(Telecompaper) Ciena reported revenues for its fiscal second quarter to 30 April up 6.3 percent from a year earlier to USD 507.7 million, better than its outlook of 465-495 million. The network equipment maker's net loss narrowed only slightly, to USD 27.1 million or 27 cents a share from USD 27.8 million or 28 cents a share a year ago. Excluding one-time items, the adjusted gross margin improved to 42.5 percent from 39.6, and the operating margin rose to 3.7 percent from 3.4. After free cash flow of USD 35.6 million in the quarter, the company finished the period with total cash and investments of USD 456.5 million. For fiscal Q3, Ciena forecast revenue of USD 515-545 million and an adjusted gross margin in the low 40s percent range.