GOODWILL
The following table presents the goodwill allocated to Ciena’s operating segments as of November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, as well as the changes to goodwill during fiscal 2025 (in thousands):
Balance at November 2, 2024AcquisitionsTranslationBalance at November 1, 2025
Platform Software and Services$156,191 $— $— $156,191 
Blue Planet Automation Software and Services89,049 — — 89,049 
Networking Platforms199,467 76,539 (42)275,964 
Total$444,707 $76,539 $(42)$521,204 

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Dec 12, 2025Showing above
2024Dec 20, 2024
2023Dec 15, 2023
2022Dec 16, 2022
2021Dec 17, 2021
2020Dec 18, 2020
2019Dec 20, 2019
2018Dec 21, 2018
2017Dec 22, 2017
2016Dec 21, 2016
2015Dec 21, 2015

About Goodwill & Intangibles Disclosures

Goodwill and intangible asset disclosures reveal the premium paid in acquisitions and how management assesses whether that premium retains its value. Since goodwill is no longer amortized under US GAAP, the annual impairment test is the only mechanism that adjusts carrying values downward — making the assumptions behind that test critically important for investors.

Key signals: a history of goodwill impairments suggests management consistently overpays for acquisitions. Watch the gap between reporting unit fair value and carrying amount — when fair value exceeds carrying amount by less than 10-20%, a small decline in business performance could trigger a write-down. For finite-lived intangibles, examine useful life assumptions across customer relationships, technology, and trade names; aggressive estimates inflate near-term earnings. Compare total intangibles-to-total-assets ratios against peers to assess acquisition dependency. Rising goodwill as a percentage of equity can signal balance sheet fragility.