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Clearfield (CLFD)
NASDAQ:CLFD
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Clearfield (CLFD) AI Stock Analysis

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CLFD

Clearfield

(NASDAQ:CLFD)

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Neutral 49 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:49Neutral
Price Target:
$29.00
▲(2.26% Upside)
Clearfield's overall stock score reflects significant challenges in financial performance and valuation. The company's declining revenue and profitability, coupled with a high P/E ratio, weigh heavily on the score. Technical analysis indicates bearish momentum, further impacting the stock's outlook. Despite these challenges, the earnings call provided some optimism with strong sales growth and new product initiatives, but external risks remain.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
The 13% YoY increase in Q4 net sales indicates strong demand for Clearfield's products, suggesting robust market positioning and potential for sustained growth.
New Product Initiatives
The introduction of new product lines reflects Clearfield's commitment to innovation, which can enhance its competitive edge and drive future revenue growth.
Strong Cash Position
A strong cash position provides Clearfield with the financial flexibility to invest in growth opportunities and weather economic uncertainties.
Negative Factors
Declining Revenue
The significant revenue decline poses a challenge to Clearfield's growth trajectory, potentially impacting its ability to maintain market share and profitability.
Profitability Challenges
Negative net profit margins indicate operational inefficiencies, which could hinder Clearfield's ability to generate sustainable profits and invest in future growth.
Impact of Government Shutdown and BEAD Delays
External factors like government shutdowns and program delays can disrupt Clearfield's revenue streams, affecting its short-term financial performance and planning.

Clearfield (CLFD) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Clearfield Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionClearfield, Inc. (CLFD) is a leading provider of fiber management, connectivity, and other telecommunications solutions, primarily serving the broadband industry. The company specializes in innovative products designed to streamline the deployment and management of fiber optic networks, catering to service providers, municipalities, and enterprises. Clearfield's core offerings include optical distribution frames, fiber enclosures, and various connectivity solutions that enhance network performance and reliability.
How the Company Makes MoneyClearfield generates revenue through the sale of its fiber management and connectivity products, which are essential for the deployment of fiber optic networks. The company has a diverse revenue model that includes direct sales to customers, as well as partnerships with distributors and telecommunications companies. Key revenue streams stem from product sales, including optical distribution frames and enclosures, as well as ongoing support services and solutions for network management. Additionally, Clearfield benefits from partnerships with major telecom providers, which helps expand its market reach and drive sales growth.

Clearfield Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 25, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 22, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong financial performance in terms of net sales growth and increased gross margins, along with a solid cash position. However, the divestiture of Nestor Cables with a significant write-down and challenges related to the government shutdown and BEAD delays present notable concerns. Despite these challenges, the introduction of new product lines indicates potential for future growth.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Increase in Net Sales
Fourth quarter net sales from Clearfield's continuing operations were $41.1 million, up 13% year over year. For the full fiscal year, net sales grew 20% to $150 million.
Improved Gross Margin
Gross margin improved from 26.6% to 34.6% in the fourth quarter, driven by better manufacturing efficiencies and overhead absorption with higher volume.
Positive Net Income from Continuing Operations
Net income per share from continuing operations was 13¢ in 2025, compared to a loss of 1¢ per share in the comparable period last year.
Strong Cash Position
Clearfield ended the quarter with approximately $166 million in cash and investments, up from $153 million in the prior year.
Introduction of New Product Lines
Clearfield plans to introduce a complete line of splice cases and a next-generation fiber management cassette, targeting non-hyperscale data centers in 2026.
Negative Updates
Divestiture of Nestor Cables with Write-Down
Clearfield divested the Nestor Cables business, resulting in a $10.4 million noncash write-down in the fourth quarter.
Impact of Government Shutdown and BEAD Delays
The government shutdown and delays in the BEAD program affected bookings and revenue forecasts, contributing to a soft first quarter outlook for fiscal 2026.
Suboptimal Use of Capital in European Market
Expanding Nestor's business beyond Finland into the European market proved to be a lower margin opportunity, leading to the divestiture.
Company Guidance
In the recent call, Clearfield, Inc. provided detailed guidance for fiscal year 2026, focusing on strategic growth and financial performance. The company reported fourth-quarter net sales from continuing operations at $41.1 million, a 13% increase year over year, and full-year net sales of $150 million, up 20%. Gross margin improved significantly, reaching 34.6% in the fourth quarter, driven by better manufacturing efficiencies. Clearfield expects fiscal 2026 net sales to range between $160 to $170 million, with earnings per share from continuing operations projected between 48¢ to 62¢. The divestiture of Nestor Cables, which resulted in a $10.4 million non-cash write-down, allows Clearfield to focus on core North American operations. The company aims to leverage its Better Broadband and Beyond strategy by introducing new product lines, including splice cases and a next-generation fiber management cassette, and expanding its distribution channels. Clearfield's financial position remains strong, with $166 million in cash and investments, and an increased share buyback authorization to $85 million.

Clearfield Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Clearfield faces challenges with declining revenue and profitability, impacting its income statement. The balance sheet is stable with low leverage, but the company struggles to generate returns on equity. Cash flow management requires attention to enhance liquidity and support future growth.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Clearfield's income statement shows a declining trend in revenue with a significant drop of 16.28% in the latest year. The company has struggled with profitability, evidenced by a negative net profit margin of -5.36%. Despite a positive gross profit margin of 33.66%, the EBIT and EBITDA margins are low, indicating challenges in operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The balance sheet reflects a strong equity position with a low debt-to-equity ratio, indicating financial stability. However, the return on equity has been negative in recent years, suggesting inefficiencies in generating returns from equity. The equity ratio remains healthy, supporting the company's solvency.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Cash flow analysis reveals a slight decline in free cash flow growth, but operating cash flow remains positive. The free cash flow to net income ratio is low, indicating potential challenges in converting profits into cash. The company needs to improve cash generation to support operations and growth.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue150.13M150.13M166.71M268.72M270.88M140.76M
Gross Profit50.54M50.54M28.89M85.28M112.95M61.18M
EBITDA15.06M14.79M-8.34M43.34M67.23M28.04M
Net Income-8.05M-8.05M-12.45M32.53M49.36M20.33M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets306.17M306.17M315.27M355.52M229.13M125.91M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments105.98M105.98M130.99M168.11M22.45M23.59M
Total Debt8.76M8.76M18.36M16.48M36.85M2.53M
Total Liabilities50.01M50.01M39.51M40.35M81.55M22.09M
Stockholders Equity256.16M256.16M275.76M315.16M147.58M103.82M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow24.71M24.71M12.66M11.63M-8.15M8.86M
Operating Cash Flow29.45M29.45M22.22M20.01M1.00M10.90M
Investing Cash Flow-8.84M-8.84M-6.90M-112.25M-8.20M-13.60M
Financing Cash Flow-14.24M-14.24M-36.91M113.42M10.65M-536.00K

Clearfield Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price28.36
Price Trends
50DMA
33.45
Negative
100DMA
35.05
Negative
200DMA
34.51
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.58
Positive
RSI
35.83
Neutral
STOCH
62.47
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CLFD, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 28.36 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 30.57, below the 50-day MA of 33.45, and below the 200-day MA of 34.51, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.58 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 35.83 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 62.47 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for CLFD.

Clearfield Risk Analysis

Clearfield disclosed 25 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Clearfield reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Clearfield Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
$239.72M19.4338.74%10.12%153.04%
70
Outperform
$801.90M31.826.95%29.67%41.90%
63
Neutral
$266.63M19.925.24%10.89%
61
Neutral
$37.18B12.37-10.20%1.83%8.50%-7.62%
51
Neutral
$65.84M-27.13%93.47%37.19%
49
Neutral
$394.76M2.37%-9.94%30.96%
49
Neutral
$175.90M130.260.84%-3.78%-92.62%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CLFD
Clearfield
28.36
-2.89
-9.25%
AVNW
Aviat Networks
20.77
3.98
23.70%
CRNT
Ceragon Networks
1.94
-2.45
-55.81%
GILT
Gilat
11.84
5.75
94.42%
BKTI
BK Technologies
63.77
30.08
89.28%
AMPG
AmpliTech Group
3.10
2.21
248.31%

Clearfield Corporate Events

Clearfield Reports Strong 2025 Financial Performance
Nov 26, 2025

Clearfield, Inc., a prominent player in the fiber connectivity sector, specializes in designing and manufacturing fiber optic management solutions crucial for broadband operators. The company, headquartered in Minneapolis, serves a diverse clientele including community broadband providers, MSOs, and data centers.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Clearfield Sells Finnish Subsidiary in Strategic Move
Positive
Nov 17, 2025

On November 11, 2025, Clearfield, Inc. finalized the sale of its subsidiary, Clearfield Finland Oy, to two employees of Nestor Cables Oy for $1 in cash and $5.8 million in inter-company receivables. This divestiture, part of a management buyout, allows Clearfield to focus on its core business and is expected to enhance profitability and operating margins. The transaction, which will result in a one-time fiscal charge, aligns with Clearfield’s strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs, supporting Build America, Buy America requirements.

The most recent analyst rating on (CLFD) stock is a Buy with a $52.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Clearfield stock, see the CLFD Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Clearfield Appoints New Board Members for Growth
Positive
Oct 29, 2025

On October 28, 2025, Clearfield, Inc. announced the appointment of Rebecca B. Seidel and Kathleen S. Skarvan to its Board of Directors, effective December 10, 2025. This strategic move aims to enhance the board’s collective strength and support Clearfield’s long-term growth. Both appointees bring extensive experience in their respective fields, with Ms. Seidel having a strong background in MedTech and Ms. Skarvan in high technology and strategic leadership. Their appointments coincide with the retirement of current directors Charles N. Hayssen and Donald R. Hayward, who will step down at the 2026 annual meeting of shareholders. This transition is expected to bolster Clearfield’s strategic direction and operational excellence, potentially impacting stakeholders positively by driving growth and innovation.

The most recent analyst rating on (CLFD) stock is a Buy with a $52.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Clearfield stock, see the CLFD Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Nov 26, 2025