Ciena Corporation (CIEN) vs Block, Inc. (SQ)
A side-by-side comparison of Ciena Corporation and Block, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CIEN
Ciena Corporation
$349.02TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 8, 2026, 2:50 PM EDT
SQ
Block, Inc.
$88.67TechnologyAt close: Jan 24, 2025 (market close, ET)
Total return — CIEN vs SQ
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 9yCIEN +299.5% (+16.6%/yr)SQ +578.4% (+23.7%/yr)SQ compounded faster over this window
CIEN SQ
CIEN vs SQ: by the numbers
- •SQ is the larger company ($51.73B vs $49.40B market cap).
- •CIEN is profitable (10.87% net margin) while SQ runs a net loss (-3.80%).
- •CIEN grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.05% vs 9.47% CAGR).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CIEN | SQ |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 71.65 | N/A |
| Forward P/E | 44.89 | 21.86 |
| P/S ratio | 7.78 | 2.35 |
| P/B ratio | 15.33 | 2.82 |
| EV / EBITDA | 42.70 | 38.29 |
| FCF yield | 1.53% | 1.28% |
Profitability
| Metric | CIEN | SQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 44.07% | 46.36% |
| Operating margin | 14.10% | 4.67% |
| Net margin | 10.87% | -3.80% |
| ROE | 21.41% | -4.32% |
| ROIC | 11.56% | 2.20% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CIEN | SQ |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 12.05% | 9.47% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -17.95% | N/A |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 13.27% | 56.53% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 41.31% | 4.50% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, CIEN or SQ?
- Over the past five years, CIEN grew revenue faster — CIEN at a 12.05% CAGR versus SQ at 9.47%.
- Is CIEN or SQ more profitable?
- CIEN runs the higher net margin — CIEN at 10.87% versus SQ at -3.80%.
- How have CIEN and SQ total returns compared?
- Over the past 5 years, CIEN delivered 41.31% and SQ delivered 4.50% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Ciena P/E ratioCiena ROEBlock ROECiena operating marginBlock operating marginCiena revenue growthBlock revenue growthCiena free cash flowBlock free cash flow
Ciena & Block appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 8, 2026.