1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 August 15, 2000 --------------- Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) CIENA Corporation ----------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 0-21969 23-2725311 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File No.) (IRS Employer Identification of incorporation) No.) 1201 Winterson Road, Linthicum, Maryland 21090 ---------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (410) 865-8500 -------------- Not applicable -------------- (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Exhibit Index on Page 2 2 ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. On August 15, 2000, CIENA Corporation announced the declaration of a 2-for-1 split of the common stock, par value $.001 per share, of CIENA, to be effected by way of a stock dividend, of one share for each share held by holders of record on August 28, 2000. The distribution date is September 18, 2000. A copy of the press release issued on August 15, 2000 announcing the stock split is attached as an Exhibit hereto. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. 99.1 Press Release, issued August 15, 2000 (announcing stock split) -2- 3 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. CIENA CORPORATION Date: August 16, 2000 By: /s/ Michael O. McCarthy III --------------------------------------------- Michael O. McCarthy III Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary -3-