Ciena (CIEN) vs Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Ciena (CIEN) has outperformed Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) over the past year, gaining 194.7% versus a gain of 189.4%. Over five years, CIEN leads with a +754.4% price change compared with +375.8% for HPE. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the larger company by market cap ($94.91 billion vs $61.50 billion), about 1.5 times the size, while Ciena is growing revenue faster (+18.8% vs +13.8%).
On valuation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise trades at a lower forward P/E (15.2x vs 36.7x for Ciena). Hewlett Packard Enterprise pays a dividend yielding 0.78%, while Ciena does not currently pay one. Ciena converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 2.6% versus 0.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CIEN | HPE |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $433.71 | $71.50 |
| Market cap | $61.50B | $94.91B |
| 1-day change | -2.85% | -0.82% |
| YTD return | +90.90% | +200.12% |
| 1-year return | +194.73% | +189.40% |
| 5-year return | +754.45% | +375.84% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 97.03 | 36.86 |
| Forward P/E | 36.67 | 15.18 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.47 | $1.94 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.78% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.558 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.77B | $34.30B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +18.79% | +13.84% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $123.34M | $57.00M |
| Gross margin | 42.04% | — |
| Operating margin | 4.14% | -1.27% |
| Net margin | 2.59% | 0.17% |
| 52-week high | $637.51 | $73.28 |
| 52-week low | $153.27 | $19.84 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -31.97% | -2.43% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +18.28% | +0.74% |
| Average volume | 2.38M | 20.49M |
| Shares outstanding | 141.81M | 1.33B |
| Employees | 8,898 | 67,000 |
| Sector | Utilities | Technology |
| Industry | Telecommunications Equipment | Retail: Computer Software & Peripheral Equipment |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Ciena trades at a higher earnings multiple (97.0x vs 36.9x trailing P/E).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Ciena in Utilities and Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Technology.
About Ciena
CIEN stock →Ciena Corporation, a network technology company, provides hardware, software, and services for various network operators in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, Japan, and India. It operates through Networking Platforms, Platform Software and Services, Blue Planet Automation Software and Services, and Global Services segments.
Utilities · Telecommunications Equipment · 8,898 employees
About Hewlett Packard Enterprise
HPE stock →Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, together with its subsidiaries, develops intelligent solutions in the United States, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, Japan, and internationally. It operates in five segments: Server, Hybrid Cloud, Networking, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other.
Technology · Retail: Computer Software & Peripheral Equipment · 67,000 employees
CIEN vs HPE FAQ
Which is bigger, Ciena or Hewlett Packard Enterprise?
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is larger, with a market capitalization of $94.91B compared with $61.50B for Ciena (CIEN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CIEN or HPE?
CIEN returned +194.73% over the past 12 months, compared with +189.40% for HPE (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CIEN or HPE?
HPE has the lower trailing P/E at 36.9, versus 97.0 for CIEN. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Ciena or Hewlett Packard Enterprise?
Hewlett Packard Enterprise pays a dividend yielding 0.78%, while Ciena does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Ciena and Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the same industry?
No. Ciena is in the Utilities sector, while Hewlett Packard Enterprise is in Technology.