Clearfield Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 1/6
Clearfield's earnings have been declining at an average annual rate of -33.6%, while the Communications industry saw earnings declining at 0.3% annually. Revenues have been declining at an average rate of 5% per year. Clearfield's return on equity is 1.4%, and it has net margins of 2.2%.
Key information
-33.58%
Earnings growth rate
-34.24%
EPS growth rate
| Communications Industry Growth | 31.77% |
| Revenue growth rate | -4.97% |
| Return on equity | 1.36% |
| Net Margin | 2.23% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • May 24
Clearfield: A Small Fiber Company With A Data Center Opportunity
Summary Clearfield is positioned for upside as its data center product NOVA gains unexpected early traction, shifting management's tone to optimism. CLFD's core fiber deployment solutions address real-world installation challenges, with potential for accelerated growth if data center contracts materialize. Valuation is compelling: net cash of $100M, ongoing share buybacks, and EV/Sales of only 2.5x compared to peers trading at 10x. Risks remain, as no major data center contracts are signed, but cautious management and low EV/sales multiple support a Buy rating. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
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.Narrative 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...Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Clearfield makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 149 | 3 | 52 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 155 | 6 | 51 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 150 | 6 | 48 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 126 | 7 | 43 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 125 | 5 | 43 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 121 | -4 | 43 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 126 | -9 | 45 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 170 | -9 | 49 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 182 | -3 | 49 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 217 | 13 | 48 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 226 | 34 | 42 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 314 | 47 | 53 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 324 | 54 | 52 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 306 | 53 | 52 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 271 | 49 | 48 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 221 | 40 | 44 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 189 | 33 | 41 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 165 | 28 | 38 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 141 | 20 | 36 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 123 | 16 | 33 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 110 | 13 | 31 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 101 | 10 | 30 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 93 | 7 | 30 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 90 | 6 | 29 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 86 | 4 | 29 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 84 | 4 | 28 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 85 | 5 | 28 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 84 | 5 | 26 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 83 | 5 | 25 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 81 | 4 | 25 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 78 | 4 | 25 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 74 | 4 | 25 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 72 | 3 | 26 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 73 | 4 | 25 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 74 | 4 | 24 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 77 | 5 | 25 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 79 | 7 | 24 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 78 | 7 | 23 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 75 | 8 | 22 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 70 | 7 | 20 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 67 | 6 | 19 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 62 | 5 | 18 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 60 | 5 | 18 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 59 | 4 | 17 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: CLFD has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: CLFD's current net profit margins (2.2%) are lower than last year (3.9%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: CLFD's earnings have declined by 33.6% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: CLFD's has had negative earnings growth over the past year, so it can't be compared to its 5-year average.
Earnings vs Industry: CLFD had negative earnings growth (-31.8%) over the past year, making it difficult to compare to the Communications industry average (11.5%).
Return on Equity
High ROE: CLFD's Return on Equity (1.4%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/06/01 12:54 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/29 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.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
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 |