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Clearfield, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2011 June (Form 10-Q)

f10q_072911.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 
[ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011

 
[   ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number 0-16106
 
Clearfield, Inc.
 
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Minnesota
41-1347235
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5480 Nathan Lane North, Suite 120, Plymouth, Minnesota 55442
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(763) 476-6866
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
[X] YES     [  ] NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
[  ] YES     [  ] NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a “large accelerated filer,” an “accelerated filer,” a “non-accelerated filer” or a “smaller reporting company” (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Large accelerated filer  [  ]   Accelerated filer  [  ]   Non-accelerated filer  [  ]   Smaller Reporting Company [X]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
[  ] YES     [X] NO
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class:
Outstanding at July 29 2011
Common stock, par value $.01
12,136,482

 
 

 
CLEARFIELD, INC.
 FORM 10-Q
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 


 
 
 

 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CLEARFIELD, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
UNAUDITED
   
June 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
Assets
           
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 8,229,087     $ 5,285,719  
Short-term investments
    3,141,000       1,764,868  
Accounts receivable, net
    3,681,152       3,244,379  
Inventories
    2,197,569       1,512,306  
Other current assets
    254,417       129,079  
Total Current Assets
    17,503,225       11,936,351  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    910,422       1,273,107  
                 
Other Assets
               
Long-term investments
    2,216,000       3,236,163  
Goodwill
    2,570,511       2,570,511  
Deferred taxes –long term
    2,083,757       2,145,362  
Other
    176,368       176,368  
Patents
    23,099       23,099  
Total other assets
    7,069,735       8,151,503  
Total Assets
  $ 25,483,382     $ 21,360,961  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable
    1,301,687       1,188,261  
Accrued compensation
    2,110,037       765,181  
Accrued expenses
    91,562       82,867  
Total current liabilities
    3,503,286       2,036,309  
Deferred rent
    67,386       78,585  
Total Liabilities
    3,570,672       2,114,894  
Commitment and Contingencies
    -       -  
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Undesignated shares, 4,999,500 authorized shares; no
shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 500 shares;
no shares outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock, authorized 50,000,000, $.01 par value;
12,136,482 and 12,015,331, shares issued and
outstanding at June 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010
    121,365       120,153  
Additional paid-in capital
    52,942,990       52,589,034  
Accumulated deficit
    (31,151,645 )     (33,463,120 )
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    21,912,710       19,246,067  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 25,483,382     $ 21,360,961  
 
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
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CLEARFIELD, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
UNAUDITED
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30
   
Nine months Ended June 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Revenues
  $ 10,124,665     $ 6,778,193     $ 24,490,898     $ 16,445,626  
                                 
Cost of sales
    5,805,914       4,174,998       14,312,455       10,407,347  
                                 
Gross profit
    4,318,751       2,603,195       10,178,443       6,038,279  
                                 
Operating expenses
                               
Selling, general and administrative
    3,076,388       1,992,576       7,904,006       5,746,913  
Gain on disposal of assets
    (44,352 )     -       (44,352 )     -  
      3,032,036       1,992,576       7,859,654       5,746,913  
Income from operations
    1,286,715       610,619       2,318,789       291,366  
                                 
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest income
    26,604       36,491       83,065       112,125  
Interest expense
    -       -       -       (820 )
Other income
    10,000       11,498       25,500       35,850  
      36,604       47,989       108,565       147,155  
Income before income taxes
    1,323,319       658,608       2,427,354       438,521  
                                 
Income tax expense
    45,489       29,595       115,879       77,559  
                                 
Net income
  $ 1,277,830     $ 629,013     $ 2,311,475     $ 360,962  
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.11     $ 0.05     $ 0.19     $ 0.03  
Diluted
  $ 0.10     $ 0.05     $ 0.18     $ 0.03  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    12,097,670       11,995,331       12,054,868       11,987,793  
Diluted
    12,829,497       12,437,853       12,738,794       12,460,069  
 
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
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CLEARFIELD, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
UNAUDITED
 
   
Nine months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 2,311,475     $ 360,962  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    266,419       363,192  
Deferred taxes
    61,605       63,316  
Gain on disposal of assets
    (44,352 )     -  
Stock based compensation
    208,557       119,106  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, net
    (394,606 )     249,529  
Inventories
    (685,263 )     (277,930 )
Prepaid expenses and other
    (125,338 )     (76,068 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    1,471,856       (544,371 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,070,353       257,736  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (577,919 )     (343,035 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    660,292       -  
Patent additions
    -       (27,649 )
Purchases of investments
    (1,395,659 )     (2,008,163 )
Proceeds from maturities of investments
    1,039,690       1,851,000  
Proceeds from notes receivable
    -       435,336  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (273,596 )     (92,511 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Repayment of long-term debt
    -       (33,081 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
    87,667       -  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options
    58,944       22,437  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    146,611       (10,644 )
                 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    2,943,368       154,581  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    5,285,719       4,731,735  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 8,229,087     $ 4,886,316  
                 
 
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
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NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying condensed financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Pursuant to these rules and regulations, certain financial information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  However, in the opinion of management, the financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the interim periods presented. Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year or for any other interim period, due to variability in customer purchasing patterns and seasonal, operating and other factors. These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010.
 
In preparation of the Company’s financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

Note 2.  Net Income Per Share
 
Basic net income per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted EPS equals net income divided by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus all additional common stock equivalents, such as stock options, when dilutive.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Nine months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net income per common share — basic:
                       
Net income
  $ 1,277,830     $ 629,013     $ 2,311,475     $ 360,962  
Weighted average shares outstanding basic
    12,097,670       11,995,331       12,054,868       11,987,793  
Net income per common share
  $ 0.11     $ 0.05     $ 0.19     $ 0.03  
                                 
Net income per common share — diluted
                               
Net income
  $ 1,277,830     $ 629,013     $ 2,311,475     $ 360,962  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    12,097,670       11,995,331       12,054,868       11,987,793  
Dilutive impact of common stock equivalent outstanding
    731,827       442,522       683,926       472,276  
Weighted average shares outstanding— diluted
    12,829,497       12,437,853       12,738,794       12,460,069  
Net income per common share — diluted
  $ 0.10     $ 0.05     $ 0.18     $ 0.03  
 
 
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Note  3. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

The Company currently invests its excess cash in money market accounts and bank certificates of deposit (CDs) with a term of not more than three years. CDs with original maturities of more than three months are reported as held-to-maturity investments and are carried at amortized cost. The maturity dates of our CDs at June 30, 2011 and September 30, 2011 are as follows:
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
Less than one year
  $ 3,141,000     $ 1,764,848  
1-3 years
    2,216,000       3,236,163  
Total
  $ 5,357,000     $ 5,001,031  

Note 4.  Stock Based Compensation

The Company recorded $208,557 of compensation expense related to current and past option grants, restricted stock grants and the Company’s 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (for which the first of the six month contribution periods was July 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010)  for the nine-month period ended June 30, 2011.  The Company recorded $119,106 of compensation expense related to current and past equity awards for the nine-month period ended June 30, 2010.  This expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense.  There was no tax benefit from recording this non-cash expense.  As of June 30, 2011, $344,766 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.45 years.
 
We used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted average fair value of options during the nine-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
During the nine month period ended June 30, 2011, the Company granted key employees incentive stock options and granted non-employee directors non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 17,500 shares of common stock with a contractual term of 6 years, vesting terms between one and three years, a weighted average exercise price of $4.67 and a fair value of $3.29 per share.
 
During the nine month period ended June 30, 2010, the Company granted key employees incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock with a contractual term of 6 to 7 years, a three year vesting term and an exercise price of $3.30 and $2.58 with a fair value range of $1.42 and $1.96 per share. During the nine month period ended June 30, 2010, directors received 5,000 shares of common stock with a contractual term of 6 years, a one year vesting term and an exercise price of $2.87 with a fair value of $1.77 per share.
 
The weighted-average fair values at the grant date for options issued during the nine months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were $3.29 and $1.95, respectively. This fair value was estimated at grant date using the weighted-average assumptions listed below.
 
   
Nine months ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Dividend yield
    0 %     0 %
Expected volatility
    79.17 %     66.95 %
Average risk-free interest rate
    2.04 %     2.33 %
Expected life
 
6 years
   
5-6 years
 
Vesting period
 
1-3 years
   
1-3 years
 
 
During the nine month period ended June 30, 2011, employees exercised stock options totaling 74,251 shares, resulting in $58,944 of proceeds to the Company. During the nine month period ended June 30, 2010, employees exercised stock options totaling 20,700 shares, resulting in $22,437 of proceeds to the Company.
 
The expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock for a period approximating the expected life. The expected life represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding after their grant date. The risk-free interest rate reflects the interest rate at grant date on zero-coupon U.S. governmental bonds having a remaining life similar to the expected option term.
 
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Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
Clearfield, Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) adopted on February 25, 2010, allows participating employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a discount through payroll deductions. The ESPP is available to all employees subject to certain eligibility requirements. Terms of the ESPP provide that participating employees may purchase the Company’s common stock on a voluntary after-tax basis. Employees may purchase the Company’s common stock at a price that is no less than the lower of 85% of the fair market value of one share of common stock at the beginning or end of each stock purchase period or phase. The ESPP is carried out in six-month phases, with phases beginning on January 1 and July 1 of each calendar year. For the phase that ended on December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011, employees purchased 17,710 and 14,519 shares at a price of $2.13 and $3.44 per share, respectively. After the employee purchase on June 30, 2011, 267,771 shares of common stock were available for future purchase under the ESPP.
 
Note 5.  Inventories

Inventories consist of the following as of:
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
Raw materials
  $ 1,976,871     $ 1,289,869  
Work-in-progress
    36,037       26,233  
Finished goods
    184,661       196,204  
    $ 2,197,569     $ 1,512,306  

Note 6.  Assets held for sale

The Company has been in the process of evaluating other uses for its Aberdeen, South Dakota facility for over a year.  The Company had not occupied the facility since fiscal year 2006. Previously it was determined that it was unlikely that a sale of the building would occur within twelve months and the facility was not classified as assets held for sale for accounting purposes.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company received and accepted a purchase offer for the facility and therefore the Company classified the Aberdeen building and land as assets held for sale within the balance sheet.  In June 2011, the Company completed the sale of the facility and land in the amount of $725,000. The final proceeds to the Company after transaction costs were $660,000. We recorded a gain on the sale of these assets of approximately $37,000.  This gain is reflected in income from operations in the statement of operations for the quarter ending June 30, 2011.
 
Note 7.  Major Customer Concentration
 
One customer, Power & Telephone Supply Company (Power & Tel) who serves as a reseller of our product to a range of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Telco carriers as well as cable service operators, comprised approximately 21% and 19% of total sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

At June 30, 2011, two customers accounted for 23% of accounts receivable.  Power & Tel, accounted for 12% and Graybar Electric, Inc., also a reseller, accounted for 11%.  At June 30, 2010, Power & Tel accounted for 22% of accounts receivable.  Graybar sales did not exceed 10% of total sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. Power & Tel and Graybar purchase our product through a standard form of purchase order.
 
Note 8. Goodwill and Patents
 
The Company analyzes its goodwill for impairment annually or at an interim period when events occur or changes in circumstances indicate potential impairment.  The result of the analysis performed in the fourth fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010 did not indicate an impairment of goodwill.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, there were no triggering events that indicate potential impairment exists.

The Company capitalizes legal costs incurred to obtain patents. Once accepted by either the U.S. Patent Office or the equivalent office of a foreign country, these legal costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated lives, not exceeding 17 years. The Company currently has three patents pending with the U.S. Patent Office and in foreign countries.
 
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Note 9. Income Taxes
 
We recorded a provision for income taxes of approximately $46,000 and $30,000, for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  Our tax provision includes estimated current federal alternative minimum taxes and state franchise taxes, but is primarily related to deferred tax expense related to book and income tax basis difference in goodwill on prior asset acquisitions.  Our year-to-date net change in valuation allowance is $720,000.   This change consists of $762,000 of tax benefit as a result of a reduction in valuation allowance after considering current financial condition and potential future taxable income.  This reduction is partially offset by a $42,000 increase  in valuation  allowance from the current year AMT tax credit generated as its utilization does not meet the “more likely than not” approach as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740.

As of September 30, 2010 the Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss (NOL) carry-forwards of approximately $30,289,000 and $23,032,000, respectively, which expire in fiscal years 2020 to 2028. In fiscal 2009, the Company completed an Internal Revenue Code Section 382 analysis of the loss carry-forwards and determined that all of its loss carry-forwards were utilizable and not restricted under Section 382.

Deferred taxes recognize the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of the assets and liabilities recorded for financial statement purposes and these amounts measured in accordance with tax laws. The Company’s realization of net operating loss carry-forward and other deferred tax temporary differences is contingent upon future taxable earnings. The Company reviewed its deferred tax asset for expected utilization using a “more likely than not” approach as required by ASC 740 by assessing the available positive and negative factors surrounding its recoverability.

Our future taxable income was evaluated based primarily on anticipated operating results from fiscal years 2011 through 2013.  We determined that projecting operating results beyond 2013 involves substantial uncertainty and we discounted forecasts beyond 2013 as a basis to support our deferred tax assets.  Based upon the assessment of all available evidence, the Company reversed a portion of its valuation allowance for the year ended September 30, 2010 in an amount in which the tax benefit generated offsets the tax provision to be realized from current year estimated taxable income. At September 30, 2010 the Company has a valuation allowance of approximately $9,963,000 against its remaining deferred tax assets. We will continue to assess the assumptions we used to determine the amount of our valuation allowance and may adjust the valuation allowance in future periods based on changes in assumptions of estimated future taxable income and other factors. If the valuation allowance is reduced, we would record an income tax benefit in the period in which that determination is made. If the valuation allowance is increased, we would record additional income tax expense. For the nine months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 the Company has reduced its valuation allowance by approximately $720,000 and $153,000 respectively.

As of June 30, 2011, we do not have any unrecognized tax benefits.  It is our practice to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.  We do not expect any material changes in our unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.
 
Note 10.  Related Party Transactions
 
On June 28, 2007, we sold all of our interest in our Indian subsidiary to an entity controlled by Anil K. Jain, our former chief executive officer, on terms deemed by the independent directors to be fair and reasonable to the Company.  The purchase price of $500,000 was payable over five years and was fully secured by pledges of Clearfield, Inc. stock and Dr. Jain’s payments under his separation agreement, as well as by a guarantee from Dr. Jain. The note was paid in full June 23, 2010 in the amount of $400,000.

Note 11.  Accounting Pronouncements
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC No. 820-10-35, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures – Subsequent Measurement, which discusses the provisions related to the determination of fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. Based on the guidance in ASC No. 820-10-35, if an entity determines that the level of activity for an asset or liability has significantly decreased and that a transaction is not orderly, further analysis of transactions or quoted prices is needed, and a significant adjustment to the transaction or quoted prices may be necessary to estimate fair value. The guidance in ASC No. 820-10-35 is to be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009 with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. Our adoption of this guidance had no impact on our financial statements.
 
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In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (Topic 820)—Fair Value Measurement (ASU 2011-04), to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for level 3 fair value measurements (as defined in Note 4 below). ASU 2011-04 is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2012 and should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2011-04 on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)—Presentation of Comprehensive Income, to require an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity.ASU 2011-05 is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2012 and should be applied retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2011-05 on our consolidated financial statements.
 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not purely historical are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements relate to future events and typically address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance. Words such as  “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “could” and other words and terms of similar meaning, typically identify these forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties.  Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements because of the factors identified in and incorporated by reference from Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010, as well as in other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which should be considered an integral part of Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  All forward-looking statements included herein are made as the date of this Quarterly Report as Form 10-Q and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
 
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations as of and for the three and nine-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes in Item 1 of this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010.
 
OVERVIEW
 
General
 
Clearfield, Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells telecommunications equipment. The Company provides a suite of modular, highly-configurable passive connectivity solutions to telecommunications service providers, as well as commercial and industrial original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). The Company has successfully established itself as a value-added supplier to its target market of independent telephone companies and cable television operators as well as OEMs who value a high level of engineering services as part of their procurement process. Clearfield has expanded its product offerings and broadened its customer base during the last five years.

Clearfield offers a broad range of telecommunications equipment and products including the design and manufacture of standard and custom connectivity products such as fiber distribution systems, optical components, Outside Plant (“OSP”) cabinets, and fiber and copper cable assemblies that serve the communication service
 
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provider including Fiber-to-the-Premises (“FTTP”), large enterprise, and OEM markets. Clearfield maintains a range of engineering and technical knowledge in-house that works closely with customers to develop, customize and enhance products from design through production. Products are produced at Clearfield’s plant in Plymouth, Minnesota with support from a network of domestic and global manufacturing partners. Clearfield specializes in producing these products on both a quick-turn and scheduled delivery basis. Key to our business is strong acceptance of Clearfield’s proprietary FieldSmart™ Fiber Management Platform product line within broadband service providers deploying FTTP networks.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010
 
Revenues for the third fiscal quarter of 2011 ended June 30, 2011 were $10,125,000, an increase of 49% or approximately $3,347,000 from revenue of $6,778,000, for the third fiscal quarter of 2010. Revenue growth was experienced from existing clients as well as from the development of new accounts. The Company experienced gains from within Tier 3 Carriers, as well as from an emerging presence associated with Tier 2 Carriers who have a national footprint. In addition to its direct sales efforts, the Company achieved increasing revenues from a broad range of emerging sales channels, including revenues derived from distributor arrangements and from private label agreements. These gains were throughout the product line, with the most significant increase within optical component technologies. In addition to a strengthening economic environment, revenues were positively affected by early stage deployments associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus funds). Operating results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for future quarters or the entire year, due to variability in customer purchasing patterns and seasonal, operating and other factors.

Cost of sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was $5,806,000, an increase of $1,631,000, or 39% from the $4,175,000 comparable period.  Gross margin improved to 42.7% from 38.4% for comparable third quarters of fiscal 2011 and 2010. Gross profit increased from $2,603,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 to $4,319,000 for the third fiscal quarter of 2011, an increase of 66% or $1,716,000. The year-over-year gain is the result of enhanced collaboration with our global suppliers resulting in lower purchased product costs, product mix that favors Clearfield value-added features and continual improvements in our manufacturing processes, which together have resulted in greater manufacturing efficiency and absorption of factory overhead associated with the higher production volumes.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 52% or $1,039,000 from $1,993,000 for the third fiscal quarter of 2010 to $3,032,000 for the third fiscal quarter of 2011. This increase is primarily composed of higher compensation expenses associated with the achievement of revenue and operating income objectives. Also included in operating expenses were gains on disposal of assets of $44,000, of which $37,000 was due to the sale of our Aberdeen facility in June 2011.

Income from operations for the third fiscal quarter of 2011 was $1,278,000 compared to income of $629,000 for the third fiscal quarter of 2010, an improvement of $649,000 or 111%. This improvement is attributable to increased revenue and improved gross margin.

Interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 was $27,000 compared to $36,000 for the comparable period for fiscal 2010. Interest rates have continued to decline resulting in lower returns. The Company invests its excess cash primarily in FDIC-backed bank certificates of deposit and money market accounts.

Other income was $10,000 and $11,000 for the quarters ended June 30 of 2011 and 2010, respectively. This is attributable to rental income from our Aberdeen, SD facility which was sold in June, 2011.

Income tax expense was $45,000 and $30,000 for the quarters ended June 30 of 2011 and 2010, respectively. Tax expense primarily relates to book and tax differences of goodwill totaling $21,000 and $22,000 respectively for each of the corresponding quarters. The balance was for various states income and franchise taxes as well as alternative minimum tax (AMT).

The Company’s net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 ended June 30, 2011 was $1,278,000, or $0.11 per basic and $0.10 per diluted share. For the third quarter of fiscal 2010 ended June 30, 2010 the Company reported net income of $629,000, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share.
 
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NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 VS. NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010
 
Revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2011 were $24,491,000, an increase of 49% or approximately $8,045,000 from revenue of $16,446,000, for the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  Revenue growth was experienced from existing clients as well as from the development of new accounts. The Company experienced gains from within Tier 3 Carriers, as well as from an emerging presence associated with Tier 2 Carriers who have a national footprint. In addition to its direct sales efforts, the Company achieved increasing revenues from a broad range of emerging sales channels, including revenues derived from distributor arrangements and from private label agreements. These gains were throughout the product line, with the most significant increase within optical component technologies. In addition to a strengthening economic environment, revenues were positively affected by early stage deployments associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus funds). Operating results for the first three quarters of fiscal year 2011 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for future quarters or the entire year, due to variability in customer purchasing patterns and seasonal, operating and other factors.

Cost of sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2011 was $14,312,000, an increase of $3,905,000, or 37% from the $10,407,000 comparable period. Gross margin improved to 41.6 % from 36.7% for comparable first nine months of fiscal 2011 and 2010. Gross profit increased from $6,038,000 to $10,178,000 for 2011, an increase of 69% or $4,140,000. The year-over-year gain is the result of enhanced collaboration with our global suppliers resulting in lower purchased product costs, product mix that favors Clearfield value-added features and continual improvements in our manufacturing processes, which translate into greater manufacturing efficiency and absorption of factory overhead associated with the higher production volumes.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 37% or $2,113,000 from $5,747,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 to $7,860,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2011. This increase is composed of annual compensation adjustments, increases in staff primarily in the sales department, and an increase in commission and performance compensation accruals associated with the higher level of revenue. Also included in operating expenses were gains on disposal of assets of $44,000, of which $37,000 was due to the sale of our Aberdeen facility.

Income from operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was $2,319,000 compared to income of $291,000 for fiscal 2010, an improvement of $2,028,000 or 696%. This improvement is attributable to increased revenue and improved gross margin.

Interest income for the nine months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $29,000, or 26%, to $83,000 compared to $112,000 for the comparable period for fiscal 2010. Interest rates have continued to decline resulting in lower returns. The Company invests its excess cash primarily in FDIC backed bank certificates of deposit.

There was no interest expense for the nine months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $820 for the comparable period for fiscal 2010. Interest for 2010 was attributable to financing associated with the enterprise information system installed during 2007 and 2008.

Other income was $25,500 for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 and $36,000 for the nine month period ended June 30, 2010.  This is attributable to rental income from our Aberdeen, South Dakota facility, which was sold in June of 2011.

Income tax expense was $116,000 and $78,000 for the first nine months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Tax expense primarily relates to book and tax differences of goodwill totaling $60,000 and $63,000 respectively for each of the corresponding nine-month periods. The balance was for various states income and franchise taxes as well as alternative minimum tax (AMT).

The Company’s net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 ended June 30, 2011 was $2,311,000, or $0.19 per basic and $0.18 per diluted share. The Company’s net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 ended June 30, 2010 was $361,000, or $0.03 basic and diluted share.
 
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
As of June 30, 2011, our principal source of liquidity was our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Those sources total $11,370,000 at June 30, 2011 compared to $7,051,000 at September 30, 2010.  Our long term-investments are invested in bank certificates of deposit and in money market accounts. The majority of our funds are insured by the FDIC. The Company expects to fund operations with its working capital, which is the combination of existing cash and cash equivalent cash flow from operations, accounts receivable and inventory.  The Company intends to use its cash assets primarily for its continued organic growth.  Additionally, the Company may use some available cash for potential future strategic initiatives or alliances.  We believe our cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2011, along with cash flow from future operations, will be sufficient to fund our working capital and capital resources needs for the next 12 months.
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash generated from operating activities for the nine months ended June 30, 2011 totaled $3,070,000. This was primarily due to our net income of $2,311,000, depreciation of $266,000, deferred taxes of $62,000, stock based compensation of $209,000, and accounts payable of $1,471,000. This was offset by an increase in inventories of $685,000 and prepaid expenses of $125,000 an increase in accounts receivable of $395,000.
 
Net cash generated from operating activities for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 totaled $258,000. This was primarily due to net income of $361,000, depreciation of $363,000, deferred taxes of $63,000, stock based compensation of $119,000 and a decrease in accounts receivable of $250,000.  This was offset by an increase in inventories of $278,000, and decreases in accounts payable and prepaid expenses totaling $620,000.
 
Investing Activities
 
We invest our excess cash in money market accounts and bank CDs in denominations across numerous banks. We believe we obtain a competitive rate of return given the economic climate along with the security provided by the FDIC on these investments. During the nine month period ended June 30, 2011 we used cash to purchase $1,396,000 of securities and received $1,040,000 on CDs that matured.  Purchases of capital equipment and information technology equipment consumed $578,000 of cash.  We also received proceeds from the sale of assets in the amount of $660,000 for the sale of our Aberdeen, SD facility which is the $725,000 purchase price less closing costs and related expenses.
 
During the nine-month period ended June 30, 2010 we utilized cash to purchase $2,008,000 of securities and received $1,851,000 on CDs that have matured.  Purchases of capital equipment, primarily information technology equipment and software, and patents consumed $371,000 of cash during the nine month period ended June 30, 2010.
 
Financing Activities
 
For the nine-month period ended June 30, 2011 we received $88,000 from employees’ participation and purchase of stock through our ESPP and $59,000 from the issuance of stock as a result of employees exercising options.
 
For the nine month period ended June 30, 2010 we used a net of $33,000 for scheduled debt principal payments principally associated with the financing of our IT systems and received $22,000 from the issuance of stock as a result of employees exercising options.
 
At June 30, 2011, Clearfield had no debt and $13,586,000 in cash and investments, up $3,299,000 from $10,287,000 from fiscal year end September 30, 2010.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 
Management utilizes its technical knowledge, cumulative business experience, judgment and other factors in the selection and application of the Company’s accounting policies. The accounting policies considered by management to be the most critical to the presentation of the financial statements because they require the most
 
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difficult, subjective and complex judgments include revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, deferred tax asset valuation allowances, accruals for uncertain tax positions, and impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets.
 
These accounting policies are described in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010.  Management made no changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies during the quarter ended June 30, 2011.
 
In applying its critical accounting policies, management reassesses its estimates each reporting period based on available information. Changes in these estimates did not have a significant impact on earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.
 
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (Topic 820)—Fair Value Measurement (ASU 2011-04), to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for level 3 fair value measurements (as defined in Note 4 below). ASU 2011-04 is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2012 and should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2011-04 on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)—Presentation of Comprehensive Income, to require an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. ASU 2011-05 is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2012 and should be applied retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2011-05 on our consolidated financial statements.
 
ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes  to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2011 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
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ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The Company is exposed to a number of asserted and unasserted legal claims encountered in the ordinary course of business.  Although the outcome of any such legal action cannot be predicted, management believes that there are no pending legal proceedings against or involving the Company for which the outcome is likely to have a material adverse effect upon its financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

The most significant risk factors applicable to the Company are described in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
None.
 
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
ITEM 4. [REMOVED AND RESERVED]
 
 
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
 
The Company hereby furnishes a press release issued on July 28, 2011, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.  The press release discloses material non-public information regarding the Company’s results of operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit 31.1 – Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a0 and 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act
 
Exhibit 31.2 – Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act

Exhibit 32.1 – Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350
 
Exhibit 99.1 – Press Release issued by Clearfield, Inc. on July 28, 2011
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
CLEARFIELD, INC.
 
July 29, 2011
 
 /s/ Cheryl P. Beranek
   
By: Cheryl P. Beranek
Its:  President and Chief Executive Officer
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
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July 29, 2011
 
/s/ Daniel Herzog
   
By:  Daniel Herzog
Its:  Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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