Ciena Corporation (CIEN) vs STMicroelectronics N.V. (STM)

A side-by-side comparison of Ciena Corporation and STMicroelectronics N.V. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCIEN vs STM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CIEN +1475.9% (+31.8%/yr)STM +640.6% (+22.2%/yr)CIEN compounded faster over this window
01k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,576$741
CIEN STM

CIEN vs STM: by the numbers

  • CIEN is the larger company ($52.17B vs $47.67B market cap).
  • CIEN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (82.27 vs 104.73 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CIEN converts more revenue to profit (10.87% vs 3.55% net margin).
  • CIEN grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.05% vs 1.90% CAGR).
  • STM pays a dividend (0.70% yield), while CIEN has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCIENSTM
P/E ratio82.27104.73
Forward P/E51.3739.28
P/S ratio8.663.64
P/B ratio17.072.70
EV / EBITDA47.7822.76
FCF yield1.38%0.45%

Profitability

MetricCIENSTM
Gross margin44.07%34.29%
Operating margin14.10%5.23%
Net margin10.87%3.55%
ROE21.41%2.64%
ROIC11.56%1.88%

Dividends

MetricCIENSTM
Dividend yieldN/A0.70%
Payout ratioN/A70.59%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCIENSTM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.05%1.90%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-17.95%-31.29%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.27%-27.07%
Total return CAGR (5Y)45.31%3.62%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CIEN or STM?
CIEN has the lower trailing P/E: CIEN trades at 82.27 and STM at 104.73. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CIEN or STM?
Over the past five years, CIEN grew revenue faster — CIEN at a 12.05% CAGR versus STM at 1.90%.
Does CIEN or STM pay a bigger dividend?
STM pays a dividend (0.70% yield), while CIEN has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is CIEN or STM more profitable?
CIEN runs the higher net margin — CIEN at 10.87% versus STM at 3.55%.
How have CIEN and STM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CIEN delivered 32.05% and STM delivered 22.55% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 13, 2026.