8-KOther Events

CIENA CORP 8-K Report (Aug 22, 2002)

Filed August 22, 2002For Securities:CIEN

Summary

This 8-K filing from CIENA Corporation (CIEN), dated August 22, 2002, primarily serves to disclose certifications from its principal executive and financial officers. These certifications are made in accordance with SEC Order No. 4-460 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The filing confirms that the company's officers have reviewed its filings and, to their best knowledge, they do not contain material misstatements or omissions. Specifically, the CEO and CFO attested that the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2002, fully complies with exchange act requirements and fairly presents the company's financial condition and results of operations. While this report does not contain new financial results or material business updates, it is significant as it reflects the company's compliance with the newly enacted Sarbanes-Oxley Act's stringent certification requirements. This demonstrates management's commitment to financial reporting integrity and transparency during a period of increased regulatory scrutiny following corporate scandals.

Key Highlights

  • 1CEO Gary B. Smith and CFO Joseph R. Chinnici submitted sworn statements and certifications.
  • 2The certifications are made pursuant to SEC Order No. 4-460 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  • 3Officers attest that prior covered reports (Form 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy materials) did not contain material misstatements or omissions.
  • 4The CEO and CFO certified that the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2002, complies with Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
  • 5The certification also states that the information in the Form 10-Q fairly presents CIENA's financial condition and results of operations.
  • 6These statements are furnished under Item 9 (Regulation FD Disclosure) and are not deemed 'filed' for Section 18 purposes.
  • 7The filing indicates management's adherence to new corporate governance and financial reporting standards mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to disclose the sworn statements and certifications provided by CIENA Corporation's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. These certifications comply with new regulatory requirements, specifically SEC Order No. 4-460 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, confirming the accuracy and completeness of the company's financial reporting.

No, this filing does not contain new financial results or operational updates. It is focused on the attestations and certifications by the CEO and CFO regarding the company's past filings, particularly the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2002.

These certifications are important because they represent the personal accountability of senior management for the accuracy and integrity of the company's financial disclosures. Enacted in response to corporate scandals, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act required CEOs and CFOs to personally vouch for their company's financial statements, increasing investor confidence and corporate governance standards.

When information is 'furnished' under Item 9 (Regulation FD Disclosure), it means it is being made public but does not carry the same legal implications under Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as information that is formally 'filed'. This distinction is often used for voluntary disclosures or specific compliance statements that are not part of the company's routine periodic SEC reporting cycle.