Ciena (CIEN) Poised for Growth in AI & Optical Networking Market

Font: Financial Modeling Prep  • Sep 17, 2026

Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) Poised for Significant Growth in AI and Optical Networking Market

• BofA Securities lowered Ciena's price target to $550 from $660 while maintaining a positive view, reflecting continued confidence in Ciena’s AI-driven growth opportunity.
• Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) reported strong fiscal third-quarter results, with revenue growing 37% to $1.67 billion and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rising 215% to $2.11, supported by demand from AI and cloud infrastructure.
• Goldman Sachs projects the broader AI networking market could grow from about $15 billion to $154 billion by 2028, creating a major opportunity for optical networking companies like Ciena.

Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) provides optical networking systems, software, and related infrastructure. These technologies are increasingly important for moving large amounts of data quickly across AI data centers, cloud networks, and telecom infrastructure.

The company’s recent results support the bullish outlook. Ciena’s fiscal third-quarter revenue rose 37% year over year to $1.67 billion, while adjusted EPS increased 215% to $2.11. This growth was driven by strong demand from AI and cloud infrastructure customers.

The broader market opportunity is also expanding quickly. According to Goldman Sachs, the AI networking addressable market could grow from roughly $15 billion to $154 billion by 2028 as data centers require faster optical connections and higher network capacity. Ciena is well positioned to benefit from this trend through its optical networking portfolio.

Looking ahead, Ciena has presented an ambitious long-term outlook, targeting about 30% annual revenue growth and approximately $14 billion in revenue by fiscal 2029. The company’s growth is supported by strong demand from cloud service providers and continued investment in high-speed networking infrastructure.

The $550 price target implies meaningful upside from a recent stock price of around $362.33. Ciena shares have also seen recent gains, reflecting positive investor sentiment toward the company’s role in AI infrastructure and optical networking.