f10k_113012.htm

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 [ ] NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

[ ] YES [ x ] NO

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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.

[ ] YES [ x ] NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller Reporting Company [ x ]

Indicate whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

[ ] 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 $59,534,591.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 28, 2012 was 12,829,320.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

Portions of our proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report, are incorporated by reference into Part III.

CLEARFIELD, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I		1
ITEM 1.	BUSINESS	1
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	5
ITEM 1B.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.	12
ITEM 2.	PROPERTIES.	12
ITEM 3.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.	13
ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	13
PART II.		13
ITEM 5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.	13
ITEM 6.	SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA	14
ITEM 7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	15
ITEM 7B.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	21
ITEM 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	21
ITEM 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.	37
ITEM 9A.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	38
ITEM 9B.	OTHER INFORMATION	38
PART III.		38
ITEM 10.	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.	38
ITEM 11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.	39
ITEM 12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.	39
ITEM 13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	39
ITEM 14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	39
PART IV.		39
ITEM 15.	EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	39
SIGNATURES		42

PART I

ITEM 1. 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 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 the “About Clearfield” link at our website, or at the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

Description of Business

Clearfield, Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells an end-to-end fiber management and enclosure platform that consolidates, distributes and protects fiber as it moves from the inside plant to the outside plant and all the way to the home, business and cell site. The Company has successfully established itself as a value-added supplier to its target market of broadband service providers, including independent local exchange carriers (telephone), multiple service operators (cable), wireless service providers and municipal-owned utilities. Clearfield has expanded its product offerings and broadened its customer base during the last five years.

The Company has historically focused on the un-served or under-served rural communities who receive their voice, video and data services from independent telephone companies. By aligning its in-house engineering and technical knowledge alongside its customers, the Company has been able to develop, customize and enhance products from design through production. Final build and assembly is completed at Clearfield’s plant in Plymouth, Minnesota with manufacturing 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. The Company deploys a hybrid sales model with some sales made directly to the customer, some made through two-tier distribution (channel) partners, and some sales through original equipment suppliers who private label its products.

Products

Clearview Cassette

The Clearview™ Cassette, a patented technology, is the main building block of the Company’s product platform. The value of the building block approach is that Clearfield is the only company to provide the needs of every leg of the telecommunications network with a single building block architecture, reducing the customers’ cost of deployment by reducing labor costs associated with training and reducing inventory carrying costs.

Clearview Classic and Clearview Blue: Clearview Classic and the recently announced Clearview Blue, 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 is deployed. Clearview Blue, while fully compatible with Clearview Classic, is designed for the utmost in modularity and scalability. It builds upon the Clearview Classic by offering a smaller footprint and integrated slack storage and splicing functionality.

Clearview xPAK: Engineered to land small port count fiber terminations and optical components, the patented xPAK is shipped flat and unassembled. Following simple pictorial user instructions, a technician will assemble the device to match his field requirements at the installation site. Application environments include cell back-haul, business class service delivery, node segmentation, fiber exhaust scenarios, utility sub-stations, or fiber-to-the-desk deployment. All products which integrate a Clearview xPAK product in its design are marked as “Clearview Landed”.

Connectivity and Optical Components

The Clearview system consolidates, distributes and protects fibers as they move from the inside plant to the home and business. These fibers are either connectorized directly for cable-to-cable deployment or are connectorized onto optical components that may amplify or divide the signals they carry. We provide products that meet a customer’s cable-to-cable deployment or optical component needs.

Cable-to-Cable Deployment: Fiber Deep is class of fiber assemblies that guarantees performance at .2dB insertion loss – fully half that of the industry standard. This metric extends the link loss budget effectively, extending the distance upon which fiber can be deployed. In addition, this 2dB improvement in optical budget reduces power consumption by 10%. The power savings, multiplied by even a small thousand home network, is a significant contribution to a community’s “go-green” efforts.

Optical Components: Clearfield packages optical components for signal coupling, splitting, termination, multiplexing, demultiplexing and attenuation for a seamless integration within its fiber management platform. This value-added packaging allows the customer to source from a single supplier and reduces space requirements. The products are built and tested to meet the strictest industry standards ensuring customers trouble-free performance in extreme outside plant environments.

FieldSmart

Utilizing the Clearview Cassette and xPAK as building blocks, FieldSmart is a series of panels, cabinets, wall boxes and other enclosures that house the Clearview components to provide a consistent design from the inside plant of the telco’s “central office” or cable television’s “head-end”, all the way through the outside plant to the access network and through to the home. At each leg of the network, the FieldSmart platform delivers a modular and scalable architecture that allows the service provider to align their capital equipment expenditures alongside their subscriber revenues.

Inside Plant: The FieldSmart Fiber Crossover Distribution System (FxDS) and recently announced high density FieldSmart FxHD provides complete fiber management modularity and scalability across the fiber network. Using the Clearview building block approach, each fiber management element provides modularity of physical fiber protection in the environment in which it is placed. The FxDS is a system of modular and scalable building blocks that provide for cost containment configurations with the use of Clearview Multiplied products. Easily configured for initial placement and scaling from 12-ports to a full rack of 1728-ports, the FieldSmart FxDS requires only four unique blocks to configure initial deployment. The user then places what is needed on the frame as subscriber take rates dictate. The FxHD is an integrated fiber management solution delivered via the Clearview Blue Cassette. With instant access to all cassettes, adapters, and jumpers, the frame is designed as a front access frame, meaning all installation is done from one side of the frame providing the option to reclaim the aisle space required for frame solutions that require rear access – and to use that space for other equipment or more frames. The FxHD can be placed against a wall, cage in data center co-location environments, or back to back.

Outside Plant: The FieldSmart Fiber Scalability Center (FSC) is a modular and scalable outside plant cabinet that allows rollout of FTTP 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.

Access Network: FieldSmart Fiber Delivery Point (FDP) is a series of enclosure systems that incorporates the delivery of fiber connectivity to the neighborhood or business district in the most cost-effective footprint possible. This family of wall-mount enclosures provides 12 to 144 ports of connectivity for multi-dwelling unit fiber deployments, fiber demarcation, security systems (CCTV), telecommunications room needs and horizontal/intermediate cross-connects.

Access Network: FieldSmart Small Count Delivery (SCD) is a series of enclosure systems that are packaged to make landing small count fiber more cost-effective and efficient than previously thought possible. This family of wall-mount enclosures, panels and drop cable cases provide up to 12 ports of connectivity when fiber management is critical but high-count density is required. The FieldSmart SCD is targeted for application environments such as cell backhaul, business class service delivery, node segmentation, fiber exhaust in a field pedestal, sub-station turn-up or fiber-to-the-desk deployment.

CraftSmart

CraftSmart is a full line of optical protection field enclosures, extending Clearfield presence in the fiber industry. The CraftSmart Fiber Protection Pedestals (FPP) and CraftSmart Fiber Protection Vaults (FPV) are integrated solutions, optimized to house FieldSmart products at the last mile access point of the network in above-grade or below-grade installations.

CraftSmart aims to optimize fiber protection and storage while ensuring industry standards. Utilizing methods of sealing and below-grade protection, along with Clearfield innovation, CraftSmart is a turn-key solution for the deployment of passive optics from the central office/head-end to the customer premise.

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 manufacture custom solutions for both in-the-box as well as network connectivity assemblies specific to that customer’s product line.

Markets

FTTP

Fiber to the Premise (also called Fiber to the Home) is a means of delivering the highest possible level of bandwidth directly to the user. The Company’s sales and marketing efforts have principally been focused on the U.S., and recently has added sales staff focused on the Caribbean, and other Central and South American markets.

FTTB

Fiber to the Business is the rapid expansion of fiber services, principally by multiple service (cable TV) operators to penetrate the business marketplace.

FTT-Cell site

Fiber to the Cell-Site is the trend in which wireless service providers are re-focusing their efforts from building towers for coverage to enhancing their coverage for bandwidth. Fiber is the medium of choice for their upgrade. Currently a very small percentage of these cell sites are served by fiber.

DAS

A distributed-antenna system, or DAS, is a network of spatially separated antenna nodes connected to a common source via a transport medium that provides wireless service within a geographic area or structure. DAS antenna elevations are generally at or below the clutter level and node installations are compact. Fiber may be used to backhaul data from the antenna.

Build to Print

In addition to a proprietary product line designed for the broadband service provider marketplace, Clearfield provides contract manufacturing services for original equipment manufacturers requiring copper and fiber cable assemblies built to their specification.

Competition

Competitors to the FieldSmart product lines include, but are not limited to, Corning Cabling Systems, Inc., OFS (Furukawa Electric North America, Inc.), AFL Telecommunications (a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd.), Fujikura Ltd., Alcatel, Inc., and TE Connectivity, Inc. (formerly Tyco Electronics). Competitors to the CraftSmart product line include Emerson Network Power, a subsidiary of Emerson Electric Co., and Charles Industries, Ltd. 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. 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.

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 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 could have an adverse effect on our ability to deliver products on a timely basis and on our financial performance.

Major Customers

One customer comprised approximately 22% and 21% of total sales for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Patents and Trademarks

As of September 30, 2012, we had three patents granted and one pending in the United States and four pending patent applications pending inside and outside the United States. We have also developed and are using trademarks and logos to market and promote our products, including Clearfield®, Clearview®, FieldSmart® and CraftSmart®.

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 a backlog of $2,647,000 and $3,814,000 as of September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Seasonality

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

Product Development

Product development for Clearfield’s product line program has been conducted internally. We believe that the communication industry environment is constantly evolving and our success depends on our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes. Our focus is to analyze the environment and technology and work to develop products that simplify our customers’ business by developing innovative high quality products utilizing modular design wherever possible. Research and development are reflected in Selling, General and Administrative expenses and are not material to the overall expense total.

Employees

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had 159 full-time employees. We also have several part-time employees and independent contractors. None of our employees are covered by any collective bargaining agreement. We believe our employee relations to be good.

Segment Reporting

The Company operates in a single reportable segment.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The impact and the timing of the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on our business are uncertain.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), widely known as the “Stimulus Bill,” was enacted in February 2009. The ARRA allocates $7.2 billion in grants, loans and loan guarantees for broadband/wireless initiatives for rural un-served and underserved geographies across the country, with these initiatives administered by several federal agencies. This funding is available to a wide variety of organizations, including our customers and prospective customers, to purchase and implement network infrastructure and services to improve broadband coverage. As part of the criteria established by the federal agencies administering these programs, the projects to be funded through the new federal stimulus plan must be approved by the state or states in which the projects will be located.

All ARRA funding for these broadband/wireless initiatives was allocated to awarded applicants prior to the start of this fiscal year. However, the recognition of revenue associated with these projects has been slower than expected due in part to regulatory delays associated with documentation, long-lead times associated with the delivery of fiber optic cable and strategic review by the operators on business case conditions moving forward. We cannot be assured to what extent the ARRA will impact demand for our products, our results of operations or the timing of purchases by customers. While originally intended to be complete by the fall of 2012, the implementation deadlines for final installation and implementation have been extended into 2013 and 2014.

National Broadband Plan’s transitioning from the USF to the CAF program may cause our customers to evaluate their business operations and delay purchases.

In October of 2011, the FCC approved the National Broadband Plan which called for the restructuring of the long-standing USF (Universal Service Fund). A key element of this program is the transition out of the USF program, which awards an operating subsidy to telecommunications companies providing service to high-cost serving areas, to the Connect America Fund (CAF) which would provide a capital expenditure subsidy for the build-out of the country’s broadband network. In addition, other universal service and inter-carrier compensation reforms scheduled to begin in the coming years will eliminate subsidies that carriers have traditionally relied upon to support service in high-cost, rural areas. We cannot be assured to what extent these program changes will impact demand for our products, our results of operations or the timing of purchases by customers.

Long-lead times associated with the production and delivery of fiber optic cable may impact the timing of purchases by our customers and demand for our products.

Broadband service providers deploying fiber networks are subject to the availability of fiber optic cable. Throughout fiscal years 2012 and 2011, the world’s supply of fiber optic cable for outside plant environments was delivered to market at lead times far longer than previously was the norm. Suppliers, such as Corning Cable Systems, OFS, Sumitomo and Prysmian have quoted our customers and prospects average lead time estimates of multiple months.

Some of our customers have delayed projects because of these delays. We cannot be assured that lead times associated with fiber optic cable will ease in the year ahead nor can we be assured that these delays will not impact demand for our products, our results of operation or the timing of purchases by customers.

A significant percentage of our sales in the last two fiscal years have been made to one customer, and the loss of this customer would adversely affect us.

In fiscal years 2012 and 2011, one customer accounted for 22% and 21% of our revenue, respectively. If there is a loss of this customer or a significant decline in sales to this customer, it could have a material adverse effect on our results from operations.

Intense competition in our industry may result in price reductions, lower gross profits and loss of market share.

Competition in the telecommunications equipment and services industry is intense. Our competitors may have or could develop or acquire marketing, financial, development and personnel resources that exceed ours. Our ability to compete successfully will depend on whether we can continue to advance the technology of our products and develop new products, the acceptance of our products among our customers and prospective customers and our ability to anticipate customer needs in product development, as well as the price, quality and reliability of our products, our delivery and service capabilities, and our control of operating expenses.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully against our current or future competitors. Increased competition from manufacturers of telecommunications equipment such as ours may result in price reductions, lower gross profit margins, and increased discounts to customers and loss of market share and could require increased spending by us on research and development, sales and marketing and customer support.

Our results of operations could be adversely affected by economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on our customers’ businesses.

Adverse changes in economic conditions, including the recent recession in the United States, have resulted and may continue to result in lower spending among our customers and contribute to decreased sales to our distributors and customers. Further, our business may be adversely affected by factors such as downturns in economic activity in specific geographic areas or in the telecommunications industry; social, political or labor conditions; or adverse changes in the availability and cost of capital, interest rates, tax rates, or regulations. These factors are beyond our control, but may result in further decreases in spending among customers and softening demand for our products. Declines in demand for our products will adversely affect our revenue. Further, challenging economic conditions also may impair the ability of our customers to pay for products and services they have purchased. As a result, our cash flow may be negatively impacted and our allowance for doubtful accounts and write-offs of accounts receivable may increase.

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, which may make budgeting for expenses difficult and may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.

Because many purchases by customers of our products relate to a specific customer project, the short-term demand for our products can fluctuate significantly and our ability to forecast sales accurately from quarter to quarter is limited. This fluctuation can be further affected by the long sales cycles necessary to obtain contracts to supply equipment for these projects, the availability of capital to fund our customers’ projects, and the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on customer buying patterns. These long sales cycles may result in significant effort expended with no resulting sales or sales that are not made in the anticipated quarter. Demand for our projects will also depend upon the extent to which our customers and prospective customers initiate these projects and the extent to which we are selected to provide our equipment in these projects, neither of which can be assured. These factors generally result in fluctuations, sometimes significant, in our operating results.

Other factors that may affect our quarterly operating results including:

·	the volume and timing of orders from and shipments to our customers;

·	work stoppages and other developments affecting the operations of our customers;

·	the timing of and our ability to obtain new customer contracts and the timing of revenue recognition;

·	the timing of new product and service announcements;

·	the availability of products and services;

·	market acceptance of new and enhanced versions of our products and services;

·	variations in the mix of products and services we sell;

·	the utilization of our production capacity and employees; and

·	the availability and cost of key components of our products.

Further, we budget our expenses based in part on expectations of future revenues. If revenue levels in a particular quarter are lower than expected, our operating results will be affected adversely.

Because of these factors, our quarterly operating results are difficult to predict and are likely to vary in the future. If our operating results are below financial analysts’ or investors’ expectations, the market price of our common stock may fall abruptly and significantly.

To compete effectively, we must continually improve existing products and introduce new products that achieve market acceptance.

The telecommunications equipment industry is characterized by rapid technological changes, evolving industry standards, changing market conditions and frequent new product and service introductions and enhancements. The introduction of products using new technologies or the adoption of new industry standards can make our existing products, or products under development, obsolete or unmarketable. In order to remain competitive and increase sales, we will need to anticipate and adapt to these rapidly changing technologies, enhance our existing products and introduce new products to address the changing demands of our customers.

Many of our competitors have greater engineering and product development resources than we have. Although we expect to continue to invest substantial resources in product development activities, our efforts to achieve and maintain profitability will require us to be selective and focused with our research and development expenditures. Further, our existing and development-stage products may become obsolete if our competitors introduce newer or more appealing technologies. If these technologies are patented or proprietary to our competitors, we may not be able to access these technologies.

If we fail to anticipate or respond in a cost-effective and timely manner to technological developments, changes in industry standards or customer requirements, or if we experience any significant delays in product development or introduction, our business, operating results and financial condition could be affected adversely.

We may face circumstances in the future that will result in impairment charges, including, but not limited to, significant goodwill impairment charges.

If the fair value of any of our long-lived assets decreases as a result of an economic slowdown, a downturn in the markets where we sell products and services or a downturn in our financial performance and/or future outlook, we may be required to record an impairment charge on such assets, including goodwill.

We are required to test intangible assets with indefinite life periods for potential impairment annually and on an interim basis if there are indicators of a potential impairment. We also are required to evaluate amortizable intangible assets and fixed assets for impairment if there are indicators of a possible impairment. One potential indicator of impairment is the value of our market capitalization compared to our net book value. Significant declines in our market capitalization could require us to record material goodwill and other impairment charges. Impairment charges could have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial position, as well as on the market price of our common stock.

We rely on single-source suppliers, which could cause delays, increases in costs or prevent us from completing customer orders, all of which could materially harm our business.

We assemble our products using materials and components supplied by various subcontractors and suppliers. We purchase critical components for our products, including injected molded parts and connectors from third parties, some of whom are single- or limited-source suppliers. If any of our suppliers are unable to ship critical components, we may be unable to manufacture and ship products to our distributors or customers. If the price of these components increases for any reason, or if these suppliers are unable or unwilling to deliver, we may have to find another source, which could result in interruptions, increased costs, delays, loss of sales and quality control problems.

Further, the costs to obtain certain raw materials and supplies are subject to price fluctuations, which may be substantial, because of global market demands. Many companies utilize the same raw materials and supplies in the production of their products as we use in our products. Companies with more resources than us may have a competitive advantage in obtaining raw materials and supplies due to greater purchasing power. Some raw materials or supplies may be subject to regulatory actions, which may affect available supplies. Furthermore, due to general economic conditions in the United States and globally, our suppliers may experience financial difficulties, which could result in increased delays, additional costs, or loss of a supplier.

The termination or interruption of any of these relationships, or the failure of these manufacturers or suppliers to supply components or raw materials to us on a timely basis or in sufficient quantities, likely would cause us to be unable to meet orders for our products and harm our reputation and our business. Identifying and qualifying alternative suppliers would take time, involve significant additional costs and may delay the production of our products. Further, if we obtain a new supplier or assemble our product using an alternative source of supply, we may need to conduct additional testing of our products to ensure the product meets our quality and performance standards. Any delays in delivery of our product to distributors or customers could be extended, and our costs associated with the change in product manufacturing could increase.

The failure of our third-party manufacturers to manufacture the products for us, and the failure of our suppliers of components and raw materials to supply us consistent with our requirements as to quality, quantity and timeliness could materially harm our business by causing delays, loss of sales, increases in costs and lower gross profit margins.

Our success depends upon adequate protection of our patent and intellectual property rights.

Our future success depends in part upon our proprietary technology. We attempt to protect our proprietary technology through patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. However, these legal means afford us only limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights or remedies to gain or keep any advantages we may have over our competitors. Accordingly, we cannot predict whether these protections will be adequate, or whether our competitors will develop similar technology independently, without violating our proprietary rights.

Our competitors, who may have or could develop or acquire significant resources, may make substantial investments in competing technologies, or may apply for and obtain patents that will prevent, limit, or interfere with our ability to manufacture or market our products. Further, although we do not believe that any of our products infringe the rights of others, third parties may in the future claim, our products infringe on their rights, and these third parties may assert infringement claims against us in the future.

We may litigate to enforce patents issued to us and to defend against claimed infringement of the rights of others or to determine the ownership, scope, or validity of our proprietary rights and the rights of others. Any claim of infringement against us could involve significant liabilities to third parties, could require us to seek licenses from third parties, and could prevent us from manufacturing, selling or using our products. The occurrence of this litigation, or the effect of an adverse determination in any of this type of litigation, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our failure to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Further consolidation among our customers may result in the loss of some customers and may reduce revenue during the pendency of business combinations and related integration activities.

We believe consolidation among our customers in the future will continue in order for them to increase market share and achieve greater economies of scale. Consolidation has impacted our business as our customers focus on completing business combinations and integrating their operations. In connection with this merger and acquisition activity, our customers may postpone or cancel orders for our product based on revised plans for technology or network expansion pending consolidation activity. Customers integrating large-scale acquisitions may also reduce their purchases of equipment during the integration period, or postpone or cancel orders.

The impact of significant mergers among our customers on our business is likely to be unclear until sometime after such transactions are completed. After a consolidation occurs, a customer may choose to reduce the number of vendors from which it purchases equipment and may choose one of our competitors as its preferred vendor. There can be no assurance that we will continue to supply equipment to the surviving communications service provider after a business combination is completed.

We are dependent on key personnel.

Our failure to attract and retain skilled personnel could hinder the management of our business, our research and development, our sales and marketing efforts, and our manufacturing capabilities. Our future success depends to a significant degree upon the continued services of key senior management personnel, including Cheryl P. Beranek, our Chief Executive Officer and John P. Hill, our Chief Operating Officer. We have employment agreements with Ms. Beranek and Mr. Hill that provides that if we terminate the employment of either executive without cause or if the executive terminates her or his employment for good reason, we would be required to make specified payments to them as described in their employment agreements. We have key person life insurance on Ms. Beranek and Mr. Hill. Further, our future success also depends on our continuing ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified managerial, technical and sales personnel. Our inability to retain or attract qualified personnel could have a significant negative effect and thereby materially harm our business and financial condition.

Product defects or the failure of our products to meet specifications could cause us to lose customers and revenue or to incur unexpected expenses.

If our products do not meet our customers’ performance requirements, our customer relationships may suffer. Also, our products may contain defects or fail to meet product specifications. Any failure or poor performance of our products could result in:

·	lack of or delayed market acceptance of our products;

·	delayed product shipments;

·	unexpected expenses and diversion of resources to replace defective products or identify and correct the source of errors;

·	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.

Our products are often critical to the performance of telecommunications systems. Many of our supply agreements contain limited warranty provisions. If these contractual limitations are unenforceable in a particular jurisdiction or if we are exposed to product liability claims that are not covered by insurance, a claim could harm our business.

Our stock price has been volatile historically and may continue to be volatile. The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

The trading price of our common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations. Our stock price may fluctuate in response to a number of events and factors, such as quarterly variations in operating results, announcements of technological innovations or new products by us or our competitors, changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts, the operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors may deem comparable to us, and new reports relating to trends in our markets or general economic conditions.

In addition, the stock market is subject to price and volume fluctuations that affect the market prices for companies in general, and small-capitalization, high-technology companies like us in particular. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. Further, any failure by us to meet or exceed the expectations of financial analysts or investors is likely to cause a decline in our common stock price. Further, recent economic conditions have resulted in significant fluctuations and significant declines in stock prices for many companies, including Clearfield. We cannot predict when the stock markets and the market for our common stock may stabilize. In addition, although our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, our common stock has experienced low trading volume. Limited trading volume subjects our common stock to greater price volatility and may make it difficult for our shareholders to sell shares at an attractive price.

Future sales of shares of our common stock in the public market may negatively affect our stock price.

Future sales of our common stock, or the perception that these sales could occur, could have a significant negative effect on the market price of our common stock. In addition, upon exercise of outstanding options, the number of shares outstanding of our common stock could increase substantially. This increase, in turn, could dilute future earnings per share, if any, and could depress the market value of our common stock. Dilution and potential dilution, the availability of a large amount of shares for sale, and the possibility of additional issuances and sales of our common stock may negatively affect both the trading price of our common stock and the liquidity of our common stock. These sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we would deem appropriate.

Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents, Minnesota law and other agreements could prevent or delay a change in control of our company.

Certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws, Minnesota law and other agreements may make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire, or discourage a third-party from attempting to acquire, control of our company, including:

·	the provisions of our bylaws setting forth the advance notice and information requirements for shareholder proposals, including nominees for directors, to be considered properly brought before shareholders;

·	the right of our board of directors to establish more than one class or series of shares and to fix the relative rights and preferences of any such different classes or series;

·	the provisions of Minnesota law relating to business combinations and control share acquisitions; and

the provisions of our stock option plans allowing for the acceleration of vesting or payments of awards granted under the plans in the event of specified events that result in a “change in control” and provisions of agreements with certain of our executive officers requiring payments if their employment is terminated and there is a “change in control.”

These measures could discourage or prevent a takeover of us or changes in our management, even if an acquisition or such changes would be beneficial to our shareholders. This may have a negative effect on the price of our common stock.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. 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. The lease commenced on July 1, 2006 with rent commencing on November 1, 2006. The lease expires on November 30, 2013. The lease is backed by an unconditional, irrevocable letter of credit equal to approximately one month’s rent. On September 1, 2010, the Company entered into a license to rent an additional 7,338 square feet of adjacent warehouse space for the five month period ending February 28, 2011, with an option to extend month to month through to August 31, 2011. This agreement was replaced with another license agreement to rent the same warehouse space and an additional 2,223 of adjoining office space for a total of 9,531 square feet beginning July 1, 2011 and continuing month to month with thirty days notice by either party until November 30, 2013.

We owned a 24,000 square foot production facility in Aberdeen, South Dakota, which was partially leased and occupied. In June 2011, the Company completed the sale of the facility and land in the amount of $725,000. (See Note B in the Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.)

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

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 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II.

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Market system of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC 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.

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2012	High		Low
Quarter ended December 31, 2011	$	7.61	$	5.20
Quarter ended March 31, 2012	$	7.47	$	5.36
Quarter ended June 30, 2012	$	5.57	$	3.95
Quarter ended September 30, 2012	$	5.65	$	4.53

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2011	High		Low
Quarter ended December 31, 2010	$	4.24	$	2.82
Quarter ended March 31, 2011	$	6.53	$	3.85
Quarter ended June 30, 2011	$	7.21	$	4.19
Quarter ended September 30, 2011	$	8.23	$	5.90

The foregoing prices reflect inter-dealer prices, without dealer markup, markdown, or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.

Approximate Number of Holders of Common Stock

There were approximately 325 holders of record of our common stock as of September 30, 2012.

Dividends

We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in our operations and do not intend in the foreseeable future to pay cash dividends on our common stock.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table describes shares of our common stock that are available on September 30, 2012 for purchase under outstanding stock-based awards, or reserved for issuance under stock-based awards or other rights that may be granted in the future, under our equity compensation plans:

Plan Category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding those reflected in first column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
2007 Stock Compensation Plan		1,365,012	$	2.29		641,369
Stock Option Plan for Non Employee Directors		27,500	$	1.12		-
Total		1,392,512	$	2.27		641,369

All outstanding equity awards have been granted pursuant to shareholder-approved plans.

Issuer Repurchases

The Company withheld a total of 4,555 shares of our common stock in connection with the cashless net exercise of stock options to pay the exercise price of such options, and for payment of taxes upon the vesting of restricted stock previously issued to employees. We currently are not authorized by our Board of Directors to make repurchases of our common stock.

The following table presents the total number of shares withheld during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 by month and the average price paid per share:

Period	Total number of shares withheld		Average price paid per share
July 1-31, 2012		-		-
August 1-31, 2012		4,555	$	4.94
September 1-30, 2012		-		-
Total		4,555	$	4.94

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not Required

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in the Company’s other SEC filings, in press releases and in oral statements, that are not statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from the results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “seeks” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements include those risks described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”

Overview of Business: The Company sells highly configurable fiber management and connectivity products to broadband service providers serving the FTTP, FTTB, FTT-Cell site markets in the U.S. and in certain limited markets outside the U.S., currently countries in the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The Company’s sales channels include direct to customer, through distribution (channel) partners, and to original equipment suppliers who private label its products. The Company’s products are sold by its sales employees and independent sales representatives.

Critical Accounting Policies: In preparing our financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions and judgments that can have a significant impact on our revenues, income or loss from operations and net income or loss, as well as on the value of certain assets and liabilities on our 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 financial statements, areas that are particularly significant include:

· Accounting for income taxes; and

· Valuation and evaluating impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill.

Income Taxes We account for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, under which deferred income taxes are recognized based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of enacted tax laws. Deferred income tax provisions and benefits are based on changes to the assets or liabilities from year to year. In providing for deferred taxes, we consider tax regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate, estimates of future taxable income, and available tax planning strategies. If tax regulations, operating results, or the ability to implement tax-planning strategies vary, adjustments to the carrying value of deferred tax assets and liabilities may be required. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The recorded valuation allowance is based on significant estimates and judgments and if the facts and circumstances change the valuation allowance could materially change.

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. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss (NOL) carry-forwards of approximately $23,340,000 and $21,270,000, respectively. The U.S. federal NOL carry forward amounts expire in fiscal years 2020 through 2028 if not utilized. The state NOL carry forward amounts expire in fiscal year 2013 through 2022 if not utilized. In fiscal year 2009, the Company completed an Internal Revenue Code Section 382 analysis of the loss carry-forwards and determined that all of the Company’s loss carry-forwards were utilizable and not restricted under Section 382. The Company has not updated its Section 382 analysis subsequent to 2009 and does not believe there have been any events subsequent to 2009 that would impact the analysis.

As part of the process of preparing our 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.

Prior to 2011, a valuation allowance had been recorded which required the Company to evaluate its future taxable income after consideration of positive and negative evidence. If the valuation allowance is reduced, the Company would record an income tax benefit in the period in which that determination is made. If the valuation allowance is increased, the Company would record additional income tax expense,

Consequently, during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011 and 2012, 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. The reduction in the valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012 resulted in a non-cash income tax benefit of $3,518,000 million. We recorded an income tax benefit of $3,324,000 for the year ended September 30, 2012, compared to an income tax benefit $2,316,000 for the year ended September 30, 2011.

Our future potential taxable income was evaluated based on both historical profitability as well as anticipated operating results for future years. Based upon the assessment of all available evidence, the Company reversed $3,518,000 million of additional valuation allowance for the year ended September 30, 2012, which was recorded as a one-time income tax benefit. As of September 30, 2012, the Company’s only remaining valuation allowance of approximately $975,000 relates to state net operating loss carry forwards we do not expect to utilize. The Company 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 remaining valuation allowance is reduced, we would record an income tax benefit in the period the valuation allowance is reduced. If the remaining valuation allowance is increased, we would record additional income tax expense.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction, and various state jurisdictions. Based on its evaluation, the Company has concluded that it has no significant unrecognized tax benefits. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations for fiscal years ending prior to 1998. We are generally subject to U.S. federal and state tax examinations for all tax years since 1998 due to our net operating loss carryforwards and the utilization of the carryforwards in years still open under statute. In 2007 the Company changed its fiscal year to September 30.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill The Company’s long-lived assets at September 30, 2012 consisted of property, plant and equipment, patents and goodwill. The Company reviews the carrying amount of its property, plant and equipment and patents if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. When this review indicates the carrying amount of an asset or asset group exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets, the Company recognizes an asset impairment charge against operations for the amount by which the carrying amount of the impaired asset exceeds its fair value.

Determining fair values of property, plant and equipment and patents using a discounted cash flow method involves significant judgment and requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions, including long-term projections of cash flows, market conditions and appropriate discount rates. Judgments are based on historical experience, current market trends, consultations with external valuation specialists and other information. If facts and circumstances change, the use of different estimates and assumptions could result in a materially 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 FTTP market.

The Company reviews the carrying amount of goodwill annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. 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. The Company utilizes a market capitalization approach for testing its goodwill, whereby a significant reduction in our market capitalization or in the carrying amount of net assets of a reporting unit could result in an impairment charge. This test for the period ended September 30, 2012 resulted in no change to goodwill from the prior period. During the prior quarter ends, there were no triggering events that indicated impairment existed and there were no adjustments to 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.

No impairment of long-lived assets or goodwill has occurred during the years ended September 30, 2012 or 2011, respectively.

Results of Operations

Year ended September 30, 2012 compared to year ended September 30, 2011

Revenues for the fiscal year 2012 increased 6% to $37,474,000 from revenue of $35,193,000 in 2011. Revenue growth was experienced from existing clients as well as from the development of new accounts within the telecommunications industry. The growth in revenue includes gains from within Tier 3 Carriers, as well as from an emerging presence associated with Tier 2 Carriers who have a national footprint. The increase in revenue includes the gains in product sales to engineering contractors providing Engineer, Furnish and Installation (EF&I) services to telco and cable broadband operators. Revenues derived from distributor arrangements increased as additional distributors are now representing the Company as compared to the prior year. In addition, revenue gains were also gained in our build-to-print market serving OEM customers. These revenue increases in fiscal 2012 were offset by lower revenues to system integrators in the comparable period in fiscal 2011. Revenues were positively affected by deployments associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus funds) in both periods.

As a result of the above factors, revenues in fiscal year 2012 to commercial data networks and broadband service providers were 87% of sales, or $32,553,000, while revenues associated with build-to-print manufacturing for original equipment manufacturers outside of the telecommunications market were 13% of sales, or $4,921,000, for fiscal 2012. For fiscal year 2011, revenues to commercial data networks and broadband service providers were 87% of sales, or $30,633,000, while revenues associated with build-to-print manufacturing for original equipment manufacturers outside of the telecommunications market were 13% of sales, or $4,560,000.

Cost of sales for the fiscal year 2012 was $22,188,000, an increase of $1,654,000, or 8% from the $20,534,000 in fiscal year 2011. Gross margin was 40.8% in fiscal year 2012, as compared to 41.7% for fiscal year 2011. Gross profit increased 4%, or $627,000, from $14,658,000 for fiscal year 2011 to $15,286,000 for fiscal year 2012. The year-over-year increase in cost of goods and gross profit is a result of increased revenue.

Selling, general and administrative expense for fiscal year 2012 was $11,011,000 compared to $10,942,000 for fiscal year 2011, relatively unchanged between periods. Selling expense, which includes engineering and marketing expense, was $7,458,000 in fiscal year 2012 versus $6,600,000 in fiscal 2011, and increase of $858,000. Selling and engineering expenses increased $708,000, mainly as a result of additional headcount and associated expenses, while marketing expenses increased $150,000, mainly as a result of higher marketing and trade show costs in fiscal 2012. Offsetting these increases was a decrease in general and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $3,553,000 in fiscal 2012 versus $4,342,000 in fiscal year 2011, a decrease of $789,000, mainly due to a decrease of $729,000 in incentive compensation related to the achievement of objectives in fiscal 2012.

Income from operations for fiscal year 2012 was $4,275,000 compared to $3,716,000 for fiscal year 2011. This increase is due to the increase in revenue and a decrease in incentive compensation expense for fiscal year 2012.

Interest income in fiscal year 2012 was $102,000 compared to $110,000 for the fiscal year 2011. The decrease is a result of declining interest rates resulting in lower returns on our investments. The Company invests its excess cash primarily in FDIC-backed bank certificates of deposit and money market accounts.

The Company recorded no other income in fiscal 2012, compared to $26,000 in fiscal year 2011. This is attributable to rental income from our Aberdeen, SD facility which was sold in June 2011 at which time the rental arrangement ended.

Income taxes for fiscal year 2012 was a benefit of $3,324,000. The total valuation allowance reversed during fiscal year 2012 was approximately $5,100,000. The valuation allowance reversed in the fourth quarter was $3,518,000 and was included in the income tax benefit for the year. Income taxes for fiscal year 2011 was a benefit of $2,316,000. In fiscal year 2011, the Company reversed approximately $3,920,000 of its valuation allowance. The valuation allowance reversed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011 was $2,481,000 and was included in the income tax benefit for the year. Additional components of the fiscal 2011 net income tax benefit included deferred tax amortization of goodwill of $75,000, federal alternative minimum tax of $67,000, and various state taxes of $24,000.

Net income for fiscal year 2012 was $7,701,000 or $0.62 per share for basic and $0.60 for diluted, compared to $6,167,000 or $0.51 per basic and $0.48 per diluted share for the year 2011. The increase in net income was primarily due to our increased strategic investment of sales and marketing programs, continued product acceptance that drove increased revenue, and the reversal of a portion of the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2012, our principal source of liquidity was our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Those sources total $14,785,000 at September 30, 2012, compared to $13,130,000, at September 30, 2011. Our excess cash is invested mainly in certificates of deposit backed by the FDIC and money market accounts. The majority of our funds are insured by the FDIC. Investments considered long-term are $4,572,000 at September 30, 2012, compared to $2,707,000 at September 30, 2011. We believe the combined balances of short-term cash and investments along with long-term investments provide a more accurate indication of our available liquidity. At September 30, 2012, the Company had combined balances of short-term cash and investments and long term investments of $19,357,000 as compared to $15,837,000 at September 30, 2011. We have no long-term debt obligations at September 30, 2012 or 2011, respectively.

Operating Activities

Net cash generated from operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 totaled $3,826,000. Cash provided by operations included net income of $7,701,000, which included non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization of $405,000, stock-based compensation of $471,000, and losses on disposal of assets of $24,000, along with a non-cash gain from deferred taxes of $3,437,000. Changes in working capital items providing cash included a decrease in accounts receivable of $206,000 reflecting lower sales levels in the fourth quarter of 2012. Changes in working capital items using cash include increases in inventory of $213,000, an increase in other current assets of $307,000, and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $1,023,000. Changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses reflect a decrease to employee compensation accruals of $639,000 related to incentive payments.

Net cash generated from operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 totaled $5,297,000. Cash provided by operations included net income of $6,167,000, which included non-cash expenses for depreciation of $359,000, stock-based compensation of $535,000, and gains on disposals of assets of $44,000, mainly related to the sale of the Aberdeen, SD facility, along with a non-cash gain from deferred taxes of $2,407,000. Changes in working capital items providing cash included an increase in accounts receivable of $16,000 reflecting a lower number of days outstanding due to early payment terms with several customers. Changes in working capital using cash include increases to inventory of $1,244,000 due to higher stocking levels required to meet increased demand and accounts payable and accrued expenses of $1,958,000. Included within this amount are employee compensation accruals increasing by $1,700,000 mainly due to incentive payments related to fiscal 2011, and an accounts payable increase of $251,000.

Investing Activities

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, we used $591,000 in cash for the purchase of equipment and patents. Included in this amount were purchases for manufacturing and engineering equipment in the amount of $295,000, IT equipment and software purchases of $129,000, and additional patent cost of $40,000. During the same period we purchased $11,942,000 of FDIC-backed certificates of deposit and sold approximately $2,819,000 of FDIC-backed certificates of deposit. The result is a net decrease in cash from investing activities of $9,714,000 in fiscal year 2012 as compared to fiscal year 2011. The Company intends to continue to invest in the necessary and appropriate manufacturing equipment to help maintain a competitive position in manufacturing capability but has no material commitments for capital expenditures for fiscal year 2013.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011, we used $746,000 in cash for the purchase of equipment. Included in this amount were purchases for manufacturing equipment in the amount of $375,000 and IT equipment and software purchases of $120,000. During the same period we purchased $1,887,000 of FDIC-backed certificates of deposit and sold approximately $2,332,000 of FDIC-backed certificates of deposit. In fiscal year 2011 we received proceeds from the sale of assets in the amount of $719,000. The majority of these proceeds were from the sale of the Aberdeen facility which accounted for approximately $660,000 of the proceeds. The result is a net increase in cash from investing activities of $418,000 in fiscal year 2011 as compared to fiscal year 2010.

Financing Activities

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, we received $143,000 from employees’ participation and purchase of stock through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and $142,000 from the issuance of stock as a result of employees and directors exercising stock options. The net cash received from financing activities was $285,000.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 we received $88,000 from employees’ participation and purchase of stock through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), $180,000 from the issuance of stock as a result of employees and directors exercising stock options and $12,000 from excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options. The net cash received from financing activities was $280,000.

The Company has current cash and cash equivalents and investments with a maturity of less than one year that total $14,785,000 which we believe provides a strong financial position and along with cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet its working capital and investment requirements for beyond the next 12 months. The Company intends on utilizing its available cash and assets primarily for its continued organic growth, as well as potential future strategic transactions. However, future growth, organically or through acquisition, 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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other standard setting bodies that may have an impact on the Company’s accounting and reporting. The Company believes that such recently issued accounting pronouncements and other authoritative guidance for which the effective date is in the future either will not have an impact on its accounting or reporting or that such impact will not be material to its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows when implemented.

ITEM 7B. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is subject to changes in market interest rates on cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. These market risks have not changed significantly since September 30, 2011. Increases or decreases in interest rates will have an effect on these balances. At September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $14,785,000 and $13,130,000. Most of this balance was invested in interest-bearing money market accounts or CD’s maturing within 12 months.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly data for the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:

	Quarter Ended
Statement of Operations Data	December 31, 2011		March 31, 2012		June 30, 2012		September 30, 2012

Net revenue	$	9,165,201	$	7,112,097	$	10,793,755	$	10,402,913
Gross profit		3,794,282		2,719,429		4,556,771		4,215,239
Operating income		1,021,168		147,054		1,782,518		1,324,141
Net income		999,599		131,927		1,741,960		4,827,708
Net income per share, Basic	$	0.08	$	0.01	$	0.14	$	0.39
Net income per share, Diluted		0.08		0.01		0.14		0.37

	Quarter Ended
Statement of Operations Data	December 31, 2010		March 31, 2011		June 30, 2011		September 30, 2011

Net revenue	$	7,246,669	$	7,119,564	$	10,124,665	$	10,701,634
Gross profit		2,965,953		2,893,739		4,318,751		4,479,915
Operating income		506,634		525,440		1,286,715		1,397,420
Net income		501,158		532,487		1,277,830		3,855,971
Net income per share, Basic	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.11	$	0.32
Net income per share, Diluted		0.04		0.04		0.10		0.30

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Clearfield, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Clearfield, Inc. (a Minnesota corporation) as of September 30, 2012 and 2011, and the related statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Clearfield, Inc. as of September 30, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/Grant Thornton LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

December 4, 2012

CLEARFIELD, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

	September 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,678,143		$	11,281,027
Short-term investments		9,107,000			1,849,000
Accounts receivable, net		3,022,636			3,228,864
Inventories		2,971,614			2,757,151
Deferred taxes		1,491,478			994,000
Other current assets		473,726			170,243
Total current assets		22,744,597			20,280,285

Property, plant and equipment, net		1,107,468			986,031

Other Assets
Long-term investments		4,572,000			2,707,000
Goodwill		2,570,511			2,570,511
Deferred taxes		6,498,250			3,558,797
Other		247,512			199,467
Total other assets		13,888,273			9,035,775
Total Assets	$	37,740,338		$	30,302,091

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	1,492,294		$	1,439,611
Accrued compensation		1,470,232			2,465,132
Accrued expenses		54,268			106,383
Total current liabilities		3,016,794			4,011,126

Deferred rent		37,643			61,794
Total Liabilities		3,054,437			4,072,920

Commitment and Contingencies		-			-

Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 500 shares; no shares issued or outstanding		-			-
Common stock, $ .01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 12,830,100 and 12,270,691 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively		128,301			122,707
Additional paid-in capital		54,152,080			53,402,138
Accumulated deficit		(19,594,480	)		(27,295,674	)
Total shareholders’ equity		34,685,901			26,229,171
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	37,740,338		$	30,302,091

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

CLEARFIELD, INC.

STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

	Year Ended September 30,			Year Ended September 30,
	2012			2011

Net revenues	$	37,473,966		$	35,192,532

Cost of sales		22,188,245			20,534,174

Gross profit		15,285,721			14,658,358

Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative		10,987,195			10,986,322
Loss (Gain) on disposal of assets		23,645			(44,173	)
		11,010,840			10,942,149

Income from operations		4,274,881			3,716,209

Interest income		102,014			109,595
Other income		-			25,500
		102,014			135,095
Income before income taxes		4,376,895			3,851,304

Income tax benefit		(3,324,299	)		(2,316,142	)
Net income	$	7,701,194		$	6,167,446

Net income per share Basic	$	0.62		$	0.51
Net income per share Diluted	$	0.60		$	0.48

Shares used in calculation of net income per share:
Basic		12,371,371			12,085,491
Diluted		12,790,168			12,749,933

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

CLEARFIELD, INC.

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

	Common Stock				Additional		Accumulated			Total shareholders’
	Shares		Amount		paid-in capital		deficit			equity
Balance at September 30, 2010		12,015,331	$	120,153	$	52,589,034	$	(33,463,120	)	$	19,246,067
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised		-		-		12,478		-			12,478
Stock-based compensation expense		3,420		34		535,313		-			535,347
Employee stock purchase plan		32,229		322		87,345		-			87,667
Exercise of stock options		219,711		2,198		177,968		-			180,166
Net income		-		-		-		6,167,446			6,167,446
Balance at September 30, 2011		12,270,691	$	122,707	$	53,402,138	$	(27,295,674	)	$	26,229,171
Stock-based compensation expense		359,000		3,590		467,120		-			470,710
Employee stock purchase plan		28,929		288		142,254		-			142,542
Exercise of stock options		171,480		1,716		140,568		-			142,284
Net income		-		-		-		7,701,194			7,701,194
Balance at September 30, 2012		12,830,100	$	128,301	$	54,152,080	$	(19,594,480	)	$	34,685,901

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

CLEARFIELD, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Year ended September 30,			Year ended September 30,
	2012			2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	7,701,194		$	6,167,446
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		404,765			358,502
Deferred income taxes		(3,436,931	)		(2,407,435	)
Gain on sale of assets		23,645			(44,173	)
Stock-based compensation expense		470,710			535,347
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net		206,228			15,515
Inventories		(212,854	)		(1,244,845	)
Other current assets		(307,410	)		(41,164	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(1,023,016	)		1,958,026
Net cash provided by operating activities		3,826,331			5,297,219

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(550,618	)		(745,790	)
Purchase of investments		(11,942,000	)		(1,886,659	)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		-			718,537
Patent additions		(40,423	)		-
Sale of investments		2,819,000			2,331,690
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(9,714,041	)		417,778

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan		142,542			87,667
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		142,284			180,166
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options		-			12,478
Net cash provided by financing activities		284,826			280,311
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(5,602,884	)		5,995,308
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		11,281,027			5,285,719
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	5,678,143		$	11,281,027
Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid during the year for:
Income Taxes		163,756			48,263

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

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business: Clearfield, Inc., (the Company) is a manufacturer of a broad range of standard and custom passive connectivity products to customers throughout the United States. 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-Premises (FTTP), large enterprise, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) markets.

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 shipping and handling cost in cost of sales. 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, 2012 and 2011, respectively consist entirely of short-term money market accounts.

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.

Investments: The Company currently invests its excess cash in bank certificates of deposit (CD’s) that are fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (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 and are recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The maturity dates of our CD’s at September 30, 2012 are as follows:

Less than one year	$	9,107,000
1-3 years		4,572,000
Total	$	13,679,000

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued

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. 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 following table illustrates balances and activity for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Cost and Expenses		Deductions		Balance at End of Period
September 30, 2012	$	97,950	$	-	$	-	$	97,950
September 30, 2011		97,950		-		-		97,950

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The financial statements include the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. All financial instruments’ carrying values approximate fair values because of the short-term nature of the instruments.

Inventories: Inventories consist of finished goods, raw materials and work in process and are stated at the lower of average cost or market. Inventory is valued using material costs, labor charges, and allocated factory overhead charges and consists of the following:

	September 30, 2012		September 30, 2011
Raw materials	$	2,300,380	$	2,158,647
Work-in-process		336,298		304,793
Finished goods		334,936		293,711
	$	2,971,614	$	2,757,151

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. Estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:

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

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the remaining term of the lease or estimated life of the asset.

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at:

	September 30,		September 30,
	2012		2011
Manufacturing Equipment		1,316,768		1,188,965
Office Equipment		1,823,283		1,720,006
Leasehold Improvements		127,883		127,883
Vehicles		171,742		133,199
		3,439,676		3,170,053
Less accumulated depreciation		2,332,208		2,184,022
	$	1,107,468	$	986,031

Depreciation expense	$	403,927	$	358,502

Goodwill: The Company analyzes its goodwill testing for impairment annually in the fourth quarter 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 assesses the valuation or potential impairment of its goodwill annually. We consider our net book value and market capitalization when we test for goodwill impairment because we have consolidated our reporting units in prior years into the parent company, resulting in one reporting unit. 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, 2012 resulted in no change to goodwill from the prior period.

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. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually for impairment and in interim periods if certain events occur indicating that the carrying value of the intangible assets may be impaired. No impairment of long-lived assets has occurred during any of the periods presented.

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 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. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

Stock-Based Compensation: We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payments at fair value over the requisite service period. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted average fair value of options. Equity-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The determination of fair value of stock-based payment 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 are estimated at the time of the grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from estimates. The Company uses a forfeiture rate of 10%.

The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $4.12 and $4.14. 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.

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued

Net Income Per Share: Basic and diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

Weighted average common share outstanding for the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

Year ended September 30,	2012		2011
Net income	$	7,701,194	$	6,167,446
Weighted average common shares		12,371,371		12,085,491
Dilutive potential common shares		418,798		664,442
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding		12,790,169		12,749,933
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.62	$	0.51
Diluted	$	0.60	$	0.48

Employee stock options in the amount of 323,500 and 300,000 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively, have been excluded from the diluted net income per common share calculation because their exercise prices were greater than the market price of the Company’s common stock and were considered anti-dilutive.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of 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 deferred tax asset valuation allowance and reserves on our inventory and accounts receivables. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

NOTE B – COMMITMENTS AND FACILITIES

Plymouth Facility: The Company leases office and manufacturing facilities in Plymouth, MN for its ongoing operations. This operating lease expires November 30, 2013. The Company also leases various pieces of office equipment. For the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, total rent expense was $406,000 and $384,000 respectively. At September 30, 2012, the future minimum lease payments required under operating lease agreements are as follows:

Year ending September 30	Operating leases
2013	$	281,680
2014		51,053
2015		879
Total minimum lease payments	$	333,612

Aberdeen Facility: During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company received and accepted a purchase offer for the facility. In June 2011, the Company completed the sale of the facility and land in the amount of $725,000. The final proceeds to the Company after transaction costs were $660,000. We recorded a gain on the sale of these assets of approximately $37,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

NOTE C – 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.

Stock-Based Compensation: The Company’s stock-based compensation plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which selects persons to receive awards and determines the number of shares subject to each award and the terms, conditions, performance measures and other provisions of the award.

Stock Options: The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate fair value of stock-based awards with the following weighted average assumptions for the years ended September 30:

	2012			2011
Expected volatility		82	%		81	%
Expected life (in years)	6 years			6 years
Expected dividends		0	%		0	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.90	%		1.69	%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$	4.12		$	4.14

The Company had two stock option plans which are used as an incentive for directors, officers, and other employees. The director’s plan was terminated in February of 2010 and 67,500 authorized but unissued shares were removed from the plan. Options are generally granted at fair market values determined on the date of grant and vesting normally occurs over a three to 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. Shares issued upon exercise of a stock option are new shares as opposed to treasury

NOTE C – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY - continued

shares. The employee plan has 641,369 shares available for issue as of September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2012, $2,475,941 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 5.2 years. The Company recorded related compensation expense for the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 of $470,710 and $535,347, respectively. There were 33,835 stock options that were exercised using a cashless method of exercise. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year the year ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $672,900 and $1,237,000, respectively.

Option transactions under these plans during the year ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

	Number of shares			Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average fair value
Outstanding at September 30, 2010		1,126,000		$	1.41
Granted		320,920			6.26	$	4.14
Cancelled or Forfeited		(21,934	)		1.72
Exercised		(233,329	)		1.26
Outstanding at September 30, 2011		1,191,657		$	2.74
Granted		17,000			5.59	$	4.12
Cancelled or Forfeited		(1,000	)		6.36
Exercised		(178,481	)		1.11
Outstanding at September 30, 2012		1,029,176		$	3.07

The following table summarizes information concerning options exercisable under the Options Plans at:

Year ended	Exercisable	Weighted average remaining contractual life	Weighted average exercise price
September 30, 2012	700,148	4.98 years	$4.78
September 30, 2011	525,930	5.33 years	$1.85

The following table summarizes information concerning options currently outstanding at:

Year Ended	Number outstanding	Weighted average remaining contractual life	Weighted average exercise price	Aggregate intrinsic value
September 30, 2012	1,029,176	4.78 years	$3.07	$2,101,541
September 30, 2011	1,200,325	5.39 years	$2.72	$3,814,064

Restricted Stock: The Company’s 2007 Stock Compensation Plan permit’s our Compensation Committee to grant other stock-based awards. The Company awards key employees restricted stock grants that vest over three to five years.

NOTE C – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY - continued

Restricted stock transactions during the year ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

	Number of shares			Weighted average grant date fair value
Unvested shares at September 30, 2010		13,000		$	2.58
Granted		-			-
Vested		(4,332	)		2.58
Unvested shares at September 30, 2011		8,668			2.58
Granted		359,000			5.10
Vested		(4,332	)		2.58
Unvested at September 30, 2012		363,336		$	5.07

Employee Stock Purchase Plan: The Clearfield Corporation 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“Stock Plan”) allows participating employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a discount through payroll deductions. The Stock Plan is available to all employees subject to certain eligibility requirements. Terms of the Stock Plan provide that participating employees may purchase the Company’s common stock on a voluntary after tax basis. Employees may purchase the Company’s common stock at a price that is no less than the lower of 85% of the fair market value of one share of common stock at the beginning or end of each stock purchase period or phase. The Stock Plan is carried out in six-month phases, with phases beginning on July 1 and January 1 of each calendar year. For the phase that ended on December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2012, employees purchased 11,267 and 17,662 shares at a price of $6.24 and $4.09 per share, respectively. For the phase that ended on December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011, employees purchased 17,710 and 14,519 shares at a price of $2.13 and $3.44 per share, respectively. As of September 30, 2012, the Company has withheld approximately $38,386 from employees participating in the phase that began on July 1, 2012. After the employee purchase on June 30, 2012, 238,842 shares of common stock were available for future purchase under the ESPP.

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES

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 by assessing the available positive and negative factors surrounding its recoverability. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Company reversed a substantial portion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance to record the amount of deferred tax assets that we believe are more likely than not to be realized based upon estimates of future taxable income. The Company considered all available positive and negative evidence, including our historical operating results, current financial condition, and potential future taxable income. The reduction in the valuation allowance in the fourth quarter resulted in a non-cash income tax benefit of approximately $3.5 million. In addition, the company released valuation allowance each quarter this fiscal year in an amount in which the tax benefit generated offsets the tax provision realized from the quarter’s taxable income. The total valuation allowance released during the year ended September 30, 2012 was approximately $5.1 million.

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES – continued

The Company has a remaining valuation allowance of approximately $975,000 relating to state net operating loss carryforwards we do not expect to utilize. Approximately $172,000 of the valuation allowance is short term and $803,000 is long-term, against its remaining deferred tax assets. The Company 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.

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

	September 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Current deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
Inventories	$	180,639		$	142,648
Accrued expenses and reserves		160,809			148,914
Prepaid expenses		(158,253	)		(54,351	)
Net operating loss carry forwards and credits		1,480,202			1,972,000
		1,663,397			2,209,211
Valuation allowance		(171,919	)		(1,215,211	)
Net current deferred tax asset	$	1,491,478		$	994,000

Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
Intangibles	$	(7,719	)	$	9,742
Property and equipment depreciation		75,533			71,111
Net operating loss carry forwards and credits		7,637,591			8,639,729
Stock based compensation		53,932			36,427
Accrued expenses and reserves		13,336			22,059
Goodwill		(471,083	)		(393,221	)
		7,301,590			8,385,847
Valuation allowance		(803,339	)		(4,827,050	)
Net long-term deferred tax asset	$	6,498,251		$	3,558,797

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had U.S. federal net operating loss (NOL) carry forwards of approximately $23.3 million. The U.S. federal net operating loss carry forwards will expire in 2021 through 2028 if not utilized. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had U.S. federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $27.2 million which were set to expire in fiscal years 2020 to 2028. The Company reversed all of the valuation allowance against this deferred tax asset as of September 30, 2012.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $21.2 million. The state net operating loss carry forwards will expire in 2013 through 2022 if not utilized. The Company had a partial valuation allowance against this deferred tax asset as of September 30, 2011. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES – continued

$22.3 million, which were set to expire in fiscal years 2012 to 2022. As of September 30, 2012, the remaining valuation allowance of approximately $975,000 relates to state net operating loss carryforwards that we do not expect to utilize.

The Company completed an Internal Revenue Code Section 382 analysis of the loss carry forwards in 2009 and determined then that all of the company’s loss carry forwards are utilizable and not restricted under Section 382. The Company has not updated its Section 382 analysis subsequent to 2009 and does not believe there have been any events subsequent to 2009 that would impact the analysis.

Deferred tax assets relating to equity compensation have been reduced to reflect tax deductions in excess of previously recorded tax benefits through the year ended September 30, 2012. Our federal and state NOL carry forwards referenced above at September 30, 2012 include approximately $1.1 million and $250,000, respectively of income tax deductions in excess of previously recorded tax benefits for equity based awards. Although these additional tax deductions are reflected in NOL carry forwards referenced above, the related tax benefit will not be recognized until the deductions reduce taxes payable. Accordingly, since the tax benefit does not reduce the Company’s current taxes payable in 2012, these tax benefits are not reflected in the Company’s deferred tax assets presented above. The tax benefit of approximately $390,000 at September 30, 2012 related to these excess deductions will be reflected as a credit to additional paid-in capital when recognized.

The following is a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the consolidated effective tax rate as a percent of pre-tax income for the following periods ended:

	September 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Federal statutory rate		34	%		34	%
State income taxes		1	%		2	%
Permanent differences		4	%		5	%
Change in valuation allowance		(115	%)		(101	%)
Tax rate		(76	%)		(60	%)

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

	September 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Current:
Federal	$	87,193		$	67,700
State		24,637			23,592
		111,830			91,292
Deferred:
Federal		1,533,136			1,396,292
State		97,738			116,289
		1,630,874			1,512,581
Valuation allowance		(5,067,003	)		(3,920,015	)
Income tax benefit	$	(3,324,299	)	$	(2,316,142	)

As of September 30, 2012 and 2011, the current income tax payable was approximately $2,000 and $49,000 respectively.

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES – continued

The Company is required to 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. The Company applies the interpretation to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remained open. The Company had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The Company did not recognize any interest or penalties during the years ended September 30, 2012 or 2011.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state 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, income tax examinations by tax authorities for fiscal years ending prior to 1998. We are generally subject to U.S. federal and state tax examinations for all tax years since 1998 due to our net operating loss carryforwards and the utilization of the carryforwards in years still open under statute. The Company changed its fiscal year in 2007 to September 30.

NOTE E – CONCENTRATIONS

Suppliers: The Company purchases critical components for our products, including injection molded parts and connectors from third parties, some of whom are single- or limited-source suppliers. If any of our suppliers are unable to ship critical components, we may be unable to manufacture and ship products to our distributors or customers. If the price of these components increases for any reason, or if these suppliers are unable or unwilling to deliver, we may have to find another source, which could result in interruptions, increased costs, delays, loss of sales and quality control problems.

Customers: One customer comprised approximately 22% and 21% of total sales for the periods ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively.

At September 30, 2012, one customer accounted for 17% of accounts receivable. At September 30, 2011, two customers accounted for 14% and 10% of accounts receivable.

NOTE F – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company maintains a contributory 401(k) profit sharing benefit plan, whereby eligible employees may contribute a portion of their earnings, not to exceed annual amounts allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% of the participant’s eligible compensation that is contributed by the participant. The Company’s contributions under this plan were $283,600 and $232,244 for the years ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2012. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief 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 that evaluation, management concluded that, as of September 30, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

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 rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III.

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Information required by Item 10 to be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2013 Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year for which this report is filed, is incorporated herein by reference into this section.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by Item 11 to be included in the 2013 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference into this section.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The information required by Item 12 to be included in the 2013 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference into this section.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by Item 13 to be included in the 2013 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference into this section.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by Item 14 to be included in the 2013 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference into this section.

PART IV.

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) Documents filed as part of this report.

(1) Financial Statements.

The financial statements of Clearfield, Inc. are filed herewith under Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2) Certain financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not required, not applicable, or the required information is provided in other financial statements or the notes to the financial statements.

(b) Exhibits.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Number	Description	Incorporated by Reference to
3.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation, of APA Optics, Inc. (n/k/a Clearfield, Inc.) dated November 3, 1983 and Articles of Amendment dated December 9, 1983, July 30, 1987, March 22, 1989, September 14, 1994 and August 17, 2000	Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000
3.1 (a)	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated August 25, 2004	Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004
3.2	Bylaws, as amended and restated effective February 17, 1999 of Clearfield, Inc. (f/k/a APA Optics, Inc.)	Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999
10.1	Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors	Exhibit 10.3a to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1994
*10.2	Insurance agreement by and between the Registrant and Anil K. Jain	Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1990
*10.3	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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002
10.4	Lease Agreement dated May 31, 2006 between Bass Lake Realty, LLC and Clearfield, Inc.	Exhibit 10.14 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
*10.5	2007 Stock Compensation Plan, as amended	Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on February 24, 2011.
*10.6	Employment Agreement dated December 16, 2008 by and between Clearfield, Inc. and Cheryl P. Beranek.	Exhibit 10.26 to Registrant’s Current Report on for 8-K dated December 16, 2008
*10.7	Employment Agreement dated December 16, 2008 by and between Clearfield, Inc. and John P. Hill.	Exhibit 10.27 to Registrant’s Current Report on for 8-K dated December 16, 2008

Number	Description	Incorporated by Reference to
*10.8	Clearfield, Inc. Code 280G Tax Gross Up Payment Plan Adopted November 18, 2010	Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 18, 2010.
10.9	Clearfield, Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on February 25, 2010.
23.1	Consent of Grant Thornton LLP	**
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act	**
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act	**
32	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350	**

* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

** Indicates exhibit filed herewith.

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 4, 2012	By /s/ Cheryl P. Beranek
	Cheryl P. Beranek
	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.

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Cheryl P. Beranek and Daniel Herzog and each of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution, to sign on his behalf, individually and in each capacity stated below, all amendments to this Form 10-K and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and any other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as each might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming each act that said attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Signatures	Title	Date

/s/ Cheryl P. Beranek Cheryl P. Beranek	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer )	December 4, 2012

/s/ Daniel Herzog Daniel Herzog	Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)	December 4, 2012

/s/ Ronald G. Roth Ronald G. Roth	Director	December 4, 2012

/s/ John G. Reddan John G. Reddan	Director	December 4, 2012

/s/ Stephen L. Zuckerman M.D. Stephen L. Zuckerman	Director	December 4, 2012

/s/ Donald R. Hayward Donald R. Hayward	Director	December 4, 2012

/s/ Charles N. Hayssen Charles N. Hayssen	Director	December 4, 2012

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

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