UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
x
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.
 
o
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  For the transition period from ______________ to _______________.
 
Commission File Number 0-16106
 
CLEARFIELD, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Minnesota
41-1347235
(State of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


5480 Nathan Lane North,
Suite 120
Plymouth, Minnesota 55442
(763) 476-6866
 
(Address of principal executive office)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

(Title of class)
(Name of exchange on which registered)
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(Including Series B Preferred Share Purchase Rights)
  

 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
NONE
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
o  YES    x  NO
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
o  YES    x  NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has 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    o  NO
 
 
 
1
 
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
 x  YES    o  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  o Accelerated filer  o Non-accelerated filer  o Smaller Reporting Company  x
 
Indicate whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
o  YES    x  NO
 
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold was approximately $13,848,232.
 
The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 30, 2008 was 11,938,131.
Documents Incorporated by Reference:
 
Portions of our proxy statement for the annual shareholders meeting to be held on February 26, 2009 are incorporated by reference into Part III.
 

 
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CLEARFIELD, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 49
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3
 
PART I
 
BUSINESS
 
Background
 
Clearfield, Inc. (“Clearfield” or the “Company”), formerly APA Enterprises, Inc., is a Minnesota corporation which was founded in 1979.  Our corporate headquarters is located at 5480 Nathan Lane North, Suite 120, Plymouth, MN 55442 and our corporate website is http://www.clearfieldconnection.com/. The information available on our website is not part of this Report. You can access, free of charge, our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any other amendments to those reports, through a link at our website, or at the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.
 
On January 2, 2008, Clearfield, Inc., formerly known as APA Enterprises, Inc., consolidated its sole subsidiary APA Cables & Networks, Inc., (APACN) into the parent company, Clearfield, Inc. The Company also changed its NASDAQ stock symbol to CLFD from APAT. The Company’s Optronics business was discontinued during the quarter ended June 30, 2007, and the operations of the Company have now consisted solely of the operations of Clearfield formerly known as APACN.
 
Description of Business
 
Clearfield, Inc. is a manufacturer and seller of telecommunications equipment. The Company provides telecommunications service providers, as well as commercial and industrial original equipment manufacturers (“OEM’s”) a suite of modular, highly-configurable passive connectivity solutions. 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 four years.
 
Clearfield offers a broad range of telecommunications equipment and products. Its broad range of product offerings include 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 provider including Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”), 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. Most 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 the continuing positive results is strong acceptance of Clearfield’s proprietary Fieldsmart Fiber Management Platform product line within broadband service providers deploying FTTH networks.
 
Products

Clearview Cassette  The Clearview Cassette, introduced in November 2007, is the main building block of the FieldSmart product platform, positioning Clearfield as the only company to provide the needs of every leg of the telecommunications network with a single building block. This patent-pending technology is a system of five parts that nest together in the cassette’s main housing to support a wide range of applications. Parts can be added or removed as needed to support the environment in which it’s deployed. Within the cassette, all fibers from the sub-assembly are slack stored, bend radius protected and secured against accidental physical damage from handling. A transparent design allows the user to see components inside, while the snap-together components provide access without tools for maintenance, cleaning or troubleshooting.

4
 
FieldSmart Fiber Distribution Systems (“FDS”)  The FieldSmart FDS is a high density, easy access fiber distribution system of panels and cable management devices, built around the Clearview cassette, systems that are designed to reduce installation time, guarantee bend radius protection and improve traceability. In the 144-port count configuration, Clearfield is the industry leader for density, saving the customer expensive real estate in the central office. The product line fully supports a wide range of panel configurations, densities, connectors, and adapters that can be utilized on a stand-alone basis or integrated into the panel system. The unique interchangeable building block design delivers feature rich solutions which are able to meet the needs of a broad range of network deployments. Unlike conventional fiber management solutions where radius and physical fiber protection is met through an expensive fixed bulkhead design inside an overall housing, FieldSmart every 12-fiber increment is encased in its own module.
 
FieldSmart Fiber Scalability Center (FSC)  The FieldSmart FSC  is a modular and scalable outside plant cabinet  to allow users to align their capital equipment expense as they recognize subscriber revenue.    This allows rollout of FTTH services by communication service providers without a large initial expense. Each outside plant cabinet stores feeder and distribution splices, splitters, connectors and slack cable neatly and compactly, utilizing field-tested designs to maximize bend radius protection, connector access, ease of cable routing and physical protection, thereby minimizing the risk of fiber damage. The FSC product, with the Clearview cassette at its heart has been designed to scale with the application environment as demand requires and to reduce service turn-up time for the end-user.
 
Optical Components  Clearfield packages optical components for signal coupling, splitting, termination, multiplexing, demultiplexing and attenuation to seamlessly integrate with the FieldSmart FDS and FieldSmart FSC. This value-added packaging allows the customer to source from a single supplier and reduce space requirements. The products are built and tested to meet the strictest industry standards ensuring customers trouble-free performance in extreme outside plant environments.

Cable Assemblies  Clearfield manufactures high quality fiber and copper assemblies with an industry-standard or customer-specified configuration.  Industry-standard assemblies built include but are not limited to: single mode fiber, multimode fiber, multi-fiber, CATV node assembly, DS1 Telco, DS 3 (734/735) coax, Category 5e and 6, SCSI, Token Ring, and V.35.  In addition, Clearfield’s engineering services team works alongside the engineering design departments of our OEM customers to design and manufacturer custom solutions for both in-the-box as well as network connectivity assemblies specific to that customer’s product line.

Marketing and Distribution

Clearfield markets its products in the United States through a direct field sales force supported by an internal customer sales and support team.  This internal team works proactively with the outside sales force to maintain a high level of customer contact through regular communication of product availability, order processing and status along with and delivery information. Clearfield works closely with its target customers to configure the Company’s product platform to the client’s unique requirements.  Our high level of customer service helps bring new products to markets with the design input from our customers and network of consulting engineering firms. To ensure we cover all markets we leverage our internal customer support team with a combination of manufacturer representative organizations

Competition

Competitors for the FieldSmart FDS and FSC product lines markets include, but are not limited to, ADC Telecommunications, Inc., Corning Cabling Systems, Inc., OFS (Furukawa Electric North America, Inc.), Telect Inc., Alcatel, Inc., and Tyco Electronics, Inc.  Nearly all of these firms are substantially larger than Clearfield and as a result may be able to procure pricing for necessary components and labor at much lower prices. Competition for the custom fiber and copper termination services for cable assemblies is intense. Competitors range from small, family-run businesses to very large contract manufacturing facilities. Clearfield believes that it has a competitive advantage with customers who can leverage the cost savings the Clearview cassette can provide and those who require quick-turn, high-performance customized products, and that it is at competitive disadvantage with customers who principally seek large volume commodity products.

5
 
Sources of Materials and Outsourced Labor
 
Numerous purchased materials, components, and labor are used in the manufacturing of the Company’s products. Most of these are readily available from multiple suppliers. However, some critical components and outsourced labor are purchased from a single or a limited number of suppliers.  The loss of access to some components and outsourced labor would have an adverse effect on our ability to deliver products on a timely basis and on our financial performance.

Major Customers
 
Two customers comprised approximately 23%, 18% and 23% of total sales for the periods ended September 30, 2008, September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007.
 
Patents and Intellectual Property
 
As of September 30, 2008, we had one patent pending in the United States and two pending patent applications inside and outside the United States.

Backlog
 
Backlog reflects purchase order commitments for our products received from customers that have yet to be fulfilled. Backlog orders are generally shipped within three months. The Company had backlogs of $1,865,629 as of September 30, 2008 and $1,396,000 as of September 30, 2007.

Seasonality
 
We are affected by the seasonal trends in the industries, we serve. We typically experience sequentially lower sales in our first and second fiscal quarter, primarily due to customer budget cycles, deployment schedules, some customer geographical concentrations as well as standard vacation and holiday calendars. Sales usually reach a seasonal peak in our third and fourth fiscal quarters.

Research and Development
 
We believe that the communication industry environment is constantly evolving and our success depends on our awareness of and our response to these changes.  Our focus is to analyze the environment and technology and work to develop products that simplify our customers’ lives by developing innovative high quality products utilizing modular design wherever possible. We believe our design and engineering teams are highly responsive and nimble. We have empowered this group to take calculated risks which result in our ability to bring products to market in a manner that we believe is faster than some of our larger competitors. Our financial resources are not unlimited so we make special effort to target areas where we see niche opportunities.
 
6
 
Employees
 
As of September 30, 2008, the Company had 103 full-time and 9 temporary employees, mainly in Plymouth, MN. Our future performance is dependent on our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel. We have no employment agreements with our employees. The loss of one or more key employees could negatively impact the Company. Our employees are not covered by collective bargaining agreements. We consider our employee relations to be favorable.

 Regulation
 
To date, our compliance with foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations that have been enacted to regulate the environment has not had a material adverse effect on our capital expenditures, earnings, competitive or financial position.

 
RISK FACTORS
 
Risks Related to Our Business
 
Recent turmoil in the credit markets and the financial services industry could negatively impact the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Recently, the credit markets and the financial services industry have been experiencing a period of unprecedented turmoil and upheaval characterized by the bankruptcy, failure, collapse or sale of various financial institutions, an unprecedented level of intervention from the United States federal government and other foreign governments and tighter availability of credit. While the ultimate outcome of these events cannot be predicted, they could have a negative impact on our liquidity and financial condition if our ability to borrow money to finance operations or obtain credit from trade creditors were to be impaired. In addition, the recent economic crisis could also adversely impact our customers’ ability to purchase or pay for products from us or our suppliers’ ability to provide us with product, either of which could negatively impact our business and results of operations.

During economic downturns or a rising interest rate environment, the cyclical nature of our business could result in lower demand for our products and reduced revenue.
 
Overall economic conditions and the purchasing practices of telecommunications buyers have a significant effect upon our businesses.  As a result, during downturns, we could operate with a lower level of backlog and may temporarily slow down or halt production for a period of time at our facility. Economic conditions that result in higher interest rates increase the cost of new leasing arrangements, which could cause some of our customers to reduce plans or demand extended terms. An economic downturn or increase in interest rates may reduce demand, resulting in lower sales volumes, lower prices, and decreased profits or losses.

Our financial performance and market value could cause future write-downs of goodwill in future periods.
 
With the adoption of Statement of Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangibles, goodwill is no longer amortized; however, we are required to perform an annual impairment review which could result in impairment write-downs to goodwill. If the carrying value is in excess of the fair value, the carrying value will be adjusted to fair value through an impairment charge. As of September 30, 2008, we had $2,570,511 of goodwill. Our stock price can impact the results of the impairment review of goodwill. The recent drop in our stock price could cause us to record an impairment of goodwill during 2009.

7
 
Our Results of Operations
 
Unless we generate significant revenue growth, our expenses and negative cash flow will significantly harm our financial position.
 
We have been profitable since the first quarter of fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.  However, we have operated at a loss since fiscal 1990 and as a consequence we have an accumulated deficit of $38.4 million. We anticipate profitability for the foreseeable future; however we are operating in turbulent and uncertain times and we may incur operating loses in the future.  Further, we may incur negative operating cash flow in the future. We have funded our operations primarily through the sale of equity securities and borrowings. We will need to demonstrate continued growth in revenues while containing costs and operating expenses if we are to achieve profitability.

Our Products and Introduction of New Products
 
We must introduce new products and product enhancements to increase revenue.
 
The successful operation of our business depends on our ability to anticipate market needs and develop and introduce new products and product enhancements that respond to technological changes or evolving industry standards on a timely and cost-effective basis. Our products are complex, and new products may take longer to develop than originally anticipated. These products may contain defects or have unacceptable manufacturing yields when first introduced or as new versions are released. Our products could quickly become obsolete as new technologies are introduced or as other firms introduce lower cost alternatives. We must continue to develop leading-edge products and introduce them to the commercial market quickly in order to be successful. Our failure to produce technologically competitive products in a cost-effective manner and on a timely basis will seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our products may infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.
 
Our products are sophisticated and rely on complicated manufacturing processes.

We may make additional strategic changes in our product portfolio, but our strategic changes and restructuring programs may not yield the benefits that we expect.
 
The impact of potential changes to our product portfolio and the effect of such changes on our business, operating results and financial condition, are unknown at this time.  If we acquire other businesses in our areas of strategic focus, assimilating these businesses and their products, services, technologies and personnel into our operations may be challenging.  These difficulties could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management and workforce, increase our expenses and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.  In addition to these integration risks, if we acquire new businesses, we may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions, and we may not be able to retain key management, technical and sales personnel after an acquisition.  Divestitures or elimination of existing businesses or product lines could also have disruptive effects and may cause us to incur material expenses.

Manufacturing and Operations
 
Our dependence on outside manufacturers may result in product delivery delays.
 
We have increased our reliance on the use of contract manufacturers to assemble some of our products. If these contract manufacturers do not fulfill their obligations or if we do not properly manage these relationships, our existing customer relationships may suffer.
 
8
 
We may be required to rapidly increase our manufacturing capacity to deliver our products to our customers in a timely manner.
 
We have limited experience in rapidly increasing our manufacturing capacity or in manufacturing products at high volumes. If demand for our products significantly increases, we may be required to hire, train and manage additional manufacturing personnel and improve our production processes in order to increase our production capacity. There are numerous risks associated with rapidly increasing capacity, including:
 
●  
Difficulties in achieving adequate yields from new manufacturing lines,
 
●  
Difficulty maintaining the precise manufacturing processes required by our products while increasing capacity,
 
●  
The inability to timely procure and install the necessary equipment, and
 
●  
Lack of availability of qualified manufacturing personnel.
 
If we apply our capital resources to expanding our manufacturing capacity in anticipation of increased customer orders, we run the risk that the projected increase in orders will not be realized. If anticipated levels of customer orders are not received, we will not be able to generate positive gross margins and profitability.
 
We are dependent upon skilled employees; if we lose the services of our key personnel our ability to execute our operating plan, and our operating results, may suffer.
 
Our future performance depends in part upon the continued service and contributions of key management, engineering, sales and marketing personnel, many of whom would be difficult to replace quickly. If we lose any of these key personnel, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected or delay the development or marketing of existing or future products.  Competition for these personnel is intense and we may not be able to retain or attract such personnel. Our success will depend in part upon our ability to attract and retain additional personnel with the highly specialized expertise necessary to generate revenue and to engineer, design and support our products and services.
 
Markets and Market Conditions
 
Demand for our products is subject to significant fluctuation. Adverse market conditions in the communications equipment industry and any slowdown in the United States economy may harm our financial condition.
 
Demand for our products is dependent on several factors, including capital expenditures in the communications industry. Capital expenditures can be cyclical in nature and result in protracted periods of reduced demand for component parts. Similarly, periods of slow economic expansion or recession can result in periods of reduced demand for our products. Such periods of reduced demand will harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Changes to the regulatory requirements of the telecommunications industry could also affect market conditions, which could also reduce demand for our products.
 
Our industry is highly competitive and subject to pricing pressure.
 
Competition in the communications equipment market is intense. We have experienced and anticipate experiencing increasing pricing pressures from current and future competitors as well as general pricing pressure from our customers as part of their cost containment efforts.   Many of our competitors have more extensive engineering, manufacturing, marketing, financial and personnel resources than we do.  As a result, these competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes.
 
9
 
Declining average selling prices for our fiber optic products will require us to reduce production costs to effectively compete and market these products.
 
Market pressure for lower prices for our category of products continues to be strong. We expect this trend to continue. To achieve profitability in this environment we must continually decrease our costs of production as well as improve the value proposition of the products we offer. In order to reduce our production costs, we will continue to pursue one or more of the following:
 
●  
seek lower cost suppliers of raw materials or components,
 
●  
work to further automate our assembly process,
 
●  
develop value-added solutions, and
 
●  
seek offshore sources for manufacturing and assembly services where appropriate.
 
We will also seek to form strategic alliances with companies that can supply these services. Decreases in average selling prices also require that we increase unit sales to maintain or increase our revenue. There can be no guarantee that we will achieve these objectives. Our inability to decrease production costs or increase our unit sales could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Our markets are characterized by rapid technological changes and evolving standards.
 
The markets we serve are characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product introductions, changes in customer requirements and evolving industry standards. In developing our products, we have made, and will continue to make, assumptions with respect to which standards will be adopted within our industry. If the standards that are actually adopted are different from those that we have chosen to support, our products may not achieve significant market acceptance.
 
Conditions in global markets could affect our operations.
 
We source key materials and products globally and as such are subject to the risks of conducting business internationally. Those risks include but are not limited to:
 
●  
local economic and market conditions,
 
●  
political and economic instability,
 
●  
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates,
 
●  
tariffs and other barriers and restrictions,
 
●  
geopolitical and environmental risks; and
 
●  
changes in diplomatic or trade relationships and natural disasters.
 
We cannot predict whether our business operations and reliance in these markets will be affected adversely by these conditions.
 
Our profitability can be adversely affected due to increased raw material costs
 
10
 
Our manufacturing costs may be impacted by unanticipated increases in raw material costs during the time span between the cost quotes and actual procurement of raw materials. The impact can be significant for purchase orders requiring multiple scheduled deliveries. Whereas we may be able to approach some of the customers for costs adjustments, there is no assurance that we would be successful in obtaining these adjustments. Failure to obtain price adjustments would result in decreased profitability and/or losses.
 
Our inventory of raw material and supplies may incur significant obsolescence
 
Our market demands rapid turn around from receipt of purchase orders to shipping of the products. We maintain significant inventory of raw materials and supplies to meet this demand resulting in risk of inventory obsolescence. Whereas we anticipate and make provisions for a reasonable fraction of inventory obsolescence, a significant higher level of obsolescence can adversely impact our profitability.
 
Our Customers
 
Our sales could be negatively impacted if one or more of our key customers substantially reduce orders for our products.
 
If we lose a significant customer, our sales and gross margins would be negatively impacted. In addition, the loss of sales may require us to record impairment, restructuring charges or exit a particular business or product line.
 
Consolidation among our customers could result in our losing a customer or experiencing a slowdown as integration takes place.
 
It is likely that there will be increased consolidation among our customers in order for them to increase market share and achieve greater economies of scale.  Consolidation is likely to impact our business as our customers focus on integrating their operations and choosing their equipment vendors. After a consolidation occurs, there can be no assurance that we will continue to supply the surviving entity.
 
Customer payment defaults could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
As a result of current worldwide financial markets and competitive conditions in the telecommunications market, some of our customers may experience financial difficulties.   It is possible that customers from whom we expect to derive substantial revenue will default or that the level of defaults will increase. Any material payment defaults by our customers would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
Performance Requirements and Performance of our Products
 
Our products may have defects that are not detected before delivery to our customers.
 
Some of the Company’s products are designed to be deployed in large and complex networks and must be compatible with other components of the system, both current and future. Our customers may discover errors or defects in our products only after they have been fully deployed. In addition, our products may not operate as expected over long periods of time. If we are unable to fix errors or other problems, we could lose customers, lose revenues, suffer damage to our brand and reputation, and lose our ability to attract new customers or achieve market acceptance. Each of these factors would negatively impact cash flow and would seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Product defects could cause us to lose customers and revenue or to incur unexpected expenses.
 
11
 
If our products do not meet our customers’ performance requirements, our customer relationships may suffer.  Also, our products may contain defects.  Any failure or poor performance of our products could result in:
 
●  
delayed market acceptance of our products.
 
●  
delays in product shipments.
 
●  
unexpected expenses and diversion of resources to replace defective products or identify the source of errors and correct them.
 
●  
damage to our reputation and our customer relationships.
 
●  
delayed recognition of sales or reduced sales; and
 
●  
product liability claims or other claims for damages that may be caused by any product defects or performance failures.
 
Intellectual Property
 
If we are unable to adequately protect our intellectual property, third parties may be able to use our technology, which could adversely affect our ability to compete in the market.
 
We rely principally on trade secret protection for our confidential and proprietary information.  We have taken security measures to protect our proprietary information and trade secrets, but these measures may not provide adequate protection.  While we seek to protect our proprietary information by entering into confidentiality agreements with employees, collaborators and consultants, we cannot assure you that our proprietary information will not be disclosed, or that we can meaningfully protect our trade secrets.  In addition, our competitors may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information or may otherwise gain access to our trade secrets.
 
Intellectual property litigation could harm our business.
 
It is possible that we may have to defend our intellectual property rights in the future.  In the event of an intellectual property dispute, we may be forced to litigate or otherwise defend our intellectual property assets.  Intellectual property litigation can be extremely expensive, and this expense, as well as the consequences should we not prevail, could seriously harm our business.
 
If a third party claimed an intellectual property right to technology we use, we might be forced to discontinue an important product or product line, alter our products and processes, pay license fees or cease certain activities.  We may not be able to obtain a license to such intellectual property on favorable terms, if at all.
 
Factors That May Affect Future Results
 
12
 
The statements contained in this Report on Form 10-K that are not purely historical are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, commitments, intentions and strategies regarding the future. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements contained in “Item 1. Business” and “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements for the reasons, among others, detailed below. We believe that many of the risks detailed here are part of doing business in the industry in which we compete and will likely be present in all periods reported. The fact that certain risks are characteristic to the industry does not lessen the significance of the risk. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Report as Form 10-K 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.
 
 
13
 
Executive Officers

The following is a list of our executive officers, their ages, positions and offices as of September 30, 2008.
 
 
Name
Age
Position
       
 
Cheryl Beranek Podzimek
45
Chief Executive Officer/President of Clearfield, Inc.
       
 
Bruce G. Blackey
57
Chief Financial Officer

 
Cheryl Beranek Podzimek joined the Company in July 2003 as President of APACN. Ms. Podzimek was appointed CEO and President of Clearfield, Inc in June of 2007. Ms. Podzimek was previously President of Americable, which was acquired by APACN in June 2003. She served as President of Americable from 2002 to 2003. From 2001 to 2002 Ms. Podzimek was Chief Operating Officer of Americable. Previously, Ms. Podzimek held a variety of lead marketing positions with emerging high-growth technology companies.  She served as Vice President of Marketing from 1996-2001 at Transition Networks, a manufacturer of network connectivity products, Director of Marketing from 1992 to 1996 at Tricord Systems, an early stage multi-processor based super server manufacturer, and Director of Marketing from 1988 to 1992 at Digi International, a designer and manufacturer of connectivity products. Earlier in her career Ms. Podzimek held marketing positions for non-profit organizations, including the City of Fargo, the Metropolitan Planning Commission of Fargo/Moorhead and North Dakota State University. Ms. Podzimek holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southwest Minnesota State University and a Masters of Science Degree from North Dakota State University.
 
Bruce G. Blackey joined the Company in June of 2007 as Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Blackey has extensive experience in finance and administration and has worked as an independent business consultant and interim CFO from 2001 to the present for several companies. Mr. Blackey held the position of CFO with Tiro Industries a contract manufacturing firm serving the cosmetic industry from 1997 to 2001. Prior to that he held the senior financial position with Conwed Plastics, a manufacturer of plastic netting from 1988 to 1997. Mr. Blackey holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Minnesota business school, now known as the Carlson School of Management.
 
 
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None
 
 
PROPERTIES
 
Clearfield leases a 30,000 square foot facility at 5480 Nathan Lane North in Plymouth, Minnesota consisting of our corporate offices, manufacturing and warehouse space.
 
We own a 24,000 square foot production facility in Aberdeen, South Dakota, which is partially leased and occupied. (See Note M in the Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.)
 
On October 30, 2007 we purchased and immediately sold an industrial building at 2950 N.E. 84th Lane, Blaine Minnesota that we leased from Jain-Olsen Properties as our former corporate offices. We exercised an option to buy the building in August 2007 as contained in our lease. (See Note M in the Financial Statements included in Item 8 this Form 10-K)
 
14
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
None
 
 
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
On February 27, 2008, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  At the meeting, the shareholders elected as directors Anil K. Jain (with 10,741,102 shares voting for and 208,855 withheld), John G. Reddan (with 10,820,648 shares voting for and 129,309 withheld), Ronald G. Roth (with 10,839,148 shares voting for and 110,809 withheld), Stephen A. Zuckerman (with 9,147,896 shares voting for and 1,802,061 withheld), Cheryl B. Podzimek (with 10,812,102 shares voting for and 137,855 withheld) and Donald R. Hayward (with 10,826,402 shares voting for and 123,555 withheld)
 
The shareholders also approved the amendment to the Stock Option Plan of 2007 to permit the addition of 750,000 share options to the plan (with 3,419,036 shares voting for; 960,717 against; 1,705,699 abstain and 4,864,505 broker non-vote).
 
 
PART II
 
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “CLFD.” The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sales prices for our common stock for each quarter of the past two fiscal years as reported by Nasdaq. There were approximately 318 holders of record of our common stock as of September 30, 2008.
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2008
High
Low
  
 
Quarter ended December 31, 2007
$1.19
$0.96
  
 
Quarter ended March 31, 2008
1.18
0.82
  
 
Quarter ended June 30, 2008
1.87
1.03
  
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2008
1.37
1.01
  
         
 
Transition Period Ended September 30, 2007
High
Low
  
 
Quarter ended June 30, 2007
$1.48
$1.12
  
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2007
1.17
0.75
  
         
 
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007
High
Low
  
 
Quarter ended June 30, 2006
$2.23
$1.25
  
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2006
1.59
1.21
  
 
Quarter ended December 31, 2006
1.56
1.25
  
 
Quarter ended March 31, 2007
1.67
1.21
  
 
 We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. We do not intend in the foreseeable future to pay cash dividends on our common stock.
 
15
 
The following graph compares the cumulative 5-year total return attained by shareholders on Clearfield, Inc.'s common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite index and the NASDAQ Non-Financial index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each of the indexes (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from 3/31/2003 to 9/30/2008.

 
GRAPHIC
 
 
             
 
3/03
3/04
3/05
3/06
3/07
3/08
             
Clearfield, Inc.
100.00
187.22
106.02
146.62
78.206
87.22
NASDAQ Composite
100.00
150.82
152.84
187.61
214.25
160.53
NASDAQ Non-Financial
100.00
146.75
147.79
173.58
201.14
152.92


The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
 
16
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
Not Required
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Change in Year End
 
In June 2007, we elected to change our fiscal year end from March 31 to September 30. In view of this change, this Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of  Operations (“MD&A”) compares the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2008 with the most recently completed prior year which ended March 31, 2007.  We are also comparing the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2008 with the unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for twelve months ended September 30, 2007. In addition we are comparing the transition period of six months ended September 30, 2007 with the unaudited six months ended September 30, 2006. We have included summary information from the consolidated financial statements for the six months ended September 30, 2006 in Note B to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Throughout the MD&A, data for all periods except as of and for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 and the six months ended September 30, 2006, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which appear in this Report.  All data as of and for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 and six months ended September 30, 2006, are derived from our unaudited financial statements, which are presented elsewhere in this Report.
 
General
 
The Company focuses on highly configurable products for telecommunications customers, primarily related to cabling management requirements of the FTTH marketplace and the design, manufacture, distribution, and marketing of a variety of fiber optics and copper components to the data communication and telecommunication industries.  The Companies primary manufactured products include standard and custom fiber optic cable assemblies, copper cable assemblies, OSP cabinets, value–added fiber optics frames, panels and modules.
 
Application of Critical Accounting Policies

In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions and judgments that can have a significant impact on our revenues, loss from operations and net loss, as well as on the value of certain assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. We believe that there are several accounting policies that are critical to an understanding of our historical and future performance, as these policies affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses and significant estimates and judgments applied by management. While there are a number of accounting policies, methods and estimates affecting our consolidated financial statements, areas that are particularly significant include:
 
●
Stock option accounting;
 
● 
Accounting for income taxes; and
 
● 
Valuation and evaluating impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill.
 
17
 
Stock Option Accounting
 

We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123—revised 2004 (“SFAS 123R”), “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of April 1, 2006, the first day of our fiscal year 2007. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2007 reflect the impact of SFAS 123R. The compensation expense impacted both basic and diluted loss per share by less than $0.01 for the year ended September 30, 2008 and the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the twelve months ended March 31, 2007. The Company recorded related compensation expense of   $50,052, $18,477 and $50,363 respectively for the twelve months ended September 30, 2008, the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the twelve months ended March 31, 2007.

As of September 30, 2008, $86,630 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.46 years. In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, our consolidated financial statements for prior periods have not been restated and do not include the impact of compensation expense calculated under SFAS 123R.

For purposes of determining estimated fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant under SFAS 123(R), the Company used the Black-Scholes Model. The Black-Scholes Model requires the input of certain assumptions that require subjective judgment. Because employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models may not provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the employee stock options. Management will continue to assess the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate estimated fair value of stock-based compensation. Circumstances may change and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies and thereby materially impact our fair value determination.

Accounting for Income Taxes
 
As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income tax liability in each of the jurisdictions in which we do business. This process involves estimating our actual current tax expense together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. We must then assess the likelihood that these deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not more likely than not or unknown, we must establish a valuation allowance.
 
Management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2008, we have recorded a full valuation allowance of approximately $13,145,000 against our deferred tax assets, due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets, consisting principally of certain net operating losses carried forward. The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. The Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss (NOL) carry forwards of approximately $32,710,000 which expire in fiscal years 2009 to 2027. To date the Company has not completed a “Section 382” analysis.  If certain ownership changes occurred under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, there may be further limitations on the usage of the net operating loss carry forwards.
 
Realization of the NOL carry forwards and other deferred tax temporary differences are contingent on future taxable earnings. The deferred tax asset was reviewed for expected utilization using a “more likely than not” approach as required by SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” by assessing the available positive and negative evidence surrounding its recoverability.
 
18
 
We will continue to assess and evaluate strategies that will enable the deferred tax asset, or portion thereof, to be utilized, and will reduce the valuation allowance appropriately at such time when it is determined that the “more likely than not” approach is satisfied.
 
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded a deferred income tax expense of $88,985 for the book and income tax basis difference in goodwill on acquisitions.
 
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for income tax provisions. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The interpretation requires that the Company recognize in the financial statements the impact of a tax position. Recognition is allowed if the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. The provisions of FIN 48 became effective for the Company on April 1, 2007. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
Valuation and evaluating impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill
 
The Company records the excess of purchase cost over the fair value of net tangible assets of acquired companies as goodwill or other identifiable intangible assets. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," in the last quarter of each year, or as an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, the Company completes the impairment testing of goodwill primarily utilizing a discounted cash flow method.

Determining market values using a discounted cash flow method requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions, including long-term projections of cash flows, market conditions and appropriate discount rates. The Company's judgments are based on historical experience, current market trends, consultations with external valuation specialists and other information. While the Company believes that the estimates and assumptions underlying the valuation methodology are reasonable, different estimates and assumptions could result in a different outcome. The Company generally develops these forecasts based on recent sales data for existing products, planned timing of new product launches, and estimated expansion of the FTP market.

If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company measures the possible goodwill impairment loss based on an allocation of the estimate of fair value of the reporting unit to all of the underlying assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any previously unrecognized intangible assets. The excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that a reporting unit's recorded goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill. This test for the period ended September 30, 2008 resulted in no change to goodwill from the prior period.  The test for fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 indicated that goodwill related to APACN was impaired. Accordingly, the Company recognized a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $852,000 ($519,717, after tax) in the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
 
19
 
The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long lived assets in accordance with SFAS 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”  SFAS 144 required recognition of impairment of long lived assets in the event that events or circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred and when the net book value of such assets exceeds the future undiscounted cash flow attributed to such assets.  We assess the impairment of long lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  No impairment of long-lived assets has occurred during the periods ended September 30, 2008, September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, respectively.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and provides entities with a framework for selecting the principles used in preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. The current GAAP hierarchy has been criticized because it is directed to the auditor rather than the entity, it is complex, and it ranks FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts, which are subject to the same level of due process as FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Standards, below industry practices that are widely recognized as generally accepted but that are not subject to due process. The Board believes the GAAP hierarchy should be directed to entities because it is the entity (not its auditors) that is responsible for selecting accounting principles for financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. The adoption of FASB 162 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position.

On February 15, 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB No. 115. This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The fair value option established by SFAS No. 159 permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this pronouncement will have on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurement but does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. However on February 12, 2008, the FASB issued proposed FSP FAS 157-2 which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). This FSP partially defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP.  We will adopt SFAS 157, except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities as noted in proposed FSP FAS 157-2, on October 1, 2008 and do not believe  the impact of this pronouncement will be material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations. SFAS  No. 141R will significantly change the accounting for business combinations. Under SFAS 141R, an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. SFAS No. 141R will change the accounting treatment for certain specific items. SFAS No. 141R also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. This statement will only have an impact if we execute applicable transactions after the effective date.

20
 
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – An Amendment of ARB No. 51. Statement 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods with those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. This statement will only have an impact if we execute applicable transactions after the effective date.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and commitments are summarized in the table below (in 000’s):
 
   
Total
    
Less than
1 Year
    
1-3 years
    
4-5 years
    
After
5 years
  
                               
Long-term debt (1)
   $ 102     $ 68     $ 34     $ 0     $ 0  
Operating leases
     1,232       227       471       491       43  
                                         
Total Contractual Cash
                                        
Obligations
   $ 1,334     $ 295     $ 505     $ 491     $ 43  

 
(1)  Includes fixed interest ranging from 6.2% to 8.45%.
 
 
21
 
Results of Operations
 
Year ended September 30, 2008 compared to year ended March 31, 2007
 

Revenues for the fiscal year ended 2008 increased 28% to $23,494,000 from revenue of $18,363,000 in 2007. This increase is attributable to the acceptance of the Company’s products, the introduction and acceptance of the Fieldsmart fiber management product line and engineering-led design services within the FTTH market.

Revenue to broadband service providers and commercial data networks amounted to $18,359,000 or 78% of revenue compared to $13,941,000 or 76% of sales in 2007.  Sales to OEMs, consisting primarily of fiber optic and copper cable assemblies produced to customer design specifications, were 22% of revenue or $ 5,134,000 compared to $4,422,000 or 24% of sales in 2007.

Gross margin increased from 29% in 2007 to 33% in 2008 resulting in a gross profit of $7,852,000 in 2008 as compared to $5,265,000 in 2007, an increase of $2,587,000 or 50%. The 6% increase in gross margin is attributable to product mix and the introduction of the Fieldsmart management product line, and the results of on-going programs to reduce the cost of products through a combination of new product introduction, process improvement, global sourcing of components and outside manufacturing.

There were no research and development expenses for the on-going business.

S G &A increased 2% or $163,000 from $6,692,000 for 2007 to $6,855,000 for 2008. However in 2007 the Company recognized the severance agreement to former chief executive officer of the Company, Dr. Anil Jain, in the amount of $397,000 and a goodwill impairment of $852,000. Adjusting the 2007 S G & A to reflect these items would have resulted in S G & A of $5,443,000 and the comparative increase in expense would be $1,412,000 or an increase of 26%.  This increase reflects a significant investment in sales, marketing, product management, product engineering and performance-based compensation that contributed to increased sales and profitability.

In 2007 the Company incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $852,000 ($519,717 after tax) to properly reflect the carrying value of the assets associated with APACN, a wholly owned subsidiary.  No such impairment was recorded in 2008.

Income from operations for 2008 was $997,000 compared to a loss of $1,427,000 for 2007,.an improvement of $2,424,000.  This change is attributable to increased revenue and increased gross margin. Adjusting for the goodwill impairment of $852,000 in 2007, the increase in income would have been $1,572,000.

Interest income in 2008 declined 30% from $379,000 in 2007 to $268,000 in 2008.  This is attributable to declining interest rates from the two periods and a reduction in cash available for investing during the same period.

Interest expense decreased from $49,000 in 2007 to $11,000 in 2008. The 2008 interest is  attributable to financing associated with the enterprise information system installed during 2007 and 2008. The 2007 interest is related to bonds held by the South Dakota Economic Development and Finance Authority that was paid off in October of 2006.

Other income consists of $55,000 of lease income on the Company’s Aberdeen facility which was rented beginning in October 2007. The building was vacant and generated no income in the prior year.
 
22
 
Income taxes for 2008 were $93,003, of which 89,203 is directly related to taxes on goodwill. The balance was paid to various states for income, sales and use taxes. In 2007 taxes were recorded as income of $237,000 most of which were related to the tax effect of the goodwill impairment.
 
Net income from continuing operations for 2008 were $1,217,000 or $0.10 per diluted share compared to a loss of $838,000 or $0.07 per diluted share.
 
Net income from discontinued operations for 2008 were $297,000 or $0.02 per diluted share compared to a loss of $1,309,000 or $0.11 per diluted share. The 2008 income consisted of the reversal of a portion of the Blaine building lease termination accrual, totaling $362,000 and expenses of $65,000 associated with the sale of the Blain Building.
 
The Company’s net income was $1,514,000 or $0.13 per diluted share for the year 2008 compared to a loss of $2,147,000 or $0.18 per share for the year 2007.  This is a net change of $3,661,000.
 
Twelve months ended September 30, 2008 Compared to twelve months ended September 30, 2007
 
Condensed Statement of Operations
   
Year ended
September 30,
    
Twelve months
ended
September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
         
(Unaudited)
  
Revenues
   $ 23,493,796     $ 18,697,245  
Gross Profit
     7,851,835       5,572,995  
SG&A
     6,854,934       7,407,038  
Income (loss) from operations
     997,000       (1,834,000 )
Net income (loss) before taxes
     1,310,124       (1,540,501 )
Income taxes
     93,303       (229,103 )
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
     1,216,821       (1,311,398 )
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
     297,439       (1,613,900 )
Net income (loss)
   $ 1,514,260     $ (2,925,298 )
                 
Net income (loss) per share (basic and diluted):
                
Continuing operations
   $ 0.10     $ (0.11 )
Discontinued operations
     0.03       (0.14 )
Total
   $ 0.13     $ (0.25 )

Revenues for the fiscal year ended 2008 increased 26% to $23,494,000 from revenue of $18,697,000 in 2007.  This increase is attributable to the continued acceptance of the Company’s products the introduction and acceptance of the Fieldsmart fiber management product line and engineering-led design services within the FTTH market.  Revenue to broadband service providers and commercial data networks amounted to $18,359,000 or 78% of revenue compared to $13,941,000 or 76% of sales in 2007.  Sales to OEMs consisting primarily of fiber optic and copper cable assemblies produced to customer design specifications were 22% of revenue or $5,135,000 compared to $4,422,000 or 24% of sales in 2007.

Gross margin increased from 30% in 2007 to 33% in 2008 resulting in a gross profit of $7,852,000 in 2008 as compared to $5,573,000 in 2007, an increase of $2,279,000 or 41%. This 3% increase in gross margin is attributable to product mix and the introduction of the Fieldsmart management product line, and the results of on-going programs to reduce the cost of products through a combination of new product introduction, process improvement, global sourcing of components and outside manufacturing.

23
 
There have been no research and development expenses for the on-going business.

S G &A increased 4% or $286,000 from $6,569,000 for 2007 to $6,855,000 for 2008. However in 2007 the Company recognized the severance agreement to former chief executive officer of the Company, Dr. Anil Jain, in the amount of $397,000. Adjusting the 2007 S G & A to reflect the Jain severance would have resulted in S G & A of $6,172,000 and the comparative increase in expense would be $683,000 or an increase of 11%.  This increase is an investment in sales, marketing and product management and product engineering and performance based compensation which has contributed to the increase sales.

In 2007 the Company incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $852,000 ($519,717, after tax) to properly reflect the carrying value of the assets associated with APACN a wholly owned subsidiary.  No such impairment was recorded in 2008.

Gain on disposal of assets in 2007 were $13,000: none were incurred in 2008.

Income from operations for 2008 was $997,000 compared to a loss of $1,834,000 for 2007, an improvement of $2,831,000.  This change is attributable to the increased revenues and overall increased margins. Adjusting for the goodwill impairment of $852,000 in 2007, the increase in income would have been $1,979,000.

Interest income in 2008 declined 19% from $332,000 in 2007 to $268,000 in 2008.  This is attributable to declining interest rates from the two periods and a modest reduction in cash available for investing during the same period.

Interest expense for 2008 increased slightly from $8,000 to $11,000 this is all attributable to financing associated with the enterprise information system installed during 2007 and 2008.

Other income consists of $55,000 of lease income on the Company’s Aberdeen facility which was rented beginning in October 2007. The building was vacant and generated no income in the prior year.
 
Income taxes for 2008 were $93,003, of which 89,203 is directly related to taxes on goodwill. The balance was paid to various states for income, sales and use taxes. In 2007 taxes were recorded as income of $31,000 of which $22,000 were related to the effect of the goodwill impairment.
 
Net income from continuing operations for 2008 were $1,217,000 or $0.10 per diluted share compared to a loss of $1,311,000 or $0.11 per diluted share.
 
Net income from discontinued operations for 2008 were $297,000 or $0.02 per diluted share compared to a loss of $1,614,000 or $0.14 per diluted share. Income for 2008 was comprised of the reversal of the balance of the Blaine lease termination accrual of $362,000 and the loss on the sale of the building and costs associated with the sale totaling $70,000 and $6,000 of miscellaneous expenses. The net loss for the prior year consisted of a gain of $265,000 on the sale of the Blaine lot, a net loss on the sale of India and its operations totaling $255,000, the lease accrual for the Blaine building of $501,000 and fixed asset and inventory write downs totaling $309,000. In addition the costs associated with the discontinuance of the Optics business were severance costs of $78,000, depreciation of $115,000, facility costs of $80,000, and Optics operating costs for the year totaling $537,000.
 
The Company’s net income was $1,514,000 or $0.13 per diluted share for the year 2008 compared to a loss of $2,925,000 or $0.25 per share for the year 2007.  This is a net change of $4,440,000.
 
24
 
Six months ended September 30, 2007 compared to six months ended September 30, 2006
 
Revenues for the six months ended September 30, 2007 increased 3% to $10,297,000 from sales of $9,963,000 for the comparable six month period in 2006. This increase is attributable to the continued acceptance of the Company’s products within the FTTH market resulting from increased sales and marketing activities during the six months ended September 30, 2007.  Sales to broadband service providers and commercial data networks, include custom fiber distribution systems, associated cable assemblies and optical components, were $7,672,000 or 75% of revenue. Sales to OEMs, consisting primarily of fiber optic and copper cable assemblies produced to customer design specifications, were $2,625,000, or 25% of revenue. This compares to 76% for broadband and commercial data networks and 24% for OEMs in the prior comparable period for 2006.
 
Gross profit for the six months ended September 30, 2007 was $3,218,000, or 31% of revenues, compared to $2,910,000, or 29% of revenues, in 2006. The increase of $308,000 or 11% over the prior year is attributable to product mix and the results of the continuing improvement in ongoing programs to reduce product costs through a combination of aggressive product re-design, process improvement and global sourcing of components and outside manufacturing.
 
There have been no research and development expenses for the on-going business.
 
S G & A expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2007 were $3,685,000 compared to $2,954,000 for the comparable period in 2006. The increase of $731,000 is the result of two factors: a significant investment in sales and marketing and the recognition of the severance agreement to Dr. Anil Jain, in the amount of $397,000 recorded in the first quarter of the transition period.
 
Gains on disposal of assets were $13,079 in fiscal year ending September 30, 2007 as compared to losses of $2,162 in the comparable period for prior year 2006.
 
Loss from operations was $376,000 in 2007 compared to income of $98,000 in 2006. This is a direct reflection of the change in operating expenses of which is primarily attributable to a one time severance accrual for Dr. Anil Jain, in the amount of $397,000 in 2007.  Excluding this one time expense, the operating loss would have been approximately $21,000.
 
Interest income for 2007 declined $47,000 to $168,000 from $215,000 for the comparable period for 2006. This is attributable primarily to lower interest rates in the 2007 period.
 
Interest expense for 2007 declined to $7,000 from $49,000 for 2006. This reflects the payoff of the Aberdeen loan. In 2007 other expense of $31,000 reflected an adjustment to the cash surrender value of a life insurance policy on Dr. Anil Jain. In the comparable period for 2006 income of $21,000 resulted from short term rental of warehouse space.
 
Income taxes of $52,000 for 2007 increased $9,000 from $43,000 for 2006. Income taxes are predominantly related to timing differences related to goodwill.
 
Net loss from continuing operations, before taxes, was $376,000 in 2007, or $.03, per diluted share compared to income of $98,000 in 2006, or $.01 per share. Again, excluding the one-time severance accrual of $397,000, amounting to $.03 per diluted share, the Company would have recorded income of $21,000, before taxes.
 
Discontinued operations amounted to a loss of $915,000 for 2007 and $610,000 for the comparable period in 2006. The Company ceased all remaining operations related to the Optronics segment in June of 2007.  Substantially all employees related to the Optronics segment were terminated prior to June 30, 2007.  The loss from discontinued operations was comprised of the following for 2007:
 
25
 
 
•   
Blaine land was sold for  $325,000 at a gain of $265,000
 
•   
APA India was sold at a loss of $126,566
 
•   
APA India incurred an operating loss of $64,780
 
•   
Closure of Optronics resulted in recognition as a current expense all future lease payments on the Blaine facility of $418,044. In addition, other Optronics cost related to discontinuation were the write off of all remaining inventory at $109,871 the write down of fixed assets of $233,383, severance costs of $78,109 and general operating expenses of $149,067.
 
In 2006 the loss from discontinued operations related exclusively to the operations of the Optronics segment and the consolidated operations of the India operation.
 
The Company’s net loss amounted to $1,290,000 or $.11 per share for 2007. This is in comparison to a loss of $512,000 or $.04 per share in the comparable period in 2006. This was an increase of $778,000 over the comparable period.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
As of September 30 2008, our principal source of liquidity was our cash and cash equivalents. Those sources total $4,334,000, compared to $6,130,000 at September 30, 2007 respectively. Our cash is invested in money market accounts.  In 2007 we recognized our auction rate securities as current assets. We believe we have sufficient funds for operations for at least the next twelve months.
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash generated for the twelve months ended September 30, 2008 totaled $2,024,000. This was primarily due to our net income of $1,514,000 and depreciation of $498,000, deferred taxes of $89,000, stock based compensation of $129,000 and an increase in accounts payable of $687,000. This was offset by non-cash charges for the lease termination of $362,000 and an increase in inventories and accounts receivable of $493,000 and $115,000, respectively.
 
Net cash consumed by operating activities for the six months ended September 30, 2007 totaled $902,000. This was due primarily to our net loss from operations for the period of $1,290,000 and an increase in both accounts receivable of $629,000 and inventory of $266,000. This was offset by non-cash charges for depreciation of $214,000, a loss on sale of assets $126,000, a severance accrual for Anil Jain of $360,000 and an accrual for the lease termination of $376,000.
 
Net cash consumed by operating activities for the twelve months ended March 31, 2007, totaled $1,351,000. This was due primarily to the net loss from operations for the period of $2,147,000 and reducing our accounts payable and accrued expenses by $361,000 and prepaid expenses by $135,000 and sale of assets $433,433. This was offset by non cash items; depreciation of $651,000, a goodwill impairment charge of $852,000 and a reduction in inventory of $347,000. Deferred income taxes of $243,000 were an application of working capital although non-cash.
 
Investing Activities
 
For the twelve months ended September 30, 2008 we purchase $1,904,000 of property plant and equipment; of that approximately $1,500,000 was for the purchase of the Blaine building (Note M) which was subsequently sold. During this same period we made a significant investment in our IT structure and manufacturing equipment totaling $404,000.  The proceeds from the sale of assets amounted to $1,452,000 of which the Blaine building was the major portion at $1,450,000. During the same period we purchased $3,675,000 and sold $3,200,000 of available for sale securities. The net result is a net increase in cash from investing activities of $927,000.  For the year 2009 we do not anticipate selling any significant fixed assets. The Company will continue to invest in the necessary and appropriate manufacturing equipment to help maintain a competitive position in manufacturing capability.
 
26
 
For the six months ended September 30, 2007, we recovered $514,000 from the sale of assets most of which were associated with discontinued operations. During the same period we purchased $2,350,000 and sold $4,975,000 of available for sale securities. This reduced our position in available for sale securities by $2,625,000. These funds were reinvested in money market accounts. During this same period we made a significant investment in our IT structure along with manufacturing equipment totaling $232,000 resulting in a net increase in cash from investing activities. For the year 2008 we do not anticipate selling any significant fixed assets. The Company will continue to invest in the necessary and appropriate manufacturing equipment to help maintain a competitive position in manufacturing capability.
 
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, we netted approximately $2,770,000 in positive cash flow from investing activities. Investments in property and equipment of $581,000 including a new enterprise IT system and continued facility construction in India were offset in-part by $627,000 cash received from the sales of patents and excess equipment largely in our Optronics division. During the same period we purchased $17,300,000 and sold $20,025,000 of available for sale securities. This reduced our position in available for sale securities by $2,725,000 and these funds were reinvested in money market accounts.
 
Financing Activities
 
For the twelve months ended September 30, 2008 we used a net of $68,000 to make scheduled debt principal payments principally associated with the financing of our IT systems.
 
For the six months ended September 30, 2007 we used a net of $34,000 to make scheduled debt principal payments.
 
In the year ended March 31, 2007 we used a net $873,000 in financing activities that was applied primarily towards the payment of long-term debt relating to our facility in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
 
The Company believes that its current cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet its working capital and investment requirements for the next 12 months. However, future growth, including potential acquisitions, may require the Company to raise capital through additional equity or debt financing. There can be no assurance that any such financing would be available on commercially acceptable terms.
 
As outlined in Note O to the consolidated financial statements, our available for sale securities, which consisted of Auction Rate Securities, were purchased by our broker, Credit Suisse, for par value in October 2008 resulting in proceeds of $3.3 million which has been invested in cash equivalents providing additional working capital.
 

27
 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our cash equivalents. The portfolio includes only marketable securities with active secondary or resale markets to ensure liquidity. We have no investments denominated in foreign country currencies and, therefore, our investments are not subject to foreign exchange risk. See “Cash and Equivalents” under Note A of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
Quarterly Results of Operations. The following tables present our unaudited quarterly operating results for the eight quarters ended September 30, 2008:
 
       
   
Quarter Ended
  
                         
   
December 31,
2006
    
March 31,
2007(1)
    
June 30,
2007
    
September 30,
 2007
  
Statement of Operations Data
                        
                         
Net revenue
   $ 4,504,508     $ 3,896,057     $ 4,907,046     $ 5,389,634  
Gross profit
     1,355,193       1,000,145       1,450,145       1,767,512  
Net loss
     (429,368 )     (1,205,491 )     (1,409,939 )     119,500  
Net income (loss) loss per share, basic and diluted
   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.12 )   $ 0.01  
                                 
                                 
   
Quarter Ended
  
   
December 31,
2007
    
March 31,
2008
    
June 30,
2008
    
September 30,
2008
  
Statement of Operations Data
                                
                                 
Net revenue
   $ 4,697,440     $ 5,442,493     $ 6,165,379     $ 7,188,484  
Gross profit
     1,449,471       1,765,564       2,107,819       2,528,981  
Net income (loss)
     395,368       115,338       248,894       754,660  
Net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted
   $ 0.03     $  0.01     $ 0.02     $ 0.06  


(1)  
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $852,000 ($519,717 after tax).

 
28
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


Board of Directors and Shareholders
Clearfield, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Clearfield, Inc. and subsidi­aries as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2008, the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended March 31, 2007.  These consolidated financial state­ments and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclo­sures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Clearfield, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2008, the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended March 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
December 22, 2008
 

 
29

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
CLEARFIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
September 30,
2008
    
September 30,
2007
  
Assets
            
Current Assets
            
Cash and cash equivalents
   $ 4,333,709     $ 3,304,645  
Available for sale securities
     -       2,825,000  
Accounts receivable, net
     2,533,447       2,418,651  
Inventories
     2,088,769       1,595,282  
Other current assets
     115,344       102,473  
Total current assets
     9,071,269       10,246,051  
                 
Property plant and equipment, net
     1,604,202       1,773,739  
                 
Other Assets
                
Available for sale securities
     3,036,000       -  
Goodwill
     2,570,511       2,570,511  
Other
     284,309       281,589  
Notes receivable
     432,846       469,678  
Total other assets
     6,323,666       3,321,778  
     Total Assets
   $ 16,999,137     $ 15,341,568  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
                
Current Liabilities
                
Current maturities of long term debt
   $ 62,126     $ 68,215  
Accounts payable
     1,849,633       1,176,280  
Accrued compensation
     903,276       958,023  
Accrued expenses
     301,859       107,209  
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
     -       205,885  
Total current liabilities
     3,116,894       2,515,612  
                 
Long term debt, net of current maturities
     33,081       95,207  
Deferred rent
     89,641       85,059  
Deferred income taxes
     166,904       77,701  
Other long term liabilities
     -       150,470  
Long term obligations of discontinued operations
     -       204,832  
Total Liabilities
     3,406,520       3,128,881  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
                
Undesignated shares, 4,999,500 authorized shares: no shares issued and outstanding
     -       -  
Preferred stock, $.01 par value;  500 shares; no shares outstanding
     -       -  
Common stock, authorized 50,000,000, $ .01 par value; 11,938,131 and 11,872,331 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively
     119,381       118,723  
Additional paid-in capital
     52,166,219       52,037,207  
Accumulated deficit
     (38,428,983 )     (39,943,243 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
     (264,000 )     -  
Total shareholders’ equity
     13,592,617       12,212,687  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
   $ 16,999,137     $ 15,341,568  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
 
30
 
CLEARFIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



   
Year Ended
September 30,
    
Six Months
Ended
September 30,
    
Year Ended
March 31,
  
   
2008
    
2007
    
2007
  
                   
Revenues
   $ 23,493,796     $ 10,296,680     $ 18,363,836  
                         
Cost of sales
     15,641,961       7,079,023       13,098,972  
                         
Gross profit
     7,851,835       3,217,657       5,264,864  
                         
Operating expenses
                        
Selling, general and administrative
     6,854,934       3,684,694       5,838,513  
Goodwill impairment charge
     -       -       852,000  
Gain on disposal of assets
     -       (13,079 )     1,435  
      6,854,934       3,671,615       6,691,948  
                         
Income (loss) from operations
     996,901       (453,958 )     (1,427,084 )
                         
Interest income
     268,063       167,881       378,977  
Interest expense
     (10,721 )     (7,148 )     (49,079 )
Other income (loss)
     55,881       (30,754 )     21,476  
      313,223       129,979       351,374  
Income (loss) before income taxes
     1,310,124       (323,979 )     (1,075,710 )
                         
Income tax expense (benefit)
     93,303       51,640       (237,493 )
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
     1,216,821       (375,619 )     (838,217 )
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
     297,439       (1,071,010 )     (1,743,961 )
Net gain on disposal of assets of discontinued operations
     -       156,190       434,868  
Total income (loss) from discontinued operations
     297,439       (914,820 )     (1,309,093 )
Net income (loss)
   $ 1,514,260     $ (1,290,439 )   $ (2,147,310 )
                         
Net income (loss) per share:
                        
Continuing operations
   $ 0.10     $ (0.03 )   $ (0.07 )
Discontinued operations
   $ 0.03     $ (0.08 )   $ (0.11 )
Basic and diluted
   $ 0.13     $ (0.11 )   $ (0.18 )
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                        
Basic and diluted
     11,873,773       11,872,331       11,872,331  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
 
31

CLEARFIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
               
Additional
paid-in
    
Accumulated
    
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
    
Total
shareholders
  
   
Shares
    
Amount
    
Capital
    
deficit
    
loss
    
equity
  
Balance at March 31, 2006
     11,872,331       118,723     $ 51,968,366     $ (36,505,494 )   $ (2,153 )   $ 15,579,442  
Stock based compensation expense
     -       -       50,363       -       -       50,363  
Foreign currency translation
     -       -       -       -       (6,011 )     (6,011 )
Net (loss)
     -       -       -       (2,147,310 )     -       (2,147,310 )
Comprehensive loss
     -       -       -       -       -       (2,153,321 )
Balance at March 31, 2007
     11,872,331       118,723       52,018,729       (38,652,804 )     (8,164 )     13,476,484  
Stock based compensation expense
     -       -       18,478       -       -       18,478  
Foreign currency translation
     -       -       -       -       8,164       8,164  
Net (loss)
     -       -       -       (1,290,439 )     -       (1,290,439 )
Comprehensive loss
     -       -       -       -       -       (1,282,278 )
Balance at September 30, 2007
     11,872,331       118,723       52,037,207       (39,943,243 )     -       12,212,687  
Stock based compensation expense
     -       -       50,052       -       -       50,052  
Stock issued as compensation
     65,800       658       78,060       -       -       79,618  
Other comprehensive loss
     -       -       -       -       (264,000 )     (264,000 )
Net income
     -       -       -               -       1,514,260  
Comprehensive income
     -       -       -       1,514,260       -       1,250,260  
Balance at September  30, 2008
     11,938,131       119,381     $ 52,166,219     $ (38,428,983 )   $ (264,000 )   $ 13,592,617  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


32
 
CLEARFIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
Year ended
September 30,
    
Six months
ended
September 30,
    
Year ended
March 31,
  
   
2008
    
2007
    
2007
  
Cash flows from operating activities:
                  
Net income (loss)
   $ 1,514,260     $ (1,290,439 )   $ (2,147,310 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                        
Depreciation and amortization
     498,418       213,697       651,399  
Deferred income taxes
     89,203       48,540       (243,293 )
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
     55,251       126,408       (433,433 )
Stock-based compensation expense
     129,012       18,478       50,363  
Goodwill impairment charge
     -       -       852,000  
Severance accrual
     -       360,826       -  
Lease termination accrual
     (362,028 )     376,032       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                        
Accounts receivable, net
     (114,796 )     (628,536 )     69,423  
Inventories
     (493,487 )     (265,910 )     346,553  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
     21,241       104,548       (135,206 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
     686,595       34,000       (361,400 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
     2,023,669       (902,356 )     (1,350,904 )
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                        
Purchases of property and equipment
     (1,903,672 )     (232,322 )     (581,446 )
Purchase of available for sale securities
     (3,675,000 )     (2,350,000 )     (17,300,000 )
Sale of available for sale securities
     3,200,000       4,975,000       20,025,000  
Proceeds from sale of assets
     1,451,624       513,805       626,807  
Net cash provided by investing activities
     (927,048 )     2,906,483       2,770,361  
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                        
Payment of long-term debt
     (68,215 )     (34,177 )     (872,854 )
Proceeds from Issuance of common stock
     658       -       -  
Net cash used in financing activities
     (67,557 )     (34,177 )     (872,854 )
Foreign currency translation
     -       21,326       (6,011 )
Increase in cash balances of discontinued operations
     -       47,193       57,240  
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
     1,029,064       2,038,469       597,832  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
     3,304,645       1,266,176       668,344  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
   $ 4,333,709     $ 3,304,645     $ 1,266,176  
Supplemental cash flow information:
                        
Cash paid during the year for:                        
Interest
   $ 10,721     $ 7,148     $ 41,841  
Income Taxes
     4,100       3,120       5,800  
Noncash investing and financing:
                        
Withdrawal of bond reserve funds, net
     -       -       469,626  
Note receivable for sale of India operations
     -       502,213       -  
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable
     -       132,380       -  
Debt incurred for purchase of equipment
     -       -       179,118  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
 
33
 
Clearfield, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ended September 30, 2008, six months ended September 30, 2007 and year ended March 31, 2007

NOTE A  –  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Nature of Business
 
Clearfield, Inc., formerly APA Enterprises, Inc., (the Company) is a manufacturer of a broad range of standard and custom passive connectivity products to customers throughout the United States with a concentration in Minnesota.  These products include fiber distribution systems, optical components, Outside Plant (“OSP”) cabinets, and fiber and copper cable assemblies that serve the communication service provider, including Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”), large enterprise, and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) markets.
 
Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Clearfield, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.   All significant inter-company accounts and transac­tions have been eliminated in consolidation. Effective January 2, 2008 the Company merged its sole subsidiary APA Cables and Networks, Inc. into the Company (the “Parent – Subsidiary Merger”) and changed the name of the Company from APA Enterprises, Inc. to Clearfield, Inc. Since the Parent – Subsidiary Merger on January 2, 2008, the Company has no subsidiaries. For periods prior to January 2, 2008 the consolidated financial statements represent all companies of which Clearfield, Inc. directly or indirectly had majority ownership or otherwise controlled.
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
The Company used the United States dollar as its functional currency.  There were no significant foreign exchange translation gains or losses during periods ended September 30, 2008, September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product has been delivered, the fee is fixed, acceptance by the customer is reasonably certain and collection is probable.  This generally occurs upon shipment of product to the customer. The Company records freight revenues billed to customers as revenue and the related cost in cost of revenues. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Cash equivalents at September 30, 2008 and 2007 respectively consist entirely of short-term money market accounts.  Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
 
The Company maintains cash balances at several financial institutions, and at times, such balances exceed insured limits.  The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash. No cash was in foreign financial institutions as of September 30, 2008.
 
34
 
NOTE A  –  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  –  Continued
 
Available for Sale Securities
 
Available-for-Sale Securities consist of Auction Rate Securities (“ARS”) with underling investments in AAA rated securities with varying maturities and interest rates are reset for periods not exceeding 30 days.  The Company has experienced an unrealized loss of value of its securities but believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk on its investments. Unrealized gains and losses are reflected as other comprehensive income. See Note O.
 
Accounts Receivable
 
Credit is extended based on the evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required.  Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due.  The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade receivables are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as whole.  The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible; payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.  The allowance for uncollectible accounts was $69,381 and $78,973 at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Inventories
 
Inventories consist of finished goods, raw materials and work in process and are stated at the lower of average cost (which approximates the first-in, first-out method) or market.  Cost is determined using material costs, labor charges, and allocated factory overhead charges.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortiza­tion.  Depreciation and amortization are provided on the straight-line method for book and tax purposes over the follow­ing estimated useful lives of the assets:
 
 
   
Years
  
 
Building
20
  
 
Equipment
3 – 7
  
 
Leasehold improvements
7 – 10 or life of lease
  

Goodwill
 
The Company records the excess of purchase cost over the fair value of net tangible assets of acquired companies as goodwill or other identifiable intangible assets and tests for impairment annually and under certain circumstances.  The Company performs such testing of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year or as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  The Company compares the fair value of the reporting units to the carrying value of the reporting units for goodwill impairment testing.  Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow method.
 
The Company completed its annual impairment testing of goodwill in the final quarter of the periods ended March 31, 2007, September 30, 2007 and 2008 respectively.  This testing indicated that goodwill recorded as of March 31, 2007 for the APACN subsidiary was impaired, principally due to weakness in operating results of this subsidiary.  The Company recognized the related non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $852,000 ($519,717 after tax) for the year ended March 31, 2007. For the year ended September 30, 2008 and for the six months ended September 30, 2007 no impairment was recorded.
 
35
 
NOTE A  –  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  –  Continued
 
Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has various incentive and non-qualified stock option plans which are used as an incentive for directors, officers, and other employees, as described more fully in Note N.  Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment, ” (SFAS 123(R)) which requires an entity to reflect an expense, instead of pro forma disclosures in its financial footnotes, the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. Statement 123(R) supersedes the Company’s previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which provides that the Company’s consolidated financial statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS 123(R).

SFAS 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods using the straight-line attribution model. The Company recorded $50,052 of related compensation expense for the year ended September 30, 2008 and $18,478 of related compensation expense for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and $50,363 for the year ended March 31, 2007.  Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense.  There was no tax benefit from recording this non-cash expense.  The impact of this compensation expense on both basic and diluted loss per share was less than $0.01 for the year ended September 30, 2008.  As of September 30, 2008, $86,630 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.46 years.
 
The total fair value of options vested during the year ended September 30, 2008, and the six months ended September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 are $48,394, $13,998 and $64,545 respectively.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) option-pricing model as a method for determining the estimated fair value for employee stock awards.
 
The Company estimates the fair value of stock option awards based on the following assumptions for the periods ended:
 
 
September 30, 2008
September 30, 2007
March 31, 2007
Expected volatility
52%
51%
64%
Expected life (in years)
5 years
5 years
5 years
Expected dividends
0%
0%
0%
Risk-free interest rate
2.98%
4.42%
4.78%
 
 
36

NOTE A  –  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  –  Continued

The weighted average fair value of options granted during for the year ended September 30, 2008 and the six months ended September 30, 2007, and for the year ended March 31, 2007 are $0.45, $ 0.59 and $0.77. The Company’s approach to estimating expected volatility on its stock awards granted during the year considers both the historical volatility in the trading market for its common stock and a look back period equal to the expected life of the grants.  Expected volatility is one of several assumptions in the Black-Scholes model used by the Company to make an estimate of the fair value of options granted under the Company’s stock plans. The Company uses a forfeiture rate of 10%. In estimating the expected term, both exercise behavior and post-vesting termination behavior were included in the analysis, as well as consideration of outstanding options.  The risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model is the historical yield on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with equivalent remaining terms. The Company does not pay any cash dividends on the Company’s common stock and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.  Consequently, an expected dividend yield of zero is used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model.

In September 2008, 65,800 shares of stock, with a market price of $1.21 per share, were issued to employees of the Company under the Company’s 2007 Stock Compensation Plan.  This award to employees was part of the annual incentive program, totaled $79,618 and was recorded in SG & A expense. The awards were issued with out restriction. Recipients of the award included, sales, professional staff and Company management.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of current financial assets and liabilities approximates their fair values.  The fair value of long-term obligations, if recalculated based on current interest rates, would not significantly differ from the recorded amounts.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share
 
Basic and diluted net incomes (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.
 
Common stock options and warrants to purchase 386,700, 586,830 and 583,150 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $1.37, $2.48 and $2.56 were outstanding during the year ended September 30, 2008, the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended March 31, 2007 respectively, but were excluded from the calculation of net income (loss) per share because they were antidillutive.

Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, related revenues and expenses and disclosure about contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.  Actual results may differ from those estimates used by management.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets, including goodwill, and requires recognition of impairment of long-lived assets if events or circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred and when the net book value of such assets exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows attributed to such assets.  The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  No impairment of long-lived assets has occurred during any of the periods presented.

37
 
NOTE A  –  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  –  Continued
 
Income Taxes

The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting.  Deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes ultimately payable or recoverable based on enacted tax law.  The Company establishes a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realizable.  Changes in tax rates are reflected in the tax provision as they occur.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and provides entities with a framework for selecting the principles used in preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. The current GAAP hierarchy has been criticized because it is directed to the auditor rather than the entity, it is complex, and it ranks FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts, which are subject to the same level of due process as FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Standards, below industry practices that are widely recognized as generally accepted but that are not subject to due process. The Board believes the GAAP hierarchy should be directed to entities because it is the entity (not its auditors) that is responsible for selecting accounting principles for financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. The adoption of FASB 162 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position.

On February 15, 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB No. 115. This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The fair value option established by SFAS No. 159 permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this pronouncement will have on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurement but does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. However on February 12, 2008, the FASB issued proposed FSP FAS 157-2 which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). This FSP partially defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP.  We will adopt SFAS 157, except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities as noted in proposed FSP FAS 157-2, on October 1, 2008 and do not believe  the impact this pronouncement will be material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115, or SFAS No. 159.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. SFAS No. 159 applies to all entities, including not-for-profit organizations. The provisions of SFAS No. 159 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159 on our financial statements.
 
38
 
NOTE B – TRANSITIONAL REPORTING RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In June 2007, the Company elected to change the fiscal year end from March 31 to September 30. In view of this change, the following presents the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended September 30, 2007 (the transition period) with the unaudited six months ended September 30, 2006. The September 30, 2007 condensed format was derived from the audited consolidated statement of operations from the transition statement of the same period.
 
Condensed Statement of Operations:
   
Six months ended September 30,
  
         
(Unaudited)
  
   
2007
    
2006
  
Revenues
   $ 10,296,680     $ 9,963,271  
Gross Profit
     3,217,657       2,909,526  
SG&A
     3,671,615       2,956,525  
Income (loss) from operations
     (453,958 )     (46,999 )
Net income (loss) before taxes
     (323,979 )     140,812  
Income taxes
     51,640       43,250  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
     (375,619 )     97,562  
Net loss from discontinued operations
     (914,820 )     (610,013 )
Net loss
   $ (1,290,439 )   $ (512,451 )
                 
Net income (loss) per share (basic and diluted):
                
Continuing operations
   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.01  
Discontinued operations
     (0.08 )     (0.05 )
Total
   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.04 )

NOTE C – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Optronics business segment (GaN products) continued to experience lower than expected demand for its products and services during the year ended March 31, 2007 and continued to record operating losses.  This caused management to critically evaluate the long term viability of the business and after careful deliberation elected to cease operations and discontinue the business in June of 2007. As a result of the discontinuation of GaN products and the logistics and time constraints for the Company’s (APACN’) fiber patch cords, India was no longer a viable sourcing option and actions were taken to control ongoing costs and recover the investment in the Company’s India subsidiary.  In addition, the Company elected to close its Blaine facility because it was primarily dedicated to the Optronics segment.

Sale of India Operations

On June 28, 2007, the Company sold APA Optronics (India) Private Limited ("APA India") to an entity owned by the former chief executive officer of the Company, Dr. Anil K. Jain.  The purchase price of $504,499 was paid by delivery of a five year promissory note.  The terms of the note include monthly installment payments of principal and interest with an annual rate of 7% amortized over a ten year period with a balloon payment due November 2012 when the outstanding balance is due. The note is secured by a pledge of Company stock by Dr. Jain, a pledge by Dr. Jain of payments under his Separation Agreement with the Company, and a personal guaranty by Dr. Jain. The purchase price was determined by the independent directors to be fair and reasonable to the Company.  The current portion of the note receivable is presented within “prepaid expenses and other” and the long term portion is reflected as note receivable on the balance sheet.  The Company recorded a loss of approximately $127,000 on the sale that is presented in discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.

39
 
NOTE C – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS -Continued

Discontinuance of Optronics Segment

The Company ceased all remaining operations related to the Optronics segment in June of 2007.  Substantially all employees related to the Optronics segment were terminated prior to June 30, 2007.  The Company recorded expense of $78,109 for one time termination benefits.  The decision to close its facility in Blaine, Minnesota, that was fully dedicated to the Optronics segment, occurred in June of 2007.  The Company recorded a charge of $418,044 for remaining contract obligations costs (“lease termination costs”) through November of 2009 as the facility will not provide any economic benefit to the Company in the future. A portion of the contract obligation, $171,000 as of September 30, 2007, is reflected as a current liability of discontinued operations and the balance $204,000, is included in long term liabilities of discontinued operations (see also Note M). The Company recorded asset impairment charges of $367,928 related to the write-off of inventory and write-down of fixed assets to their realizable value.  The assets remaining that will not be retained will be sold or disposed of.

Operating results related to the discontinuance of the Optronics segment, including APA India, for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 and for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, which have been reclassified and presented in our consolidated statements of income as discontinued operations, are summarized below:
 
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2007
    
2006
  
Net Sales
   $ 28,324     $ 83,919  
Cost of goods sold
     231,420       303,881  
Gross profit
     (203,096 )     (219,962 )
Operating expenses
     711,724       390,051  
Loss from discontinued operations
   $ (914,820 )   $ (610,013 )
                 
 
   
Years Ended March 31,
  
   
2007
    
2006
  
Net Sales
   $ 196,342     $ 76,8949  
Cost of goods sold
     648,471       1,073,145  
Gross profit
     (452,129 )     (996,251 )
Operating expenses
     856,964       1,172,739  
Loss from discontinued operations
   $ (1,309,093 )   $ (2,168,990 )

The net income from discontinued operations for the year ended September 30, 2008 relates to 1) the reversal of a portion of the lease termination accrual of $393,000 and 2) operating expenses of approximately $96,000.

NOTE D – SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
 
Effective June 28, 2007 Anil K. Jain ceased to be Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer), Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer), and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
Pursuant to the terms of an Amended and Restated Agreement Regarding Employment/Compensation Upon Change In Control dated September 15, 2005, Dr. Jain will be paid his current salary ($190,000 per year) for 24 months after the date of termination of his employment, payable quarterly.  As a result, the Company has recorded a severance charge of $397,000 in the statement of operations for the six months ended September 30, 2007,  the short term portion of the liability is include in accrued compensation and the
 
40
 
NOTE D – SEVERANCE AGREEMENT - Continued

long term portion of the liability is included in other long term liabilities.  This severance provision applies notwithstanding the absence of a "change of control”. As of September 30, 2008 the balance due is $150,470 and is included in the accrued compensation as it is all short term.

NOTE E – INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following at

   
September 30,
    
September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
Raw materials
   $ 1,815,777     $ 1,422,374  
Work-in-process
     14,483       50,468  
Finished Goods
     258,511       122,440  
    $ 2,088,769     $ 1,595,282  

NOTE F  –  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at:

   
September 30,
    
September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
Land
   $ 56,195     $ 56,195  
Buildings
     1,679,424       1,679,424  
Manufacturing Equipment
     685,425       602,432  
Office Equipment
     1,405,147       1,163,221  
Leasehold Improvements
     187,986       184,015  
      4,014,117       3,685,287  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
     2,409,966       1,911,548  
    $ 1,604,202     $ 1,773,739  

NOTE G  –  LONG-TERM DEBT
 
The following is a summary of the outstanding debt, which consists of a capital lease, at:

   
September 30,
    
September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
Long term debt
   $ 95,207     $ 163,422  
Less: current maturities
     62,126       68,215  
    $ 33,081     $ 95,207  

Scheduled maturities of the Company’s long-term debt are as follows:
 

Years ending September 30,
      
2009
   $ 62,126  
2010
     33,081  
    $ 95,207  

 
41
 
NOTE H  –  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company maintains a contributory 401(k) profit sharing benefit plan covering all employ­ees.  The Company matches 50% of the first 6% of the employee’s salary that was contributed by the employee to the plan.  The Company’s contributions under this plan were $114,379, $72,765 and $127,000 for the periods ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and March 31, 2007, respectively.

NOTE I  –  INCOME TAXES

Deferred taxes recognize the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of the assets and liabilities recorded for financial statement purposes and such amount measured in accordance with tax laws.  Realization of net operating loss carry forward and other deferred tax temporary differences are contingent upon future taxable earnings.  The Company’s deferred tax asset was reviewed for expected utilization using a “more likely than not” approach as required by SFAS 109 by assessing the available positive and negative factors surrounding its recoverability.  Accordingly, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows at:

   
September 30
    
September 30
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
Current deferred income tax assets:
            
Inventories
   $ 178,710     $ 129,463  
Accrued expenses
     239,956       478,294  
      418,666       607,757  
Long-term deferred income tax assets:
                
Intangibles
     29,607       31,550  
Net operating loss carry forwards and credits
     12,762,440       13,337,200  
      12,792,047       13,368,750  
Total deferred income tax assets
     13,210,713       13,976,507  
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities:
                
Property and equipment depreciation
     65,925       20,022  
Goodwill
     166,890       77,701  
      232,815       97,723  
                 
Total net deferred income taxes
     12,977,898       13,878,784  
Valuation allowance
     (13,144,802 )     (13,956,485 )
Total
   $ (166,904 )   $ (77,701 )

 
42
 
NOTE I  –  INCOME TAXES - Continued

As of September 30, 2007, the Company has net operating loss carry forwards for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $32,710,000 which expire in fiscal years 2009 to 2027. To date the Company has not completed a Section 382 analysis.  If certain ownership changes occurred under Section 382, there may be further limitations on the usage of the net operating loss carry forwards.

The following is a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the consolidated effective tax rate for the following periods ended:
 
   
Percent of Pre-tax Income
  
   
September 30,
    
September 30,
    
March 31,
  
   
2008
    
2007
    
2007
  
Federal statutory rate
     34 %     (34 %)     (34 %)
State income taxes
     5 %     (5 %)     (5 %)
Permanent differences
     2 %     3 %     9 %
Expiration of net operating loss carryforwards
     16 %     35 %     - %
Other
     - %     - %     1 %
Change in valuation allowance
     (51 %)     5 %     21 %
Tax rate
     6 %     4 %     (10 %)

Components of the income tax expense (benefit) are as follows for the periods ended:

   
September 30,
    
September 30,
    
March 31,
  
   
2008
    
2007
    
2007
  
Current:
                  
Federal
   $ -     $ -     $ -  
State
     4,318       3,100       5,800  
      4,318       3,100       5,800  
Deferred:
                        
Federal
     785,260       94,741       228,973  
State
     115,470       13,932       33,673  
      900,667       108,673       262,646  
Valuation allowance
     (811,682 )     (60,133 )     (505,939 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
   $ 93,303     $ 51,640     $ (237,493 )

 
The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), on April 1, 2007. Previously, the Company had accounted for tax contingencies in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 5, Accounting for Contingencies. As required by FIN 48, which clarifies Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. At the adoption date, the Company applied FIN 48 to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remained open. Both prior and subsequent to the adoption of FIN 48, the Company had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
 
43
 
NOTE I – INCOME TAXES –  Continued
 
The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 1993.
 
The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses for all periods presented. The Company did not recognize any interest or penalties during the periods ended September 30, 2008, September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007.
 
NOTE J  –  SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Board of Directors may, by resolution, establish from the undesignated shares different classes or series of shares and may fix the relative rights and preferences of shares in any class or series. The Company is authorized to issue 500 shares of preferred stock and 50,000,000 shares of common stock at $.01 par value. The Company has not issued any shares of preferred stock.

NOTE K  –  SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

Pursuant to the Shareholder Rights Plan each share of common stock has attached to it a right, and each share of common stock issued in the future will have a right attached until the rights expire or are redeemed.  Upon the occurrence of certain change in control events, each right entitles the holder to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series B Junior Preferred Participating Share, at an exercise price of $80 per share, subject to adjustment.  The rights expire on November 10, 2010 and may be redeemed by the Company at a price of $.001 per right prior to the time they become exercisable.

NOTE L  –  STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

Stock Options

The Company has various incentive and non-qualified stock option plans which are used as an incentive for directors, officers, and other employees.  Options are generally granted at fair market values determined on the date of grant and vesting normally occurs over a five-year period.  The maximum contractual term is normally six years. However, options granted to directors  have a one year vesting period and a six year contractual term. The Company issues new shares upon exercise of a stock option. The plans had 1,232,500 shares of common stock available for issue at September 30, 2008.

Option transactions under these plans during the year ended September 30, 2008 the transition period ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended March 31, 2007 are summarized as follows:

   
Number of
shares
    
Weighted average
exercise price
    
Weighted
average 
fair value
  
Outstanding at March 31, 2006
    
276,470
       2.80    
 
  
Granted
     40,000       1.13     $ 0.77  
Cancelled
     (83,320 )     4.60          
Outstanding at March 31, 2007
     233,150       1.90          
Granted
     20,000       1.13     $ 0.59  
Cancelled
     (16,320 )     3.50          
Outstanding at September 30, 2007
     236,830       1.72          
Granted
     228,700       1.13     $ 0.45  
Cancelled or Forfeited
     (78,830 )     .97          
Outstanding at September 30, 2008
     386,700       1.37          
 
 
44
 
NOTE L  –  STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS  –  Continued
 
The number of shares exercisable at September 30, 2008, September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 was 122,240, 111,530 and 99,950 respectively, at a weighted average exercise price of $1.81, $1.88 and $2.30 per share, respectively.
 
The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable stock options at September 30, 2008:

Options outstanding
  
                       
Range of
exercise prices
    
Number
outstanding
  
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
  
Weighted
average
exercise price
    
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
  
$ 0.00-$1.09       229,700  
5.13 years
   $ 1.08     $ 247,249  
  1.10-1.49       82,000  
3.29 years
     1.32       108,552  
  1.50-1.99       25,000  
1.69 years
     1.59       39,800  
  2.00-5.00       50,000  
1.03 years
     2.66       132,900  
          386,700  
3.88 years
   $ 1.37     $ 528,501  


Options exercisable
  
                       
Range of
exercise prices
    
Number
outstanding
  
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
  
Weighted
average
exercise price
    
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
  
$ 0.00-$1.09       10,000  
4.90 years
   $ 1.03     $ 10,300  
  1.10-1.49       48,840  
 3.16 years
     1.34       65,509  
  1.50-1.99       22,400  
 1.58 years
     1.59       35,692  
  2.00-5.00       41,000  
 1.01 years
     2.68       109,950  
          122,240  
 2.29 years
   $ 1.81     $ 221,451  

Stock Warrants

The following is a table of the warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock:

   
Warrants
outstanding
    
Exercise price
 per share
    
Expiration
 date
  
Balance at March 31, 2006
     357,310    
  3.00 – 7.00
    
2007 – 2008
  
  Issued
     -    
 -
    
-
  
          Expired
     (7,310 )  
 7.00
    
2007
  
Balance at March 31, 2007
     350,000    
 3.00
    
2008
  
          Issued
     -    
 -
    
-
  
          Expired
     -    
 -
    
-
  
Balance September 30, 2007
     350,000    
 3.00
    
2008
  
          Issued
     -    
 -
    
-
  
          Expired
     (350,000 )  
 3.00
    
2008
  
Balance September 30, 2008
     -    
 -
    
 -
  

 
45
 
NOTE M  –  COMMITMENTS AND FACILITIES

The Company leases office and manufacturing facilities in Plymouth, MN for its ongoing operations. This operating lease is renewable and noncancelable. The Company also leases various office equipment. For the period ended September 30, 2008, rent expense was $325,000 with an offset of rent take back associated with the Blaine facility purchase and resale of $362,000. This resulted in a net take back of $37,000. Total rent expense for the Company in prior years was $628,000 and $459,000 for the periods ended September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007.
 
Blaine Facility
 
On October 30, 2007 the Company purchased its previous corporate headquarters in Blaine for $1,500,000 under the provisions of its option to purchase as stated in its lease from Jain-Olsen Properties. The Company as owner of the building canceled the lease to itself. The lease was scheduled to run through November of 2009. The elimination of the lease resulted in the elimination of approximately $362,000 of accrued obligations related to this lease in conjunction with the discontinuation of the Optronics segment recorded during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2007 and will be taken into income during the three months ending December 31, 2007. The Company, on the same day, then sold the land and building for $1,450,000 incurring a loss of $52,000.  Rent expense of $14,000, $84,000 and $166,000 was paid to the partnership for the periods ended September 30, 2008, September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

The closure of the Optronics division housed in Blaine resulted in the Company recording a charge of $418,044 for remaining contract obligations costs through November of 2009 as the facility will not provide any economic benefit to the Company in the future. This amount is reflected in the $621,000 rent for the six months ended September 30, 2007.
 
Aberdeen Facility
 
On October 1, 2007 the Company entered into a lease agreement for its Aberdeen, South Dakota facility which allows the tenant first opportunity to purchase the building over the three year period commencing on October 1, 2007.

The following is a schedule of approximate minimum payments required under the operating leases:

Year ending September 30
  
Operating leases
  
2009
   $ 227,067  
2010
     234,729  
2011
     235,943  
2012
     241,773  
2013
     249,480  
Thereafter
     42,756  
Total minimum lease payments
   $ 1,231,748  

In February 2007, the Company began implementing a new enterprise system and entered into a contract to pay approximately $266,000 over a 3 year period for software related to part number configuration and production scheduling. The contract calls for payments of $88,800 and $29,600 for 2009 and 2010 respectively.

46
 
NOTE N  –  CONCENTRATIONS

Suppliers
 
The Company purchases raw materials, component parts and outsourced labor from many suppliers.  Although many of these items are single-sourced, the Company has experienced no significant difficulties to date in obtaining adequate quantities. These circumstances could change, however, and the Company cannot guarantee that sufficient quantities or quality of raw materials, component parts and outsourced labor will be as readily available in the future or, if available, that we will be able to obtain them at favorable prices.
 
Customers

Two customers comprised approximately 23%, 18% and 23% of total sales for the periods ended September 30, 2008, September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007.

NOTE O – AUCTION RATE SECURITIES
 
At September 30, 2008 our long term investment portfolio consisted of $3.3 million of Auction Rate Securities (ARS), with contractual maturities between 22 and 33 years. The ARS held by us are primarily backed by student loans and are over-collateralized, and are insured by and guaranteed by the United States Federal Department of Education. In addition, all ARS held by us are rated by the major independent rating agencies as either AAA or Aaa. Most of these auction rate securities were scheduled to reset every 7 to 28 days through a Dutch Auction process. The auctions have historically provided a liquid market for these securities as investors could readily sell their investments at auction. As of February 2008, ARS had experienced failed auctions, due to sell orders exceeding buy orders. These failures are not believed to be a credit issue, but rather caused by a lack of liquidity due to pressure in other segments of the securities markets. Under the contractual terms, the issuer is typically obligated to pay penalty interest rates should an auction fail. The funds associated with failed auctions are not expected to be accessible until one of the following occurs: a successful auction occurs, the issuer redeems the issue, a buyer is found outside of the auction process or the underlying securities have matured.
 
At September 30, 2008 there was insufficient observable ARS market information available to determine fair value of our investments. Therefore, we estimated fair value by using a discounted cash flow model with factors including tax status, credit quality, duration, levels of federal guarantees and likelihood of redemption.  Based on this analysis, we have classified the investments as long-term on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2008 through September 30, 2008 and recorded and unrealized loss of $264,000.  We believe this unrealized loss is primarily attributable to the limited liquidity of these investments, and it is our intent to hold these investments long enough to avoid realizing any significant loss. There was no tax impact due to our net operating loss position.

At September 30, 2007 these securities were recorded as current assets because at September 30, 2007 there was a market for ARS.
 
As of September 2008, Credit Suisse, our broker and financial advisor, settled a lawsuit with the state of New York related to its ARS marketing practices. On October 2, 2008, Credit Suisse offered to buy back at par value the ARS securities from individuals, charities and businesses with accounts valued up to $10 million. We accepted the offer in October 2008. During the month of October of 2008 Credit Suisse bought back all of the securities held by Clearfield at par value resulting in proceeds of $3.3 million which were
47
 
NOTE O – AUCTION RATE SECURITIES - continued
 
invested money market fund composed of 90 day U.S Treasuries. The sale of these assets and the related mark up to par value will be reflected in our results for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

 
 
48
 
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.
 
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Attached as exhibits to this Form 10-K are certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer that are required in accordance with Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). This “Controls and Procedures” section includes information concerning the controls and controls evaluation referred to in the certifications.
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively), 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 (the “Exchange Act”)).
 
During the evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures in connection with the preparation of our financial statements to be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we determined that in the aggregate a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting existed as of September 30, 2008 relating to our accounting and control procedures for documentation and review of significant accounting judgments and estimates, financial closing processes and financial reporting processes at period ends. Accordingly, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported accurately, within the time periods specified in the applicable rule and forms.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, management identified the following matter that we consider to be a material weakness as of September 30, 2008.
 
Operating Effectiveness of Accounting and Control Procedures. We concluded that, in the aggregate, a material weakness existed as of September 30, 2008 related to documentation and review of significant accounting judgments and estimates, financial closing processes, and financial reporting processes at period ends. We implemented control procedures in the fourth quarter of 2008 and are in the process of implementing additional control procedures as described below.  However, the controls implemented in the fourth quarter of 2008 have not yet operated for a sufficient period of time. Once we have performed the procedures on a repeated basis and completed our further planned remediation, we will be able to fully evaluate their effectiveness.
 
49
 
Because of this material weakness, we concluded that, as of September 30, 2008, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective. We have discussed this material weakness with our audit committee.
 
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
The following changes to our internal control over financial reporting were substantially completed during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, and have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting:
 
·       
We have developed detailed methodologies for items requiring management’s estimate and judgment;
 
·       
We have implemented processes to ensure that monthly close checklists are implemented and followed;
 
·       
We have implemented the use of checklists for disclosure items and preparation of periodic reports.
 
Remediation of Material Weaknesses
 
As of September 30, 2007, the Company determined material weaknesses existed related to the following matters:

·       
The Company did not maintain effective controls over the accounting for certain auction rate securities. This oversight was discovered in the transition period ended September 30, 2007 and the financial statements were restated accordingly.

·       
The Company did not maintain effective controls to ensure that it is regularly checking for appropriate compliance on all GAAP and SEC reporting matters as they change or become updated.

We remediated the material weakness related to our auction rate securities restatement by the Board of Directors’ (BOD) appointment of an Investment Committee, composed of BOD members, to provide oversight on matters of banking relationships and investing of cash. In addition the Company has approved a formal investment policy. Company management is utilizing the expertise of its professional investment advisor. In addition, management obtained additional education related to this matter.

We remediated the material weakness related to GAAP and SEC reporting matters beginning with the third quarter of the fiscal year. We procured subscriptions to publications and services that provide regular updates regarding SEC and GAAP reporting. These services include checklists to ensure the internal accounting staff has the necessary tools and resources to comply with both SEC and GAAP regulations. These services along with the SEC website were used to incorporate a process of  regularly checking for appropriate compliance on all GAAP and SEC reporting matters as they change or become updated.

As of September 30, 2008, the Company determined material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.  To remediate the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting we have already implemented several actions outlined above.  In addition, we have implemented or are in the process of implementing the following actions, which are all expected to be completed by the end of our first quarter for our fiscal year ending September 30, 2009:
 
50
 
·       
We have developed detailed methodologies for items requiring management’s estimate and judgment.  These methodologies formally document management’s thought processes used to determine the amounts in estimates.  We intend to continue to develop and document the methodology for additional items and to begin formally sharing a summary analysis of significant estimate and judgment items with our audit committee beginning in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending in 2009;
 
·       
We are implementing processes to provide for supporting documentation and evidence of independent review and approval of journal entries, processes to require sub-certifications of appropriate personnel,  processes to ensure that monthly close checklists are implemented and followed, and documentation of the reconciliation of the final trial balance to the final report;
 
·       
We have implemented the use of checklists for disclosure items and preparation of periodic reports.  We are in the process of developing procedures to formally prepare a supporting analysis for each financial statement disclosure in accordance with relevant generally accepted accounting principles (including relevant regulatory rules) and the entity’s accounting and disclosure policies.
 
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
There were no events during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 required to be disclosed on Form 8-K which were not so disclosed.
 
 
PART III
 
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Report and is incorporated in this Item 10 by reference.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Information required by Item 11 is incorporated in this Report by reference to the proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held in February 2009.
 
51
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
Certain information required by Item 12 is incorporated in this Report by reference to the proxy statement for annual meeting of shareholders to be held in February 2009.
 
The following table provides information about the Company’s equity compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) as of September 30, 2008.
 
       
 
(a)
(b)
(c)
Plan category
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of options, warrants or
rights
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders
386,700
$1.37
1,232,500
Total
386,700
$1.37
1,232,500
 
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS. AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Information required by Item 13 is incorporated in this Report by reference to the proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held in February 2009.
 
 
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
Information required by Item 14 is incorporated in this Report by reference to the proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held in February 2009

 
52

 
PART IV
 
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a)           
(1)           The following financial statements are filed herewith under Item 8.
 
(i)                   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the year ended September 30, 2008, the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended March 31, 2007.
 
(ii)                  
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 and 2007
 
(iii)                 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended September 30, 2008, the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended March 31, 2007.
 
(iv)                 
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the year ended September 30, 2008, the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended March 31, 2007.
 
(v)                  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended  September 30, 2008 the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended March 31, 2007
 
(vi)                 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended September 30, 2008, the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended March 31, 2007.
 
           
(2)           Financial Statement Schedules: See Schedule II on page following signatures.
 
(b)           
Exhibits. See Exhibit Index.
          
 
53
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
     
Date: December 22, 2008
 By:
/s/ Cheryl Beranek Podzimek
   
Cheryl Beranek Podzimek
   
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 

Signature
  
Title
  
Date
         
/s/ Cheryl Beranek Podzimek
  
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer )
  
December 22, 2008
Cheryl Beranek Podzimek        
         
/s/ Bruce G. Blackey
  
Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)
  
December 22, 2008
Bruce G. Blackey        
         
/s/ Ronald G. Roth
  
Director
  
December 22, 2008
Ronald G. Roth        
         
/s/ John G. Reddan
  
Director
  
December 22, 2008
John G. Reddan        
         
/s/ Stephen L. Zuckerman MD
  
Director
  
December 22, 2008
Stephen L. Zuckerman        
         
/s/ Donald R. Hayward
  
Director
  
December 22, 2008
Donald R. Hayward        
         
/s/ Charles N. Hayssen
  
Director
  
December 22, 2008
Charles N. Hayssen        
 
 
54

 
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 

 
Description
  
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
    
Charged to
Cost and
Expenses
    
Charges to
Other
Accounts (1)
    
Deductions
(2)
    
Balance at
End of
Period
  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                              
September 30, 2008
   $ 78,973     $ -     $ -     $ 9,592     $ 69,382  
September 30, 2007
     78,500       -       843       370       78,973  
March 31, 2007
     77,831       -       5,550       4881       78,500  

(1) Represents recovery of bad debt and other adjustments
(2) Represents write-offs of bad debt


55

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
       
Number
Description
  
Page Number or Incorporated
by Reference to
2.1
Asset Purchase Agreement between CLFD and CSP, Inc.
  
Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed March 31, 2003
       
2.1
Asset Purchase Agreement between CLFD and Americable, Inc.
  
Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed July 2, 2003
       
2.2
Agreement Not to Compete with Peter Lee as part of CSP asset purchase
  
Exhibit 2.2 to Form 8-K filed March 31, 2003
       
2.3
Asset Purchase Agreement between Clearfield, Inc.  and Software Moguls India Private Limited and S M Infoexpert Private Limited
  
Exhibit 2.3 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005
       
3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date
  
Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000
       
3.1 (a)
Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date thru August 25, 2004
  
Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004
       
3.2
Bylaws, as amended and restated to date
  
Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999
       
4.1(a)
State of South Dakota Board of Economic Development $300,000 Promissory Note, REDI Loan: 95-13-A
  
Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Report on 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 (the “June 1996 10-QSB”)
       
4.1(b)
State of South Dakota Board of Economic Development Security Agreement REDI Loan No: 95-13-A dated May 28, 1996
  
Exhibit 4.1(b) to the June 1996 10-QSB
       
4.2(a)
$700,000 Loan Agreement dated June 24, 1996 by and between Aberdeen Development Corporation and Clearfield, Inc.
  
Exhibit 4.2(a) to the June 1996 10-QSB
       
4.2(b)
$300,000 Loan Agreement dated June 24, 1996 between Aberdeen Development Corporation and Clearfield, Inc.
  
Exhibit 4.2(b) to the June 1996 10-QSB
       
4.2(c)
$250,000 Loan Agreement dated June 24, 1996 by and between Aberdeen Development Corporation and Clearfield, Inc.
  
Exhibit 4.2(c) to the June 1996 10-QSB
       
4.2(d)
$300,000 Loan Agreement dated June 24, 1996 by and between Aberdeen Development Corporation and Clearfield, Inc.
  
Exhibit 4.2(d) to the June 1996 10-QSB
       
4.2(e)
Amended Loan Agreement with Aberdeen Development Corporation and Clearfield, Inc.
  
Exhibit 4.2(e) to Registrants Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended March 31, 2004
 
56
 
Number
Description
  
Page Number or Incorporated
by Reference to
4.2(f)
Purchase Agreement for land with Aberdeen Development Corporation and Clearfield, Inc.
  
Exhibit 4.2(f) to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005
       
4.3(a)
Loan Agreement between South Dakota Economic Development Finance and Clearfield, Inc.
  
Exhibit 4.3(a) to the June 1996 10-QSB
       
4.3(b)
Mortgage and Security Agreement – One Hundred Day Redemption from Clearfield, Inc.  to South Dakota Economic Development Finance Authority dated as of June 24, 1996
  
Exhibit 4.3(b) to the June 1996 10-QSB
       
4.4(a)
Subscription and Investment Representation Agreement of NE Venture, Inc.
  
Exhibit 4.4(a) to the June 1996 10-QSB
       
4.4(b)
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant for NE Venture, Inc.
  
Exhibit 4.4(b) to the June 1996 10-QSB
       
4.5(a)
Certificate of Designation for 2% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
  
Exhibit 4.5(a) filed as a part of Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 333-33968)
       
4.5(b)
Form of common stock warrant issued in connection with 2% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
  
Exhibit 4.5(b) filed as a part of Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 333-33968)
       
4.6
Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. to purchase 84,083 shares
  
Exhibit 4.6 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 (“2000 10-K”)
       
4.7
Share Rights Agreement dated October 23, 2000 by and between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota NA as Rights Agent
  
Exhibit 1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed November 8, 2000
       
4.8
Common Stock Warrant Purchase Agreement with Peter Lee as part of CSP asset purchase
  
Exhibit 4.8 to Form 8-K filed March 31, 2003
       
10.1(a)
Sublease Agreement between the Registrant and Jain-Olsen Properties and Sublease Agreement and Option Agreement between the Registrant and Jain-Olsen Properties
  
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-18 filed with the Chicago Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 1986
       
10.1(b)
Amendment and Extension of Sublease Agreement dated August 31, 1999
  
Exhibit 10.1(b) to 2000 10-K
       
10.1(c)
Lease Agreement between Registrant and Jain-Olsen Properties
  
Exhibit 10.1(c) to Registrant’s Form 10Q-SB for quarter ended September 30, 2004
       
*10.2(a)
Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors
  
Exhibit 10.3a to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1994 (the “1994 10-KSB”)
 
57
 
Number
Description
  
Page Number or Incorporated
by Reference to
*10.2(b)
Form of option agreement issued under the Nonemployee Directors Plan
  
Exhibit 10.3b to 1994 10-KSB
       
*10.3
1997 Stock Compensation Plan
  
Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997
       
*10.4
Insurance agreement by and between the Registrant and Anil K. Jain
  
Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1990
       
*10.5
Form of Agreement regarding Repurchase of Stock upon Change in Control Event with Anil K. Jain and Kenneth A. Olsen
  
Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 (“September 1997 10-QSB”)
       
*10.6
Form of Agreement regarding Employment/Compensation upon Change in Control with Messrs. Jain and Olsen
  
Exhibit 10.2 to the September 1997 10-QSB
       
*10.7
Form of Agreement regarding Indemnification of Directors and Officers with Messrs. Jain, Olsen, Ringstad, Roth, Von Wald and Zuckerman
  
Exhibit 10.7 to Registrant’s Report on From 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002.
       
10.8
Sublease agreement between Newport and CLFD
  
Exhibit 10.8 to Registrant’s Report of Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2003
       
10.9
Sublease agreement between Veeco Compound Semiconductor and Clearfield, Inc.
  
Exhibit 10.9 to Registrant’s Report of Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004
       
10.9(b)
Amendment to sublease between Veeco Compound Semiconductor and Clearfield, Inc.
  
Exhibit 10.9 (b) to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 2004
       
*10.10
Ken Olsen Separation Agreement
  
Exhibit 10.10 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004
       
*10.11
Stock option agreement with Cheri Podzimek, President of CLFD
  
Exhibit 10.11 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005
       
10.12
Agreements on sale of MOCVD Assets
  
Exhibit 10.12 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed March 10, 2006
       
10.13
Patent and Technology and Revenue Sharing License Agreement
  
Exhibit 10.13 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed March 10, 2006
       
10.14
Lease agreement between Bass Lake Realty, LLC and CLFD
  
**
       
*10.15
2007 Stock Compensation Plan
  
Exhibit 10.15 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 POS filed on August 24, 2007
 
58
 
Number
Description
  
Page Number or Incorporated
by Reference to
10.16
Amended and Restated Agreement Regarding Employment/Compensation Upon Change In Control
  
Exhibit 10.16 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed June 29, 2007
       
10.17
Supplemental Separation Agreement with A. Jain
  
Exhibit 10.17 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed June 29, 2007
       
10.18
Stock Purchase Agreement
  
Exhibit 10.18 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed June 29, 2007
       
10.19
Promissory Note
  
Exhibit 10.19 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed June 29, 2007
       
10.20
Guaranty-AK Jain
  
Exhibit 10.20 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed June 29, 2007
       
10.21
Stock Pledge Agreement
  
Exhibit 10.21 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed June 29, 2007
       
10.22
Separation Payments Pledge Agreement
  
Exhibit 10.22 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed June 29, 2007
       
10.23
Agreement to Provide Additional Collateral
  
Exhibit 10.23 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed June 29, 2007
       
10.24
Non-Compete Agreement
  
Exhibit 10.24 to Registrant’s Report on for 8-K filed June 29, 2007
       
10.25
2007 Stock Compensation Plan Amended
  
Incorporated by reference to  exhibit filed as a part of from S-8  Registration number 333-151504
       
14
Code of Ethics
  
Exhibit 14 to Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004
       
23.1
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
  
**
       
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
**
       
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
    
       
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
**
       
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
**
 
 
59
 
*Indicates management contract or compensation plan or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit to this form.
 
** Filed with this Report.
 
 
 
60