Clearfield Management
Management criteria checks 3/4
Clearfield's CEO is Cheri Beranek, appointed in Jun 2007, has a tenure of 18.92 years. total yearly compensation is $1.61M, comprised of 28.5% salary and 71.5% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 3.71% of the company’s shares, worth $21.95M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 3.8 years and 2.9 years respectively.
Key information
Cheri Beranek
Chief executive officer
US$1.6m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 28.51% |
| CEO tenure | 18.9yrs |
| CEO ownership | 3.7% |
| Management average tenure | 3.8yrs |
| Board average tenure | 2.9yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Apr 27
CLFD: Buybacks And 2026 Outlook Will Support Ongoing Fiber Platform Adoption
Analysts are maintaining their $44.25 price target on Clearfield, with only minor tweaks to inputs such as the discount rate and assumed future P/E. This signals that their overall view on the stock's valuation remains essentially unchanged.Narrative Update • Apr 10
CLFD: Buybacks And 2026 Outlook Will Support New Fiber Platform Adoption
Analysts have modestly adjusted their price outlook on Clearfield, reflecting updated assumptions around discount rate, profit margin, and future P/E. These changes leave the fair value estimate steady at about $44.25 per share.Narrative Update • Mar 27
CLFD: Buybacks And 2026 Outlook Will Support Data Center Expansion Potential
Analysts kept their $44.25 price target for Clearfield unchanged, citing only slight technical tweaks to assumptions like discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E that did not materially alter their view on the stock’s value. What's in the News Clearfield issued earnings guidance for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, with anticipated net sales from continuing operations in a range of $32 million to $35 million and a projected net loss per diluted share between $0.02 and $0.10 (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Mar 12
CLFD: Buybacks And 2026 Earnings Outlook Will Support Further Upside
Analysts kept their $44.25 price target for Clearfield essentially unchanged, making only minor adjustments to assumptions for discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E that did not materially affect their overall valuation view. What's in the News Clearfield issued earnings guidance for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, projecting net sales from continuing operations of US$32 million to US$35 million and a net loss per diluted share of US$0.02 to US$0.10 (Corporate Guidance).Narrative Update • Feb 26
CLFD: Share Repurchases And 2026 Outlook Will Support Upside Potential
Analysts have nudged their price target on Clearfield to $44.25, reflecting updated assumptions around discount rates, long term revenue growth, profit margins, and a slightly higher future P/E multiple, while keeping their fair value estimate in line with prior views. What's in the News Clearfield updated its earnings outlook for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, guiding to net sales from continuing operations of US$32 million to US$35 million and a net loss per diluted share of US$0.02 to US$0.10.Narrative Update • Feb 11
CLFD: BEAD Demand And Expanded Buybacks Will Support Upside Through 2026
Narrative Update Our analyst price target for Clearfield has moved modestly higher to $44.25 from $43.50. This reflects updated assumptions on slightly lower revenue growth, a small improvement in profit margins, a marginally higher discount rate, and a slightly reduced future P/E multiple, in line with recent analyst commentary that balances softer near term guidance with longer term BEAD related demand expectations and company specific actions such as buybacks and portfolio changes.Narrative Update • Jan 25
CLFD: BEAD Momentum And Buybacks Will Support Upside Through 2026
Narrative Update: Clearfield Analyst Price Target Shift Analysts now see Clearfield's fair value at $43.50, with price targets in the low to mid $40s as they balance softer near term guidance, the Nestor Cables divestiture, BEAD related demand expectations into 2026, and support from the company's strengthened balance sheet and expanded buyback. Analyst Commentary Street research around Clearfield has become more balanced, with most firms trimming price targets but maintaining positive views on the long term setup tied to BEAD deployment, the Nestor Cables divestiture, and the share repurchase program.Narrative Update • Jan 11
CLFD: BEAD Funding And Buybacks Will Support Upside Through 2026
Analysts have trimmed their price targets and now peg Clearfield's fair value close to US$43.50. This reflects solid recent results tempered by softer near term guidance, the impact of the Nestor divestiture, and expectations for BEAD related demand and potential fiber tightness through FY26 and beyond.Narrative Update • Dec 25
CLFD: BEAD Demand And Buybacks Will Drive Upside Into 2026
Clearfield's analyst price target has been trimmed by a few dollars to a mid 40s range per share, as analysts factor in softer near term guidance tied to divestitures and seasonality, but maintain a constructive long term view supported by BEAD driven demand and expectations for 20 percent plus growth into FY26 and FY27. Analyst Commentary Street research remains constructive on Clearfield despite the recent round of price target cuts, with most analysts emphasizing that softer near term guidance is being weighed against an improving multi year growth outlook as BEAD related funding ramps.Narrative Update • Dec 11
CLFD: BEAD-Driven Demand And Buybacks Will Support Upside Ahead
Analysts have slightly trimmed their price target on Clearfield to $43.50. This reflects modestly higher long term growth and margin assumptions, offset by a lower future earnings multiple as they weigh softer near term guidance against improving BEAD driven demand visibility and supportive capital returns.Seeking Alpha • Dec 02
Clearfield: Not A Perfect Setup, But A Better One Than The Market Thinks
Summary Clearfield, Inc. stalled after a failed breakout, now sitting near long-term support. Industry slowdown hit hard, but operations and margins have materially improved. Q4 missed on revenue, yet Clearfield cleaned up Nestor and strengthened its core. BEAD delays and fiber shortages weigh on demand, but 2026–27 setup looks stronger. CLFD valuation is cheap on sales and book, making the risk/reward appealing if execution lands. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Nov 27
CLFD: BEAD Demand And Buybacks Will Drive Positive Momentum Ahead
Analysts have revised Clearfield’s fair value estimate downward from $49.25 to $43.50, citing mixed quarterly performance, near-term headwinds following business divestitures, and evolving growth expectations related to BEAD-driven demand and fiscal guidance adjustments. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research reflects a nuanced outlook on Clearfield's future performance, with analysts split between highlighting favorable growth drivers and cautioning against near-term challenges.Analysis Article • Aug 30
Some Confidence Is Lacking In Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) As Shares Slide 25%
Clearfield, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CLFD ) shares have had a horrible month, losing 25% after a relatively good period...Narrative Update • Aug 08
Expanding Broadband Adoption Will Power Next Generation Networks
Clearfield's consensus price target has been raised to $49.25, reflecting improved earnings outlook as net profit margin rises sharply and future P/E declines, signaling both stronger profitability and more attractive valuation. What's in the News Clearfield raised full-year 2025 revenue guidance to $180 million–$184 million and issued Q4 guidance for net sales of $47 million–$51 million with net income per share of $0.03–$0.11.New Narrative • May 29
US Government Funding Will Fuel Fiber Connectivity Expansion
Substantial broadband funding and rising demand for high-speed connectivity are projected to drive sustained revenue growth and margin expansion for Clearfield.Analysis Article • May 29
Subdued Growth No Barrier To Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) With Shares Advancing 29%
Clearfield, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CLFD ) shares have had a really impressive month, gaining 29% after a shaky period...Analysis Article • May 16
An Intrinsic Calculation For Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) Suggests It's 48% Undervalued
Key Insights The projected fair value for Clearfield is US$74.35 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Clearfield's...Analysis Article • Apr 04
Some Shareholders Feeling Restless Over Clearfield, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CLFD) P/S Ratio
Clearfield, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:CLFD ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 2.3x may not look like an appealing investment...Analysis Article • Feb 13
Is Clearfield (NASDAQ:CLFD) Using Debt Sensibly?
Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of...Analysis Article • Dec 13
Risks To Shareholder Returns Are Elevated At These Prices For Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD)
When close to half the companies in the Communications industry in the United States have price-to-sales ratios (or...Analysis Article • Nov 14
Health Check: How Prudently Does Clearfield (NASDAQ:CLFD) Use Debt?
The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...Seeking Alpha • Aug 31
Clearfield: Interesting Developments And A Longer Time Frame To Hold The Stock
Summary Initially rated Clearfield as a Buy due to market overreaction, undervaluation, and strong financial management; now considering a Hold rating. Impressed by Clearfield's strategic financial moves: selling high and buying lower. Insider buying indicates confidence; management's significant ownership aligns their incentives with shareholders. Future growth potential driven by government programs like BEAD and ACAM, but a significant impact is not expected until 2025-2026. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • May 23
What Clearfield, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CLFD) 25% Share Price Gain Is Not Telling You
The Clearfield, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CLFD ) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an excellent gain of...Analysis Article • Feb 16
Shareholders Will Probably Not Have Any Issues With Clearfield, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CLFD) CEO Compensation
Key Insights Clearfield's Annual General Meeting to take place on 22nd of February Salary of US$425.0k is part of CEO...Analysis Article • Nov 12
Bearish: Analysts Just Cut Their Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) Revenue and EPS estimates
Market forces rained on the parade of Clearfield, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CLFD ) shareholders today, when the analysts downgraded...Analysis Article • Aug 25
Is Now The Time To Put Clearfield (NASDAQ:CLFD) On Your Watchlist?
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even...Analysis Article • Jun 07
Is There Now An Opportunity In Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD)?
Clearfield, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CLFD ), might not be a large cap stock, but it saw a double-digit share price rise of over...Analysis Article • May 06
Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) Analysts Just Cut Their EPS Forecasts Substantially
One thing we could say about the analysts on Clearfield, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CLFD ) - they aren't optimistic, having just...Analysis Article • Mar 10
Here's Why Clearfield (NASDAQ:CLFD) Has Caught The Eye Of Investors
Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks...CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$3m |
| Dec 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$6m |
| Sep 30 2025 | US$2m | US$460k | US$6m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$7m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$5m |
| Dec 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | -US$4m |
| Sep 30 2024 | US$2m | US$425k | -US$9m |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | -US$9m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | -US$3m |
| Dec 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$13m |
| Sep 30 2023 | US$1m | US$425k | US$34m |
| Jun 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$47m |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$54m |
| Dec 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$53m |
| Sep 30 2022 | US$2m | US$374k | US$49m |
| Jun 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$40m |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$33m |
| Dec 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$28m |
| Sep 30 2021 | US$2m | US$362k | US$20m |
| Jun 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$16m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$13m |
| Dec 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$10m |
| Sep 30 2020 | US$822k | US$351k | US$7m |
| Jun 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$6m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$4m |
| Dec 31 2019 | n/a | n/a | US$4m |
| Sep 30 2019 | US$537k | US$322k | US$5m |
Compensation vs Market: Cheri's total compensation ($USD1.61M) is below average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD2.65M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Cheri's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Cheri Beranek (63 yo)
18.9yrs
Tenure
US$1,613,405
Compensation
Ms. Cheryl P. Beranek, also known as Cheri, serves as Director at Key Tronic Corporation from January 2004. She has been Chief Executive Officer and President at Clearfield, Inc. (formerly, APA Enterprises...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO, President & Director | 18.9yrs | US$1.61m | 3.71% $ 21.9m | |
| Chief Financial Officer | 14.8yrs | US$980.58k | 0.63% $ 3.7m | |
| Chief Operating Officer | 17.6yrs | US$1.58m | 1.41% $ 8.4m | |
| Chief Information Officer | 3.8yrs | no data | no data | |
| General Counsel & Secretary | 2.9yrs | no data | no data | |
| Chief Commercial Officer | 1.3yrs | no data | 0.20% $ 1.2m | |
| Vice President of Human Resources & Office of Resource Management | 3.8yrs | no data | no data |
3.8yrs
Average Tenure
60yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: CLFD's management team is considered experienced (3.8 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO, President & Director | 18.4yrs | US$1.61m | 3.71% $ 21.9m | |
| Chairman Emeritus | 24.3yrs | US$129.99k | 10.73% $ 63.4m | |
| Director | less than a year | no data | 0.021% $ 124.8k | |
| Independent Director | 1.4yrs | US$98.52k | 0.039% $ 231.3k | |
| Independent Director | 4.4yrs | US$129.99k | 0.071% $ 418.9k | |
| Independent Director | 1.4yrs | US$98.52k | 0.039% $ 231.3k | |
| Independent Director | 4.4yrs | US$119.99k | 0.064% $ 377.7k | |
| Director | less than a year | no data | 0.021% $ 124.8k |
2.9yrs
Average Tenure
62.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: CLFD's board of directors are not considered experienced ( 2.9 years average tenure), which suggests a new board.
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/18 21:12 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/15 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/09/30 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Clearfield, Inc. is covered by 7 analysts. 4 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Daniel Amir | Ladenburg Thalmann & Company |
| Jaeson Allen Schmidt | Lake Street Capital Markets, LLC |
| Ryan Koontz | Needham & Company |