amended on April 19 and May 2, 2002, CIENA filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO (the “Schedule TO”), relating to an offer by the Company to exchange options outstanding under the Third Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”), the 1999 Non-Officer Stock Option Plan (the “1999 Plan”) and the Cyras Systems, Inc. 1998 Plan (the “Cyras Plan”) held by eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), having an exercise price greater than $12.00 per share (the “Options”) for new options (the “New Options”) to purchase shares of the Common Stock. The New Options exchanged for Options tendered under the 1994 and the 1999 Plan are to be granted under the 1999 Plan, and the New Options exchanged for Options tendered under the Cyras Plan are to be granted under the Cyras Plan, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the Offer to Exchange and the related Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal” and, together with the Offer to Exchange, as they may be amended from time to time, the “Offer”). Except for options that were granted after October 16, 2001, the Company will grant a New Option for one Option Share for every two Option Shares that the Company accepts for exchange, and the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the New Options will be equal to one half of the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Options that are

11


 

accepted for exchange. With respect to options that were granted after October 16, 2001, the Company will grant a New Option to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Options that are accepted for exchange. Employees tendered 15.1 million shares on May 17, 2002. On or about November 18, 2002, we will reissue 7.7 million shares of stock. The exercise price of the New Options will based on the fair market value of CIENA common stock on the date of the grant.

(10) Segment Reporting

         In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 (SFAS No.131), “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” SFAS No. 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 revenues, and its major customers. The Company is not organized by multiple operating segments for the purpose of making operating decisions or assessing performance. Accordingly, the Company operates in one operating segment and reports only certain enterprise-wide disclosures.

         The Company’s geographic distribution revenues for the quarter and six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

                                 
    Quarter Ended April 30,   Six Months Ended April 30,
   
 
    2001   2002   2001   2002
   
 
 
 
Domestic
  $ 368,527     $ 49,573     $ 652,431     $ 175,388  
International
    56,869       37,480       124,954       73,821  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total
  $ 425,396     $ 87,053     $ 777,385     $ 249,209  
 
   
     
     
     
 

         The Company’s revenues derived from products and services for the quarter and six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

                                 
    Quarter Ended April 30,   Six Months Ended April 30,
   
 
    2001   2002   2001   2002
   
 
 
 
Products
  $ 402,050     $ 73,466     $ 733,550     $ 213,399  
Services
    23,346       13,587       43,835       35,810  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total
  $ 425,396     $ 87,053     $ 777,385     $ 249,209  
 
   
     
     
     
 

         Historically, the Company has relied on a limited number of customers for its revenue. During the quarter and six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, customers who each accounted for at least 10% of the Company’s revenues during the respective periods are as follows (in thousands):

                                 
    Quarter Ended April 30,   Six Months Ended April 30,
   
 
    2001   2002   2001   2002
   
 
 
 
Company A
  $ n/a     $ 18,297     $ n/a     $ 57,595  
Company B
    150,458       10,516       245,596       57,093  
Company C
    n/a       14,587       n/a       n/a  
Company D
    n/a       8,950       n/a       n/a  
Company E
    69,006       n/a       153,752       n/a  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total
  $ 219,464     $ 52,350     $ 399,348     $ 114,688  
 
   
     
     
     
 

         n/a – denotes revenues recognized less than 10% for the period.

(11) Business Combinations

         On February 18, 2002, CIENA announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire by merger ONI Systems Corp. (“ONI”), a NASDAQ-listed corporation headquartered in San Jose, California. ONI is a provider of optical networking equipment specifically designed to address bandwidth and service limitations of regional and metropolitan networks. Under the terms of the agreement, each outstanding share of capital stock of ONI will be exchanged for 0.7104 shares of CIENA common stock, and CIENA will assume all of ONI’s outstanding options and warrants as well as its outstanding convertible debt. Based on the closing price of CIENA common stock on Friday, February 15, 2002, the transaction was valued at approximately $900.0 million. We expect to complete the acquisition during the third fiscal quarter of 2002. The ONI acquisition is subject to approval by the stockholders of CIENA and ONI. Shareholder meeting dates have been set for June 18, 2002. CIENA expects to issue approximately 100,500,000 shares of its common stock in exchange for the currently outstanding shares of ONI.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

         The information in this Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements related to markets for the Company’s products and trends in its business that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to those discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Risk Factor,” below. Investors should review these risks in order to have a more complete understanding of the principal risks associated with an investment our Common Stock.

Overview

         CIENA is a leader in the intelligent optical networking equipment market. We offer a portfolio of products for communications service providers worldwide. Our customers include long-distance carriers, competitive and incumbent local exchange carriers, Internet service providers, and wireless and wholesale carriers. CIENA offers optical transport and intelligent optical switching systems that enable service providers to provision, manage and deliver high-bandwidth services to their customers. We have pursued a strategy to use our technologies to change the fundamental economics of building carrier-class tele- and data-communications networks, reducing both capital and operating costs for our customers.

         For much of the last five years, the market for our equipment was influenced by the entry of a substantial number of new companies into the communications services business. In the United States, this was largely due to changes in the regulatory environment, in particular those brought about by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. These new companies raised billions of dollars in capital, much of which they invested in capital improvements, causing an acceleration in the growth of the market for telecommunications equipment.

         The last 18 months have seen a reversal of this trend, including the failure of a large number of the new entrants and a sharp contraction of the availability of capital to the industry. More recently, even some of the more established carriers have shown signs of financial weakness. These developments have caused a substantial reduction in demand for telecommunications equipment, including our products.

         This industry trend has been compounded by the slowing not only of the United States economy, but the economies in virtually all of the countries in which we are marketing our products. Even though the United States economy as a whole has recently begun a recovery, the telecommunications sector has remained severely depressed. The combination of these factors has caused our customers to become more conservative in their capital investment plans and more uncertain about their future purchases. As a consequence, we are facing a market that is both reduced in absolute size and more difficult to predict and plan for.

         As of April 30, 2002, CIENA and its subsidiaries employed approximately 2,235 persons, which was a reduction of 1,543 persons from the approximate 3,778 employed on October 31, 2001. On November 12, 2001, we announced a workforce reduction of approximately 380 employees concentrated in manufacturing operations staff. In the first quarter of fiscal 2002, we recorded a restructuring charge of $6.8 million associated with this action. On November 16, 2001, we sold 80.1% of our ownership in ATI International Investments, Inc., the parent company of ATI Telecom International Ltd. (“Alta”), which resulted in a reduction of approximately 84 employees concentrated in engineering, furnishing and installation operations staff. On February 5, 2002, we announced a workforce reduction of approximately 400 employees largely concentrated in manufacturing operations and research and development activities associated with the closure of our Marlborough, Massachusetts research and development facility. On March 26, 2002, we announced a company wide workforce reduction of approximately 650 employees. In the second quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $121.4 million associated with the workforce reductions, lease terminations, non-cancelable lease costs and the write-down of certain property, equipment and leasehold improvements.

         As a result of the further decline in capital spending by our customers and a further decline in forecasted revenues of existing products, we recorded a provision for inventory, including purchase commitments, of $243.7 million during the six months ended April 30, 2002. We also recorded a provision for bad debt expense of $16.1 million during the same period. This provision relates to the estimated losses from two customers whose financial condition suggests that they may not be able to make required payments to CIENA. During the second quarter fiscal 2002, one customer, for whom we recorded a provision, filed for bankruptcy protection and the second customer’s financial condition has deteriorated to an extent that its ability to meet agreed upon payment terms is not reasonably assured. Therefore, we recorded a provision to provide for the increased risk of not collecting the entire outstanding receivable from these customers.

13


 

         During the six months ended April 30, 2002, CIENA recorded a non-cash charge to establish a valuation allowance of $305.8 million against our gross deferred tax assets of $379.5 million. The valuation allowance is calculated in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). The Company intends to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal.

         On February 18, 2002, we announced that we had entered into an agreement to acquire by merger ONI Systems Corp. (“ONI”), a NASDAQ-listed corporation headquartered in San Jose, California. We expect to complete the acquisition during the third quarter fiscal 2002. It is expected that the proposed merger will result in synergies to the combined company, including operating expense savings of approximately $55 million to $65 million. These savings will primarily be derived from the elimination of duplicate infrastructures and the ability to take advantage of economies of scale. Additional savings may be possible through increased manufacturing efficiencies. However, the merger and the realization of these benefits is subject to numerous risks, in particular, the risks of integration of ONI into CIENA’s operations, including:

    assimilating ONI’s technology and product offerings which may be more difficult than anticipated because the technology is very complex;
 
    coordinating research and development efforts which may involve unexpected problems;
 
    planned relocation of CIENA personnel from CIENA’s Fremont and possibly its Cupertino facilities to ONI’s facilities in San Jose may result in higher cost, disruption and possible loss of employees;
 
    management attention may be diverted from business matters to integration issues;
 
    identifying and retaining key personnel may be difficult in the combined company;
 
    integrating accounting, engineering, information technology, and administrative systems may be unexpectedly difficult or costly;
 
    significant cash expenditures will be required to retain personnel, eliminate unnecessary resources and integrate the business which may reduce our cash reserves;
 
    maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies may be harder than we anticipate and interfere with efficient administration of the combined company; and
 
    changes in the businesses as a result of the merger may impair relationships with employees, customers or vendors.

         Failure to overcome these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with the merger or other similar transactions could harm CIENA’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

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, CIENA evaluates its estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, restructuring, and contingencies and litigation. CIENA bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making 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. CIENA believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

         CIENA recognizes product revenue in accordance with the shipping terms specified and when collection is reasonably assured. For transactions where CIENA has yet to obtain customer acceptance, revenue is deferred until the terms of acceptance are satisfied. Revenue for installation services is recognized as the services are performed unless the terms of the supply contract combine product acceptance with installation, in which case, revenues for installation services are recognized when the terms of acceptance are satisfied and installation is completed. Revenues from fixed price contracts for installation services are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date compared to estimated total costs for each contract. Amounts received in excess of revenue recognized are included as deferred revenue in the accompanying balance sheets. For transactions involving the sale of software, revenue is recognized in accordance with Statement of Position No. 97-2 (SOP 97-2), “Software Revenue Recognition”, including deferral of revenue recognition in instances where vendor specific objective evidence for undelivered elements is not determinable. For distributor sales where risks of ownership have not transferred, CIENA recognizes revenue when the product is shipped through to the end user.

14


 

         CIENA maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of CIENA’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. As of April 30, 2002, our accounts receivable balance net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $14.5 million, was $61.2 million, which included three customers that accounted for 25%, 24%, and 15% of net trade accounts receivable, respectively.

         CIENA provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. While CIENA engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component suppliers, CIENA’s warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Should actual product failure rates, material usage or service delivery costs differ from CIENA’s estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.

         CIENA writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. As a result of the further decline in capital spending by our customers and a further decline in forecasted revenues of existing products, we recorded a provision for inventory, including purchase commitments, of approximately $243.7 during the six months ended April 30, 2002. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

         CIENA holds minority interests in companies having operations or technology in areas within its strategic focus, some of which are publicly traded and have highly volatile share prices. As of April 30, 2002, $21.1 million of these investments are included in other long-term assets. CIENA records an investment impairment charge when it believes an investment has experienced a decline in value that is other than temporary. During the six months ended April 30, 2002, we recorded a charge of $6.6 million from a decline in the fair value of a public equity investment that was determined to be other than temporary. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the investments that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

         During the six months ended April 30, 2002, CIENA recorded a non-cash charge to establish a valuation allowance of $305.8 million against our gross deferred tax assets of $379.5 million. The valuation allowance is calculated in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 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. The Company’s cumulative loss in the most recent three-year period, inclusive of the loss for the quarter ended April 30, 2002, represented sufficient negative evidence to require a valuation allowance under the provisions of SFAS 109, particularly in light of the current lack of visibility regarding our future profitability. The Company intends to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Although realization is not assured, CIENA has concluded that the remaining net deferred tax asset as of April 30, 2002 in the amount of $73.7 million will be realized based on the scheduling of deferred tax liabilities, and the carry-back of losses. The amount of the deferred tax assets actually realized, however, could vary if there are differences in the timing or amount of future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities. Should CIENA determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

Results of Operations

Quarter Ended April 30, 2001 Compared to Quarter Ended April 30, 2002

         Revenue. CIENA recognized $425.4 million and $87.1 million in revenue for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. A decrease of $338.3 million or 79.5% resulted primarily from the sharp contraction in the market for our equipment, which led to reduced revenues even though we had sales to thirty-eight optical networking customers in the quarter ended April 30, 2002, as compared to thirty-three such customers in the same quarter of the prior year. During the quarter ended April 30, 2002, four customers accounted for 21.0%, 16.7%, 12.1% and 10.3% of CIENA’s quarterly revenue and combined accounted for 60.1%. This compares to the quarter ended April 30, 2001, in which two companies, only one of which accounted for more than 10% of revenue during the comparable period in 2002, accounted for 35.4% and 16.2% of our quarterly revenues and combined accounted for 51.6% of our quarterly revenue.

         Revenues derived from international sales accounted for approximately 13.4% and 43.1% of our revenues during the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The Company’s geographic distribution of revenues for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

15


 

                 
    Quarter Ended April 30,
   
    2001   2002
   
 
Domestic
  $ 368,527     $ 49,573  
International
    56,869       37,480  
 
   
     
 
Total
  $ 425,396     $ 87,053  
 
   
     
 

         Revenues during CIENA’s second quarter fiscal 2002 were primarily from sales of intelligent core switching products, metro switching products and long distance optical transport products. We had no revenue from our metro switching product in second quarter fiscal 2001. CIENA’s revenues from products and services for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

                 
    Quarter Ended April 30,
   
    2001   2002
   
 
Products
  $ 402,050     $ 73,466  
Services
    23,346       13,587  
 
   
     
 
Total
  $ 425,396     $ 87,053  
 
   
     
 

         Gross Profit (Loss). Cost of goods sold consists of component costs, direct compensation costs, warranty and other contractual obligations, royalties, license fees, cost of excess and obsolete inventory and overhead related to manufacturing and engineering, furnishing and installation (“EF&I”) operations. Gross profits (loss) were $193.9 million and ($223.7) million for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The $417.6 million decrease in gross profit in the second quarter 2002 compared to the second quarter 2001 was the result of decreased revenues and an increase in charges for excess and obsolete inventory charges. As a result of the further decline in capital spending by our customers and a further decline in forecasted revenues of existing products, we recorded a provision for inventory, including purchase commitments, of approximately $223.2 million. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 45.6% and (257.0%) for the second quarters 2001 and 2002, respectively. The decrease was largely attributable to increases in inventory obsolescence costs, lower manufacturing volumes resulting in reduced manufacturing efficiencies, and changes in product mix resulting in sales of a higher proportion of revenue from lower margin installation and tech support services.

         As discussed above, our current ability to make reliable forecasts for fiscal 2002 is limited. It is possible, that we could continue to experience reductions of gross margins compared to fiscal 2001 as a result of one or more of several factors, including changes in product mix, downward pressure on pricing due to more aggressive competition, decreased manufacturing efficiencies, increases in inventory obsolescence, and increased costs of components.

         Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses (exclusive of stock compensation costs of $1.7 and $3.5 million) were $54.3 million and $59.6 million for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. During the second quarters 2001 and 2002, research and development expenses were 12.8% and 68.4% of revenue, respectively. The $5.2 million or 9.6% increase in research and development expenses in the second quarter 2002 compared to the second quarter 2001 was the result of increased employee related expenses, consulting expenses, and depreciation expense. CIENA expenses research and development costs as incurred.

         Selling and Marketing Expenses. Selling and marketing expenses (exclusive of stock compensation costs of $0.5 and $0.9 million) were $38.8 million and $29.8 million for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. During the second quarters 2001 and 2002, selling and marketing expenses were 9.1% and 34.3% of revenue, respectively. The $9.0 million or 23.1% decrease in selling and marketing expenses in the second quarter 2002 compared to the second quarter 2001 was primarily the result of the reduced levels of technical assistance and field support, decreased costs associated with trade-show participation and utilization of outside consultants.

         General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses (exclusive of stock compensation costs of $0.6 and $0.2 million) were $16.8 million and $13.3 million for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. During the second quarters 2001 and 2002, general and administrative expenses were 3.9% and 15.3% of revenue, respectively. The $3.5 million or 20.9% decrease in general and administrative expenses from the second quarter 2001 compared to the second quarter 2002 was primarily the result of decreases in employee related costs associated with the disposition of 80.1% of CIENA’s ownership in ATI International Investments, Inc.

         Deferred Stock Compensation Costs. Deferred stock compensation costs were $2.7 million and $4.5 million for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. As part of our March 2001 acquisition of Cyras, we recorded $98.5 million of deferred stock compensation relating to the unvested stock options and restricted stock assumed in the acquisition. Deferred stock compensation is presented as a reduction of stockholder’s equity and is amortized over the remaining vesting period of the applicable options. As of April 30, 2002, the balance of the deferred stock compensation is $33.1 million.

16


 

         Amortization of Goodwill. Amortization of goodwill was $25.4 million for the second quarter ended April 30, 2001. In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and other Intangible Assets” (SFAS No. 142). SFAS No. 142 addresses how intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets should be accounted for in financial statements upon their acquisition. This statement requires goodwill amortization to cease and for goodwill to be periodically reviewed for impairment, for fiscal years beginning after October 31, 2001. SFAS No. 142 supercedes APB Opinion No. 17, “Intangible Assets”. The Company adopted the provisions of this standard for its first quarter of fiscal 2002. There was no impairment or amortization of goodwill recorded for the second quarter ended April 30, 2002.

         Amortization of Intangible Assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $1.0 million and $1.8 million for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. As part of our acquisition of Cyras, we recorded $47.7 million worth of other intangible assets. The intangible asset from the Cyras purchase is being amortized over a seven-year period.

         In-Process Research and Development. In connection with the Cyras acquisition, the Company recorded a $45.9 million charge in the period ended April 30, 2001 for in-process research and development. This generally represents the estimated value of purchased in-process technology related to Cyras’s K2 product development that had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no alternative future use at the time of the acquisition. The amount of purchase price allocated to in-process research and development was determined using the discounted cash flow method. This method consisted of estimating future net cash flows attributable in-process K2 technology for a discrete projection period and discounting the net cash flows back to their present value.

         Restructuring Costs. On February 5, 2002, we announced a workforce reduction of approximately 400 employees largely concentrated in manufacturing operations and research and development activities associated with the closure of our Marlborough, Massachusetts research and development facility. On March 26, 2002, CIENA announced a company-wide workforce reduction of approximately 650 employees. The Company recorded a restructuring charge of $121.4 million associated with the workforce reductions, lease terminations, non-cancelable lease costs and the write-down of certain property, equipment and leasehold improvements in the second quarter of fiscal 2002.

         Provision for Doubtful Accounts. We recorded a provision for doubtful accounts of approximately $16.1 million in the second fiscal quarter 2002. This provision relates to the estimated losses from two customers whose financial condition suggests that they may not be able to make required payments to CIENA. During the second fiscal quarter 2002, one customer, for whom we record a provision, filed for bankruptcy protection and the second customer’s financial condition deteriorated to an extent that its ability to meet agreed upon payment terms is not reasonably assured. Therefore, an additional reserve was recorded to provide for the increased risk of not collecting the entire outstanding receivable from these customers.

         Interest and Other Income, Net. Interest income and other income (expense), net were $20.7 million and $15.0 million for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The $5.7 million decrease was attributable to the impact of lower average interest rates and lower cash and invested balances.

         Interest Expense. Interest expense was $7.1 million and $8.6 million for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The $1.5 million or 21.2% increase was attributable to the increase in our debt obligations between the two periods.

         Loss on Equity Investments, Net. Loss on equity investments, net was $0.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2002. This realized loss of $0.4 million was from a decline in the fair value of a public equity investment that was determined to be other than temporary.

         Provision for Income Taxes. CIENA’s provision for income taxes was $73.2 million the quarter ended April 30, 2001. During the second quarter 2001 the provision for income taxes was 324.8% of income before income taxes. Under the tax code, expenses recorded for the amortization of certain intangible assets (such as goodwill, deferred stock compensation and in-process research and development) are not deductible for tax purposes. As a result of the Cyras acquisition, we have recorded an amount of intangible asset for amortization. Since these expenses are not deductible for tax purposes, they result in an increase in the our effective tax rate. Exclusive of these charges, CIENA’s effective income tax rate would have been 33.5% for the quarter ended April 30, 2001.

         CIENA’s provision for income taxes was $148.0 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2002. This was inclusive of an income tax benefit of $157.8 million or 34.0% on net loss for the quarter, offset by a $305.8 million non-cash charge to establish a valuation allowance against our gross deferred tax assets. The Company intends to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Although realization is not assured, CIENA has concluded that the remaining net deferred tax asset as of April 30, 2002 in the amount of $73.7 million will be realized based on the scheduling of deferred tax liabilities, and the carry-back of losses. The amount of the deferred tax assets actually realized, however, could vary if there are differences in the timing or amount of future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities. Should CIENA determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

17


 

         Net Income (Loss). CIENA’s net income (loss) for the quarters ended April 30, 2001 and 2002 was ($50.7) million and ($612.2) million, respectively.

Six Months Ended April 30, 2001 Compared to Six Months Ended April 30, 2002

         Revenue. CIENA recognized $777.4 million and $249.2 million in revenue for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. A decrease of $528.2 million or 67.9% resulted primarily from the sharp contraction in the market for our equipment, which let to reduced revenues even though we had sales to forty-eight optical networking customers in the six months ended April 30, 2002, as compared to thirty-nine such customers in the same period of the prior year. During the six months ended April 30, 2002, two customers accounted for 23.1% and 22.9% of CIENA’s revenue and combined accounted for 46.0%. This compares to the six months ended April 30, 2001, in which two companies, only one of which accounted for more than 10% of revenue during the comparable period in 2002, accounted for 31.6% and 19.8% of CIENA’s revenues and combined accounted for 51.4%. Revenues derived from international sales accounted for 16.1% and 29.6% of CIENA’s revenues during the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The Company’s geographic distribution of revenues for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

                 
    Six Months Ended April 30,
   
    2001   2002
   
 
Domestic
  $ 652,431     $ 175,388  
International
    124,954       73,821  
 
   
     
 
Total
  $ 777,385     $ 249,209  
 
   
     
 

         Revenues during the six months ended April 30, 2002 were primarily from sales of intelligent core switching products, metro switching products and long distance optical transport products. Revenues during the six months ended April 30, 2001 were largely attributed to sales of intelligent core switching products and long distance optical transport products. CIENA’s revenues derived from products and services for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

                 
    Six Months Ended April 30,
   
    2001   2002
   
 
Products
  $ 733,550     $ 213,399  
Services
    43,835       35,810  
 
   
     
 
Total
  $ 777,385     $ 249,209  
 
   
     
 

         Gross Profit (Loss). Gross profits (loss) were $354.0 million and ($201.3) million for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The $555.3 million decrease in gross profit in the six months ended April 30, 2001 compared to the six months ended April 30, 2002 was the result of decreased revenues and an increase in excess and obsolete inventory charges. As a result of the further decline in capital spending by our customers and a further decline in forecasted revenues of existing products, we recorded a provision for inventory, including purchase commitments, of approximately $243.7 million in the six months ended April 30, 2002. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 45.5% and (80.8%) for the second quarters 2001 and 2002, respectively. The decrease was largely attributable to increases in inventory obsolescence costs, lower manufacturing volumes resulting in reduced manufacturing efficiencies, and changes in product mix resulting in sales of a higher proportion of revenue from lower margin installation and tech support services.

         As discussed above, our current ability to make reliable forecasts for fiscal 2002 is limited. It is possible, however, that we could continue to experience reductions of gross margins compared to fiscal 2001 as a result of one or more of several factors, including changes in product mix, downward pressure on pricing due to more aggressive competition, decreased manufacturing efficiencies, increases in inventory obsolescence, and increased costs of components.

         Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses (exclusive of stock compensation costs of $1.7 and $7.4 million) were $96.8 million and $124.3 million for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. During the first six months of 2001 and 2002, research and development expenses were 12.5% and 49.9% of revenue, respectively. The $27.5 million or 28.4% increase in research and development expenses in the first six months of 2002 compared to the first six months of 2001 was the result of increased employee related expenses, consulting expenses, and depreciation expense. CIENA expenses research and development costs as incurred.

18


 

         Selling and Marketing Expenses. Selling and marketing expenses (exclusive of stock compensation costs of $0.5 and $1.8 million) were $68.4 million and $67.4 million for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. During the first six months of 2001 and 2002, selling and marketing expenses were 8.8% and 27.1% of revenue, respectively. The $1.0 million or 1.4% decrease in selling and marketing expenses in the first six months of 2002 compared to the first six months of 2001 was primarily the result of the reduced levels of technical assistance and field support, decreased costs associated with tradeshow participation and utilization of outside consultants.

         General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses (exclusive of stock compensation costs of $0.6 and $0.4 million) were $27.9 million and $26.9 million for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. During the first six months of 2001 and 2002, general and administrative expenses were 3.6% and 10.8% of revenue, respectively. The $1.0 million or 3.6% decrease in general and administrative expenses in the first six months of 2002 compared to the first six months of 2001 was primarily the result of decreases in employee related costs.

         Deferred Stock Compensation Costs. Deferred stock compensation costs were $2.7 million and $9.6 million for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. As part of our March 2001 acquisition of Cyras we recorded $98.5 million of deferred stock compensation relating to the unvested stock options and restricted stock assumed in the acquisition. Deferred stock compensation is presented as a reduction of stockholder’s equity and is amortized over the remaining vesting period of the applicable options. As of April 30, 2002, the balance of the deferred stock compensation is $33.1 million.

         Amortization of Goodwill. Amortization of goodwill was $26.3 million for the six months ended April 30, 2001. On March 29, 2001, we acquired Cyras which was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, we recorded goodwill of $2.1 billion representing the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net tangible and other intangible assets acquired. In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and other Intangible Assets” (SFAS No. 142). SFAS No. 142 addresses how intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets should be accounted for in financial statements upon their acquisition. This statement requires goodwill amortization to cease and for goodwill to be periodically reviewed for impairment for fiscal years beginning after October 31, 2001. SFAS No. 142 supercedes APB Opinion No. 17, “Intangible Assets”. The Company adopted the provisions of this standard for its first quarter of fiscal 2002. There was no impairment of goodwill recorded for the six months ended April 30, 2002.

         Amortization of Intangible Assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $1.1 million and $3.6 million for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. As part of our acquisition of Cyras we recorded $47.7 million worth of other intangible assets. The other intangible asset from the Cyras purchase is being amortized over a seven year period.

         In-Process Research and Development. In connection with the Cyras acquisition, the Company recorded a $45.9 million charge for the six months ended April 30, 2001 for in-process research and development. This generally represents the estimated value of purchased in-process technology related to Cyras’s K2 product development that had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no alternative future use at the time of the acquisition. The amount of purchase price allocated to in-process research and development was determined using the discounted cash flow method. This method consisted of estimating future net cash flows attributable to the in-process K2 technology for a discrete projection period and discounting the net cash flows back to their present value.

         Restructuring Costs. On November 12, 2001, the Company announced a workforce reduction of approximately 380 employees concentrated in manufacturing operations staff. The Company recorded a restructuring charge of $6.8 million associated with this action in the first quarter of fiscal 2002. On February 5, 2002, CIENA announced a workforce reduction of approximately 400 employees largely concentrated in manufacturing operations and research and development activities associated with the closure of our Marlborough, Massachusetts research and development facility. On March 26, 2002, CIENA announced a company wide workforce reduction of approximately 650 employees. The Company recorded a restructuring charge of $121.4 million associated with the workforce reductions, lease terminations, non-cancelable lease costs and the write-down of certain property, equipment and leasehold improvements associated with this action in the second quarter of fiscal 2002.

         Provision for Doubtful Accounts. We recorded a provision for doubtful accounts of $16.1 million in the second fiscal quarter 2002. This provision relates to the estimated losses from two customers whose financial condition suggests that they may not be able to make required payments to CIENA. During the second fiscal quarter 2002, one customer, for whom we recorded a provision, filed for bankruptcy protection and the second customer’s financial condition has deteriorated to an extent that their ability to meet agreed upon payment term is not reasonably assured. Therefore, an additional reserve was recorded to provide for the increased risk of not collecting the entire outstanding receivable balance from these customers.

19


 

         Interest and Other Income, Net. Interest income and other income, net were $25.0 million and $31.2 million for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The $6.2 million increase in interest income and other income, net was attributable to higher cash and investment balances resulting from our equity and debt offerings during February 2001.

         Interest Expense. Interest expense was $7.2 million and $19.1 million for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The $11.9 million or 165.3% increase was attributable to the increase in our debt obligations between the two periods.

         Loss on Equity Investments, Net. Loss on equity investments, net was $5.7 million for the six months ended April 30, 2002. We realized a loss of $1.9 million from the sale of a public equity investment and a loss of $6.6 million from a decline in the fair value of a public equity investment that was determined to be other than temporary. On November 16, 2001, CIENA sold 80.1% of its ownership in ATI International Investments, Inc., the parent company of ATI Telecom International Ltd. (“Alta”), which resulted in a gain of $2.8 million. CIENA retains a 19.9% ownership in ATI International Investments, Inc.

         Provision for Income Taxes. CIENA’s provision for income taxes was $100.0 million the six months ended April 30, 2001. During the six months ended April 30, 2001 the provision for income taxes was 97.5% of income before income taxes. Under the tax code, expenses recorded for the amortization of certain intangible assets (such as goodwill, deferred stock compensation and in-process research and development) are not deductible for tax purposes. As a result of the Cyras acquisition, we have recorded a significant amount of intangible asset amortization. Since these expenses are not deductible for tax purposes, these expenses result in an increase in CIENA’s effective tax rate. Exclusive of these charges, CIENA’s effective income tax rate would have been 33.5% for the six months ended April 30, 2001.

         CIENA’s provision for income taxes was $111.6 million for the six months ended April 30, 2002. This was inclusive of an income tax benefit of $194.2 million or 34.0% on net loss for the quarter, offset by a $305.8 million non-cash charge to establish a valuation allowance against our gross deferred tax assets. The Company intends to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Although realization is not assured, CIENA has concluded that the remaining net deferred tax asset as of April 30, 2002 in the amount of $73.7 million will be realized based on the scheduling of deferred tax liabilities, and the carry-back of losses. The amount of the deferred tax assets actually realized, however, could vary if there are differences in the timing or amount of future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities. Should CIENA determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

         Net Income (Loss). CIENA’s net income (loss) for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002 was $2.6 million and ($682.7) million, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

         At April 30, 2002, CIENA’s principal source of liquidity was its cash and cash equivalents of $514.7 million, short-term investments of $854.0 million and long-term investments of $348.9 million.

         Cash provided by operations was $118.7 million and $148.5 million for the six months ended April 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The increase of cash generated from operations was $29.8 million from the first six months of 2001 compared to the first six months of 2002. The increases were principally attributable to the reduction in accounts receivable, the non-cash charges related to asset write-downs and the provisions for inventory excess and obsolescence offset by the net loss.

         During the six months ended April 30, 2001, cash used in investing activities was $687.0 million. Investment activities included the net purchase of $598.1 million worth of short and long-term investments and $135.0 million of capital expenditures during the six months ended April 30, 2001. Of the amount invested in capital expenditures, $130.5 million was used for additions to capital equipment and furniture and the remaining $4.5 million was invested in leasehold improvements.

         During the six months ended April 30, 2002, cash provided by investing activities was $136.4 million. Investment activities included the net maturities of $187.7 million worth of short and long-term investments and purchases of $46.4 million of capital expenditures. The capital expenditures were primarily for test, manufacturing and computer equipment. The Company expects additional combined capital equipment and leasehold improvement expenditures of approximately $35.0 million to be made during the remaining six months of fiscal 2002 to support selling and marketing, manufacturing and product development activities and the construction of leasehold improvements for its facilities.

20


 

         Cash generated from financing activities for the six months ended April 30, 2001 was $1.6 billion. On February 9, 2001, we completed a public offering of 11,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $83.50 per share less underwriters’ discounts and commissions. Concurrent with the offering of common stock, CIENA completed a public offering of 3.75% convertible notes with an aggregate principal amount of $690 million. Cash used in financing activities for the six months ended April 30, 2002 was $168.0 million. On April 30, 2002 we redeemed all the outstanding Cyras Systems LLC 4.5% convertible subordinated notes at a total redemption price of $178.4 million.

         When the merger with ONI Systems, Inc. is consummated (assuming that the necessary shareholder approvals are obtained), we will acquire the cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments held by ONI and assume ONI’s debt obligations. As of March 31, 2002, ONI had $666.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments and $300.0 million of outstanding 5% convertible subordinated debentures due October 15, 2005. We expect to incur additional cash expenses of approximately $9.0 million upon the consummation of the purchase related to certain legal, accounting and advisory fees. We also expect to incur between $5.0 million and $10.0 million related to the amount of any integration or restructuring costs associated with the acquisition. These costs are expected to include expenses associated with involuntary employee terminations, employee relocations, lease terminations, non-cancelable lease costs and other costs associated with the integration and/or exit of certain business activities. It is expected that certain of these costs will qualify for treatment under EITF 95-3 “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination” and be recorded as an element of the acquisition.

         The following is a summary of our future minimum payments under contractual obligations as of April 30, 2002 (in thousands):

                                                         
    Payments due by period
   
    2002*   2003   2004   2005   2006   Thereafter   Total
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible notes (1)
  $ 12,938     $ 25,875     $ 25,875     $ 25,875     $ 25,875     $ 728,812     $ 845,250  
Capital lease obligations
    539       643                               1,182  
Purchase commitments (2)
    61,700       3,000                   7,000             71,700  
Operating leases
    11,705       22,018       21,368       20,141       17,218       50,655       143,105  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total
  $ 86,882     $ 51,536     $ 47,243     $ 46,016     $ 50,093     $ 779,467     $ 1,061,237  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

         The following is a summary of our other commercial commitments by commitment expiration date as of April 30, 2002 (in thousands):

                                                         
    Commitment expiration date
   
    2002*   2003   2004   2005   2006   Thereafter   Total
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Standby letters of credit
  $ 5,545     $ 15     $     $     $     $     $ 5,560  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

Notes to above tables:


*   From May 1, 2002 through October 31, 2002
(1)   The terms of our $690.0 million notes include interest at 3.75% payable on a semiannual basis on February 1st and August 1st of each year; the notes are due February 1, 2008.
(2)   Purchase commitments related to amounts we are obligated to pay to our contract manufacturers and component suppliers for inventory.

         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.

         We believe that our existing cash balances and investments, together with cash from our recently completed public offerings and cash flow from operations, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements for the next 12 months. However, possible investments in or acquisitions of complementary businesses, products or technologies may require additional financing prior to such time. There can be no assurance that additional debt or equity financing will be available when required or, if available, can be secured on terms satisfactory to us.

Risk Factors

         Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other information contained in this quarterly report, including the reports we incorporate by reference, you should consider the following factors before investing in our securities.

21


 

Our business has been adversely affected by recent developments in the communications industry and the economy in general

         For much of the last five years, the market for our equipment has been influenced by the entry into the communications services business of a substantial number of new companies. In the United States, this was due largely to changes in the regulatory environment, in particular those brought about by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. These new companies raised billions of dollars in capital, much of which they invested in capital improvements, causing an acceleration in the growth of the market for telecommunications equipment.

         The 18 months have seen a reversal of this trend, including the failure of a large number of the new entrants and a sharp contraction of the availability of capital to the industry. More recently, some of the more established carriers have shown signs of financial weakness. These developments, in turn, have caused a substantial reduction in demand for telecommunications equipment, including our products.

         This industry trend has been compounded by not only the slowing of the United States economy – which is now in recession – but the economies in virtually all of the countries in which we are marketing our products. Even though the economy as a whole has recently begun a recovery, the telecommunications sector has remained severely depressed. The combination of these factors has caused most of our customers to become more conservative in their capital investment plans and more uncertain about their future purchases. As a consequence, we are facing a market that is both reduced in absolute size and more difficult to predict and plan for.

         We expect the factors described above to affect our business, for an indeterminate period, in several significant ways compared to the recent past:

    it is likely that our markets will be characterized by reduced capital expenditures by our customers;
 
    our ability to forecast the volume and product mix of our sales will be substantially reduced;
 
    managing our expenditures will be significantly more difficult in light of the uncertainties surrounding our business;
 
    increased competition resulting from reduced demand will put substantial downward pressures on the pricing of our products, tending to reduce our profit margins;
 
    increased competition has also enabled 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 business;
 
    several of our customers have recently declared bankruptcy or appear near doing so, with the result in some cases that we may be unable to collect sums owing to us from prior sales; and
 
    the result in any or combination of these factors could be reduced revenues and profitability and perhaps losses in particular periods or for the entire year.

Economic conditions may require us to reduce the size of our business further

         In November 2001, February 2002, and again in March 2002, we undertook significant reductions in work force, accompanied by dispositions of assets, as part of our effort to reduce the size of our operations to better match the reduced sales of our products and services. Weakness in the global economy generally and the telecommunications equipment market in particular continue to affect our business substantially. If those conditions continue, we may be required to undertake further reductions in capacity. Any such steps would likely result in significant charges from write-downs or write-offs of assets, costs of lease terminations, and expenses resulting from the termination of personnel.

The market for our long-haul product line has substantially diminished

         Our business was originally built on the success of our “long-haul” optical transmission products, Sentry and CoreStream, which allowed multiple optical signals to be combined to be transmitted from point to point over a single optical fiber. During the last several years, carriers around the world, both incumbents and challengers, have laid and “lit” with optical equipment like ours, a substantial amount of long-haul optical fiber. This has created what appears to be an oversupply of new communications “bandwidth” on some long-haul routes. In addition, since the introduction of these products, technological advances have enabled the transmission of more optical signals over greater distances for less cost. As a consequence, the market opportunity for long-haul optical equipment, including ours, has declined steeply, dramatically reducing our revenues from these products. We do not know when, if ever, the market for our long-haul products will return, and it is possible that it will never return to the levels of 2001. If we are to increase our revenues, therefore, it will be necessary to continue to market successfully our other products, such as CoreDirector and MetroDirector K2, as well as to develop new ones.

22


 

Product performance problems could limit our sales prospects

         The development and production of new products with a high technology content, including optical networking products often involves problems with software components, and manufacturing methods. 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 reworking our manufacturing processes;
 
    high service and warranty expenses;
 
    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, there will be 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 aspects of the installation and activation activities, some of which are outside our control. If we experience significant interruptions or delays that we can not promptly resolve, confidence in our products could be undermined, which could cause us to lose customers or otherwise harm our business.

Our results can fluctuate unpredictably

         In general, our revenues and operating results in any reporting period may fluctuate significantly due to a variety of factors including:

    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;
 
    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 the telecommunications and intelligent optical networking industries.

         Our intelligent optical networking products require large investments. We have only a limited number of potential customers in each geographic market, and each has unique needs. Our customers are generally technically sophisticated and demanding. As a result, the sales cycles for our products are long, often as much as a year or two between initial contact with a potential customer and the recognition of revenue from sales to the customer. Our customers’ purchases tend to be large and sporadic, depending upon their need to build a customer base, their plans for expanding their networks, the availability of financing, and the effects of regulatory and business conditions in the countries in which they operate. As a result, their purchase decisions can be unpredictable and subject to unanticipated changes. Our results, in turn, tend to fluctuate unpredictably. This tendency has been amplified by conditions arising from the current uncertain economic environment.

         Current economic conditions have made it more difficult to make reliable estimates of future revenues. Fluctuations in our revenues can lead to even greater fluctuations in our operating profits. We budget expense levels on our expectations of long-term future revenue. These budgets reflect the substantial investments in financial, engineering, manufacturing and logistics support resources we must make to support large customers, even though we are unsure of the volume, duration or timing of their purchases. In addition, we continue to make substantial expenditures on the development of new and enhanced products. Any substantial adjustment to expenses to account for lower levels of revenue is difficult and takes time. Consequently if our revenue does decline, in the short run our levels of inventory, operating expenses and general overhead would be high relative to our revenue, reducing our profitability, and perhaps resulting in operating losses.

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Our future success will depend on our ability to acquire new customers

         Historically, a large percentage of our sales have been made to emerging carriers, many of which have recently begun to experience severe financial difficulties. Consequently, we expect our sales to emerging carriers to be reduced, and our future success will depend on our ability to increase our sales to incumbent carriers, including, in the United States, the regional Bell operating companies (“RBOCs”), and abroad, the large, traditional telecommunications operators (“TOs”), many of which were formerly government-owned “post, telephone and telegraph” enterprises. These large companies typically require longer sales cycles, many have long-standing supplier relationships with other vendors, and our experience in selling to them is limited. If we do not succeed in penetrating this segment of the market, our business could suffer.

We may not be successful in enhancing and upgrading our products

         The market for optical networking products is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent introductions of new products, and recurring changes in customer requirements. To succeed in this market, we must continue to develop new products and new features for existing products. Doing so is difficult and costly, and there is no assurance that we will continue to be successful. In addition, we must be able to identify and gain access to promising new technologies. Failure to keep pace with technological advances would impair the competitiveness of our products and sooner or later do serious harm to our business.

         Several of our new products, including the CoreDirector, the MetroDirector K2 and enhancements to the CoreStream and MultiWave Metro, are based on complex technology which could result in unanticipated delays in the development, manufacturing or deployment of these products. Our LightWorks initiative, which involves modifying these products to enable customers to implement a new type of network architecture, entails similar development risks.

         Our customers often require extensive testing of new products before accepting them, and we are typically unable to recognize revenue until the tests are completed satisfactorily. The certification process for new telecommunications equipment used in the networks of the RBOCs and TOs tends to be particularly lengthy and difficult. Complying with these certification requirements may involve unanticipated delays that could adversely affect the timing of our ability to sell our products to these larger carriers.

          Certain enhancements to our products are in the development phase and are not yet ready for commercial manufacturing or deployment. For example, we expect to offer additional feature enhancement releases of the CoreDirector product line over the life of the product and we expect to continue to enhance features of our CoreStream, MultiWave Metro and MetroDirector K2 products over the life of these products. 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, including ASICs;
 
    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 ASICs and intensive software testing and validation are key to the timely introduction of enhancements to the CoreDirector and MetroDirector K2 product lines; and schedule delays are common 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 these products in a timely manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be harmed.

We face intense competition which could hurt our sales and profitability

         The market for optical networking equipment is extremely competitive. Competition in the optical networking market is based on varying combinations of price, functionality, software functionality, manufacturing capability, installation, services, scalability and the ability of the system solution to meet customers’ immediate and future network requirements. A small number of very large companies, including Alcatel, Cisco Systems, Fujitsu Group, Hitachi, Lucent Technologies, NEC Corporation, Nortel Networks, Siemens AG and Telefon AB LM Ericsson, have historically dominated the telecommunications equipment industry. They all have substantial financial, marketing, manufacturing and intellectual property resources and greater resources than CIENA, to develop or acquire new technologies than we do. They also often have existing relationships with our potential customers.

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         Because we sell systems that compete directly with product offerings of these companies, and in some cases displace or replace their equipment, we represent a competitive threat. The continued expansion of our product offerings with the CoreDirector and MetroDirector K2 product lines and enhancements to our CoreStream and MultiWave Metro product lines likely will increase this perceived threat. The recent decline in the market for optical networking equipment has resulted in even greater competitive pressures. We expect that the aggressive tactics we have confronted on the part of many of these competitors will continue, and perhaps become more severe. These tactics include:

    price discounting; particularly when a competitor is selling used equipment or inventory that a competitor has written down or written off;

    early announcements of competing products and other marketing efforts;
 
    “one-stop shopping” options;
 
    customer financing assistance;
 
    marketing and advertising assistance; and
 
    intellectual property disputes.

         These tactics can be particularly effective in a highly concentrated customer base such as ours. Our customers are under increasing competitive pressure to deliver their services at the lowest possible cost. This pressure may result in the pricing of optical networking systems becoming a more important factor in customer decisions, which may favor larger competitors that can spread the effect of price discounts in their optical networking products 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 against our competitors and maintain our gross profit margins would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

         Many of our customers have indicated that they intend to establish a relationship with at least two vendors for optical networking products. With respect to customers for whom we are the only supplier of intelligent optical products, we do not know when or if these customers will select a second vendor or what impact the selection might have on purchases from us. If a second optical networking supplier is chosen, these customers could reduce their purchases from us, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on us.

         New competitors are emerging to compete with our existing products as well as our future products. We expect new competitors to continue to emerge as the optical networking market continues to expand. These companies may achieve commercial availability of their products more quickly due to the narrow and exclusive focus of their efforts. Several of these competitors have raised significant cash and they have in some cases offered stock in their companies, positions on technical advisory boards, or have provided significant vendor financing to attract new customers. Our inability to compete successfully against these companies would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Concentration of customers

         Although the number of customers that make purchases from us continues to grow, a substantial portion of our revenues continues to come from sales to a small number of customers. In fiscal 2001, 50.5% of our revenues came from our two most significant customers, Sprint and Qwest. The loss of, or a substantial reduction in purchases by, either of these customers could reduce our revenues materially. Both have been affected to some extent by the current economic recession and the even more difficult conditions in the communications industry, and neither was among our two most significant customers in the second quarter of fiscal 2002. The communications industry is, moreover, undergoing a period of consolidation. It is possible that any of our significant customers could become a party to a merger or other business combination. The distraction and uncertainty inevitably attendant on such a transaction could delay or alter decisions on network deployments or capital expenditures, and this could result in delayed or reduced purchases from us.

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We are exposed to the credit risk of our customers

         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 uncollectable 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 material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

         We also continue to experience demands from customers to finance sales to them. While we have done only a limited amount of such financing in the past, the increasingly competitive environment in which we are now operating may require us to engage in more customer financing in the future. Our ability to recognize revenue from financed sales will depend on the relative financial condition of the specific customer, among other factors. Further, we will need to evaluate the collectability of receivables from these customers if their financial condition deteriorates in the future. Any change in the financial condition of customers to which we provide financing could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

Our strategy involves pursuing strategic acquisitions and investments that may not be successful

         Our business strategy includes acquiring or making strategic investments in other companies with a view to expanding our portfolio of products and services, acquiring new technologies, and accelerating the development of new or improved products. To do so, we may issue equity that would dilute our current shareholders’ percentage ownership or incur debt or assume indebtedness. In addition, we may incur significant amortization expenses related to intangible assets. In the fourth quarter fiscal 2001 we incurred a significant write-off of goodwill associated with our Cyras acquisition completed in March 2001.

         Acquisitions and strategic investments involve numerous risks, including difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies, and products of the acquired companies; diversion of management’s attention from our core business; potential difficulties in completing projects of the acquired company; the potential loss of key employees of the acquired company; and dependence on unfamiliar or relatively small supply partners. In addition, acquisitions and strategic investments may involve risks of entering markets in which we have no or limited direct prior experience and where competitors in such markets have stronger market positions and of obtaining insufficient revenues to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions. Mergers and acquisitions are inherently risky. Not all of those we have made in the past have been successful; and it is possible that acquisitions we make in the future may be unsuccessful, even to the extent of materially and adversely affecting our business.

We may not succeed in completing the proposed merger with ONI

         On February 17, 2002, we entered into an agreement to merge with ONI Systems Corp. The merger is subject to obtaining approval by majority vote of the shareholders of both companies. It is also subject to certain other closing conditions. There is a risk that we may not be successful in consummating the transaction because of the failure to meet one of these conditions. If the merger is not completed, we could suffer a number of consequences that would adversely affect our business including:

    failure to realize the enhanced financial and competitive position we expect as a result of the acquisition;
 
    the diversion of management attention from our day-to-day business and the unavoidable disruption to our employees and our relationships with customers as a result of efforts and uncertainties relating to the anticipated merger may detract from our ability to grow revenues and minimize costs, which, in turn may lead to a loss of market position;
 
    the significant expenses related to the merger we have incurred and will continue to occur prior to closing of the transaction; and
 
    the possibility that we could, under certain circumstances, be required to pay ONI a substantial termination fee if our Board of Directors were to change its recommendation in favor of the merger.

         The joint proxy statement/prospectus has been mailed to all holders of CIENA stock. It contains important information about CIENA, ONI and the proposed merger, risks relating to the merger and the combined company, and related matters. CIENA urges all of its stockholders to read the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus.

We may not be able to achieve the benefits we anticipate from the merger with ONI

         Integrating two businesses of the sizes of ours and ONI’s is difficult. We have limited experience with acquisitions and cannot be certain that we can integrate the two businesses successfully or achieve the benefits we envision from the merger. Success will depend, among other things, on our ability

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    to assimilate ONI’s operations and personnel with ours;
 
    to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies in the merged company;
 
    to integrate ONI’s products with ours so that they can operate, and be sold as, part of an integrated system;
 
    to achieve substantial reductions in manufacturing and operating costs following the merger; and
 
    to retain key personnel from both companies.

         Failure to meet these challenges or other problems we encounter in connection with the merger could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We will also incur substantial non-cash charges in connection with the merger related to goodwill and amortization of other intangibles.

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 components we use in our optical transport systems 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 revenues. These delays could also harm our customer relationships and our results of operations.

         Failures of components affect the reliability and performance of our products and can reduce customer confidence in them, perhaps to the extent of adversely affecting our financial performance. 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. A consolidation among suppliers of these components or adverse developments in their businesses affecting their ability to supply us, could adversely impact the availability of components on which we depend. Delayed deliveries of key components from these sources could adversely affect 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.

We rely on contract manufacturers for our products

         We rely on a small number of contract manufacturers to manufacture our CoreDirector and MetroDirector K2 product lines and some of the components for our other products. The qualification of these manufacturers is an expensive and time-consuming process, and these contract manufacturers build modules for other companies, including our competitors. In addition, we do not have contracts in place with many of these manufacturers. We may not be able to effectively manage our relationships with our manufacturers and we cannot be certain that they will be able to fill our orders in a timely manner. We provide forecasts of our demand to our contract manufacturers several months prior to scheduled delivery of products. If we overestimate our future product requirements, the contract manufacturers may have excess inventory, which would increase our costs. Conversely, if we underestimate our future product requirements the contract manufacturer may not have enough product to meet our customer requirements, and this could result in delays in the shipment of our products and our ability to recognize revenue. If we cannot effectively manage these manufacturers and forecast future demand, or if they fail to deliver components on time, our business may suffer.

Some of our suppliers are also competitors

         Some of our component suppliers are both primary sources for components and major competitors in the market for system equipment. For example, we buy components from Alcatel, Lucent Technologies, NEC Corporation, Nortel Networks, and Siemens AG. Each of these companies offers optical communications systems and equipment that compete against our products. A decline in reliability or other adverse change in these supply relationships could harm our business.

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Our ability to compete could be harmed if we are unable to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights or if we infringe on intellectual property rights of others

         We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. We also enter into non-disclosure and proprietary rights agreements with our employees and consultants, and license agreements with our corporate partners, and control access to and distribution of our products, documentation and other proprietary information. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our products or technology. 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, particularly in foreign countries where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. If competitors are able to use our technology, our ability to compete effectively could be harmed. We are involved in an intellectual property dispute regarding the use of our technology and may become involved with additional disputes in the future. Such lawsuits can be costly and may significantly divert time and attention from some members of our personnel.

         ONI is currently a defendant in a lawsuit brought by Nortel Networks alleging patent infringement and theft of trade secrets. When the merger with ONI is complete CIENA will become the defendant. While the suit is currently limited to products manufactured by ONI, it is possible that Nortel may seek to expand it to products manufactured by CIENA, including those we sold prior to the merger.

         We have received, and may receive in the future, notices from holders of patents in the optical technology field that raise issues of possible infringement by our products. Questions of infringement in the optical networking equipment market often involve highly technical and subjective analysis. We cannot assure you that any of these patent holders or others will not in the future initiate legal proceedings against us, or that we will be successful in defending against these actions. We are involved in an intellectual property dispute regarding the possible infringement of our products. In the past, we have been forced to take a license from the owner of the infringed intellectual property, or to redesign or stop selling the product that includes the challenged intellectual property. 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.

We face risks associated with our international operations

         We market, sell and service our products globally. We have established offices around the world, including in North America, Europe, Latin America and in the Asia Pacific region. We will continue to expand our international operations and enter new international markets. This expansion will require significant management attention and financial resources to develop successfully direct and indirect international sales and support channels. We may not be able 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, reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries; potentially adverse tax consequences; political and economic instability; trade protection measures and other regulatory requirements; service provider and government spending patterns; and natural disasters. Such factors could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.

Leverage and debt service obligations may adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to repay or repurchase our notes

         We have $690 million of outstanding principal indebtedness, and if we complete the acquisition of ONI Systems, Inc., we will assume an additional $300 million in indebtedness. We have significant principal and interest payment obligations on this indebtedness. There is the possibility that we may be unable to generate sufficient cash to pay the principal of, interest on, and other amounts due in respect of our indebtedness, including the notes, when due. We may also add equipment loans and lease lines to finance capital expenditures and may obtain additional long-term debt, working capital lines of credit and lease lines.

         Our leverage could have important negative consequences, including:

    increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
 
    limiting our ability to obtain additional financing;
 
    requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our expected cash flow from operations to service our indebtedness, thereby reducing the amount of our expected cash flow available for other purposes, including capital expenditures;
 
    limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we compete;
 
    placing us at a possible competitive disadvantage relative to less leveraged competitors and competitors that have better access to capital resources; and
 
    making it difficult or impossible for us to pay the principal amount of the notes at maturity or the repurchase price of the notes upon a change of control, thereby causing an event of default under the indenture.

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Our stock price may exhibit volatility

         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 the activities of short sellers and risk arbitrageurs, and may have little relationship to our financial results or prospects. Volatility can also result from any divergence between our actual or anticipated financial results and published expectations of analysts, and announcements that we, our competitors, or our customers may make.

         Divergence between our actual results and our anticipated results, analyst estimates and public announcements by us, our competitors, or by customers will occur from time to time in the future, with resulting stock price volatility, irrespective of our overall year-to-year performance or long-term prospects. As long as we continue to depend on a limited customer base, and particularly when a substantial majority of their purchases consist of newly-introduced products, there is substantial chance that our quarterly results will vary widely.

Forward-Looking Statements

         Some of the statements contained, or incorporated by reference, in this quarterly report discuss future expectations, contain projections of results of operations or financial condition or state other “forward-looking” information. 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.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

         The following discussion about the Company’s market risk disclosures involves forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

         Interest Rate Sensitivity. The Company 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 market interest rates were to increase immediately and uniformly by 10 percent from levels at April 30, 2002, the fair value of the portfolio would decline by approximately $88.5 million.

         Foreign Currency Exchange Risk. As a global concern, the Company faces exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. These exposures may change over time as business practices evolve and could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial results. Historically the Company’s primary exposures have been related to non-dollar denominated operating expenses in Europe and Asia where the Company sells primarily in U.S. dollars. The Company is prepared to hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency if this exposure becomes material. As of April 30, 2002, the assets and liabilities of the Company related to non-dollar denominated currencies was not material. Therefore we do not expect an increase or decrease of 10 percent in the foreign exchange rate would have a material impact on the Company’s financial position.

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

         On October 3, 2000, Stanford University and Litton Systems filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging that optical fiber amplifiers incorporated into CIENA’s products infringe U.S. Patent No. 4,859,016. The complaint seeks injunctive relief, royalties and damages. Due to the early stage of this litigation, CIENA is unable to determine whether the litigation will have an adverse effect on the Company. The Company intends to defend this suit vigorously.

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         On July 19, 2000, CIENA and CIENA Properties, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CIENA, filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware requesting damages and injunctive relief against Corvis Corporation. The complaint charges Corvis Corporation with infringing three patents relating to CIENA’s optical networking communication systems and technology. On September 8, 2000, Corvis filed an Answer and Counterclaim alleging invalidity, non-infringement and unenforceability of the asserted patents, and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage. On February 7, 2001, CIENA and CIENA Properties, Inc. filed an amendment to the complaint to add two additional patents relating to CIENA’s optical networking communications systems and technology. On March 19, 2001, Corvis filed an Answer and Counter Claim to the amended complaint alleging invalidity, non-infringement and unenforceability of the newly asserted patents. The discovery phase of the litigation is now completed. The court has postponed the trial, originally scheduled to begin on April 1, 2002. We anticipate that it will now take place in the fourth calendar quarter of this year. CIENA believes that Corvis’ counterclaims are without merit, and intends to defend itself vigorously.

         On May 1, 1998, we entered into a “Settlement Agreement” with Pirelli S.p.A., and certain of its affiliates (“Pirelli”) to resolve a lawsuit that alleged that CIENA was infringing patents held by Pirelli. In the Settlement Agreement, each of the parties granted to the other a license to its patents related to optical transmission systems. In addition, we agreed to pay Pirelli a royalty in the amount of 0.5% of our sales of optical transmission equipment.

         In February 2000, Pirelli notified us that it had assigned the settlement agreement to a subsidiary and had subsequently transferred the stock of the subsidiary to Cisco Systems, Inc. On December 29, 2000, we notified Pirelli that we believed it was in breach of the Settlement Agreement, as a result of having assigned it without our consent, as required by the Agreement. Because of this breach, we ceased paying royalties to Pirelli under the Settlement Agreement.

         We have recently received a letter from counsel to Pirelli denying that Pirelli is in breach of the Settlement Agreement and invoking the dispute resolution mechanism provided in the agreement. According to the letter, Pirelli believes that we owe them in excess of $10 million in past royalties. We continue to believe our legal position in the matter is correct, and we intend to defend that position in any legal proceedings that may result.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

         The annual meeting of stockholders of the Registrant was held on March 7, 2002. At the annual meeting, the stockholders voted on the following matters:

                                   
      Votes   Votes   Votes        
      For   Against   Abstained   Non-Votes
     
 
 
 
Election of three Class II Directors
                               
 
Gary B. Smith
    245,905,553                   34,779,802  
 
Harvey B. Cash
    262,117,361                   18,567,994  
 
Judith M. O’Brien
    260,812,545                   19,872,810  
 
                               
The following directors continue to hold office after that meeting:
                               
Stephen P. Bradley, John R. Dillon, Lawton W. Fitt, Patrick H Nettles, Ph. D and Gerald H.Taylor
                               

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Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

                         
(a)   Exhibit   Description
         
                             
(b)   Report on Form 8-K:

      Form 8-K filed March 26, 2002
 
      Form 8-K filed February 19, 2002
 
      Form 8-K filed February 5, 2002

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SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements 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.

                         
    CIENA CORPORATION
         
Date: May 23, 2002   By:   /s/ Gary B. Smith
Gary B. Smith President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director
(Duly Authorized Officer)
         
Date: May 23, 2002   By:   /s/ Joseph R. Chinnici
Joseph R. Chinnici
Senior Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

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