Arista Networks vs Ciena: Which Is the Stronger Buy Today?
Ciena surged 6% during the past Month. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Arista Networks gives you more. Arista Networks (ANET) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Ciena (CIEN) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in ANET
- ANET’s quarterly revenue growth was 27.5%, vs. CIEN’s 20.3%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 27.8%, ahead of CIEN’s 18.8%.
- ANET leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 42.9% and 3-year average of 40.8%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how CIEN’s fundamentals stack up against those of ANET on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| CIEN | ANET | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 110.9 | 45.1 | ANET |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 20.3% | 27.5% | ANET |
| Last 12 Months | 18.8% | 27.8% | ANET |
| Last 3 Year Average | 10.4% | 29.4% | ANET |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 6.5% | 42.9% | ANET |
| Last 3 Year Average | 6.7% | 40.8% | ANET |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 376.5% | 351.6% | ANET |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: CIEN Revenue Comparison | ANET Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: CIEN Operating Income Comparison | ANET Operating Income Comparison
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See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell ANET Stock and Buy or Sell CIEN Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| CIEN Return | 46% | -34% | -12% | 88% | 176% | 4% | 361% | ||
| ANET Return | 98% | -16% | 94% | 88% | 19% | -0% | 619% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 1% | 85% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| CIEN Win Rate | 67% | 33% | 42% | 83% | 83% | 100% | 68% | ||
| ANET Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 83% | 75% | 0% | 57% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 100% | 71% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| CIEN Max Drawdown | -8% | -49% | -21% | -3% | -37% | -4% | -20% | ||
| ANET Max Drawdown | -8% | -37% | -10% | -3% | -42% | -6% | -18% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | 0% | -7% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 1/16/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read ANET Dip Buyer Analyses and CIEN Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about CIEN or ANET? Consider portfolio approach.
A Multi Asset Portfolio Beats Picking Stocks Alone
Stocks can jump or crash but different assets move on different cycles. A multi asset portfolio helps you stay invested while cushioning swings in equities.
The asset allocation framework of Trefis’ Boston-based, wealth management partner yielded positive returns during the 2008-09 period when the S&P lost more than 40%. Our partner’ strategy now includes Trefis High Quality Portfolio, which has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 – the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices