Clearfield, Inc. Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2024

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Clearfield, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition: Our revenue is comprised of the sale of our products to customers and is recognized when the Company satisfies its performance obligations under the applicable sales contract. A performance obligation is a promise in a sales contract to transfer a distinct product or service to a customer. Substantially all our sales contracts have a single performance obligation and are short term in nature. We recognize revenue by transferring the promised products to the customer, with substantially all revenue recognized at the point in time when the customer obtains control of the products. Shipping and handling costs charged to our customers are included in net sales, while the corresponding shipping expenses are included in cost of sales. Sales, value add, and other taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net (excluded from revenue) basis.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The following table presents the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balances:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2024		September 30, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash, including money market accounts	$	5,789	$	11,360
Money market funds		10,378		26,467
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	16,167	$	37,827

The Company maintains cash balances at multiple financial institutions, and at times, such balances exceeded insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments: The Company invests in certificates of deposit (“CDs”) that are fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and United States Treasury (“Treasuries”) securities with terms of not more than five years, as well as money market funds. Historically, the Company’s investment portfolio had been classified as held-to-maturity and recorded at amortized cost. During the second quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company sold investments and has reclassified its investment portfolio to available-for-sale, which is reported at fair value. The unrealized gain or loss on investment securities is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recognized upon sale and are included in net investment income in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Foreign Currency Translation: Balance sheets and statements of earnings of our international subsidiaries are measured using local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated at the exchange rates in effect at each fiscal year-end. Statements of earnings accounts are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included as a cumulative translation adjustment in shareholders’ equity.

Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Income (Loss): Total comprehensive income and the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. Accumulated other comprehensive loss is composed of foreign currency translation effects and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable debt securities. We use the individual item approach for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The financial statements include the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents; investments; accounts receivable; and accounts payable. The Company estimates the fair value of investments as of the balance sheet date. All other financial instruments’ carrying values approximate fair values because of the short-term nature of the instruments.

Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable: Credit is extended based on the evaluation of a customer’s financial condition, and collateral is generally not required. Accounts that are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. On October 1, 2023, the Company adopted the cumulative expected credit loss model (CECL). Upon adoption of CECL, the Company measures the allowance for credit losses using an expected credit loss model, which uses a lifetime expected credit loss allowance for all accounts receivable. To measure the expected credit losses, accounts receivable are grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due. In calculating an allowance for credit losses, the Company uses its historical experience, external indicators, and forward-looking information to calculate expected credit losses using an aging method. The Company assesses impairment of accounts receivable on a collective basis as they possess shared credit risk characteristics which have been grouped based on the days past due. The expected loss rates are based on the Company’s historical credit losses experience. The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and forward-looking information. As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s allowance for credit losses was $0.

As of September 30, 2023, and 2022, prior to the adoption of CECL, the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $79,000. Upon the adoption of CECL, the prior allowance for doubtful accounts was recorded as a benefit to beginning retained earnings.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories: Inventories consist of finished goods, raw materials, and work-in-process and are stated at average cost, subject to the lower of cost or net realizable value. Certain components of the Company’s inventory classified as raw materials or finished goods can be used as a component to manufacture products or can be sold directly to the customer. Inventory is valued using material costs, labor charges, and allocated factory overhead charges and consists of the following:

	September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Raw materials	$	56,842		$	73,657
Work-in-process		1,790			1,462
Finished goods		23,389			29,696
Inventories, gross		82,021			104,815
Inventory reserve		(15,255	)		(6,760	)
Inventories, net	$	66,766		$	98,055

On a regular basis, the Company reviews its inventory and identifies that which is excess, slow moving, and obsolete by considering factors such as inventory levels, expected product life, and forecasted sales demand. A reserve is established for any identified excess, slow moving, and obsolete inventory through a charge to cost of sales. Inventory write-down charges may be required in the future if there is a significant decline in demand for the Company’s products and the Company does not adjust its manufacturing production accordingly, if new products are not accepted by the market, or if products are end of life through life cycle management.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Significant additions or improvements extending asset lives are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Depreciation is provided in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of assets to operations over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the remaining term of the lease or estimated life of the asset.

Estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:

	Years
Equipment		3 –15
Leasehold improvements	7-10 or life of lease
Vehicles		3

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2024		September 30, 2023
Manufacturing equipment	$	27,302	$	23,580
Office equipment		4,559		4,560
Leasehold improvements		6,347		6,107
Vehicles		439		446
Construction in progress		6,287		2,447
Property, plant and equipment, gross		44,934		37,140
Less accumulated depreciation		20,981		15,613
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	23,953	$	21,527

Depreciation expense for the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $5,815,000, $4,915,000, and $2,647,000, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of tangible net assets acquired in acquisitions after amounts have been allocated to intangible assets. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at fiscal year-end, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Examples of such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal or business climate, an adverse regulatory action or unanticipated competition. The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances would indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. During the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, there were no triggering events that indicated goodwill or intangible assets may be impaired.

If after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company were to determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the Company would perform a quantitative test that compares the fair value to its carrying value to determine the amount of any impairment.

If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company would measure the possible goodwill impairment loss based on an allocation of the estimate of fair value of the reporting unit to all 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. An impairment loss would be based on significant estimates and judgments, and if the facts and circumstances change, a potential impairment could have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

No impairment of goodwill or intangible assets has occurred during the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Capitalized software: In accordance with ASC 350-40, “Internal-use Software,” the Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Costs incurred in the preliminary project stage are expensed. All direct costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the development stage are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life, generally 2 to 15 years. Costs such as maintenance and training are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs are also expensed as incurred.

The Company capitalizes legal costs incurred to obtain patents. Once accepted by either the U.S. Patent Office or the equivalent office of a foreign country, these legal costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated lives, not exceeding 20 years. As of September 30, 2024, the Company has 53 patents granted and multiple pending applications both inside and outside the United States.

In addition, the Company has various finite life intangible assets, most of which were acquired as a result of the acquisition of a portfolio of the active cabinet products from Calix, Inc. (“Calix”) during fiscal year 2018 and the acquisition of Nestor Cables as of July 26, 2022. Refer to Note 11 for further information regarding the acquisition of Nestor Cables.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the fiscal year 2024 were as follows:

(In thousands)	Clearfield, Inc.		Nestor Cables		Total
Balance as of September 30, 2023	$	4,709	$	1,819	$	6,528
Currency translation effect on foreign goodwill balances		-		99		99
Balance as of September 30, 2024	$	4,709	$	1,918	$	6,627

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the fiscal year 2023 were as follows:

(In thousands)	Clearfield, Inc.		Nestor Cables		Total
Balance as of September 30, 2022	$	4,709	$	1,693	$	6,402
Currency translation effect on foreign goodwill balances		-		126		126
Balance as of September 30, 2023	$	4,709	$	1,819	$	6,528

Finite life intangible assets as of September 30, 2024, and 2023 are as follows:

	September 30, 2024
(In thousands)	Useful Life (Years)		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value Amount
Customer relationships		15	$	4,856	$	1,815	$	3,041
Certifications		8		1,068		884		184
Trademarks		8-10		1,120		588		532
Patents		20		1,302		219		1,083
Developed Technology		10		346		75		271
Other		5		6		6		-
Software		1-3		3,475		2,243		1,232
Totals			$	12,173	$	5,830	$	6,343

	September 30, 2023
(In thousands)	Useful Life (Years)		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value Amount
Customer relationships		15	$	4,894	$	1,582	$	3,312
Certifications		8		584		267		317
Trademarks		8-10		1,333		700		633
Patents		20		1,119		165		954
Developed Technology		10		311		22		289
Other		5		6		6		-
Software		1-3		2,613		2,026		587
Totals			$	10,860	$	4,768	$	6,092

Amortization expense related to these assets for the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $1,567,000, $1,128,000, and $766,000, respectively.

Our future estimated amortization expense for intangibles is as follows as of September 30, 2024:

(In thousands)	Estimated amortization expense
FY 2025	$	1,480
FY 2026		763
FY 2027		551
FY 2028		463
FY 2029		444
Thereafter		2,642
Total	$	6,343

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: The Company assesses potential impairments to its long-lived assets or asset groups when there is evidence that events occur or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recovered. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group.

Any required impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group exceeds its fair value and is recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the related asset or asset group and a charge to operating results. No impairment of long-lived assets occurred during the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, or 2022, respectively.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 assets when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realizable. Changes in tax rates are reflected in the tax provision as they occur.

In accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, we recognize 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. As of September 30, 2024, and 2023, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. We do not expect any material changes in our unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months.

Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation: We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards at fair value over the requisite service period. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of options. For restricted stock and performance share unit grants, fair value is determined as the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Equity-based compensation expense is broken out between cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses based on the classification of the employee. The determination of fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as by assumptions regarding a number of subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors.

The expected terms of the options are based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee exercise behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected life at grant date. Volatility is based on historical and expected future volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company has not historically issued any dividends and does not expect to in the future. Forfeitures for both option and restricted stock grants are estimated at the time of the grant and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from estimates.

If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the determination of the fair value of grants in future periods, the related compensation expense that we record may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current periods.

Share Repurchase Program [Policy Text Block]

Share Repurchase Program: Effective January 27, 2022, the Company reinstated its stock repurchase program that had been suspended due to COVID uncertainty in April 2020. The Company’s board of directors increased the share repurchase program $18,000,000 effective November 7, 2023, and an additional $25,000,000 effective April 30, 2024, to an aggregate of $65,000,000. During the year ended September 30, 2024, the Company repurchased 1,164,190 shares for approximately $33,058,000. As of September 30, 2024, we have repurchased an aggregate of 1,729,780 shares for approximately $40,077,000 leaving approximately $24,923,000 available within our $65,000,000 stock repurchase program The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any particular amount of common stock during any period. The repurchase will be funded by cash on hand.

The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of common stock at $.01 par value and 5,000,000 undesignated shares. From the undesignated shares, 500,000 shares have been designated as Series B Junior Participating Preferred Shares and none of such shares have been issued or are outstanding. The board of directors may, by resolution, establish from the remaining undesignated shares different classes or series of shares and may fix the relative rights and preferences of shares in any class or series.

Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Research and Development Costs: Research and development costs amounted to $3,000,000, $3,115,000 and $895,000 for the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and are charged to expense when incurred.

Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]

Advertising Costs: Advertising costs amounted to $535,000, $609,000, and $537,000 for the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and are charged to expense when incurred.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net (Loss) Income Per Share: Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the weighted average number of dilutive shares outstanding, respectively.

Weighted average common shares outstanding for the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 were as follows:

Year ended September 30, (In thousands except share data)	2024			2023		2022
Net (loss) income	$	(12,453	)	$	32,533	$	49,362
Weighted average common shares		14,582,450			14,975,972		13,771,665
Dilutive potential common shares		-			36,555		134,319
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding		14,582,450			15,012,527		13,905,984
(Losses) Earnings per share:
Basic	$	(0.85	)	$	2.17	$	3.58
Diluted	$	(0.85	)	$	2.17	$	3.55

There were no antidilutive shares for the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, or 2022.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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. Significant estimates include the rebates related to revenue recognition, stock-based compensation and the valuation of inventory, long-lived assets, finite lived intangible assets and goodwill. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block]

Reclassification: The Company has revised the prior period presentation within its Statement of Cashflows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, and 2022 to reclassify the net borrowings and repayments of factoring receivables from the operating activities section of the statement within the line for changes in operating assets and liabilities titled “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” to its own line as currently presented in the financing activities section. We have reviewed the classification changes and determined they are not material to the financial statements as a whole.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements: On October 1, 2023, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and subsequent amendments to the initial guidance: ASU No. 2018-19, ASU No. 2019-04, ASU No. 2019-05, and ASU No. 2020-02 (collectively, Topic 326). This guidance introduces a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an estimate of current expected credit losses (CECL). The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost. The Company adopted Topic 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost, which are primarily trade accounts receivable for the Company. Results for reporting periods beginning after October 1, 2023, are presented under Topic 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable U.S. GAAP. The impact of adopting Topic 326 as of October 1, 2023, was not material to the consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted: In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. ASU 2023-07 is intended to enhance financial reporting by requiring incremental disclosures for significant segment expenses on an annual and interim basis by public entities required to report segment information in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280. The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements and early adoption is permitted. This standard will be applicable to the Company for the 2025 annual period and quarterly periods thereafter. The Company is evaluating its disclosure approach for ASU 2023-07 and anticipates adopting the standard for the year ended September 30, 2025, and filings thereafter.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The new guidance is expected to improve income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information by requiring 1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and 2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. The guidance is effective on a prospective basis, although retrospective application and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating its disclosure approach for ASU 2023-09 and anticipates adopting the standard for the annual period starting October 1, 2025.

In March 2024, the SEC adopted rules under SEC Release No. 33-11275, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors, which requires the disclosure of material Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions and other climate-related topics in annual reports and registration statements. For large-accelerated filers and accelerated filers, disclosure requirements will begin phasing in for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026, respectively, subject to legal challenges and the SEC’s voluntary stay of the disclosure requirements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact these rules will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.