MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a leader in fiber connectivity solutions for telecom, data center, and network infrastructure environments, today announces its continued collaboration with East Central Energy (ECE), a Minnesota-based electric cooperative expanding fiber broadband access across rural Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Recently, ECE became the first broadband provider in Minnesota to secure an executed Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program agreement, with a project expected to bring high-speed connectivity to approximately 3,750 locations.

“Clearfield has been a trusted part of our fiber network since we began building it in 2023,” said Dennis Rice, Broadband Manager at East Central Energy. “As we expand into more rural areas, we need equipment that’s reliable and practical to deploy. Clearfield’s team has been extremely responsive in helping us navigate the challenges of these grant-funded projects, and that level of support makes a real difference as we continue growing our network.”

For its 2026 Wisconsin buildout, ECE selected several Clearfield solutions that comply with the Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirement, including FxMP fiber management panels, FxDS patch-only panels, and FieldSmart® Fiber Active Cabinet (FAC) enclosures. The panels feature Clearfield’s Clearview® Blue Cassettes and support high-density fiber connectivity, while the active cabinets provide integrated fiber management and power infrastructure. Together, these solutions are helping ECE establish the foundation for its growing fiber network while meeting federal funding requirements.

As ECE prepares for its next phase of construction under the federal BEAD program, Clearfield’s fiber management and active cabinet solutions are helping the cooperative build scalable networks while addressing deployment costs and federal funding requirements. The BEAD milestone builds on ECE’s ongoing fiber expansion, which has connected approximately 8,400 members since residential installations began in Fall 2023. With continued construction planned through 2030, ECE aims to serve approximately 25,000 members across its service territory.

“East Central Energy’s execution of Minnesota’s first BEAD program agreement by a broadband provider marks an important milestone in our efforts to expand reliable, high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities,” said Bree Maki, Executive Director at the State of Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development, which is part of the state’s Department of Employment and Economic Development. “Reaching rural locations requires strong partnerships, detailed planning, and a commitment to delivering lasting infrastructure. As BEAD-funded projects move toward deployment, ECE’s relationship with Clearfield and build progress demonstrates the important role that local providers play in connecting more Minnesotans to the opportunities that broadband makes possible.”

Since 2023, ECE has relied on Clearfield fiber connectivity solutions to support the cooperative’s growing broadband network. As ECE fiber expands its footprint across Minnesota and Wisconsin, the relationship continues to play an important role in helping the cooperative manage deployment challenges, control infrastructure costs, and prepare for future network growth. Beyond providing equipment, Clearfield has worked closely with ECE to navigate BABA requirements, helping the cooperative prepare accurate equipment specifications and bills of materials for federally funded deployments. This support is particularly important as broadband providers transition from project planning to construction under BEAD.

“As BEAD-funded projects move toward construction, providers need solutions that help them manage costs, meet funding requirements, and build networks that will serve their communities for decades,” said Cheri Beranek, Chief Executive Officer at Clearfield. “East Central Energy is a great example of a provider taking a thoughtful approach to rural broadband expansion. We’re proud to support these efforts with reliable fiber infrastructure and the technical expertise needed to keep these projects moving forward.”

The ECE network is built on 10-gigabit-capable XGS-PON technology to support residential and business connectivity. The cooperative continues to expand its broadband operations and is developing an internal lab to support network testing, provisioning, and future technology upgrades.

Learn more at www.SeeClearfield.com.

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that enable high-performance connectivity across a wide range of markets, helping to close the digital divide. Clearfield’s labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband providers, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, wireless providers, IoT networks, the military, municipalities, and cooperatives to connect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261105882714/en/

Media Contact:
Christy Barbaran
Connect2 Communications
clearfield@connect2comm.com

Source: Clearfield, Inc.

Financial results will be available on the Investor Relations section of the company’s website along with a shareholder letter.

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (4:00 p.m. Central time)
U.S. dial-in: 1-844-501-2063
International dial-in: 1-412-365-5136

The conference call will be webcast live and available for replay here.

An audio replay of the call will be available after 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through November 24, 2026.

U.S. replay dial-in: 1-844-512-2921
International replay dial-in: 1-412-317-6671
Replay ID: 10212806

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that enable high-performance connectivity across a wide range of markets, helping to close the digital divide. Clearfield’s labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband providers, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, wireless providers, IoT networks, the military, municipalities, and cooperatives to connect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

Investor Relations Contact: Greg McNiff
The Blueshirt Group
773-485-7191
clearfield@blueshirtgroup.com

Source: Clearfield, Inc.

As part of its succession planning process, the Board of Directors will initiate a search for the Company’s next CEO and will consider external and internal candidates, in partnership with a nationally recognized search firm.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to sincerely thank Cheri for her exceptional leadership and dedication to Clearfield,” stated Catherine T. Kelly, the Chair of the Board of Directors. “Cheri has made an indelible mark on Clearfield over these last two decades, including serving as the key architect of the Company’s product and market expansion, driving profitable growth, and building capabilities to evolve Clearfield into the business it is today.”

In reflecting on her tenure, Cheri Beranek commented, “It has been a privilege to serve as Clearfield’s President and Chief Executive Officer. From co-founding the company in 2008 to today, I am so very proud of the outstanding business we have built. I’d like to thank the entire Clearfield team for bringing their passion to work, tirelessly striving for operational excellence, and always delivering for our customers. With Clearfield well positioned for its next phase of growth, I believe now is the right time to activate the succession planning process and for me to move to an Emeritus position in order to assist in the transition to Clearfield’s next leader.”

Clearfield expects its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full-year financial results to be in-line with the guidance provided on its fiscal 2026 third quarter earnings call on August 5, 2026.

These expectations are based on preliminary unaudited financial and other information, and subject to normal quarterly closing processes and accounting review. Clearfield is scheduled to report its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full-year financial results after market close on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that enable high-performance connectivity across a wide range of markets, helping to close the digital divide. Clearfield’s labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband providers, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, wireless providers, IoT networks, the military, municipalities, and cooperatives to connect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Forward-looking statements contained herein and in any related presentation or in the related Earnings Presentation are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “outlook,” or “continue” or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward looking statements include, for example, statements about the Company’s succession planning process, financial or operating performance, the development and marketing of new products, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and judgments about future developments in the Company's business. Certain important factors could have a material impact on the Company's performance, including, without limitation: we depend on the availability of sufficient supply of certain materials and global disruptions in the supply chain for these materials could prevent us from meeting customer demand for our products; we rely on single-source suppliers, which could cause delays, increase costs or prevent us from completing customer orders; changes in trade policy in the U.S. and other countries may adversely affect our business and results of operations; inflationary price pressures and uncertain availability of components, raw materials, labor and logistics used by us and our suppliers could negatively impact our profitability; a significant percentage of our sales in the last three fiscal years have been made to a small number of customers, and the loss of these major customers could adversely affect us; further consolidation among our customers may result in the loss of some customers and may reduce sales during the pendency of business combinations and related integration activities; our business is dependent on interdependent management information systems; we may be subject to risks associated with acquisitions, and the risks could adversely affect future operating results; adverse global economic conditions and geopolitical issues could have a negative effect on our business, and results of operations and financial condition; product defects or the failure of our products to meet specifications could cause us to lose customers and sales or to incur unexpected expenses; we are dependent on key personnel; cyber-security incidents, including ransomware, data breaches or computer viruses, could disrupt our business operations, damage our reputation, result in increased expense, and potentially lead to legal proceedings; natural disasters, extreme weather conditions or other catastrophic events could negatively affect our business, financial condition, and operating results; to compete effectively, we must continually improve existing products and introduce new products that achieve market acceptance; our business is dependent upon capital spending by broadband service providers, and any delay, reduction or cancellation in capital spending by broadband service providers could adversely affect our business; if the telecommunications market does not continue to expand, our business may not grow as fast as we expect, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results; changes in U.S. government funding programs may cause our customers and prospective customers to delay, reduce, or accelerate purchases, leading to unpredictable and irregular purchase cycles; intense competition in our industry may result in price reductions, lower gross profits and loss of market share; our success depends upon adequate protection of our patent and intellectual property rights; we face risks associated with expanding our sales outside of the United States; our operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, which may make budgeting for expenses difficult and may negatively affect the market price of our common stock; our stock price has been volatile historically and may continue to be volatile - the price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly; anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents, Minnesota law and other agreements could prevent or delay a change in control of our Company; and other factors set forth in Part I, Item IA. Risk Factors of Clearfield's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2025 as well as other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements to reflect actual events unless required by law.

Investor Relations Contact:
Greg McNiff
The Blueshirt Group
773-485-7191
clearfield@blueshirtgroup.com

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a leader in fiber connectivity solutions for telecom, data center, and network infrastructure environments, today announced the NOVA™ Velocity Panel, a high-density fiber management solution. This panel is designed to help data center operators and installers significantly accelerate fiber deployment in cable prep and splicing operations in space-constrained AI data center environments, while maintaining the low-loss performance required for next-generation networks.

As AI drives unprecedented investment in data center infrastructure, operators are being challenged to deploy more compute, bandwidth, and fiber in increasingly dense environments. Dell’Oro Group forecasts worldwide data center capital expenditures will surpass $3 trillion by 2030, with AI-optimized infrastructure expected to remain the primary driver of spending growth. Those investments are increasing pressure on operators to maximize rack space, maintain optical performance, and accelerate fiber deployment.

Clearfield developed the NOVA Velocity Panel after a major hyperscale customer and data center installer approached the company's fiber management experts with a real-world challenge. Both were encountering the same problem: traditional approaches required technicians to distribute large fiber counts across multiple panels and spend hours preparing, routing, managing, and splicing fiber at each rack.

Within hyperscale data centers, that challenge multiplies quickly. Preparing, routing, managing and splicing large fiber counts can require up to four hours per panel translating into thousands of technician hours across a large-scale data center deployment. The NOVA Velocity Panel streamlines that workflow, allowing technicians to move quickly and significantly increase deployment productivity.

The NOVA Velocity Panel provides a high-density splicing environment capable of supporting up to 2,304 fibers in just 2RU. The solution enables installers to transition and manage large volumes of fiber at the top of the rack without distributing fibers across multiple panels, helping preserve valuable rack space for compute infrastructure.

“AI infrastructure is changing both the scale and speed at which fiber needs to be deployed inside the data center,” said Fabio Baldo, Director of Market Development at Clearfield. “The NOVA Velocity Panel applies Clearfield’s decades of fiber management expertise to the demands of high-density AI infrastructure, giving customers a way to deploy extremely high fiber counts in very limited space while maintaining the performance these networks demand.”

Southern FiberLink Solutions brought additional real-world perspective to the development of the NOVA Velocity Panel after experiencing firsthand the time and labor required to manage and splice high fiber counts across thousands of racks. Its experience supporting hyperscale data center deployments helped inform a patent-pending solution designed to simplify installation and address the practical challenges installers face at scale.

“When you multiply several hours of fiber preparation, routing, and splicing across thousands of racks, installation time becomes a major constraint on how quickly these facilities can come online. The NOVA Velocity Panel addresses a problem installers deal with every day and gives us a much faster, more efficient way to manage extremely high fiber counts in these environments,” said Robert Queen, CEO and Co-Founder of Southern FiberLink Solutions.

The modular NOVA Velocity Panel architecture gives operators flexibility to deploy the solution as part of a complete system or incorporate individual panels incrementally as infrastructure requirements evolve.

The NOVA Velocity Panel complements Clearfield’s expanding portfolio of connectivity options for high-density data center environments. Built on Clearfield’s modular approach to fiber management, the platform is designed to help installers organize, route, and access high fiber counts more efficiently while protecting fiber and simplifying installation and maintenance. Clearfield supports traditional MPO, LC, and SC connectors, as well as Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) connector options including MMC, MDC, EBO, SN, and SN-MT. This wide range of options gives customers greater flexibility to select connectivity based on density, architecture, and application requirements.

The NOVA Velocity Panel will be featured during Yotta 2026 at Booth 408B. For more information on Clearfield and its innovative fiber solutions, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that enable high-performance connectivity across a wide range of markets, helping to close the digital divide. Clearfield’s labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband providers, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, wireless providers, IoT networks, the military, municipalities, and cooperatives to connect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260924584762/en/

Media Contact:
Christy Barbaran
Connect2 Communications
clearfield@connect2comm.com

Source: Clearfield, Inc.

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a leader in fiber connectivity solutions for telecom, data center, and network infrastructure environments, today announced a distribution alliance with WAV, a full-service distributor serving wireless service providers, WISPs, and other connectivity-focused customers across the U.S. and Canada. The alliance supports Clearfield’s strategy to expand its presence in the wireless market as fiber, power, and active infrastructure move deeper into the network.

The wireless infrastructure segments Clearfield is targeting represent a significant growth opportunity. The U.S. metro core, wireless backhaul, indoor and outdoor distributed antenna system (DAS), and small cell markets are projected to total approximately $78 billion by 2030. As operators continue to expand and densify wireless networks, those investments are driving greater demand for fiber, power, and supporting infrastructure throughout the network.

Through WAV, customers will have access to Clearfield’s complete product portfolio, with a particular focus on solutions supporting wireless network deployments, including the FieldSmart® FiberFlex 1700 active cabinet, TetherSmart™ Multi-Fiber Terminal, and Fault Managed Power solutions.

As Clearfield further expands its wireless channel presence, WAV provides an established path to the customers Clearfield wants to reach. With distribution locations across the U.S. and Canada and longstanding expertise serving WISPs, wireless service providers, and other connectivity-focused customers, WAV brings the reach, technical knowledge, and customer relationships to support Clearfield’s expansion. WAV’s experience in the wireless market also gives Clearfield a distributor that already understands the customers and requirements of these deployments.

“Wireless networks depend on fiber at more points than ever before, and that creates an opportunity for Clearfield to bring the same focus on simplifying deployment that we’ve long brought to broadband," said Marc Temple, Vice President of Channels & Strategic Alliances at Clearfield. “WAV understands wireless customers, the environments they operate in, and the technical challenges they face. That makes WAV an ideal alliance as we expand the reach of our fiber, power, and infrastructure solutions to help customers simplify increasingly complex deployments.”

Beyond product distribution, WAV will serve as an extension of Clearfield’s go-to-market capabilities by providing solution guidance on top of inventory and logistics support. WAV’s wireless expertise will help customers identify and configure Clearfield solutions around specific deployment requirements rather than sourcing individual network components independently.

For wireless providers, the relationship offers another source of expertise as deployments bring together fiber connectivity, pathways, enclosures, cabinets, and power infrastructure in more parts of the network.

“Wireless operators are being asked to manage more infrastructure at the edge, often bringing fiber, power, and active equipment together in the same deployment,” said Norm Dumbroff, Chief Executive Officer of WAV. “Clearfield gives our customers a broader set of options for addressing those requirements, backed by the technical expertise and support they already rely on from WAV.”

For more information on Clearfield and its innovative fiber solutions, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

About WAV

WAV is a full-service distributor of LTE, wireless broadband, networking, fiber, and Wi-Fi equipment. Located in Aurora, IL, WAV provides its partners a competitive edge by offering extensive product knowledge and unmatched technical expertise, support for multi-vendor solutions, product availability, as well as professional value-added services for its partner community. For more information, call (800) 678-2419 or visit our website at: www.wavonline.com.

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that enable high-performance connectivity across a wide range of markets, helping to close the digital divide. Clearfield’s labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband providers, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, wireless providers, IoT networks, the military, municipalities, and cooperatives to connect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260902451877/en/

Media Contact:
WAV
Zach Hubeck
zachh@wavonline.com

Clearfield
Christy Barbaran
Connect2 Communications
clearfield@connect2comm.com

Source: Clearfield, Inc.

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a leader in fiber connectivity solutions for telecom, data center and network infrastructure environments, today announced that its NOVA™ Platform has earned Gold honoree status in the 2026 ISE Network Innovators’ Awards. The recognition comes as network operators face growing pressure to increase fiber density and capacity without adding complexity to installation and ongoing management. Introduced earlier this year, the NOVA Platform was designed around that challenge, combining high-density fiber management with tool-less installation, front-of-rack technician access and modular scalability.

The Gold honor reinforces Clearfield’s approach to making increasingly dense fiber environments simpler to deploy and manage as data centers and other network applications scale.

The recognition also comes on the heels of growing momentum for Clearfield in the data center market. The company recently announced a $22 million order to support a hyperscale data center project.

“We designed the NOVA Platform because higher density should not mean more complexity. This recognition reinforces that approach and the importance of solving the challenges crews encounter in real data center environments,” said Anis Khemakhem, Chief Commercial Officer of Clearfield. “Innovation must translate into something useful in the field, and with the NOVA Platform, that means helping customers add capacity while keeping installation and fiber management straightforward.”

That focus on practical deployment is also resonating with contractors working in increasingly dense data center environments. For Tim Gallegos, owner of G&A Communications and Construction, the NOVA Platform stands out for how much it simplifies data center deployments.

"We built our reputation on installing fiber efficiently in congested, difficult spaces, so the NOVA Platform fits how we work," Gallegos said. "NOVA's tool-less handling, front-of-rack access, and no additional parts needed for installation all help my crews move fast in tight data center rows without the usual bottlenecks.”

As capacity demands increase, Gallegos said the NOVA Platform also helps crews make better use of limited rack space without sacrificing fiber management.

“The high-density cassettes and panels enable us to pull far more capacity into the same footprint, without losing the top-tier fiber management we're used to from the Clearview® Blue cassette. When every rack is packed and the schedule is tight, the NOVA Platform's consistency keeps the job on track."

ISE Magazine Editor, Hayden Beeson, congratulated Clearfield on the recognition, stating, “On behalf of the ISE Network Innovators’ Awards, I would like to congratulate Clearfield on achieving a well-deserved Gold honoree status. This competitive program enables ISE Magazine to showcase and applaud the most innovative products, projects, technologies, and programs that significantly impact the industry.”

For more information on Clearfield and its innovative fiber solutions, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that enable high-performance connectivity across a wide range of markets, helping to close the digital divide. Clearfield’s labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband providers, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, wireless providers, IoT networks, the military, municipalities, and cooperatives to connect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260820885247/en/

Media Contact:
Christy Barbaran
Connect2 Communications for Clearfield, Inc.
clearfield@connect2comm.com

Source: Clearfield, Inc.

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a leader in fiber connectivity, reported results for the fiscal third quarter of 2026. Additional commentary is provided in a letter to shareholders available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website.

Management Commentary
“As we continue to execute on our core business, we are increasingly focused on positioning the Company for its next phase of growth. That progress was highlighted shortly after the close of the third quarter, when we received our first significant order for $22 million to support a hyperscale data center project,” said Company President and Chief Executive Officer, Cheri Beranek. “We remain focused on executing our strategy of promoting the expertise Clearfield has built in fiber connectivity, fiber management and labor-saving network design well beyond our traditional broadband markets. At the same time, we remain committed to the customers and communities that have always defined Clearfield.”

“Our balance sheet and strong cash generation continue to provide the flexibility to invest in meaningful long-term growth opportunities,” said Chief Financial Officer, Dan Herzog. “As customer demand evolves, we believe Clearfield is well positioned to capitalize on opportunities across both broadband and data center connectivity.”

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026
Net sales from continuing operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 increased 13% to $43.9 million from $38.8 million in the same year-ago quarter.

As of June 30, 2026, order backlog (defined as purchase orders received but not yet fulfilled) was $21.0 million, a decrease of $10.6 million, or 34%, compared to $31.6 million as of March 31, 2026, and a decrease of $9.7 million, or 32%, from June 30, 2025. The June 30, 2026 order backlog balance reflects the removal of a previously booked order of $4.6 million the Company no longer expects to fulfill.

Gross margin from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 was 31.8%, down from 35.3% in the prior year’s third quarter and down slightly from 32.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2026. Gross margin for the quarter included a $2.6 million inventory charge, or approximately 5.9 percentage points, related to inventory associated with the order the Company no longer expects to fulfill. Gross margin for the quarter also benefited from $1.4 million of inventory recoveries, offset by $282,000 of inventory provision, which together increased gross margin by $1.1 million, or approximately 2.6 percentage points. Additionally, the Company recognized tariff recoveries of $655,000 during the quarter, which increased gross margin by approximately 1.5 percentage points. The Company does not expect tariff recoveries to recur in future periods, as they relate to previously paid tariffs that have been refunded following a change in tariff regulations. On a net basis, these items reduced gross margin by approximately 1.8 percentage points in the quarter.

Operating expenses from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 decreased 6.0% to $11.4 million, or 25.9% of net sales, from $12.1 million, or 31.3% of net sales, in the same year-ago quarter, and decreased 14.0%, or $1.8 million, from $13.2 million the prior quarter ended March 31, 2026. The decrease from the prior quarter and year was due in part to a $1.7 million reduction in performance-based compensation accruals during the quarter, reflecting lower projected expense under the Company's incentive compensation programs.

Net income from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 totaled $3.0 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to net income of $2.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, in the same year-ago quarter. The Company repurchased approximately 31,000 shares for $0.9 million during the 3-month period ended June 30, 2026. There is approximately $15.0 million remaining for future repurchases as of June 30, 2026. 

Outlook
As a result of industry demand constraints discussed in our Shareholder Letter, we are reducing our outlook for fiscal 2026. We expect net sales from continuing operations to be in the range of $151 million to $155 million, and net income per share to a range of $0.14 to $0.21. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, Clearfield expects net sales to be in the range of $38 million to $42 million and net income per share to be in the range of $0.00 to $0.07. The net income per share ranges are based on the number of shares outstanding at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2026 and do not reflect the impact of any potential additional share repurchases completed in fiscal 2026. Our guidance also reflects our current expectations regarding the potential supply chain constraints of optical fiber mentioned in our first and second quarter letters to shareholders, as well as our current understanding of the impact of the evolving tariff situation, both which could contribute to uncertainty in our business and in the macroeconomic environment.

Conference Call
Management will hold a conference call today, August 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (4:00 p.m. Central Time) to discuss these results and provide an update on business conditions.

Clearfield’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Cheri Beranek, and Chief Financial Officer, Dan Herzog, will host the presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period.

U.S. dial-in: 1-844-826-3033
International dial-in: 1-412-317-5185
Conference ID: 10209753

The live webcast of the call can be accessed at the Clearfield Investor Relations website along with the company's earnings press release and presentation.

A replay of the call will be available after 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day through August 19, 2026, while an archived version of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations website for 90 days.

U.S. replay dial-in: 1-844-512-2921
International replay dial-in: 1-412-317-6671
Replay ID: 10209753

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that play a critical role in enabling broadband operators to close the digital divide. Our labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, military, municipalities, and coops - from homes passed to homes connected faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Forward-looking statements contained herein and in any related presentation or in the related Earnings Presentation are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “outlook,” or “continue” or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward looking statements include, for example, statements about the Company’s future revenue and operating performance, the development and marketing of new products, the impact of recent trade policy changes, including new and increased tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, trade disputes, and market and economic reactions to such changes, expected customer ordering patterns and future supply agreements with customers, expectations regarding the impact on our business of M&A activity among our customers, anticipated shipping on backlog and future lead times, future availability of components and materials from the Company’s supply chain, compliance with Build America Buy America (BABA) Act requirements, the impact of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) or other government programs on the demand for the Company’s products or timing of customer orders, the Company’s ability to match capacity to meet demand, expansion into new markets and trends in and growth of the FTTx markets, market segments or customer purchases, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and judgments about future developments in the Company's business. Certain important factors could have a material impact on the Company's performance, including, without limitation: we depend on the availability of sufficient supply of certain materials and global disruptions in the supply chain for these materials could prevent us from meeting customer demand for our products; we rely on single-source suppliers, which could cause delays, increase costs or prevent us from completing customer orders; changes in trade policy in the U.S. and other countries may adversely affect our business and results of operations; inflationary price pressures and uncertain availability of components, raw materials, labor and logistics used by us and our suppliers could negatively impact our profitability; a significant percentage of our sales in the last three fiscal years have been made to a small number of customers, and the loss of these major customers could adversely affect us; further consolidation among our customers may result in the loss of some customers and may reduce sales during the pendency of business combinations and related integration activities; our business is dependent on interdependent management information systems; we may be subject to risks associated with acquisitions, and the risks could adversely affect future operating results; adverse global economic conditions and geopolitical issues could have a negative effect on our business, and results of operations and financial condition; product defects or the failure of our products to meet specifications could cause us to lose customers and sales or to incur unexpected expenses; we are dependent on key personnel; cyber-security incidents, including ransomware, data breaches or computer viruses, could disrupt our business operations, damage our reputation, result in increased expense, and potentially lead to legal proceedings; natural disasters, extreme weather conditions or other catastrophic events could negatively affect our business, financial condition, and operating results; to compete effectively, we must continually improve existing products and introduce new products that achieve market acceptance; our business is dependent upon capital spending by broadband service providers, and any delay, reduction or cancellation in capital spending by broadband service providers could adversely affect our business; if the telecommunications market does not continue to expand, our business may not grow as fast as we expect, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results; changes in U.S. government funding programs may cause our customers and prospective customers to delay, reduce, or accelerate purchases, leading to unpredictable and irregular purchase cycles; intense competition in our industry may result in price reductions, lower gross profits and loss of market share; our success depends upon adequate protection of our patent and intellectual property rights; we face risks associated with expanding our sales outside of the United States; our operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, which may make budgeting for expenses difficult and may negatively affect the market price of our common stock; our stock price has been volatile historically and may continue to be volatile - the price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly; anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents, Minnesota law and other agreements could prevent or delay a change in control of our Company; and other factors set forth in Part I, Item IA. Risk Factors of Clearfield's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2025 as well as other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements to reflect actual events unless required by law.

Investor Relations Contact:
Greg McNiff
The Blueshirt Group
773-485-7191
clearfield@blueshirtgroup.com

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a leader in fiber connectivity solutions for telecom, data center and network infrastructure environments, today announced the expansion of its fiber portfolio with new temperature, acoustic, and strain sensing cable solutions. The distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) portfolio helps operators continuously monitor the condition and security of outside plant fiber routes, central offices, data centers, cell sites, and other critical infrastructure – providing investment protection.

Unlike cameras or individual sensors that only monitor specific locations, distributed fiber sensing can provide continuous visibility across long stretches of aerial, buried, and conduit routes. Operators can use the technology to detect digging activity, unauthorized access, tower climbs, temperature changes, and cable strain before they result in a fiber cut, service outage, or emergency truck roll.

“Broadband, data center, and wireless operators manage significantly different infrastructure, but they all face the same challenge: limited visibility into conditions across critical assets -- whether that's miles of fiber, dense data center environments, remote edge and IoT sites, or critical border and perimeter infrastructure,” said Anis Khemakhem, Chief Commercial Officer of Clearfield. “Fiber sensing gives them better information about potential threats and changing network conditions so they can respond sooner, protect critical assets, and make more informed maintenance and security decisions.”

Network outages can carry significant costs. Uptime Institute’s 2026 Annual Outage Analysis found that 57% of respondents said their most recent major outage cost more than $100,000, while one in five reported costs above $1 million. Clearfield’s sensing cables provide earlier visibility into potential threats, helping operators respond sooner and reduce downtime, emergency repairs and customer disruption.

The portfolio includes three types of sensing cables designed to monitor different conditions across fiber routes and facilities. Temperature sensing cables identify changes and hot spots, acoustic sensing cables detect digging, climbing and intrusion, and strain sensing cables monitor stress caused by ground movement, shifting poles, and other physical conditions.

“Distributed fiber sensing extends the value of optical fiber beyond communications by turning the cable into a continuous monitoring platform,” said Ernie Gallo, Principal at NEBScore. “By measuring temperature, strain and acoustic activity with enhanced fiber along the route with light scattering techniques, operators can gain centralized visibility into remote and hard-to-reach assets without installing individual sensors at every location. This helps them identify changing conditions and manage infrastructure more proactively.”

Distributed sensing data can also help prioritize inspections, maintenance, and infrastructure investments. Beyond outside plant networks, the portfolio supports perimeter security and temperature monitoring across data center campuses, edge sites, IoT gateways, and other remote facilities.

Non-metallic options support aerial applications, while steel-armored Fiber-in-Metal-Tube cables are designed for buried and conduit environments. The passive cables require no power along the route, meet IEC 60794-1-2 standards, and can be installed using existing telecom crews and workflows.

The sensing cables connect back to an interrogator that analyzes the data and alerts operators to activity or changing conditions along the route. They can feed into Clearfield active cabinets, central office infrastructure, and the NOVA™ platform, supporting both new network construction and existing deployments where new sensing cable is installed.

For more information on Clearfield and its innovative fiber solutions, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that enable high-performance connectivity across a wide range of markets, helping to close the digital divide. Clearfield’s labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband providers, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, wireless providers, IoT networks, the military, municipalities, and cooperatives to connect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260728934222/en/

Media Contact:
Christy Barbaran
Connect2 Communications for Clearfield, Inc.
clearfield@connect2comm.com

Source: Clearfield, Inc.

Financial results will be available on the Investor Relations section of the company’s website along with a shareholder letter.

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (4:00 p.m. Central time)
U.S. dial-in: 1-844-826-3033
International dial-in: 1-412-317-5185

The conference call will be webcast live and available for replay here.

An audio replay of the call will be available after 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through August 19, 2026.

U.S. replay dial-in: 1-844-512-2921
International replay dial-in: 1-412-317-6671
Replay ID: 10209753

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that enable high-performance connectivity across a wide range of markets, helping to close the digital divide. Clearfield’s labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband providers, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, wireless providers, IoT networks, the military, municipalities, and cooperatives to connect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

Investor Relations Contact:
Greg McNiff
The Blueshirt Group
773-485-7191
clearfield@blueshirtgroup.com

Source: Clearfield, Inc.

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a leader in fiber connectivity solutions for telecom, data center and network infrastructure environments, today announced its new Fault Managed Power portfolio, designed to help operators deliver both fiber and power to remote radios, edge sites, and distributed network equipment. As broadband, wireless, and computing infrastructure converge and move close to end users, operators must deploy equipment across a growing number of remote and distributed locations. Each site requires not only high-capacity connectivity, but also a safe, reliable, and scalable source of power.

The new Fault Managed Power portfolio combines a rack-mounted transmitter with indoor and outdoor receiver options to support supervised Class 4 power delivery over distances of up to 6,000 feet. Together, the solutions help operators reduce reliance on local utility power and coordinate power delivery with the fiber infrastructure already serving remote equipment. The following new products are included in the portfolio:

• Fault Managed Power Transmitter
  • Supports up to 6 kW across four independently supervised output channels and transmission distances of up to 6,000 feet.
• Fault Managed Power Outdoor Receiver
  • Delivers up to 2.5 kW of regulated 56 VDC power from an IP66-rated enclosure
• Fault Managed Power High Voltage 4000 Receiver
  • Provides up to 4 kW of 240–350 VDC output from a standard DIN-rail form factor.

Clearfield’s Fault Managed Power portfolio allows operators to run supervised, code-compliant power to remote or difficult-to-reach locations using lighter gauge cable. As a result, the crews and workflows already supporting the fiber build can easily deploy power through the same cable and data pathway. The circuit automatically disconnects when a fault is detected, reducing fire, equipment, and safety risks.

“Telecom, data center, and wireless networks are becoming more distributed, but operators still have to solve two challenges at every location: connectivity and power,” said Anis Khemakhem, Chief Commercial Officer of Clearfield. “Clearfield’s Fault Managed Power portfolio gives operators a faster and more coordinated way to bring fiber and power together through one vendor, while reducing deployment complexity and creating a more flexible foundation for future network growth.”

Compared with traditional power extensions or new utility service, Clearfield’s Fault Managed Power solutions offer several key advantages:

• Faster deployment: Reduces and simplifies the permitting, trenching, and licensed electrical work typically required to bring power to remote sites.
• Safety by design: Uses a supervised Class 4 circuit that automatically disconnects when a fault is detected.
• Greater reach: Delivers power up to 6,000 feet without the voltage-drop concerns of traditional low-voltage DC extensions.
• Fiber-aligned deployment: Fault Managed Power can be routed alongside fiber and may use shared pathways where permitted.
• Simplified installation: Lighter-gauge conductors and field-friendly connectors can reduce cable weight, material cost, and installation complexity.

"The industry is moving beyond simply extending fiber footprints toward building intelligent, distributed infrastructure that supports broadband, wireless, AI, data center, and edge computing applications,” said Ron Westfall, VP and Practice Leader, Infrastructure and Networking at HyperFRAME Research. “That requires rethinking how both connectivity and power are delivered. Clearfield's entry into offering fault managed power broadens its role within network infrastructure and positions the company to address an increasingly important requirement for operators modernizing their networks."

The Fault Managed Power products will be on display at upcoming industry events, including ISE Expo 2026 and Yotta 2026. To learn more about this exciting new portfolio, visit the product page.

For more information on Clearfield and its innovative fiber solutions, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that enable high-performance connectivity across a wide range of markets, helping to close the digital divide. Clearfield’s labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband providers, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, wireless providers, IoT networks, the military, municipalities, and cooperatives to connect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260721194150/en/

Media Contact:
Christy Barbaran
Connect2 Communications for Clearfield, Inc.
clearfield@connect2comm.com

Source: Clearfield, Inc.