Clearfield (CLFD)


Market Price (9/26/2026): $31.12 | Market Cap: $423.0 MilSector: Information Technology | Industry: Communications Equipment

Clearfield (CLFD)


Market Price (9/26/2026): $31.12
Market Cap: $423.0 Mil
Sector: Information Technology
Industry: Communications Equipment

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.

0

Cash is significant % of market cap
Net D/ENet Debt/Equity. Debt net of cash. Negative indicates net cash. Equity is taken as the Market Capitalization is -22%

Strong revenue growth
Rev Chg LTMRevenue Change % Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 34%

Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include 5G & Advanced Connectivity. Themes include Telecom Infrastructure, and Network Equipment.

Weak multi-year price returns
2Y Excs Rtn is -58%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -72%

Meaningful short interest
Short Interest Days-to-CoverDTC = (Short Interest Share Quantity) / (Average Daily Trading Volume). Reflects how many days it would take to cover (close out) the short interest based on average volumes. High DTC can signify an increased risk of a short squeeze. is 10.71, Short Interest % of Basic SharesShort Interest % of Basic Shares = (Short Interest Quantity) / (Basic Shares Outstanding). A high fraction of short interest can indicate potential risk of a short squeeze. is 10%

Not profitable at operating income level
Op Inc LTMOperating Income, Last Twelve Months is -0.4 Mil, Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is -0.2%

Expensive valuation multiples
P/EBITPrice/EBIT or Price/(Operating Income) ratio is 68x

Weak revenue growth
Rev Chg 3Y AvgRevenue Change % averaged over trailing 3 years is -12%

Yield minus risk free rate is negative
ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is -5.7%

Key risks
CLFD key risks include its heavy reliance on unpredictable broadband provider capital spending, Show more.

0 Cash is significant % of market cap
Net D/ENet Debt/Equity. Debt net of cash. Negative indicates net cash. Equity is taken as the Market Capitalization is -22%
1 Strong revenue growth
Rev Chg LTMRevenue Change % Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 34%
2 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include 5G & Advanced Connectivity. Themes include Telecom Infrastructure, and Network Equipment.
3 Weak multi-year price returns
2Y Excs Rtn is -58%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -72%
4 Meaningful short interest
Short Interest Days-to-CoverDTC = (Short Interest Share Quantity) / (Average Daily Trading Volume). Reflects how many days it would take to cover (close out) the short interest based on average volumes. High DTC can signify an increased risk of a short squeeze. is 10.71, Short Interest % of Basic SharesShort Interest % of Basic Shares = (Short Interest Quantity) / (Basic Shares Outstanding). A high fraction of short interest can indicate potential risk of a short squeeze. is 10%
5 Not profitable at operating income level
Op Inc LTMOperating Income, Last Twelve Months is -0.4 Mil, Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is -0.2%
6 Expensive valuation multiples
P/EBITPrice/EBIT or Price/(Operating Income) ratio is 68x
7 Weak revenue growth
Rev Chg 3Y AvgRevenue Change % averaged over trailing 3 years is -12%
8 Yield minus risk free rate is negative
ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is -5.7%
9 Key risks
CLFD key risks include its heavy reliance on unpredictable broadband provider capital spending, Show more.

CLFD in ETFs

Weight = CLFD's share of each fund

VTI0.00%
IWM0.01%
VTWO0.01%
DFAS0.01%
SCHA0.01%
VGT0.01%
IWN0.00%
DFAC0.00%
+2 more covered ETFs

Valuation & Metrics

Price Chart

Why The Stock Moved

Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Updated on 9/17/2026

Clearfield (CLFD) stock has lost about 35% since 5/31/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Significantly Reduced Fiscal 2026 Outlook. Clearfield sharply lowered its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance during its fiscal Q3 2026 earnings report on August 5, 2026. The company revised its expected net sales from a previous range of $160 million to $170 million down to $151 million to $155 million. Concurrently, projected net income per share for fiscal 2026 was cut from an earlier $0.48 to $0.62 to a new range of $0.14 to $0.21. This significant downgrade directly contributed to the stock's decline, including a 17.23% plunge in the session following the announcement.

2. Persistent Delays in the BEAD Program. The slower-than-anticipated rollout of the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has been a major headwind. This government initiative, intended to fund broadband expansion, has caused Clearfield's community broadband customers to delay or scale back projects. Clearfield had expected less than $10 million in BEAD-related revenue for fiscal 2026, and the continued delays and associated "Build America, Buy America" requirements have constrained demand, impacting the company's revenue expectations.

Show more
Updated on 9/17/2026

Clearfield (CLFD) stock has lost about 35% since 5/31/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Significantly Reduced Fiscal 2026 Outlook. Clearfield sharply lowered its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance during its fiscal Q3 2026 earnings report on August 5, 2026. The company revised its expected net sales from a previous range of $160 million to $170 million down to $151 million to $155 million. Concurrently, projected net income per share for fiscal 2026 was cut from an earlier $0.48 to $0.62 to a new range of $0.14 to $0.21. This significant downgrade directly contributed to the stock's decline, including a 17.23% plunge in the session following the announcement.

2. Persistent Delays in the BEAD Program. The slower-than-anticipated rollout of the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has been a major headwind. This government initiative, intended to fund broadband expansion, has caused Clearfield's community broadband customers to delay or scale back projects. Clearfield had expected less than $10 million in BEAD-related revenue for fiscal 2026, and the continued delays and associated "Build America, Buy America" requirements have constrained demand, impacting the company's revenue expectations.

3. Decreasing Order Backlog and Gross Margin Erosion. Clearfield experienced a substantial 34% sequential decrease in its order backlog, falling to $21.0 million as of June 30, 2026, compared to March 31, 2026. This also represented a 32% year-over-year decline. The backlog reduction was exacerbated by the removal of a $4.6 million order that the company no longer expects to fulfill. Concurrently, the gross profit margin declined to 31.8% in fiscal Q3 2026, down from 35.3% in fiscal Q3 2025, indicating pressure on profitability.

4. Industry-Wide Fiber Supply Constraints. The global fiber optic cable market faced severe tightening and increased costs throughout 2026 due to a "perfect storm" of demand drivers, including massive expansion of AI infrastructure and defense-related fiber consumption, coupled with bottlenecks in glass preform manufacturing. This led to limited fiber availability and higher deployment costs for Clearfield, impacting its ability to meet customer project timelines and contributing to the overall industry demand constraints cited by management.

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Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The -34.2% change in CLFD stock from 5/31/2026 to 9/25/2026 was primarily driven by a -36.8% change in the company's P/S Multiple.
(LTM values as of)53120269252026Change
Stock Price ($)47.2231.07-34.2%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1491543.4%
P/S Multiple4.32.7-36.8%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)14140.6%
Cumulative Contribution-34.2%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

5/31/2026 to 9/25/2026
ReturnCorrelation
CLFD-34.2% 
Market (SPY)2.2%52.2%
Sector (XLK)2.9%61.4%

Fundamental Drivers

The -1.2% change in CLFD stock from 2/28/2026 to 9/25/2026 was primarily driven by a -2.4% change in the company's P/S Multiple.
(LTM values as of)22820269252026Change
Stock Price ($)31.4431.07-1.2%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)155154-0.7%
P/S Multiple2.82.7-2.4%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)14142.0%
Cumulative Contribution-1.2%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

2/28/2026 to 9/25/2026
ReturnCorrelation
CLFD-1.2% 
Market (SPY)13.0%37.1%
Sector (XLK)41.8%47.7%

Fundamental Drivers

The -4.8% change in CLFD stock from 8/31/2025 to 9/25/2026 was primarily driven by a -30.1% change in the company's P/S Multiple.
(LTM values as of)83120259252026Change
Stock Price ($)32.6231.07-4.8%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)11515434.0%
P/S Multiple3.92.7-30.1%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)14141.8%
Cumulative Contribution-4.8%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

8/31/2025 to 9/25/2026
ReturnCorrelation
CLFD-4.8% 
Market (SPY)20.9%42.3%
Sector (XLK)50.4%48.7%

Fundamental Drivers

The -11.6% change in CLFD stock from 8/31/2023 to 9/25/2026 was primarily driven by a -51.1% change in the company's Total Revenues ($ Mil).
(LTM values as of)83120239252026Change
Stock Price ($)35.1531.07-11.6%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)314154-51.1%
P/S Multiple1.72.761.0%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)151412.2%
Cumulative Contribution-11.6%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

8/31/2023 to 9/25/2026
ReturnCorrelation
CLFD-11.6% 
Market (SPY)77.8%44.9%
Sector (XLK)127.9%46.0%

Return vs. Risk

Price Returns Compared

 202120222023202420252026Total [1]
Returns
CLFD Return242%12%-69%7%-6%5%24%
Peers Return45%-6%-12%39%43%59%280%
S&P 500 Return27%-19%24%23%16%13%105%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
CLFD Win Rate75%58%25%58%50%56% 
Peers Win Rate62%35%45%58%67%62% 
S&P 500 Win Rate75%42%67%75%67%56% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
CLFD Max Drawdown-25%-44%-77%-37%-39%-48% 
Peers Max Drawdown-23%-31%-39%-26%-36%-46% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-5%-25%-10%-8%-19%-9% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: GLW, APH, BDC, ADTN, OCC.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 9/25/2026 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

EventCLFDS&P 500
2025 US Tariff Shock
  % Loss-23.2%-18.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven30.3%23.1%
  Time to Breakeven31 days79 days
Summer-Fall 2023 Five Percent Yield Shock
  % Loss-52.3%-9.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven109.8%10.5%
  Time to Breakeven940 days24 days
2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening
  % Loss-41.6%-24.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven71.2%32.4%
  Time to Breakeven187 days427 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-25.1%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven33.6%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven28 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-35.7%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven55.4%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven60 days105 days
2016-2017 Trump Reflation Bond Selloff
  % Loss-33.1%-3.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven49.6%3.9%
  Time to Breakeven1151 days6 days

Compare to GLW, APH, BDC, ADTN, OCC

In The Past

Clearfield's stock fell -23.2% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 30.3% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

EventCLFDS&P 500
2025 US Tariff Shock
  % Loss-23.2%-18.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven30.3%23.1%
  Time to Breakeven31 days79 days
Summer-Fall 2023 Five Percent Yield Shock
  % Loss-52.3%-9.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven109.8%10.5%
  Time to Breakeven940 days24 days
2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening
  % Loss-41.6%-24.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven71.2%32.4%
  Time to Breakeven187 days427 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-25.1%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven33.6%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven28 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-35.7%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven55.4%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven60 days105 days
2016-2017 Trump Reflation Bond Selloff
  % Loss-33.1%-3.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven49.6%3.9%
  Time to Breakeven1151 days6 days
2015-2016 China Devaluation / Global Growth Scare
  % Loss-35.2%-12.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven54.4%13.9%
  Time to Breakeven164 days62 days
2011 US Debt Ceiling Crisis & European Contagion
  % Loss-28.4%-17.9%
  % Gain to Breakeven39.6%21.8%
  Time to Breakeven64 days123 days
2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis
  % Loss-22.7%-53.4%
  % Gain to Breakeven29.4%114.4%
  Time to Breakeven18 days1085 days
Summer 2007 Credit Crunch
  % Loss-33.9%-8.6%
  % Gain to Breakeven51.2%9.5%
  Time to Breakeven73 days47 days

Compare to GLW, APH, BDC, ADTN, OCC

In The Past

Clearfield's stock fell -23.2% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 30.3% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

About Clearfield (CLFD)

Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD) manufactures and sells passive connectivity products essential for fiber optic networks, both domestically and internationally. The company's primary focus is on providing infrastructure components that facilitate the deployment and management of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) and other high-speed broadband communication systems.

Clearfield's comprehensive product portfolio includes FieldSmart, a series of panels, cabinets, and enclosures for fiber management, and WaveSmart optical components integrated for signal coupling, splitting, and termination. They also offer StreetSmart fiber management products, FieldShield for fiber pathway protection to reduce deployment costs, and the YOURx platform featuring hardened terminals and various drop cable options for the access network. Additionally, CraftSmart provides optical protection field enclosures for the last mile, and the company designs custom fiber and copper assemblies tailored to customer specifications.

The company serves a diverse customer base through its "fiber to anywhere" platform. Its primary customers include incumbent and competitive local exchange carriers, wireless operators, multiple systems operators (cable TV companies), and entities within the utility/municipality sector. Clearfield also caters to enterprise clients, data centers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), supplying critical connectivity infrastructure for modern communication demands.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are 1-3 brief analogies for Clearfield (CLFD):

  • Corning for fiber optic management and connectivity products. (Corning is known for manufacturing fiber optic cable; Clearfield specializes in the enclosures, panels, and passive components that manage, protect, and connect those fiber cables.)
  • Eaton for fiber optic infrastructure components. (Similar to how Eaton provides essential electrical infrastructure and power management solutions, Clearfield provides the specialized physical infrastructure and connectivity components for fiber optic networks.)

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • FieldSmart: A series of panels, cabinets, wall boxes, and other enclosures for fiber management.
  • WaveSmart: Optical components integrated for signal coupling, splitting, termination, multiplexing, demultiplexing, and attenuation.
  • StreetSmart: A portfolio of fiber management products.
  • FieldShield: A fiber pathway and protection method designed to reduce the cost of broadband deployment.
  • YOURx platform: Consists of hardened terminals, test access points, and various drop cable options for portions of the access network.
  • CraftSmart: A line of optical protection field enclosures, including pedestals and vaults, optimized to house FieldSmart products.
  • Fiber and Copper Assemblies: Industry-standard or customer-specified configurations for network connectivity.
  • Custom Solutions: Designs and manufactures custom solutions for in-the-box and network connectivity assemblies specific to a customer's product line.
  • Fiber to Anywhere Platform: Their comprehensive platform providing fiber connectivity solutions for various incumbent local exchange carriers, competitive local exchange carriers, wireless operators, and multiple systems operators.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Clearfield (CLFD) primarily sells its products and solutions to other companies and organizations, rather than directly to individuals.

Based on the provided company description, Clearfield serves a diverse range of customer categories within the telecommunications and data infrastructure sectors. While specific company names of major customers are not disclosed in the description, the categories of companies Clearfield serves include:

  • Incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs)
  • Competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs)
  • Wireless operators
  • Multiple systems operators (MSOs) and cable TV companies
  • Utility/municipality markets
  • Enterprise markets
  • Data center markets

AI Analysis | Feedback

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Cheri Beranek, President and Chief Executive Officer

Cheri Beranek has served as CEO of Clearfield since 2007, guiding the company's transformation into a leader in fiber optics. Before Clearfield, she held executive roles at Americable, APACN, Transition Networks, Tricord Systems, Inc., and Digi International. Clearfield (formerly APA Enterprises, Inc.) acquired Americable, where she previously served as President and COO. She was recognized as EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® in 2023 and inducted into the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame in 2021.

Daniel Herzog, Chief Financial Officer

Daniel Herzog was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Clearfield in August 2011, having served as Interim CFO since February 2011. Prior to this, he held positions as Vice President of Administration and Comptroller/principal accounting officer at Clearfield. Before joining Clearfield in 2003, he spent 13 years as Controller and Chief Financial Officer at Americable, which was acquired by Clearfield (firm) in 2003. His experience also includes financial leadership roles in both publicly and privately held manufacturing and software industries, such as Schwing America and Computer Designed Systems, Inc.

Johnny Hill, Chief Operating Officer

Johnny Hill is a founding member of Clearfield and was named Chief Operating Officer in 2008. He brings approximately 25 years of strategic and hands-on experience in the telecommunications networking industry. Hill began his career at Americable Inc. in 1996, where he was the national sales manager when the company was acquired by Clearfield's precursor, APA Cables & Networks, in 2003. His roles at Clearfield prior to COO included Vice President of Sales, Vice President of Product Management and Development, and Vice President of Engineering and Product Management.

Anis Khemakhem, Chief Commercial Officer

Anis Khemakhem was appointed Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) on October 1, 2025, with expanded responsibilities encompassing global sales and marketing. He joined Clearfield in 2024, initially as Vice President of Global Technology Platforms and then as Chief Marketing Officer. Before his tenure at Clearfield, Khemakhem served as Global Director of Sales at Carlisle Interconnect Technologies and held business development leadership roles for ten years at Amphenol. He also has experience in strategic market development from his time at ADC Telecommunications and TE Connectivity.

Kevin Morgan, Executive Advisor to the CEO

Kevin Morgan joined Clearfield in August 2016 as Chief Marketing Officer and transitioned to the role of Executive Advisor to the CEO in 2025. Before Clearfield, he held various senior marketing positions at ADTRAN, Inc. for two decades, gaining extensive experience in advanced communications technology and fiber optic systems. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly ten years at BellSouth (now part of AT&T), where he was the lead product evaluations resource for broadband technologies in the Science & Technology department.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are the key risks to Clearfield's business:

1. Reliance on Capital Spending by Broadband Service Providers

Clearfield's financial stability and growth prospects are heavily tied to the capital expenditure cycles of broadband service providers, which are inherently unpredictable and subject to sudden changes. The cyclical nature of spending in the broadband communications industry, influenced by economic conditions, technological advancements, and regulatory factors, can lead to significant fluctuations in Clearfield's revenue streams. For instance, a period of strong demand led to customers building excess inventories, resulting in subsequent order postponements and a substantial drop in Clearfield's sales and profit margins. Furthermore, government funding programs, such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, while offering future growth opportunities, can also introduce unpredictable and irregular purchase cycles for customers, impacting the timing of revenue generation.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions and Reliance on Single-Source Suppliers

Clearfield faces significant operational risks due to potential disruptions in its supply chain and its reliance on a limited number of, or even single-source, suppliers for critical components. Geopolitical tensions, trade policies, and global conflicts can impact supply chains, leading to increased costs and potential delays or an inability to complete customer orders. A specific and current example of this risk is the U.S. fiber supply constraints, particularly for U.S.-made optical fiber required under Build America, Buy America (BABA) rules, where lead times can exceed a year with some suppliers, potentially delaying BEAD project deployments and associated revenue.

3. Customer Concentration and Intense Market Competition

The company is vulnerable due to a concentration of its sales among a small number of major customers. For example, two customers represented 33% of net sales in fiscal year 2025. The loss or a significant reduction in business from any of these major customers could materially and adversely affect Clearfield's financial performance. Additionally, Clearfield operates in a highly competitive market for fiber management and connectivity products, facing competition from larger firms with greater resources. This intense competition can lead to price reductions, pressure on gross profits, and a potential loss of market share.

AI Analysis | Feedback

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AI Analysis | Feedback

Clearfield (CLFD) operates within the expansive fiber optic connectivity and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) markets, offering a range of passive connectivity products for broadband deployment, enterprises, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The addressable markets for their products and services are significant globally and within North America.

The **global fiber optic connectivity market** was valued at approximately USD 3.55 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 8.96 billion by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2026 to 2035. Other estimates place the global fiber optic connectivity market at USD 3.78 billion in 2025, with a projected growth to USD 15.09 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 16.64% during the forecast period. Another source estimates the global fiber optics market size at USD 10.76 billion in 2025, expecting it to reach USD 17.95 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 6.6% from 2026 to 2033.

For the **Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) market**, which is a core focus for Clearfield, the global market size was estimated at USD 24.88 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 73.16 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2025 to 2035. Another valuation for the global FTTP market was USD 25,278.77 million in 2025, with an expected increase to USD 64,035.18 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 14.2%. The FTTx networks segment alone held a 31% share of the global optical fiber connectivity market in 2024.

Focusing on the **North American region**, the United States fiber to the home (FTTH) market generated a revenue of USD 10,726.5 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 21,545.1 million by 2030, demonstrating a CAGR of 12.7% from 2025 to 2030. North America currently holds a significant share, approximately 40%, of the global fiber optic connectivity market. Furthermore, North America is identified as the largest market for Fiber to the Premises (FTTP), accounting for about 45% of the global market share. There is also a large remaining addressable market for fiber build in the U.S. alone, with more than 100 million potential incremental passings for FTTH.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD) is anticipated to experience revenue growth over the next 2-3 years driven by several key factors:
  1. Government Funding and Broadband Expansion: The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and other government initiatives like E-ACAM are expected to be significant catalysts for Clearfield's revenue growth. These programs are designed to fuel fiber connectivity expansion, particularly in the Community Broadband market and among Tier-3 service providers, leading to increased demand for Clearfield's fiber optic management and connectivity products.
  2. Increased Demand from Key Customer Segments: Clearfield foresees sustained and improving demand from its core customer base, including community broadband providers, large regional service providers, and multiple system operators (MSOs). After a period of industry-wide inventory digestion, these segments are showing signs of stabilizing and re-accelerating their fiber broadband deployments, which is expected to translate into higher sales for Clearfield.
  3. New Product Innovation and Adoption: The company's strategic introduction of new platforms, such as the NOVA™ platform, is a crucial driver. This platform is designed to optimize scalability and simplify installation for high-density fiber connectivity and is projected to become a dominant product offering within 2-3 years. The NOVA platform aims to extend Clearfield's addressable market, particularly in areas like AI, data centers, and edge compute networks, contributing to future revenue.
  4. Market Recovery from Inventory Overhang: The telecommunications industry has been working through an inventory overhang, which has temporarily slowed demand for fiber optic equipment. As customers successfully deplete their existing inventories and return to more normalized ordering patterns, Clearfield expects to see a rebound in demand. This market adjustment, coupled with prudent guidance, is projected to drive core revenue increases in the coming fiscal years.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Clearfield (CLFD) Capital Allocation Decisions (2021-2025)

Share Repurchases

  • In November 2025, Clearfield's Board of Directors authorized an increase to the company's common stock share repurchase program, raising the total authorization from $65 million to $85 million.
  • The company repurchased $16.5 million in shares during fiscal year 2025.
  • As of December 31, 2025, approximately $23.1 million remained available for additional repurchases under the program.

Outbound Investments

  • Clearfield, Inc. acquired Finnish company Nestor Cables Ltd., a developer and manufacturer of fiber optic cable solutions, on July 26, 2022.
  • This acquisition was undertaken to gain access to key technology for manufacturing FieldShield cable, and to strengthen vertical integration and compliance with Build America, Buy America requirements.
  • In November 2025, Clearfield divested its Nestor Cables business through a management buyout to sharpen its focus on the core business and pursue higher-return opportunities.

Capital Expenditures

  • Capital expenditures for Clearfield were $9.15 million in 2022, $8.38 million in 2023, and $9.57 million in 2024.
  • These investments support the development and deployment of fiber connectivity solutions for various markets including community broadband, data centers, and wireless networks.
  • The company introduced the NOVA platform in January 2026, a modular high-density fiber ecosystem for data centers, broadband central offices, and enterprise sites, reflecting ongoing investment in product innovation.

Better Bets vs. Clearfield (CLFD)

Peer Outperformance in Communications Equipment

CLFD has trailed 69% of its 35 Communications Equipment peers over 5Y. Communications Equipment ranks 4th of 12 industries in Information Technology by median 5Y return.
Share of Communications Equipment constituents that CLFD has outperformed, by holding period. Peers without a full price history over a given window are excluded from that window.
1Y
30%
of 37 industry peers · -7.9% return
3Y
28%
of 36 industry peers · 3.5% return
5Y
31%
of 35 industry peers · -32.1% return
No Communications Equipment peer with a comparable growth profile has beaten CLFD by more than 20pp over 5Y.
Median price return by industry across the Information Technology sector, ranked by 5Y. Communications Equipment is CLFD's own industry. Use this to see which corners of the sector have carried the returns.
Industry Names 1Y med3Y med5Y med Top 3 by 5Y
Electronic Manufacturing Services 9 68.8%203.4%292.1% TTMI 931% · FLEX 720% · SANM 472%
Semiconductor Materials & Equipment 27 98.9%100.0%115.6% AXTI 818% · AEHR 560% · LRCX 443%
Technology Distributors 9 42.3%87.0%104.8% CLMB 416% · AVT 210% · SNX 152%
Communications Equipment ← 36 17.2%81.5%68.7% AAOI 1301% · FEIM 1056% · LITE 988%
Electronic Components 26 49.4%72.5%66.4% CLS 3763% · BELFA 1387% · COHR 381%
Semiconductors 55 34.1%43.0%40.1% POET 1808% · MU 1399% · NVDA 924%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 20 22.7%129.4%33.3% STX 1127% · DELL 1084% · SMCI 1060%
Internet Services & Infrastructure 6 2.2%49.1%28.3% DOCN 69% · GDDY 37% · VRSN 34%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments 26 -15.9%15.2%-11.2% PI 190% · OSIS 110% · KEYS 103%
IT Consulting & Other Services 30 -23.9%-17.4%-36.6% CHRN 522268% · APLD 1124% · TSSI 797%
Application Software 124 -30.0%-12.7%-48.3% VIDA 144067% · INLX 4910% · PLTR 564%
Systems Software 72 -20.8%11.1%-63.1% QNC 609% · ZETA 391% · PANW 358%
Median of constituents with a full price history over each window. Top names are unfiltered by size in this render.

Recent Active Movers

Peer Comparisons

Peers to compare with:

Financials

CLFDGLWAPHBDCADTNOCCMedian
NameClearfie.Corning Amphenol Belden Adtran Optical . 
Mkt Price31.07156.7484.09112.457.1314.5357.58
Mkt Cap0.4135.1206.94.40.6-4.4
Rev LTM15416,96429,0122,8651,138-2,865
Op Inc LTM-02,5988,029341-2-341
FCF LTM72,3954,71421223-212
FCF 3Y Avg151,5093,28021624-216
CFO LTM113,9155,87237693-376
CFO 3Y Avg212,7164,10936188-361

Growth & Margins

CLFDGLWAPHBDCADTNOCCMedian
NameClearfie.Corning Amphenol Belden Adtran Optical . 
Rev Chg LTM34.0%19.4%54.2%9.4%15.7%-19.4%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg-11.7%9.0%33.8%3.1%-3.5%-3.1%
Rev Chg Q13.2%16.6%55.0%11.6%6.1%-13.2%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM3.4%3.9%12.0%2.8%1.4%-3.4%
Op Inc Chg LTM-117.2%51.7%85.4%15.1%96.7%-51.7%
Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg-45.6%52.6%49.3%1.9%49.9%-49.3%
Op Mgn LTM-0.2%15.3%27.7%11.9%-0.2%-11.9%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg-4.3%11.2%23.9%11.3%-8.4%-11.2%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM0.7%0.2%1.2%0.4%0.3%-0.4%
CFO/Rev LTM7.5%23.1%20.2%13.1%8.2%-13.1%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg16.8%18.3%20.1%13.9%8.6%-16.8%
FCF/Rev LTM4.8%14.1%16.2%7.4%2.0%-7.4%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg12.5%10.0%16.2%8.4%2.3%-10.0%

Valuation

CLFDGLWAPHBDCADTNOCCMedian
NameClearfie.Corning Amphenol Belden Adtran Optical . 
Mkt Cap0.4135.1206.94.40.6-4.4
P/S2.78.07.11.50.5-2.7
P/Op Inc-1,147.652.025.812.8-287.7-12.8
P/EBIT68.348.926.013.065.9-48.9
P/E-58.571.140.217.9-22.1-17.9
P/CFO36.834.535.211.76.2-34.5
Total Yield-1.7%2.1%3.0%5.8%-4.5%-2.1%
Dividend Yield0.0%0.7%0.5%0.2%0.0%-0.2%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg2.7%2.2%2.5%5.0%2.8%-2.7%
D/E0.00.10.10.30.4-0.1
Net D/E-0.20.10.10.20.2-0.1

Returns

CLFDGLWAPHBDCADTNOCCMedian
NameClearfie.Corning Amphenol Belden Adtran Optical . 
1M Rtn4.0%2.8%4.4%-4.7%-9.9%10.7%3.4%
3M Rtn-19.6%-29.0%2.9%-5.9%-47.3%-20.9%-20.2%
6M Rtn12.3%15.0%36.5%-0.3%-44.9%59.0%13.6%
12M Rtn-7.9%99.8%38.4%-9.5%-23.9%77.0%15.3%
3Y Rtn3.5%454.1%322.7%22.5%-11.8%354.1%172.6%
1M Excs Rtn3.1%1.9%3.5%-5.6%-10.7%9.8%2.5%
3M Excs Rtn-24.9%-34.3%-2.4%-11.2%-52.6%-26.2%-25.5%
6M Excs Rtn-11.3%-3.3%17.5%-20.8%-64.6%28.9%-7.3%
12M Excs Rtn-25.2%81.2%20.9%-29.0%-41.0%61.2%-2.2%
3Y Excs Rtn-72.0%351.9%230.1%-57.7%-88.2%268.4%86.2%

Comparison Analyses

null

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Single segment150126226 141
Clearfield   264 
Eliminations   0 
Nestor Cables   7 
Total150126226271141


Operating Income by Segment
$ Mil2007200620052004
Cables & Networks-1-00 
Optronics-2-3-4 
APA Optics   -6
APACN   -1
Total-3-3-4-7


Net Income by Segment
$ Mil202420232022
Eliminations0-1-0
Nestor Cables-31-0
Clearfield-93350
Total-123349


Assets by Segment
$ Mil20242023202220072006
Clearfield300335215  
Nestor Cables394431  
Eliminations-24-23-17  
Cables & Networks   78
Optronics   1619
Total3153562292427


Price Behavior

Price Behavior
Market Price$31.07 
Market Cap ($ Bil)0.4 
First Trading Date08/07/1986 
Distance from 52W High-39.4% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$29.74$32.33
DMA Trendindeterminatedown
Distance from DMA4.5%-3.9%
 3M1YR
Volatility68.7%61.1%
Downside Capture467.53244.48
Upside Capture239.70189.32
Correlation (SPY)39.9%42.2%
CLFD Betas & Captures as of 8/31/2026

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta3.313.092.881.982.001.53
Up Beta2.782.832.040.731.201.22
Down Beta-1.16-0.501.712.382.381.37
Up Capture338%301%292%266%289%531%
Bmk +ve Days10213268138427
Stock +ve Days11192862127389
Down Capture590%489%355%212%167%112%
Bmk -ve Days11213259113324
Stock -ve Days9213463122355

[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with CLFD
CLFD-8.6%61.0%0.09-
Sector ETF (XLK)41.7%26.4%1.2849.3%
Equity (SPY)17.7%13.0%0.9842.3%
Gold (GLD)14.7%29.3%0.4615.6%
Commodities (DBC)46.8%20.7%1.75-9.3%
Real Estate (VNQ)4.5%13.6%0.073.8%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)-25.5%44.8%-0.5325.4%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with CLFD
CLFD-6.8%57.8%0.10-
Sector ETF (XLK)21.3%26.0%0.7347.1%
Equity (SPY)13.3%17.2%0.5947.2%
Gold (GLD)19.2%18.8%0.836.3%
Commodities (DBC)11.2%19.5%0.453.8%
Real Estate (VNQ)0.9%18.9%-0.0631.9%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)12.3%52.6%0.4125.4%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with CLFD
CLFD5.4%53.3%0.31-
Sector ETF (XLK)24.8%25.0%0.9042.7%
Equity (SPY)15.5%17.9%0.7344.0%
Gold (GLD)12.1%16.4%0.615.0%
Commodities (DBC)8.7%18.1%0.399.1%
Real Estate (VNQ)4.8%20.7%0.1930.8%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)63.9%66.2%1.0414.9%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date9152026
Short Interest: Shares Quantity1.4 Mil
Short Interest: % Change Since 83120260.3%
Average Daily Volume0.1 Mil
Days-to-Cover Short Interest10.7 days
Basic Shares Quantity13.6 Mil
Short % of Basic Shares10.1%

Earnings Returns History

Updated 9/8/2026
Expand for More
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
8/5/2026-21.1%-13.9%-16.1%
5/6/202623.8%40.4%32.2%
2/4/2026-4.6%3.2%-1.5%
11/25/2025-4.6%-3.7%1.9%
8/6/2025-24.6%-23.4%-25.4%
5/8/20257.8%22.5%22.9%
2/6/2025-5.9%-10.7%-26.1%
11/7/2024-7.1%-19.5%-12.2%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive101213
# Negative141211
Median Positive8.4%6.0%14.0%
Median Negative-4.9%-7.2%-12.5%
Max Positive23.8%40.4%32.2%
Max Negative-24.6%-23.4%-26.1%
Collapse to Preview
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
8/5/2026-21.1%-13.9%-16.1%
5/6/202623.8%40.4%32.2%
2/4/2026-4.6%3.2%-1.5%
11/25/2025-4.6%-3.7%1.9%
8/6/2025-24.6%-23.4%-25.4%
5/8/20257.8%22.5%22.9%
2/6/2025-5.9%-10.7%-26.1%
11/7/2024-7.1%-19.5%-12.2%
8/1/2024-8.5%-7.6%-12.5%
5/2/202413.2%15.0%25.0%
2/1/202412.7%9.5%16.5%
11/9/20231.7%8.6%14.0%
8/3/2023-10.5%-9.9%-21.1%
5/8/20231.9%3.4%24.5%
2/6/20231.7%-2.8%-4.6%
11/21/20224.8%3.3%-18.5%
7/29/2022-2.1%12.8%22.7%
4/29/2022-2.6%-5.7%6.1%
1/28/202210.6%-0.8%5.6%
11/8/2021-0.1%2.4%2.7%
7/23/2021-4.7%0.8%1.6%
4/23/20219.0%-6.5%-1.4%
2/1/2021-5.1%3.1%-0.7%
11/6/2020-1.4%-6.8%3.6%
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive101213
# Negative141211
Median Positive8.4%6.0%14.0%
Median Negative-4.9%-7.2%-12.5%
Max Positive23.8%40.4%32.2%
Max Negative-24.6%-23.4%-26.1%

SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/06/202610-Q
03/31/202605/07/202610-Q
12/31/202502/09/202610-Q
09/30/202511/25/202510-K
06/30/202508/07/202510-Q
03/31/202505/09/202510-Q
12/31/202402/07/202510-Q
09/30/202411/15/202410-K
06/30/202408/06/202410-Q
03/31/202405/07/202410-Q
12/31/202302/05/202410-Q
09/30/202311/29/202310-K
06/30/202308/08/202310-Q
03/31/202305/08/202310-Q
12/31/202202/07/202310-Q
09/30/202211/23/202210-K
Collapse to Preview
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/06/202610-Q
03/31/202605/07/202610-Q
12/31/202502/09/202610-Q
09/30/202511/25/202510-K
06/30/202508/07/202510-Q
03/31/202505/09/202510-Q
12/31/202402/07/202510-Q
09/30/202411/15/202410-K
06/30/202408/06/202410-Q
03/31/202405/07/202410-Q
12/31/202302/05/202410-Q
09/30/202311/29/202310-K
06/30/202308/08/202310-Q
03/31/202305/08/202310-Q
12/31/202202/07/202310-Q
09/30/202211/23/202210-K
06/30/202208/03/202210-Q
03/31/202205/04/202210-Q
12/31/202102/02/202210-Q
09/30/202111/10/202110-K
06/30/202107/23/202110-Q
03/31/202104/28/202110-Q
12/31/202002/03/202110-Q
09/30/202011/12/202010-K
06/30/202007/30/202010-Q
03/31/202005/01/202010-Q
12/31/201901/29/202010-Q
09/30/201911/15/201910-K

Recent Forward Guidance

Updated 8/6/2026

Latest: Q3 2026 Earnings Reported 8/5/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q4 2026 Net SalesReported38.00 Mil40.00 Mil42.00 Mil   
Q4 2026 Net Income per ShareReported00.040.07   
2026 Net SalesReported151.00 Mil153.00 Mil155.00 Mil-7.3% LoweredGuidance: 165.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Net Income per ShareReported0.140.170.21   


Prior: Q2 2026 Earnings Reported 5/6/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q3 2026 RevenueReported42.00 Mil44.00 Mil46.00 Mil  Higher New
Q3 2026 EPSReported0.170.190.21  Higher New
2026 RevenueReported160.00 Mil165.00 Mil170.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 165.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Revenue GrowthReported7.0%10.5%14.0%  Higher New

Q1 2026 Earnings Reported 2/4/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q2 2026 Net Loss per Diluted ShareReported-0.1-0.06-0.02   
Q2 2026 Net SalesReported32.00 Mil33.50 Mil35.00 Mil   
2026 Net SalesReported160.00 Mil165.00 Mil170.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 165.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Net Income per ShareReported0.480.550.620 AffirmedGuidance: 0.55 for 2026

Q4 2025 Earnings Reported 11/25/2025

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q1 2026 RevenueReported30.00 Mil31.50 Mil33.00 Mil-35.7% Lower NewGuidance: 49.00 Mil for Q4 2025
Q1 2026 EPSReported-0.08-0.040-157.1% Lower NewGuidance: 0.07 for Q4 2025
2026 RevenueReported160.00 Mil165.00 Mil170.00 Mil-9.3% Lower NewGuidance: 182.00 Mil for 2025
2026 EPSReported0.480.550.62   

Insider Activity

Updated 7/6/2026
Expand for More
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Beranek, CherylChief Executive OfficerDirectSell706202640.061,77871,22719,748,498Form
2Khemakhem, AnisChief Commercial OfficerDirectSell611202639.901,68467,1921,002,527Form
3Beranek, CherylChief Executive OfficerDirectSell603202646.927,500351,90023,203,864Form
4Beranek, CherylChief Executive OfficerDirectSell528202650.002,500125,00025,102,050Form
5Beranek, CherylChief Executive OfficerDirectSell512202645.022,500112,55022,714,436Form
Collapse to Preview
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Beranek, CherylChief Executive OfficerDirectSell706202640.061,77871,22719,748,498Form
2Khemakhem, AnisChief Commercial OfficerDirectSell611202639.901,68467,1921,002,527Form
3Beranek, CherylChief Executive OfficerDirectSell603202646.927,500351,90023,203,864Form
4Beranek, CherylChief Executive OfficerDirectSell528202650.002,500125,00025,102,050Form
5Beranek, CherylChief Executive OfficerDirectSell512202645.022,500112,55022,714,436Form
6Jones, Walter Louis JR DirectSell512202646.052,391110,106399,806Form
7Beranek, CherylChief Executive OfficerDirectSell512202640.275,000201,35020,418,541Form
8Hayward, Donald R DirectSell220202632.003,595115,040347,840Form
9Roth, Ronald G DirectBuy1215202530.0610,000300,60038,454,676Form

Investor Activity (13F)

Updated Sep 26, 2026
13F holdings as of Mar 31, 2026 (Q1 2026)

Active managers (13F portfolio over $250M, at least 3 holdings) with a position over $5M that is either over 10% of their portfolio or held in a concentrated book of 50 or fewer total positions. Index/ETF, sovereign, bank, community-bank and charitable/donor-advised filers are excluded.

Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
ACK Asset Management LLC$19.5 Mil2.4%20ADD +17.6%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
ACK Asset Management LLC$19.5 Mil2.4%20ADD +17.6%13F
Active Manager
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
ACK Asset Management LLC$19.5 Mil2.4%20ADD +17.6%13F
Core Cache Last Updated: 9/25/2026