Welcome to our dedicated page for Clearfield news (Ticker: CLFD), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Clearfield stock.
About Clearfield, Inc.
Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) is a leading provider of innovative fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions for communication networks. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Clearfield designs and manufactures products that enable efficient and cost-effective fiber deployment for a wide range of applications, including broadband, telecommunications, data centers, and municipal networks. The company’s solutions serve the unique needs of incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), multiple system operators (MSOs), and utility providers.
Core Products and Solutions
Clearfield’s product portfolio is centered around its proprietary platforms, including FieldSmart®, CraftSmart®, and Clearview® Cassette systems. These solutions are designed to streamline fiber deployment and management, reducing costs and labor requirements while ensuring high performance and reliability.
- FieldSmart® Fiber Management Platform: The only fiber management system built around a single architecture, FieldSmart supports a wide range of configurations, from 1 to 1,728 ports. It is adaptable for inside plant, outside plant, and access network environments, offering scalability and flexibility for network operators.
- CraftSmart® OSP Enclosure System: A field enclosure system optimized for fiber deployment, CraftSmart provides robust protection for outdoor fiber installations, ensuring durability and reliability in diverse environmental conditions.
- Clearview® Cassette: A modular and scalable fiber management solution that simplifies network expansion by standardizing components across different deployment scenarios.
- FiberDeep® Patch Cords: Engineered to deliver industry-leading performance with an insertion loss of just 0.2 dB, FiberDeep ensures superior signal quality and reliability.
Market Position and Competitive Landscape
Clearfield operates in the rapidly growing fiber optic industry, driven by increasing demand for high-speed broadband connectivity and government-backed initiatives like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The company has positioned itself as a key enabler of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) deployments, particularly in underserved rural areas. By focusing on modular, scalable solutions that reduce deployment costs and labor requirements, Clearfield differentiates itself from larger competitors like Corning and CommScope.
Strategic Advantages
Clearfield’s strategic advantages include its innovative product design, dual manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. and Mexico, and compliance with regulations like the Build America Buy America (BABA) Act. These factors enable the company to meet the needs of both domestic and international markets while mitigating supply chain risks. Additionally, Clearfield’s focus on customer-centric solutions, such as its "fiber to anywhere" platform, ensures adaptability across various network architectures and market segments.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
As broadband adoption continues to accelerate, Clearfield is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for fiber optic infrastructure. The company’s commitment to innovation, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance makes it a trusted partner for network operators looking to expand their capabilities. With a strong focus on rural broadband expansion and a robust product portfolio, Clearfield is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of global connectivity.
Clearfield reported a record revenue of $95 million for Q4 2022, a 110% year-over-year increase, contributing to a full-year revenue of $271 million (+92%). Net income rose 143% to $49 million, translating to $3.55 per diluted share. The backlog also surged by 148% to $165 million. For FY 2023, the company expects net sales of $380 million to $393 million, indicating a growth of 40% to 45%. The acquisition of Nestor Cables contributed $7 million to Q4 revenue but incurred a loss of approximately $200,000 due to integration costs.
Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) will host a conference call on November 17, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. ET, to discuss its financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and year ended September 30, 2022. The timing is set considering management and audit preparations along with enhanced reporting obligations due to a higher market cap and an international acquisition. Financial results and the company's FieldReport will be available prior to the call in the Investor Relations section of its website, providing insights into performance.
Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) reports superior deployment efficiency using its FastPass™ method, allowing operators to nearly double homes connected to fiber broadband. A recent study covering 159 installations revealed:
- Outside installation time reduced to 1 hour 5 minutes, saving 38%.
- Inside installation time cut to 35 minutes, a 35% reduction.
- Technicians can add one to two installation appointments daily.
This efficiency is vital for closing the digital equity gap and optimizing customer service.
Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) has launched the CraftSmart FiberFirst Pedestal, the first pedestal for fiber-only deployments, aimed at addressing the market shortage as planning for federally funded fiber broadband networks commences. This cost-effective, non-metallic enclosure is designed for outdoor use and enhances reliability and strength. The product aims to streamline installations and improve efficiency for operators in rural markets. Production has started, and orders are currently being accepted.
Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) reported a record revenue of $71 million for Q3 2022, marking an 84% year-over-year growth. The community broadband segment drove 73% growth compared to the previous year. The company achieved net income of $12.7 million ($0.92/share), up 109% from Q3 2021. The quarter-end backlog increased 16% to $157 million. Clearfield raised its 2022 sales guidance to $243-$247 million, reflecting 72%-75% growth year-over-year.
Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) has successfully completed its acquisition of Nestor Cables Ltd., a Finnish fiber optic cable solutions manufacturer, for approximately USD $23 million. This acquisition, funded mainly through Clearfield's credit facility, positions Clearfield to enhance its FieldShield product line and meet growing customer demand in North America. Clearfield anticipates the acquisition to be accretive to earnings in fiscal 2023, with plans to expand fiber optic cable production in Mexico leveraging Nestor's expertise.
Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) will hold a conference call on July 28, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss its financial results for the third quarter ending June 30, 2022. The call will feature President and CEO Cheri Beranek and CFO Dan Herzog, followed by a Q&A session. Financial results will be shared via a press release and the company’s FieldReport, accessible on their website. A replay of the call will be available from 8:00 p.m. ET on the same day until August 11, 2022.
Clearfield (NASDAQ: CLFD) has announced its agreement to acquire Finnish company Nestor Cables Oy for approximately US $23 million. This strategic move aims to vertically integrate Clearfield’s fiber optic cable supply, enhancing the production of its FieldShield products closer to North American customers. Nestor has been a partner for over a decade, contributing €31.7 million in revenue in 2021. The acquisition is expected to bolster Clearfield's operations with fiber optic production set to begin in Mexico in early 2023. The deal awaits customary regulatory approvals.
Clearfield reported a remarkable 80% year-over-year revenue growth to a record $53 million for the fiscal second quarter 2022, largely driven by a 94% surge in Community Broadband revenue. Their backlog increased 34% sequentially to $136 million, demonstrating strong demand. The company achieved a 43.3% gross profit margin and net income rose 154% to $9.2 million, or $0.66 per diluted share. Additionally, Clearfield raised its net sales guidance for fiscal 2022 to between $204 million and $218 million, indicating year-over-year growth of 45% to 55%.