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

FORM 10-Q

[X ]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
x YES       o NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 o 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 by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
 YES o      NO x
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class:
Outstanding at August 2, 2010
Common stock, par value $.01
11,995,331
 
 

 
CLEARFIELD, INC.
 FORM 10-Q
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
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SIGNATURES   13
 
 

 
 


 
 

 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CLEARFIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED  CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
UNAUDITED

   
June 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Assets
           
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,886,316     $ 4,731,735  
Short-term investments
    1,345,566       2,108,566  
Accounts receivable, net
    2,473,885       2,723,414  
Inventories
    1,431,792       1,153,862  
Other current assets
    213,553       180,635  
Total Current Assets
    10,351,112       10,898,212  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    1,385,062       1,319,492  
                 
Other Assets
               
Long-term investments
    3,760,163       2,840,000  
Goodwill
    2,570,511       2,570,511  
Intangibles
    27,649       -  
Deferred taxes –long term
    2,168,674       2,231,990  
Other
    176,368       568,554  
Total other assets
    8,703,365       8,211,055  
Total Assets
  $ 20,439,539     $ 20,428,759  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Total current liabilities
  $ 2,006,903     $ 2,493,006  
Deferred rent
    82,320       87,942  
Total Liabilities
    2,089,223       2,580,948  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common stock
    119,953       119,746  
Additional paid-in capital
    52,513,475       52,372,139  
Accumulated deficit
    (34,283,112 )     (34,644,074 )
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    18,350,316       17,847,811  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 20,439,539     $ 20,428,759  


SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1

 

CLEARFIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
UNAUDITED
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues
  $ 6,778,193     $ 7,160,039     $ 16,445,626     $ 18,325,930  
                                 
Cost of sales
    4,174,998       4,475,573       10,407,347       11,809,104  
                                 
Gross profit
    2,603,195       2,684,466       6,038,279       6,516,826  
                                 
Operating expenses
                               
Selling, general and administrative
    1,992,576       2,142,074       5,746,913       5,637,002  
                                 
Income from operations
    610,619       542,392       291,366       879,824  
                                 
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest income
    36,491       34,764       112,125       83,758  
Interest expense
    -       (1,260 )     (820 )     (4,751 )
Other income
    11,498       48,243       35,850       75,818  
      47,989       81,747       147,155       154,825  
Income before income taxes
    658,608       624,139       438,521       1,034,649  
                                 
Income tax expense
    29,595       37,119       77,559       99,093  
                                 
Net income
  $ 629,013       587,020     $ 360,962     $ 935,556  
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
  $ .05     $ .05     $ .03     $ .08  
Diluted
  $ .05     $ .05     $ .03     $ .08  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
   Basic
    11,995,331       11,938,131       11,987,793       11,938,131  
   Diluted
    12,437,853       11,945,419       12,460,069       12,945,419  


SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
2

 
CLEARFIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
UNAUDITED
   
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Cash flow from operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 360,962     $ 935,556  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    363,192       323,814  
Deferred taxes
    63,316       82,375  
Loss on disposal of assets
    -       350  
Stock based compensation
    119,106       86,204  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, net
    249,529       (542,362 )
Inventories
    (277,930 )     540,981  
Prepaid expenses and other
    (76,068 )     (14,435 )
Current liabilities
    (544,371 )     (242,192 )
  Net cash provided by operating activities
    257,736       1,170,291  
                 
Cash flow from investing activities
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (343,035 )     (72,334 )
Patent additions
    (27,649 )     -  
Purchase of investments
    (2,008,163 )     (5,650,722 )
Sale of investments
    1,851,000       4,035,000  
Proceeds from note receivable
    435,336       -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (92,511 )     (1,688,056 )
                 
Cash flow from financing activities
               
Repayment of long-term debt
    (33,081 )     (46,101 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    22,437       -  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (10,644 )     (46,101 )
                 
Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    154,581       (563,866 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    4,731,735       4,333,709  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 4,886,316     $ 3,769,843  
                 

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
3

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Pursuant to such rules and regulations, certain financial information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  However, in the opinion of management, the financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the interim periods presented. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009.
 
In preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

Note 2.  Net Income Per Share
 
Basic net income per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income  by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted EPS equals net income divided by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus all additional common stock equivalents, such as stock options, when dilutive.
 
     Following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per common share:
                                 
   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended June 30
   
Ended June 30
 
(in thousands, except per-share data)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net income per common share — basic:
                               
Net income
 
$
629
   
$
587
   
$
361
   
$
936
 
Weighted average shares outstanding basic
   
11,995
     
11,938
     
11,988
     
11,938
 
Net income per common share — basic
 
$
0.05
   
$
0.05
   
$
0.03
   
$
0.08
 
                         
                                 
Net income per common share — diluted:
                               
Net income
 
$
629
   
$
587
   
$
361
   
$
936
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
11,995
     
11,938
     
11,988
     
11,938
 
Dilutive impact of common stock equivalents outstanding
   
443
     
7
     
472
     
7
 
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted
   
12,438
     
11,945
     
12,460
     
11,945
 
                         
Net income per common share — diluted
 
$
0.05
   
$
0.05
   
$
0.03
   
$
0.08
 
                         

Note  3. Cash Equivalents and Investments

The Company currently invests its excess cash in money market accounts and bank certificates of deposit (CD’s) that are fully insured by the FDIC with a term of not more than three years. CD’s with original maturities of more than three months are reported as held-to-maturity investments. These investments in CD’s are classified as held to maturity and are valued at cost which approximates fair value. These investments are considered Level 2 investments. The maturity dates of our CD’s that are recorded as investments at June 30, 2010 are as follows:
 
Less than one year
  $ 1,345,566  
1-3 years
    3,760,163  
Total
  $ 5,105,729  

Note 4.  Stock Based Compensation

The Company recorded $119,106 and $86,204 of compensation expense related to current and past stock option grants for the nine month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This expense is included in
 
4

 
selling, general and administrative expense.  There was no tax benefit from recording this non-cash expense.  As of June 30, 2010, $279,288 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.44 years.
 
We used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted average fair value of options during the nine-month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
During the nine-month period ended June 30, 2010, the Company granted executive officers and key employees incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock with a contractual term of 6 to 7 years, a three year vesting term and an exercise prices of $3.30 and $2.58 with a fair value range of $1.42 and $1.96 per share. Directors received 5,000 shares of common stock with a contractual term of 6 years, a one year vesting term and an exercise price of $2.87 with a fair value of $1.77 per share.
 
The weighted-average fair values at the grant date for options issued during the nine months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $1.89 and $.58, respectively. This fair value was estimated at grant date using the weighted-average assumptions listed below.
 
   
Nine months ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Dividend yield
    0 %     0 %
Average expected volatility
    66.95 %     49.44 %
Average risk-free interest rate
    2.327 %     2.415 %
Expected life
 
5-6 years
   
5 years
 
Vesting period
 
1-3 years
   
1-4 years
 
 
The expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock for a period approximating the expected life. The expected life represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding after their grant date. The risk-free interest rate reflects the interest rate at grant date on zero-coupon U.S. governmental bonds having a remaining life similar to the expected option term.
 
The following table summarizes information about the stock options outstanding at June 30, 2010
 
           
Options Outstanding
   
Options Exercisable
 
Range of
Exercise
Prices
   
Number
Outstanding
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Number
Exercisable
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
$ 0.00-1.09       809,600    
6.35 years
  $ 1.04       301,599     $ 1.04  
  1.10-1.49       115,900    
2.65 years
    1.27       104,150       1.27  
  1.50-1.99       20,000    
0.33 years
    1.60       20,000       1.60  
  2.00-5.00       100,000    
6.31 years
    3.21       -       -  
          1,045,500    
5.82 years
    1.29       425,749       1.12  

Note 5.  Inventories

Inventories consist of the following as of:
 
   
June 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Raw materials
  $ 1,186,027     $ 873,439  
Work-in-progress
    15,182       23,031  
Finished goods
    230,583       257,392  
    $ 1,431,792     $ 1,153,862  
 
5

 
Note 6.  Major Customer Concentration
 
Two customers, Power & Telephone Supply Company and MTS Systems Corporation, comprised approximately 27% and 44% of total sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Power & Telephone Supply Company is a distributor and it accounted for 19% and 37% of revenue for the corresponding respective periods. MTS Systems Corporation is an end-use customer and it accounted for 8% of revenues for both of the corresponding respective periods. MTS Systems Corporation purchases our product through its standard form of purchase order with pricing established by a schedule that is in effect from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2011. Power & Telephone Supply Company purchases our product through its standard form of purchase order.

At June 30, 2010, eight customers accounted for 51% of accounts receivable, two of such customers were Power & Telephone Supply Company and MTS Systems. At June 30, 2009, one customer Power & Telephone Supply Company accounted for 56% of accounts receivable.
 
Note 7. Goodwill and Intangibles
 
The Company analyzes its goodwill in accordance with ASC 350-20, which requires that goodwill be tested for impairment annually or at an interim period when 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 consists of one reporting unit and assesses the valuation or potential impairment of its goodwill by utilizing a present value technique to measure fair value by estimating future cash flows. We construct a discounted cash flow analysis based on various sales and cost assumptions to estimate the fair value of Clearfield. The fair values are then compared with the corresponding book value of Clearfield. Where available and as appropriate comparative market multiples are used to corroborate the results of the present value method. We consider our net book value and market capitalization when we test for goodwill impairment.
 
The result of the analysis performed in the fourth fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009 did not indicate an impairment of goodwill.  The Company will analyze goodwill more frequently should changes in events or circumstances occur. During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, there were no triggering events that indicate impairment exists.

The Company capitalizes legal costs incurred to obtain patents and once accepted by the U.S. Patent Office they are amortized using the straight-line method over their remaining estimated lives, not exceeding 17 years. The Company has three patents pending with the U.S. Patent Office.
 
Note 8. Income Taxes
 
We recorded income tax expense of $29,595 and $37,119, for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 respectively.  Our tax expense includes estimated federal alternative minimum taxes and state franchise taxes, but is primarily related to deferred tax expense related to book and income tax basis difference in goodwill on prior asset acquisitions. As a result of year-to-date taxable income, the Company also incurred current tax expense of approximately $161,000.  This tax expense is being offset by a similar amount of tax benefit as a result of reduction in valuation allowance during the quarter after considering current financial condition, and potential future taxable income.

As of September 30, 2009, the Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss (NOL) carry forwards of approximately $31,684,000 and $23,573,000, respectively, which expire in fiscal years 2019 to 2027. The Company has completed an Internal Revenue Code Section 382 analysis of the loss carry-forwards and has determined that all of the Company’s loss carry-forwards are utilizable and not restricted under Section 382.
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company reversed a portion of its valuation allowance in consideration of all available positive and negative evidence, including our historical operating results, current financial condition, and potential future taxable income. Our future potential taxable income was evaluated based primarily on anticipated operating results for fiscal years 2010 through 2012. We determined that projecting operating results beyond 2012 involves substantial uncertainty and we discounted forecasts beyond 2012 as a basis to support our deferred tax assets. The reduction in the valuation allowance in the fourth quarter resulted in a non-
 
6

 
cash income tax benefit of approximately $2.5 million. At June 30, 2010 the Company continues to record a valuation allowance of approximately $9.1 million against its remaining deferred tax assets. We will continue to assess the assumptions used to determine the amount of our valuation allowance and may adjust the valuation allowance in future periods based on changes in assumptions of estimated future income and other factors. If the valuation allowance is reduced, we would record an income tax benefit in the period the valuation allowance is reduced. If the valuation allowance is increased, we would record additional income tax expense. For the nine months ended June 30, 2010, the Company has determined that no additional change in valuation allowance is warranted at this time.
 
Note 9.  Certain Relationships and Transactions
 
On June 28, 2007, we sold all of our interest in our Indian subsidiary to an entity controlled by Anil K. Jain, our former chief executive officer, on terms deemed by the independent directors to be fair and reasonable to the Company.  The purchase price of $500,000 was payable over five years and was fully secured by pledges of Clearfield, Inc. stock and Dr. Jain’s payments under his separation agreement, as well as by a guarantee from Dr. Jain. The note was paid in full June 23, 2010 in the amount of $400,000.
 
Note 10.  Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued new standards on variable interest entities (VIE), as codified in 810-10, which requires an entity to perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest gives it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. This analysis identifies a primary beneficiary of a VIE as the entity that has both of the following characteristics: i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company is required to complete ongoing reassessments of the primary beneficiary of a VIE and will be required by the Company effective October 1, 2010. The Company does not expect it to have a material effect on its financial statements.
 
 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The statements contained in this Report on Form 10-Q that are not purely historical are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements relate to future events and typically address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance. Words such as  “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “could” and other words and terms of similar meaning, typically identify such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties.  Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements because of the factors identified in and incorporated by reference from Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009, as well as in other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which should be considered an integral part of Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  All forward-looking statements included herein are made as the date of this Quarterly Report as Form 10-Q and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations as of and for the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 1 of this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009.
 
7

 
OVERVIEW
 
General
 
Clearfield, Inc. designs and manufactures a broad range of fiber management equipment for the telecommunications industry based on the FieldSmart™ Fiber Management Platform. This platform includes its latest generation FieldSmart Fiber Crossover Distribution System (FxDS), FieldSmart Fiber Scalability Center (FSC) and FieldSmart Fiber Delivery Point (FDP) series. The FxDS, FSC and FDP product lines are based upon the patent pending technologies of the Clearview™ and xPAK cassettes and support a wide range of panel configurations, densities, connectors and adapter options, and are offered alongside an assortment of passive optical components. Clearfield provides a complete line of fiber and copper assemblies for inside plant, outside plant and access networks. We believe our solid reputation of quality service and competitive and innovative product lines differentiate us from our competitors.
 
Given the impact of the economic downturn and uncertain timing and extent of any recovery on our customers, we are unable to provide short term guidance regarding our future results of operations. We closely monitor the trends within our industry and our customer base, as well as the impact of legislation and government initiatives on our customers, in developing our short-term and long-term strategies.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2009
 
Revenues for the third fiscal quarter of 2010 ended June 30, 2010 were $6,778,000, a decrease of 5% or approximately $382,000, from revenue of $7,160,000 for the third fiscal quarter of 2009.

Revenue from broadband service providers and commercial data networks amounted to $5,963,000, or 88% of revenue, for the third quarter of 2010 compared to $6,396,000, or 89% of revenue, for the comparable period of 2009, a decline of $433,000 or 7% of revenue. The revenue decrease was mainly attributable to a single distributor in the Eastern region of the U.S. which accounted for 21% of total revenue for the 2010 quarter in comparison to 51% in the same period of 2009. Revenues outside of that distributor increased $1,576,000 to $4,711,000 for the third quarter of 2010 compared to $3,136,000 for the comparable quarter of fiscal 2009.

Revenue associated with contract manufacturing for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) outside of the telecommunications markets, principally cable assemblies produced to customer design specifications, increased $50,000, or 7%, to $815,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 versus $765,000 in the third quarter for fiscal 2009. The Company sees this as a continuing stabilization of revenue from the general manufacturing sector of the U.S. economy.

Gross profit percentage for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 improved to 38.4% from 37.5% for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. Gross profit declined from $2,684,000 for the third quarter of 2009 to $2,603,000 for the comparable period of 2010, a reduction of $81,000, or 3%.  The increase in gross margin as a percent of revenues is due to the results of product mix weighted toward the FieldSmart architecture along with manufacturing efficiencies and product sourcing strategies which contributed to lower cost of goods, while the reduction in gross profit dollars is related to lower sales volumes in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 7%, or $149,000, from $2,142,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 to $1,993,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. The change is the net of increased compensation costs from increased number of marketing staff and field product management personnel, an investment made in an effort to continue to build our brand offset by a reduction in incentive compensation expense.

The Company’s income from operations for the third quarter ended June 30, 2010 was $611,000, compared to income of $542,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. This increase is attributable to improved margins and reduced selling, general and administrative expenses.

Interest income for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 ended June 30, 2010 was $36,000 compared to $35,000 for the comparable period for fiscal 2009. The Company invests its excess cash in FDIC backed bank certificates of deposit.  Rates have increased modestly in 2010 from 2009 when the Company was primarily invested in money market accounts.
 
8

 
Interest expense decreased to zero for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 ended June 30, 2010 compared to $1,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Interest for 2009 is attributable to financing associated with the enterprise information system installed during 2007 and 2008, which was fully paid in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

Other income consists of $11,000 and $48,000 for the third quarters ended June 30, of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This is attributable to rental income from our Aberdeen, South Dakota facility.

Income tax expense was $30,000 and $37,000 for the quarters ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Tax expense related to goodwill was $22,000 in both quarters.  The balance was paid to various states for income and franchise taxes and includes accrual of federal and state alternative minimum tax (AMT).

The Company’s net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 ended June 30, 2010 was $629,000, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share. For the third quarter of fiscal 2009 the Company earned net income of $587,000, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share.

NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010 VS. NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2009
 
Revenues for the first nine months of fiscal of 2010 ended June 30, 2010 were $16,446,000, a decrease of 10% or approximately $1,880,000 from revenue of $18,326,000 from the comparable period of fiscal 2009.

Revenue from broadband service providers and commercial data networks amounted to $13,967,000, or 85% of revenue, for the first nine months of 2010 compared to $15,584,000, or 85% of revenue, for the comparable period of 2009, a decline of $1,617,000 or 10%. The largest contributor to the reduced revenue is a single distributor from our Eastern region; they experienced the same economic downturn. Revenue to this customer for this period is down 53% over the prior year for this comparable period. Excluding that single distributor, revenues were $10,829,000 for fiscal 2010 compared to $8,844,000 for the comparable period of fiscal 2009, an increase of $1,985,000 or 22%.

Revenue associated with contract manufacturing for OEMs outside of the telecommunications markets, principally cable assembles was $2,478,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 of fiscal 2010, a decrease of $263,000 or 10% from $2,742,000 for the comparable period of fiscal 2009.  On a year-to-date basis revenue is down however the third quarter showed improvement as the general manufacturing sector of the U.S. economy appears to be stabilizing for our OEM customers.

Gross profit percentage improved to 36.7% from 35.6% for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the comparable period of fiscal 2009. Gross profit declined from $6,517,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 to $6,038,000 for fiscal 2010 a reduction of 7% or $479,000. The increase in gross margin as a percent of revenues is due to the results of product mix weighted toward the FieldSmart architecture along with manufacturing efficiencies and product sourcing strategies which contributed to lower cost of goods, while the reduction in gross profit dollars is related to lower sales in the first nine months of fiscal year 2010.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2% or $110,000 from $5,637,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 to $5,747,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2010. The change reflects increased compensation costs from increased number of marketing staff and field product management personnel, an investment made in an effort to continue to build our brand offset by a reduction in incentive compensation expense.

The Company’s income from operations for the first nine months ended June 30, 2010 in the amount of $291,000 compared to income of $880,000 for the same period ended June 30, 2009. This decrease is directly attributable to reduced revenue and increased selling, general and administrative expenses.

Interest income for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 was $112,000 compared to $84,000 for the comparable period for fiscal 2009. The Company invests its excess cash in FDIC backed bank certificates of deposit. In 2009 investments were in held in money market accounts with lower interest rates.

Interest expense decreased to $1,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $5,000 for the comparable period for fiscal 2009. Interest for both years is attributable to financing associated with the enterprise information system installed during 2007 and 2008.
 
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Other income consists of $36,000 and $76,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This is exclusively attributable to rental income from our Aberdeen, South Dakota facility.

Income tax expense was $78,000 and $99,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Tax expenses related to goodwill were $63,000 and $67,000 respectively for the corresponding quarters. The balance was paid to various states for income and franchise taxes as well as AMT.

The Company’s net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 ended June 30, 2010 was $361,000, or $0.03 basic and diluted share. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009 ended June 30, 2009 the Company earned net income of $936,000, or $0.08 per basic and diluted share a net decrease of $575,000 a direct relation to reduced revenue.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
As of June 30, 2010, our principal source of liquidity was our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Those sources total $6,232,000 at June 30, 2010 compared to $6,840,000 at September 30, 2009.  Our non-operating cash and long term-investments are invested in bank money market accounts and bank certificates of deposit (CD) that are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and in bank money market accounts also guaranteed by the FDIC. Non-operating cash and long-term investments were $3,760,000 and $2,840,000 at June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively. All CDs are purchased with the intent to hold to maturity, we have built a CD ladder in which they range from three months to three years in term.  The Company is currently expecting to fund operations with its working capital which is the combination of cash flow from operations, accounts receivable and inventory which is managed to meet customer demand.  The Company also intends on utilizing its cash assets primarily for its continued organic growth.  Additionally, the Company may use its available cash for potential future strategic initiatives or alliances.
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash generated in operations for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 totaled $258,000. This was primarily due to net income of $361,000, depreciation of $363,000, deferred taxes of $63,000, stock based compensation of $119,000 and a decrease in accounts receivable of $250,000. This was offset by an increase in inventory of $278,000 and a net decrease in accounts payable and prepaid expenses of $76,000 and accrued expenses of $544,000 of which $527,000 was related to accrued compensation.
 
Net cash provided by operations for the nine months ended June 30, 2009 totaled $1,170,000. This was primarily due to net income of $936,000, depreciation of $324,000, deferred taxes of $82,000, stock based compensation of $86,000 and a decrease in inventory of $541,000. This was offset by a decrease in accounts payable prepaid expenses of $14,000 and of $227,000 and an increase in accounts receivable of $542,000.
 
Investing Activities
 
We invest our excess cash in money market accounts and bank CDs in denominations across numerous banks so that they are guaranteed under the FDIC. We believe we obtain a competitive rate of return given the economic climate along with the security provided by these FDIC backed instruments. During the nine month period ended June 30, 2010 we utilized cash to purchase $2,008,000 of securities and received $1,851,000 on CDs that have matured.  Purchases of capital equipment and information technology equipment and software consumed $343,000 of cash during the nine month period ended June 30, 2010. Our continuing investment in intellectual property i.e. patents consumed $28,000 of cash. During the nine months ended June 30, 2010, we received a total of $435,000 in proceeds from the repayment by Anil Jain of the promissory note dated June 28, 2007 by Photonics International, Inc. as the maker. Of the total amount of proceeds, $35,000 was paid in monthly principal payments during the nine month period and the balance of $400,000 that retired the note in full was paid in a lump sum on June 23, 2010.

During the nine month period ended June 30, 2009 we utilized cash to purchase $5,651,000 of securities and received $4,035,000 on the sale of securities.  Purchases of capital equipment consumed $72,000 of cash during the nine month period ended June 30, 2009.
 
In the remainder of fiscal 2010, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately $50,000, primarily reflecting investments in capital equipment, tooling and information technology.
 
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Financing Activities
 
For the nine month period ended June 31, 2010 we used a net of $33,000 for scheduled debt principal payments principally associated with the financing of our IT systems and received $22,000 from the issuance of stock as a result of employees exercising options.
 
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.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 
Management utilizes its technical knowledge, cumulative business experience, judgment and other factors in the selection and application of the Company’s accounting policies. The accounting policies considered by management to be the most critical to the presentation of the consolidated financial statements because they require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgments include stock option accounting, accounting for income taxes, and valuation and evaluating impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill .
 
These accounting policies are described in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009. Management made no changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies during the quarter ended June 30, 2010.
 
In applying its critical accounting policies, management reassesses its estimates each reporting period based on available information. Changes in such estimates did not have a significant impact on earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.
 
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
See Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements located in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.
 
ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM  4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2010 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The Company is exposed to a number of asserted and unasserted legal claims encountered in the ordinary course of business.  Although the outcome of any such legal action cannot be predicted, management believes that there are no pending legal proceedings against or involving the Company for which the outcome is likely to have a material adverse effect upon its financial position or results of operations.
 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

The most significant risk factors applicable to the Company are described in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
None.
 
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
ITEM 4. [REMOVED AND RESERVED]
 
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit 31.1 – Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act
 
Exhibit 31.2 – Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act

Exhibit 32.1 – Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350
 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 

 
CLEARFIELD, INC.


August 3, 2010
 
 /s/ Cheryl P. Beranek
   
By: Cheryl P. Beranek
Its:  President and Chief Executive Officer
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
   
/s/ Bruce G. Blackey
   
By:  Bruce G. Blackey
Its:  Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
 
 
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