Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).

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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]

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

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 $145,057,933.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 7, 2018 was 13,646,062.

Portions of our proxy statement for the 2019 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. (“Clearfield” or the “Company”) designs, manufactures and distributes fiber protection, fiber management and fiber delivery solutions to enable rapid and cost-effective fiber-fed deployment throughout the broadband service provider space across North America. Our “fiber to anywhere” platform serves the unique requirements of leading incumbent local exchange carriers (Traditional Carriers), wireless operators, MSO/cable TV companies, and competitive local exchange carriers (Alternative Carriers), while also catering to the broadband needs of the utility/municipality, enterprise, data center, and military markets.

We were incorporated under the laws of Minnesota and founded in 1979. Our corporate headquarters are located at 7050 Winnetka Avenue North, Suite 100, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 55428, and our corporate website is www.seeclearfield.com. The information available on our website is not part of this Report. Our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge through the “About Clearfield” link at our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are also available at www.sec.gov.

Service providers of all types are being challenged to deliver Gigabit speed bandwidth using fiber connections for a variety of uses--residential homes, businesses, and network infrastructure. Clearfield is focused on providing fiber management, fiber protection, and fiber delivery products that accelerate the turn-up of these fiber services in the wireline and wireless access network. We offer a broad portfolio of fiber products that allow service providers to build fiber networks faster, meet service delivery demands, and align build costs with take rates.

Our products allow our customers to connect twice as many homes in their Fiber to the Home (FTTH) builds by using fewer resources in less time. Our products speed up the time to revenue for our service provider customers in Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) and Multiple Tenant Units (MTUs) by reducing the amount of labor and materials needed to provide Gigabit service. Our products help make business services more profitable through faster building access, easier reconfiguration and quicker services turn-up. Finally, Clearfield is removing barriers to wireless small cell, Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN), and distributed antenna system (DAS) deployments through better fiber management, test access, and fiber protection.

By combining in-house engineering and technical knowledge alongside customers’ needs, the Company has been able to develop, customize and enhance products from design through production. Substantially all of the final build and assembly is completed at Clearfield’s plants in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and Mexico, 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.

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 to within the home or business. The central building block of FieldSmart is the patented technology surrounding the Clearview^® Cassette.

WaveSmart^® optical components are integrated for signal coupling, splitting, termination, multiplexing, demultiplexing and attenuation for a seamless integration within our fiber management platform. The products are built and tested for harsh environments to meet the strictest industry standards ensuring customers trouble-free performance in extreme outside plant conditions.

The ODC outdoor active cabinet product line was acquired from Calix, Inc. in February 2018. This product line features a line of fully integrated, fully engineered cabinets equipped with specific active electronics configurations as well as Clearfield’s fiber management solutions housing the Clearview Cassette. These Clearfield ODC cabinets meet the rigorous demands of delivering information, communication, and entertainment services in an evolving, multi-media environment.

FieldShield^® is a patented fiber pathway and protection method aimed at reducing the cost of broadband deployment. FieldShield takes industry standard glass and makes it easier and less expensive to install. FieldShield starts with a ruggedized microduct designed to support all aerial, direct bury, and inside plant “last mile” needs. Created from rugged high density polyethylene polymers, FieldShield Microduct is strong enough to be placed using traditional methods of boring and plowing, leveraging existing conduit placement equipment, as well as newer, less disruptive technologies such as micro trenching or saw cutting.

FieldShield Pushable Fiber easily slips through the microduct's smooth inner wall. Utilizing bend-insensitive glass, FieldShield Pushable Fiber is available in a variety of fiber counts, with bulk reels or factory terminated options offering total installation flexibility. A factory pre-connectorized FieldShield Pushable Connector eliminates costly labor in the field and presents reliable, consistent and guaranteed performance along with lower installation costs. FieldShield FLEXdrop, FieldShield Flat Drop, FieldShield D-ROP and FieldShield Strong Fiber, through the use of the Flexport and Flex Connector, provide same port connectivity regardless of the media being deployed.

The YOURx^® Platform continues the Company theme of using a modular, building block approach with tool-less system design focusing on the fiber drop to the customer. The YOURx platform consists of hardened terminals, test access points, and multiple drop cable options designed for the most challenging portion of the access network across all fiber drop cable media.

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.

Clearfield manufactures high quality Fiber and Copper assemblies with an industry-standard or customer-specified configuration. In addition, Clearfield’s engineering services team works alongside the engineering design departments of our original equipment manufacturer (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.

Clearfield’s products are sold across broadband service providers, which we categorize as Community Broadband (Tier 2 and 3 telco carriers, utilities, municipalities, and alternative carriers), National Carrier (wireless/wireless national telco carriers (Tier 1)), Multiple Service Operators (cable television), International (primarily Central/Latin America and Canada), and Legacy (primarily contract manufacturing).

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., with investments in Canada and Central/Latin America.

Fiber to the Business is the rapid expansion of fiber services, principally by Multiple Service Operators (cable television) and wireless/wireless national telco carriers (Tier 1) to penetrate the business marketplace.

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, the majority of these cell sites are served by fiber.

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.

C-RAN uses front-haul fiber to connect the Remote Radio Head (RRH) to a Baseband Unit (BBU) located in a datacenter (i.e., the cloud). C-RAN is an evolution of RAN cellular architecture that traditionally used fiber to backhaul signals from the BBU at a tower back to the mobile core network.

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.

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., Nokia, and CommScope, Inc. Competitors to the CraftSmart product line include Emerson Network Power, a subsidiary of Emerson Electric Co., and Charles Industries, Ltd. Competitors to FieldShield include PPC Broadband, Inc. Nearly all of these firms are substantially larger than Clearfield and as a result may be able to procure 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.

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.

For the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company had two customers that comprised 10% or more of net sales. Both of these customers are distributors. These major customers, like our other customers, purchase our products from time to time through purchase orders, and we do not have any agreements that obligate these major customers to purchase products in the future from us.

As of September 30, 2018, three customers accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable. Two of these customers were distributors and one was a private label original equipment manufacturer. As of September 30, 2017, one customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable. This customer was a distributor.

The Company allocates sales from external customers to geographic areas based on the location to which the product is transported. Sales outside the United States are principally to countries in the Caribbean, Canada, Central and South America.

The following table presents our domestic and international sales for each of the last three fiscal years:

As of September 30, 2018, we had 15 patents granted and multiple patent applications pending both inside and outside the United States. We have also developed and are using trademarks and logos to market and promote our products, including Clearview^®, FieldSmart^®, FieldShield^®, CraftSmart^®, and YOURx^®.

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 $5,637,000, $3,984,000, and $4,568,000 as of September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

We are affected by the seasonal trends in the industries we serve. We typically experience sequentially lower sales 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. Sales usually reach a seasonal peak in our third and fourth fiscal quarters.

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 & Administrative expenses and are not material to the overall expense total.

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had approximately 225 full-time employees. We also employ seasonal, 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.

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 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. In addition, sales to certain broadband service providers may require third-party independent laboratory testing in order to obtain industry certifications in order to be able to sell to those customers. 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.

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 and are procured by the customer from time to time through purchase orders, the short-term demand for our products can fluctuate significantly. 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, changes, or delays in customer deployment schedules and the impact of the government regulation to encourage service to unserved or underserved communities, rural areas or other high cost areas 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 or fiscal year. Certain customers and prospective customers, typically larger broadband service providers, are conducive to these long sales cycles which may be multi-year efforts. Demand for our products 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. In addition, a sharp increase in demand could result in actual lead times longer than quoted, and a sharp decrease in demand could result in excess stock. These factors generally result in fluctuations, sometimes significant, in our operating results. Other factors that may affect our quarterly operating results include:

Further, we budget our expenses based in part on expectations of future sales. If sales 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.

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, many of which have significant resources, may make substantial investments in competing products and technologies, or may apply for and obtain patents that will prevent, limit, or interfere with our ability to manufacture or market our products. 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.

On January 31, 2017, CommScope Technologies LLC filed a complaint against us asserting infringement of CommScope patents by certain Clearfield products. On February 22, 2018, CommScope and the Company agreed to terms of a settlement of the litigation and entered into a definitive settlement agreement reflecting these terms on March 28, 2018. Under the terms of the settlement, the parties jointly dismissed the litigation and Clearfield withdrew its inter-partes reviews of certain CommScope patents. In addition, the Company paid CommScope a one-time payment of $850,000 on March 30, 2018.

Additional litigation may be necessary in the future to defend or enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our patents and trade secrets, and to determine the validity and scope of our proprietary rights. Any additional litigation also may involve substantial costs and diversion of the attention of company management away from operational activities. 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 the current litigation or similar future litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of 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. 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.

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, various cabling, optical components, 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, such as fiber and copper cabling, 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. If we fail to forecast our manufacturing requirements accurately or fail to properly manage our inventory with our contract manufacturers, we could incur additional costs, experience manufacturing delays and lose sales. 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.

A significant percentage of our sales in the last three fiscal years have been made to a small number of customers, and the loss of these major customers would adversely affect us.

Our customer base includes direct customers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors. In fiscal year 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company had two customers that comprised 10% or more of net sales. Both of these customers are distributors.

These customers purchase our products from time to time through purchase orders, and we do not have any agreements that obligate our customers to purchase products in the future from us. Our agreements with our distributor customers do not prohibit them from purchasing or offering products or services that compete with ours.

We believe that the loss of our major distributor customers would likely result in purchases being re-directed through other sales channels, for example our other distributors, independent sales representatives, or through direct sales to customers. However, there can be no assurance that the loss of a distributor customer would not have an adverse effect on our sales or gross margins in this event.

The loss of any one or more of our key customers, the substantial reduction, delay or cancellation in orders from any such customer or our inability to collect the accounts receivable from these customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

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

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. 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 may be subject to risks associated with acquisitions, and the risks could adversely affect future operating results.

The Company monitors its business portfolio and organizational structure and has made and may continue to make acquisitions. The success of our acquisitions will depend on our ability to integrate the new operations with the existing operations. The Company cannot ensure that the expected benefits of any acquisition will be realized. Costs could be incurred on pursuits or proposed acquisitions that have not yet or may not close which could impact our operating results, financial condition, or cash flows. Additionally, after the acquisition, unforeseen issues could arise which adversely affect the anticipated returns or which are otherwise not recoverable as an adjustment to the purchase price. The price we pay for a business may exceed the value we realize and we cannot be assured we will obtain the expected revenues, anticipated synergies and strategic benefits of any acquisition. Acquisitions may result in the recording of goodwill and other intangible assets which are subject to potential impairments in the future that could negatively impact our financial results.

Our business is dependent on effective management information systems and information technology infrastructure.

We rely on effective management information systems, including our enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) software, for critical business operations and to support strategic business decisions. We rely on our ERP system to support such important business operations as processing sales orders and invoicing; manufacturing; shipping; inventory control; purchasing and supply chain management; human resources; and financial reporting. Some of these systems are made up of multiple software and system providers. The interdependence of these solutions and systems is a risk and the failure of any one system could have a material adverse effect on our overall information technology infrastructure. We also rely on management information systems to produce information for business decision-making and planning and to support e-commerce activities. Failure to maintain an adequate digital platform to support e-commerce activities could have a material adverse impact on our business through lost sales opportunities. If we are unable to maintain our management information systems, including our IT infrastructure, to support critical business operations and to produce information for business decision-making activities, we could experience a material adverse impact on our business or an inability to timely and accurately report our financial results.

Our IT systems may also be vulnerable to disruptions from human error, outdated applications, computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions. Any significant disruption, breakdown, intrusion, interruption or corruption of these systems or data breaches could cause the loss of data, equipment damage, downtime, and/or safety related issues and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Product defects or the failure of our products to meet specifications could cause us to lose customers and sales 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:

Our products are often critical to the performance of telecommunications systems. We offer customers limited warranty provisions. If the limitations on the product warranties 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 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 Beranek, our Chief Executive Officer and John Hill, our Chief Operating Officer. We have employment agreements with Ms. Beranek and Mr. Hill that provide 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. We also have employment agreements with other key management. 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.

We face risks associated with expanding our sales outside of the United States.

We believe that our future growth depends in part upon our ability to increase sales in international markets. These sales are subject to a variety of risks, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, tariffs, import restrictions and other trade barriers, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, longer accounts receivable payment cycles, potentially adverse tax consequences, and export license requirements. In addition, we are subject to the risks inherent in conducting business internationally, including political and economic instability and unexpected changes in diplomatic and trade relationships. Currency fluctuations may also increase the relative price of our product in international markets and thereby could also cause our products to become less affordable or less price competitive than those of international manufacturers. These risks associated with international operations may have a material adverse effect on our revenue from or costs associated with international sales.

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 have in the past resulted and may in the future result in lower spending among our customers and contribute to decreased sales. 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; trade restrictions such as tariffs or changes imposed on international trade agreements; 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 decreases in spending among customers and softening demand for our products. Declines in demand for our products will adversely affect our sales. 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 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 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 at times experienced low trading volume in the past. 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.

National Broadband Plan’s transitioning from the USF to the CAF program may cause our customers and prospective customers to delay or reduce purchases.

The telecommunications and cable television industries are subject to significant and changing U.S. federal and state regulation, some of which subsidizes or encourages spending on initiatives that utilize our products.

For example, the Federal Communications Commission has 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. In 2019, Federal Communications Commission is expect to take action on the Remote Areas Fund, another broadband buildout subsidy program targeting rural communities in the United States.

Changes in government programs in our industry or uncertainty regarding future changes could adversely impact our customers’ or prospective customers’ decisions regarding capital spending, which could decrease demand for our products, delay orders or result in pricing pressure from these customers.

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:

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.

Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses.

Keeping abreast of, and in compliance with, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public company disclosure requirements, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and in particular Section 404 of that Act relating to management certification of internal controls, new disclosures relating to “conflict minerals”, the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market have required an increased amount of management attention and external resources. We intend to invest all reasonably necessary resources to comply with evolving corporate governance and public disclosure standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.

Clearfield leases a 71,000 square foot facility at 7050 Winnetka Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota consisting of our corporate offices, manufacturing and warehouse space. The lease term is ten years and two months and commenced on January 1, 2015. However, upon proper notice and payment of a termination fee of approximately $214,000, the Company has a one-time option to terminate the lease effective as of the last day of the eighth year of the term after the Company commenced paying base rent.

We also have an indirect lease arrangement for a 46,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Tijuana, Mexico. The lease term is three years and commenced on August 1, 2017.

We believe our existing facilities are sufficient to meet our current and future space requirements.

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.

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.

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.

The following table describes shares of our common stock that are available on September 30, 2018 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:

There are no equity compensation plans not approved by the Company’s shareholders and all outstanding equity awards have been granted pursuant to shareholder-approved plans. In addition to options, the 2007 Stock Compensation Plan permits restricted stock awards and other stock-based awards.

The Company repurchased a total of 10,776 shares of our common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 in connection with payment of taxes upon the vesting of restricted stock previously issued to employees.

Additionally, in November 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an $8,000,000 common stock repurchase program, which was increased by $4,000,000 on April 25, 2017 to a total authorization of $12,000,000. As of September 30, 2018, we have repurchased an aggregate of 523,794 shares for approximately $6,600,000, leaving approximately $5,400,000 available within our $12,000,000 stock repurchase program. The repurchase program does not obligate Clearfield to repurchase any particular amount of common stock during any period. The repurchase will be funded by cash on hand. The repurchase program is expected to continue indefinitely until the maximum dollar amount of shares has been repurchased or until the repurchase program is earlier modified, suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors.

The following table presents the total number of shares repurchased during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 by month and the average price paid per share:

The following selected financial data has been derived from our financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and related notes thereto set forth in Item 8 and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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 those expressed or implied by 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 Fiber-to-the-Premises (“FTTP”), Fiber-to-the-Business (“FTTB”), and Fiber-to-the-Cell site markets in the U.S. and in certain limited markets outside the U.S., including countries in the Caribbean, Canada, Central and South America. The Company’s sales channels include direct to customer, through distribution 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.

On February 20, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of a portfolio of Telcordia certified outdoor active cabinet products from Calix, Inc. (“Calix”) upon the terms and conditions contained in an Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 20, 2018. The introduction of the Clearfield active cabinet line provides customers a single point of contact for cabinet solutions—both passive and active. We believe the acquisition enables Clearfield to expand its Fiber-to-the-Anywhere expertise to include active electronic cabinet platforms while leveraging its supply chain. We believe the acquisition also enables Clearfield to capitalize on and expand its reach to a broader customer base, including service providers in the Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets.

Critical Accounting Policies: In preparing our financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions and judgments that can have a significant impact on our sales, 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 sales, 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:

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 reasonably assured. This generally occurs upon shipment of product to the customer. Sales of the Company’s products are subject to limited warranty obligations that are included in the Company’s terms and conditions. Also, the Company offers limited discounts and rebates to customers which are recorded in net sales on an estimated basis as the sales are recognized. The Company records freight revenues billed to customers as sales 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.

Income Taxes We account for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes, 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, 2018, the Company had no U.S. federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carry-forwards and approximately $3,468,000 state NOLs. The U.S. federal NOL carry forward amounts were fully utilized in fiscal year 2016. The state NOL carry forward amounts expire in fiscal years 2019 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. 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.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company’s remaining valuation allowance of approximately $159,000 related to state net operating loss carry forwards. As a result of recording the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) on its deferred assets and liabilities, the Company recorded an increase in its valuation allowance against state net operating losses carried forward of approximately $32,000 in the first quarter of 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company reversed approximately $86,000 of its remaining valuation allowance. This consisted of decreasing the valuation allowance for the expiration and utilization of state net operating losses in 2018 of approximately $133,000 and increasing the valuation allowance by approximately $47,000 for future expected NOL utilization based on updated profitability estimates and the federal rate change from 34% to 21%. The remaining valuation allowance balance as of September 30, 2018 of $105,000 relates entirely 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.

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 2003. We are generally subject to U.S. federal and state tax examinations for all tax years since 2003 due to our net operating loss carryforwards and the utilization of the carryforwards in years still open under statute. During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company was examined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for fiscal year 2016. This examination resulted in no adjustments. In 2007, the Company changed its fiscal year end from March 31 to September 30.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the Company early adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The standard is intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting and presentation of share-based payments. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the Company elected to early adopt this standard as of October 1, 2015. The impact of this early adoption is more fully described in Note D.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill The Company’s long-lived assets as of September 30, 2018 consisted primarily of property, plant and equipment, patents, intangibles, 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 or acquisitions, and estimated expansion of the FTTP market.

The Company operates as one reporting unit and 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. The Company determines its fair value for goodwill impairment testing purposes by calculating its market capitalization and comparing that to the Company’s carrying value. The Company’s goodwill impairment test for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016 resulted in excess fair value over carrying value and therefore, no adjustments were made to goodwill. During the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no triggering events that indicated goodwill could be impaired.

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

During the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred an impairment charge on long-lived assets of $643,604. This impairment was related to the cancellation of an enterprise resource planning software implementation. No impairment of long-lived assets or goodwill has occurred during the years ended September 30, 2018 or 2016, respectively.

Valuation of Inventory The Company maintains a material amount of inventory to support its manufacturing operations and customer demand. This inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. On a regular basis, the Company reviews its inventory and identifies that which is excess, slow moving and obsolete by considering factors such as inventory levels, expected product life and forecasted sales demand. Any identified excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory is written down to its market value through a charge to cost of sales. It is possible that additional inventory write-down charges may be required in the future if there is a significant decline in demand for the Company’s products and the Company does not adjust its manufacturing production accordingly.

Net sales for fiscal year 2018 increased 5%, or $3,703,000, to $77,651,000 from net sales of $73,948,000 in 2017. The Company allocates sales from external customers to geographic areas based on the location to which the product is transported. Accordingly, international sales represented 7% and 8% of net sales for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Sales in fiscal year 2018 to commercial data networks and broadband service providers were 95% of net sales, or $73,900,000, compared to $69,921,000, or 95%, of net sales in fiscal 2017. Among this group, the Company recorded $5,356,000 in international sales in fiscal year 2018 versus $6,047,000 in fiscal year 2017. Sales associated with build-to-print manufacturing for original equipment manufacturers in 2018 were 5% of net sales, or $3,751,000, compared to $4,027,000, or 5%, of net sales in fiscal year 2017.

The increase in net sales for fiscal year 2018 of $3,703,000 as compared to fiscal year 2017 is primarily attributable to an increase in sales to an OEM manufacturer in the amount of $5,913,000 driven by the acquisition of our active cabinet line in February 2018. This was slightly offset by a decrease in the ongoing builds of an Alternative Carrier customer of $1,383,000 and a decrease in international sales of $691,000 for fiscal year 2018 as compared to fiscal 2017 due to decreased demand. Revenue from all customers is obtained from purchase orders submitted from time to time. Accordingly, the Company’s ability to predict orders in future periods or trends affecting orders in future periods is limited.

Cost of sales for fiscal year 2018 was $46,655,000, an increase of $2,972,000, or 7%, from the $43,683,000 in fiscal year 2017. Gross profit increased 2%, or $733,000, from $30,264,000 for fiscal year 2017 to $30,997,000 for fiscal year 2018. Gross profit percent was 39.9% in fiscal year 2018, as compared to 40.9% for fiscal year 2017. The year-over-year increase in gross profit was primarily due to increased sales volume. The decrease in gross profit percent was primarily due to the integration of the Company’s acquired active cabinet line into its manufacturing processes as well as a higher percentage of sales associated with these products, which generally have lower gross margins.

Selling, general and administrative expense for fiscal year 2018 was $25,926,000, an increase of $974,000, or 4%, compared to $24,952,000 for fiscal year 2017. This increase is primarily composed of an increase of $913,000 in compensation costs due to additional sales and marketing personnel, an increase of $337,000 in depreciation and amortization expense, and an increase of $1,131,000 of expenses due to the litigation and settlement of patent infringement claims that occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. These were partially offset by a decrease of $269,000 in stock compensation expense, a decrease of $324,000 in product development costs, and a decrease of $409,000 in performance compensation accruals when compared to fiscal year 2017.

Income from operations for fiscal year 2018 was $5,071,000 compared to $5,312,000 for fiscal year 2017. This decrease is attributable to increased selling, general and administrative expenses described above.

Interest income in fiscal year 2018 was $457,000 compared to $274,000 for fiscal year 2017. The increase is due mainly to higher interest rates earned on its investments in fiscal 2018. The Company invests its excess cash primarily in FDIC-backed bank certificates of deposit and money market accounts.

Income tax expense for fiscal year 2018 was $1,253,000 compared to $1,738,000 for fiscal year 2017. The decrease in tax expense of $485,000 from the year ended September 30, 2017 is primarily due to the Tax Reform Act enacted on December 22, 2017 that resulted in a lower federal tax rate and a one-time benefit of $384,000 related to the favorable impact of a revaluation of our net deferred tax liability that decreased the income tax provision. The decrease in the income tax expense rate to 22.7% for fiscal year 2018 from 31.1% for fiscal year 2017 is primarily due to the Tax Reform Act as described above. Our provisions for income taxes include current federal tax expense, state income tax expense, and deferred tax expense.

Net income for fiscal year 2018 was $4,275,000 or $0.32 per basic and diluted share, compared to $3,848,000 or $0.28 per basic and diluted share for the year 2017.

Net sales for fiscal year 2017 decreased 2%, or $1,340,000, to $73,948,000 from net sales of $75,288,000 in 2016. The Company allocates sales from external customers to geographic areas based on the location to which the product is transported. Accordingly, international sales represented 8% and 5% of net sales for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Sales in fiscal year 2017 to commercial data networks and broadband service providers were 95% of net sales, or $69,921,000, compared to $69,850,000, or 93%, of net sales in fiscal 2016. Among this group, the Company recorded $6,047,000 in international sales in fiscal year 2017 versus $4,024,000 in fiscal year 2016. Sales associated with build-to-print manufacturing for original equipment manufacturers outside of the telecommunications market in 2017 were 5% of net sales, or $4,027,000, compared to $5,438,000, or 7%, of net sales in fiscal year 2016.

The decrease in net sales for the fiscal year 2017 as compared to fiscal year 2016 is primarily attributable to a decrease in fiscal year 2017 of the ongoing builds of an Alternative Carrier customer by $4,733,000 as compared to the fiscal year 2016. International sales increased $2,023,000 during the same period due to an increase in demand in fiber deployments. In addition, the Company had an increase of $1,370,000 in fiscal year 2017 net sales to our customer base of commercial data network providers, build-to-print and OEM manufacturers, and broadband service providers, outside of the Alternative Carrier group and international sales noted above when compared to fiscal 2016. The improvement was due to increased deployments by the Company’s Traditional Carrier and Tier 1 customers. Revenue from all customers is obtained from purchase orders submitted from time to time. Accordingly, the Company’s ability to predict orders in future periods or trends affecting orders in future periods is limited.

Cost of sales for fiscal year 2017 was $43,683,000, an increase of $1,266,000, or 3%, from the $42,417,000 in fiscal year 2016. Gross profit decreased 8%, or $2,606,000, from $32,870,000 for fiscal year 2016 to $30,264,000 for fiscal year 2017. Gross profit percent was 40.9% in fiscal year 2017, as compared to 43.7% for fiscal year 2016. The year-over-year decrease in gross profit was primarily due to decreased volume. The decrease in gross profit percent was primarily due to a higher percentage of sales to the Tier 1 customer group, which typically have lower margins, along with a lower percentage of sales associated with the integration of optical components within our product line, which typically have higher margins.

Selling, general and administrative expense for fiscal year 2017 was $24,952,000, an increase of $2,813,000, or 13%, compared to $22,139,000 for fiscal year 2016. This increase is primarily composed of an increase of $1,793,000 in compensation costs due primarily to additional sales and marketing personnel, an increase of $831,000 in stock compensation expense, an increase of $702,000 in product development costs, an increase of $928,000 in legal expenses, and an impairment of long-lived assets of $644,000, somewhat offset by a decrease of $2,444,000 in performance compensation accruals when compared to fiscal year 2016.

Income from operations for fiscal year 2017 was $5,312,000 compared to $10,732,000 for fiscal year 2016. This decrease is attributable to decreased gross profit and the increased selling, general and administrative expenses described above.

Interest income in fiscal year 2017 was $274,000 compared to $157,000 for fiscal year 2016. The increase is due mainly to higher interest rates earned on its investments in fiscal 2017 as well as higher cash invested balances. The Company invests its excess cash primarily in FDIC-backed bank certificates of deposit and money market accounts.

Income tax expense for fiscal year 2017 was $1,738,000 compared to $2,876,000 for fiscal year 2016. Due to net operating loss utilization, income tax expense primarily had a non-cash effect on the operating cash flow for the year ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in tax expense of $1,138,000 from the year ended September 30, 2016 is primarily due to decreased profitability in fiscal year 2017. The increase in the income tax expense rate to 31.1% for fiscal year 2017 from 26.4% for fiscal year 2016 is primarily the result of the Company having fewer positive discrete items in fiscal year 2017 compared to fiscal year 2016 as a result of the Company early adopting ASU 2016-09 in the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2016. The accounting standard update required that the tax effects of stock-based compensation be recognized in the income tax provision of the Company’s statement of earnings. For prior quarters of fiscal 2016, the amounts relating to the tax effects of stock-based compensation were recasted to conform to the current year’s presentation. Previously, these amounts were recognized in additional paid-in capital on the Company’s balance sheet. As a result, the Company recognized net tax benefits related to stock-based compensation awards which lowered income tax expense by $675,000 for fiscal year 2016. Our provisions for income taxes include current federal tax expense, state income tax expense, and deferred tax expense.

Net income for fiscal year 2017 was $3,848,000 or $0.28 per basic and diluted share, compared to $8,013,000 or $0.60 per basic share and $0.59 per diluted share for the year 2016.

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had combined balances of short-term cash and investments and long-term investments of $35,452,000 as compared to $44,289,000 as of September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, our principal source of liquidity was our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Those sources total $17,478,000 as of September 30, 2018, compared to $24,473,000, as of September 30, 2017. Investments considered long-term were $17,974,000 as of September 30, 2018, compared to $19,816,000 as of September 30, 2017. Our excess cash is invested mainly in certificates of deposit and money market accounts. Substantially all of our funds are insured by the FDIC. 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. We had no long-term debt obligations as of September 30, 2018 or 2017, respectively.

We believe our existing cash equivalents and short-term investments, along with cash flow from operations, will be sufficient to meet our working capital and investment requirements beyond the next 12 months. The Company intends on utilizing its available cash and assets primarily for its continued organic growth and potential future strategic transactions, as well as execution of the share repurchase program adopted by our Board of Directors. The share repurchase program was originally adopted on November 13, 2014 with $8,000,000 authorized for common stock repurchases. On April 25, 2017, our Board of Directors increased the authorization to $12,000,000 of common stock.

Net cash generated from operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 totaled $4,548,000. Cash provided by operations included net income of $4,275,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization of $2,048,000, and stock-based compensation of $2,003,000, slightly offset by a non-cash benefit to deferred taxes of $339,000 related to the newly enacted Tax Reform Act, in addition to changes in operating assets and liabilities using cash. Changes in operating assets and liabilities providing cash include a decrease to inventories of $1,184,000, net of the acquisition of $2,781,000 in inventories as a result of the product line acquisition of Calix active cabinets that occurred during the year ended September 30, 2018. Also, changes in operating assets and liabilities providing cash include an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $724,000 due primarily to increased inventory. Changes in operating assets and liabilities using cash include an increase in accounts receivable from September 30, 2017 to September 30, 2018 of $5,584,000. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to increased net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2018 when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. Additionally, days sales outstanding, which measures how quickly receivables are collected, increased 16 days to 52 days from September 30, 2017 to September 30, 2018.

Net cash generated from operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 totaled $6,298,000. Cash provided by operations included net income of $3,848,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, which included non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization of $1,622,000, stock-based compensation of $2,320,000, and impairment of long-lived assets of $644,000 offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities using cash. Changes between fiscal year 2017 and fiscal year 2016 in working capital items using cash consisted primarily of a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $3,065,000 offset slightly by a decrease in accounts receivable of $762,000. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses is primarily due to decreased performance compensation accruals. The decrease in accounts receivable is primarily attributable to decreased sales in the quarter ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2016. Days sales outstanding was 36 days for September 30, 2017 and 35 days for September 30, 2016.

Net cash generated from operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 totaled $11,553,000. Cash provided by operations included net income of $8,013,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, which included non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization of $1,449,000 and stock-based compensation of $1,405,000, along with a non-cash benefit from deferred taxes of $2,341,000. The Company has historically been utilizing its net operating losses (“NOLs”) for taxes due and made cash payments related to taxes of $1,131,000, $51,000 and $361,000 in the fiscal periods 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Since the federal NOLs are now fully consumed as of September 30, 2016, the Company will no longer have this non-cash tax benefit, which will result in the Company having to use cash for its tax expense. Changes between fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2015 in working capital items using cash included increases in accounts receivable, inventory, and other current assets of $1,988,000, $1,190,000, and $813,000, respectively. The increase in accounts receivable is primarily attributable to increased sales in the quarter ended September 30, 2016. Days sales outstanding was 35 days for both September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015. The increase in inventory represents an adjustment for seasonal demand along with changes in stocking levels for new product development. The increase in other current assets is primarily due to an increase in income taxes receivable as of September 30, 2016. Changes in working capital items providing cash between fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2015 included an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $2,324,000, primarily due to increased performance compensation accruals.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, we acquired the active cabinet product line in February 2018 for the amount of $10,350,000, which was paid from our available cash. Additionally, we used $1,190,000 in cash for the purchase of capital equipment and patents. These purchases were mainly related to information technology and manufacturing equipment. During fiscal year 2018, we purchased $7,283,000 of FDIC-backed certificates of deposit and sold $6,132,000 of FDIC-backed certificates of deposit. The result is cash used in investing activities of $12,608,000 in fiscal year 2018 as compared to $11,540,000 in fiscal year 2017. In fiscal year 2019, the Company intends to continue investing in the necessary computer hardware and software required to optimize its business, along with appropriate manufacturing equipment to continue to maintain a competitive position in manufacturing capability.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, we used $2,022,000 in cash for the purchase of capital equipment and patents. These purchases were mainly related to information technology and manufacturing equipment. During fiscal year 2017, we purchased $17,630,000 of FDIC-backed certificates of deposit and sold $8,107,000 of FDIC-backed certificates of deposit. The result is cash used in investing activities of $11,540,000 in fiscal year 2017 as compared to $1,642,000 in fiscal year 2016.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, we used $1,627,000 in cash for the purchase of capital equipment and patents. These purchases were mainly related to information technology and manufacturing equipment. During fiscal year 2016, we purchased $8,138,000 of FDIC-backed certificates of deposit and sold $8,123,000 of FDIC-backed certificates of deposit. The result is cash used in investing activities of $1,642,000 in fiscal year 2016 as compared to $5,744,000 in fiscal year 2015.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Company used $1,760,000 for the repurchase of common stock. Also, the Company received $298,000 during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 from employees’ purchase of stock through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The Company used $489,000 to pay for taxes as a result of employees’ exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted shares using share withholding. As a result, the net cash used in financing activities during fiscal year 2018 was $1,928,000.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Company used $3,647,000 for the repurchase of common stock. Also, the Company received $335,000 during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 from employees’ purchase of stock through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The Company used $953,000 to pay for taxes as a result of employees’ exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted shares using share withholding. As a result, the net cash used in financing activities during fiscal year 2017 was $4,237,000.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Company used $334,000 for the repurchase of common stock. Also, the Company received $254,000 and $549,000 during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 from employees’ purchase of stock through the ESPP and the exercise of stock options, respectively. The Company used $438,000 to pay for taxes as a result of employees’ exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted shares using share withholding. As a result, the net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal year 2016 was $32,000.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance creating Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Section 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new section will replace Section 605, “Revenue Recognition” and creates modifications to various other revenue accounting standards for specialized transactions and industries. The section is intended to conform revenue accounting principles with a concurrently issued International Financial Reporting Standards with previously differing treatment between United States practice and those of much of the rest of the world, as well as to enhance disclosures related to disaggregated revenue information. The updated guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company has identified major revenue streams, performed an analysis of a sample of contracts to evaluate the impact of the standard, and begun drafting its accounting policies and evaluating the new disclosure requirements. The updated guidance permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective method), or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application (the cumulative catch-up transition method). The updated guidance requires expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required for customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. The Company anticipates there will be expanded financial statement disclosures in order to comply with the updated guidance and has decided that it would use the cumulative catch-up transition method should the adoption of this standard require any restatement. While the Company has not completed the entire assessment as of September 30, 2018, based on the work done to date, the Company believes the adoption of ASU 2015-14 will not have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which introduces the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The guidance will be applied on a modified retrospective basis with the earliest period presented. Based on the effective date, this guidance will apply beginning October 1, 2019. While the Company is still in the process of evaluating the effect of adoption on our financial statements, it is expected the adoption will lead to a material increase in the assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheets.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 which offers amended guidance to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis effective for the Company’s interim and annual periods beginning after January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on our financial statements.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Clearfield, Inc. (the "Company") as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the related statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

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 and internationally. 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 manufacturer (“OEM”) 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 reasonably assured. This generally occurs upon shipment of product to the customer. Sales of the Company’s products are subject to limited warranty obligations that are included in the Company’s terms and conditions. Also, the Company offers limited discounts and rebates to customers which are recorded in net sales on an estimated basis as the sales are recognized. The Company records freight revenues billed to customers as sales 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 as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 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 and cash equivalents.

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 five 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 due to the negligible risk of changes in value due to interest rates. The maturity dates of our CD’s are as follows:

	September 30, 2018		September 30, 2017
Less than one year	$	8,930,225	$	5,937,150
1-5 years		17,974,000		19,816,000
Total	$	26,904,225	$	25,753,150

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 does not charge interest on past due receivables. 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.

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued

The allowance for doubtful accounts activity for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:

Year Ended		Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		Less Write-offs			Balance at End of Year
September 30, 2018	$	79,085	$	-	$	-		$	79,085
September 30, 2017		93,473		-		(14,388	)		79,085
September 30, 2016		79,473		25,000		(11,000	)		93,473

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The financial statements include the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, long-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. Other than long-term investments, all financial instruments’ carrying values approximate fair values because of the short-term nature of the instruments. Long-term investments’ carrying value approximates fair value due to the negligible risk of changes in value due to interest rates.

Inventories: Inventories consist of finished goods, raw materials and work in process and are stated at the lower of average cost (which approximates first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. Inventory is valued using material costs, labor charges, and allocated factory overhead charges and consists of the following:

		September 30, 2018		September 30, 2017
Raw materials	$	6,013,166	$	5,991,863
Work-in-process		560,988		724,248
Finished goods		3,475,981		1,737,456
Inventories, net	$	10,050,135	$	8,453,567

During the year ended September 30, 2018, as part of the acquisition described in Note F, the Company acquired inventory with a fair value of $2,781,000. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. On a regular basis, the Company reviews its inventory and identifies that which is excess, slow moving, and obsolete by considering factors such as inventory levels, expected product life, and forecasted sales demand. Any identified excess, slow moving, and obsolete inventory is written down to its market value through a charge to cost of sales. It is possible that additional inventory write-down charges may be required in the future if there is a significant decline in demand for the Company’s products and the Company does not adjust its manufacturing production accordingly or if new products are not accepted by the market.

Also during the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330) Related to Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory which applies to all inventory except inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. This adoption had no effect on the financial statements and was applied prospectively. Therefore, prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

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

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

Estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:

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

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

		September 30, 2018		September 30, 2017
Manufacturing equipment	$	5,202,532	$	5,370,962
Office equipment		3,809,614		3,600,006
Leasehold improvements		2,417,786		2,404,331
Vehicles		226,221		193,702
Property, plant and equipment, gross		11,656,153		11,569,001
Less accumulated depreciation		6,911,569		6,134,829
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	4,744,584	$	5,434,172

Depreciation expense for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016 were $1,748,945, $1,614,272, and $1,445,910, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets: The Company operates as one reporting unit and 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. The Company determines its fair value for goodwill impairment testing purposes by calculating its market capitalization and comparing that to the Company’s carrying value. The Company’s goodwill impairment test for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016 resulted in excess fair value over carrying value and therefore, no adjustments were made to goodwill. During the year ended September 30, 2018, there were no triggering events that indicated goodwill could be impaired.

No impairment of goodwill has occurred during the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, or 2016, respectively.

The Company capitalizes legal costs incurred to obtain patents. Once accepted by either the U.S. Patent Office or the equivalent office of a foreign country, these legal costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated lives, not exceeding 20 years. As of September 30, 2018, the Company has 15 patents granted and multiple pending applications both inside and outside the United States.

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

In addition, the Company has various finite life intangible assets, most of which were acquired as a result of the acquisition of a portfolio of Telcordia certified outdoor active cabinet products from Calix, Inc. (“Calix”) during fiscal year 2018 as described in Note F in greater detail below. Finite life intangible assets at September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	September 30, 2018
		Years		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value Amount
Customer relationships		15	$	3,742,000	$	155,917	$	3,586,083
Certifications		8		1,068,000		83,437		984,563
Trademarks		8		563,000		43,984		519,016
Patents		20		393,002		24,981		368,021
Other		5		31,091		6,219		24,872
Totals			$	5,797,093	$	314,538	$	5,482,555

	September 30, 2017
		Years		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value Amount
Patents		20	$	269,433	$	15,737	$	253,696
Other		5		31,091		-		31,091
Totals			$	300,524	$	15,737	$	284,787

Amortization expense related to these assets for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016 were $298,801, $7,822, and $3,292, respectively.

Estimated future annual amortization expense associated with finite lived intangible assets is expected to be as follows:

Year ending September 30		Amount
2019	$	471,215
2020		471,215
2021		471,215
2022		471,215
2023		464,997
Thereafter		3,132,698
Total future amortization expense	$	5,482,555

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. During the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred an impairment charge on long-lived assets of $643,604 which was charged to selling, general, and administrative expenses.

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued

This impairment was related to the cancellation of an enterprise resource planning software implementation. No impairment of long-lived assets occurred during the years ended September 30, 2018 or 2016, respectively.

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

In accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, we recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. As of both September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. We do not expect any material changes in our unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months.

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. For restricted stock grants, fair value is determined as the average price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Equity-based compensation expense is broken out between cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses based on the classification of the employee. The determination of fair value of stock-based 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 for both option and restricted stock grants are estimated at the time of the grant and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from estimates.

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

Research and Development Costs: Research and development costs amounted to $787,364, $865,568, and $838,122, for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, and are charged to expense when incurred.

Advertising Costs: Advertising costs amounted to $365,859, $378,217, and $350,399, for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, and are charged to expense when incurred.

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 and the weighted average number of dilutive shares outstanding, respectively.

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued

Weighted average common shares outstanding for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016 were as follows:

Year ended September 30,	2018		2017		2016
Net income	$	4,274,547	$	3,847,839	$	8,013,062
Weighted average common shares		13,429,232		13,532,375		13,372,579
Dilutive potential common shares		23,628		128,431		290,770
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding		13,452,860		13,660,806		13,663,349
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.32	$	0.28	$	0.60
Diluted	$	0.32	$	0.28	$	0.59

There were 108,000 shares for the year ended September 30, 2018 that were excluded from the above calculation as they were considered antidilutive in nature. No shares were considered antidilutive for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

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, the valuation of our inventory, rebates related to revenue recognition, performance compensation accruals and the valuation of long-lived assets and goodwill. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

Reclassifications: Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. These reclassifications did not affect the prior periods' net income, shareholders’ equity, or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued

NOTE C – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

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

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.

The Company currently has one equity compensation plan, the 2007 Stock Compensation Plan, from which it grants equity awards that are used as an incentive for directors, officers, and other employees. The 2007 Stock Compensation Plan has 1,003,644 shares available for issue as of September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, $3,522,909 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 6.1 years. The Company recorded related compensation expense for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016 of $2,003,207, $2,319,975, and $1,404,899, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2018, $1,835,086 of this expense was included in selling, general and administrative expense and $168,121 was included in cost of sales. For the year ended September 30, 2017, $2,103,621 of this expense was included in selling, general and administrative expense and $216,354 was included in cost of sales. For the year ended September 30, 2016, $1,272,656 of this expense was included in selling, general and administrative expense and $132,243 was included in cost of sales.

Stock Options: The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted average fair value of options granted. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Company granted employees non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 108,000 shares of common stock with a weighted average contractual term of 4.7 years, a three year vesting term, and a weighted average exercise price of $13.37. There were no stock options granted during the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The weighted-average fair value at the grant date for options issued during the year ended September 30, 2018 was $4.78. This fair value was estimated at the grant date using the assumptions listed below:

	Year ended September 30, 2018
Dividend yield		0	%
Weighted average expected volatility		43.68	%
Weighted average risk-free interest rate		2.70	%
Weighted average expected life		3.7	years
Vesting period		3.0	years

The expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock for a period approximating the expected life. The expected life represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding after their grant date. The risk-free interest rate reflects the interest rate at grant date on zero-coupon U.S. governmental bonds having a remaining life similar to the expected option term.

NOTE C – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY – Continued

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. However, options granted to directors have a one year vesting period and a six year contractual term. The maximum contractual term is normally six years. Shares issued upon exercise of a stock option are issued form the Company’s authorized but unissued shares. There were no options vested during the year ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2018, there were 2,250 stock options that were exercised using a cashless method of exercise. For the year ended September 30, 2017, there were 10,500 stock options that were exercised using a cashless method of exercise. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $75,767 and $237,172, respectively. The intrinsic value of options exercisable as of September 30, 2018 is $331,535.

Option transactions under the 2007 Stock Compensation Plan during the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

	Number of shares			Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average fair value
Outstanding as of September 30, 2016	54,800		$	3.13
Granted	-			-		-
Cancelled or Forfeited	-			-
Exercised	(15,850	)		3.97
Outstanding as of September 30, 2017	38,950			2.79
Granted	108,000			13.37	$	4.78
Cancelled or Forfeited	-			-
Exercised	(8,450	)		3.58
Outstanding as of September 30, 2018	138,500		$	10.99

The following table summarizes information concerning options exercisable under the 2007 Stock Compensation Plan:

Year ended	Exercisable		Weighted average remaining contractual life		Weighted average exercise price
September 30, 2018	30,500	1.89 years		$	2.58
September 30, 2017	38,950	2.73 years		$	2.79

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, 2018	138,500	3.82 years		$	10.99	$	340,531
September 30, 2017	38,950	2.73 years		$	2.79	$	421,237

Restricted Stock: The Company’s 2007 Stock Compensation Plan permits our Compensation Committee to grant other stock-based awards. The Company awards restricted stock grants to employees that vest over one to ten years.

NOTE C – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY – Continued

Restricted stock transactions during the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

	Number of shares			Weighted average grant date fair value
Unvested shares as of September 30, 2016	563,570		$	14.26
Granted	3,795			16.45
Vested	(185,231	)		12.30
Forfeited	(11,604	)		14.79
Unvested shares as of September 30, 2017	370,530			15.24
Granted	7,235			14.17
Vested	(113,930	)		16.45
Forfeited	(15,222	)		15.41
Unvested shares as of September 30, 2018	248,613		$	14.65

The Company repurchased a total of 41,989 shares of our common stock at an average price of $11.66 in connection with payment of taxes upon the vesting of restricted stock previously issued to employees for the year ended September 30, 2018. The Company repurchased a total of 75,445 shares of our common stock at an average price of $12.63 in connection with payment of taxes upon the vesting of restricted stock previously issued to employees for the year ended September 30, 2017.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan: The Clearfield, Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) allows participating employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a discount through payroll deductions. The ESPP is available to all employees subject to certain eligibility requirements. Terms of the ESPP 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 ESPP is carried out in six-month phases, with phases beginning on July 1 and January 1 of each calendar year. For the phases that ended on December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, employees purchased 14,242 and 15,932 shares, respectively, at a price of $10.41 and $9.39 per share, respectively. For the phases that ended on December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2017, employees purchased 11,144 and 14,723 shares, respectively, at a price of $15.21 and $11.22 per share, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, the Company has withheld approximately $70,905 from employees participating in the phase that began on July 1, 2018. After the employee purchase on June 30, 2018, 87,081 shares of common stock were available for future purchase under the ESPP.

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The standard is required to be adopted by all companies in their first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2016 but allows companies to early adopt prior to this date. The standard is intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting and presentation of share-based payments. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the Company elected to early adopt this standard as of October 1, 2015. Adoption of this standard had the following impact on the Company’s financial statements:

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES – Continued

Statements of earnings – The new accounting standard requires that the tax effects of stock-based compensation be recognized in the income tax provision of the Company’s Statements of Earnings. Previously, these amounts were recognized in additional paid-in capital on the Company’s Balance Sheets. The new standard requires these amounts to be recasted within these quarters due to the prospective adoption of this standard in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Accordingly, tax benefits related to stock-based compensation awards of $104,134, $54,313, and $79,640 for the quarters ended December 31, 2015, March 31, 2016, and June 30, 2016, respectively, were recognized as reductions of income tax expense in the statements of earnings. These tax benefits reduced our effective income tax rate 5.2%, 2.5%, and 2.3% for the quarters ended December 31, 2015, March 31, 2016, and June 30, 2016, respectively. The changes were applied on a prospective basis and resulted in an increase in basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.01 and $0.01 for the quarters ended December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2016, respectively. The change had no effect on basic and diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The net tax benefit recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 was $437,096, which reduced our effective tax rate 13.7% to 16.3% for the quarter and resulted in an increase in basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.03 and $0.04, respectively. The net tax benefit recognized during the year ended September 30, 2016 was $675,183, which reduced our effective tax rate 6.2% to 26.4% for the year and resulted in an increase in basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.05.

Statements of cash flows – The standard requires that excess tax benefits from stock-based employee awards be reported as operating activities in the Company’s Statements of Cash Flows. Previously, these cash flows were included as hypothetical inflows/outflows in both operating and financing activities. The Company elected to apply this change on a prospective basis, resulting in an increase in net cash provided by operating activities and a decrease in net cash used by financing activities of $348,000, $741,000, and $1,786,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2015, the six months ended March 31, 2016, and the nine months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the previously filed Form 10-Qs.

Statements of shareholders’ equity – The standard requires that as of the beginning of the annual period of adoption, previously unrecognized excess tax benefits be recognized on a modified retrospective basis and record a deferred tax asset for the balance with an offsetting adjustment to retained earnings. The Company recognized additional deferred tax assets and adjusted retained earnings in the amount of $1,864,980 on October 1, 2015.

In recording stock-based compensation expense, the new standard allows companies to make a policy election as to whether they will include an estimate of awards expected to be forfeited or whether they will account for forfeitures as they occur. We have elected to include an estimate of forfeitures in the computation of our stock-based compensation expense. As this treatment is consistent with the Company’s previous practice, this election had no impact on our financial statements.

The new standard requires that employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes be reported as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. As this treatment is consistent with the Company’s previous practice, this election had no impact on our financial statements.

Realization of net operating loss carry-forward and other deferred tax temporary differences are contingent upon future taxable earnings. The Company’s deferred tax assets were reviewed for expected utilization by assessing the available positive and negative factors surrounding its recoverability.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company’s remaining valuation allowance of approximately $159,000 related to state net operating loss carry forwards. As a result of recording the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) on its deferred assets and liabilities, the Company recorded an increase in its valuation allowance against state net operating losses carried forward of approximately $32,000 in the first quarter of 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company reversed approximately $86,000 of its remaining valuation allowance. This consisted of decreasing the valuation allowance for the expiration and utilization of state net operating losses in 2018 of approximately $133,000 and increasing the valuation allowance by approximately $47,000 for future expected NOL utilization based on updated profitability estimates and the Federal rate change due to the Tax Reform Act. The remaining valuation allowance balance as of September 30, 2018 of $105,000 relates entirely 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 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.

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES – Continued

The valuation allowance activity for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:

Year Ended		Balance at Beginning of Year		Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			Reversal for State NOL Expiration and Utilization			Balance at End of Year
September 30, 2018	$	159,154	$	79,377		$	(133,673	)	$	104,858
September 30, 2017		322,404		(32,154	)		(131,096	)		159,154
September 30, 2016		658,808		(78,044	)		(258,360	)		322,404

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

		September 30, 2018			September 30, 2017
Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
Intangibles	$	(70,467	)	$	(90,085	)
Property and equipment depreciation		(552,119	)		(948,653	)
Net operating loss carry forwards and credits		464,274			551,125
Stock-based compensation		151,558			209,645
Inventories		400,111			503,632
Prepaid expenses		(60,806	)		(48,847	)
Accrued expenses and reserves		250,787			404,649
Goodwill		(583,415	)		(866,388	)
Gross long-term deferred tax liability		(77	)		(284,922	)
Valuation allowance		(104,858	)		(159,154	)
Net long-term deferred tax liability	$	(104,935	)	$	(444,076	)

As of September 30, 2018, the current income tax payable was approximately $464,000 and as of September 30, 2017, the current income tax receivable was $409,000. Current income tax payable amounts are included in Accrued Expenses and current income tax receivable amounts are included in Other Current Assets in the Company’s balance sheets.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Company early adopted ASU 2015-17 to present balance sheet classification of deferred income taxes as noncurrent. This adoption was applied prospectively and therefore, prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had no U.S. federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carry-forwards and approximately $3,468,000 state NOLs. The U.S. federal NOL carry forward amounts were fully utilized in fiscal year 2016. The state NOL carry forward amounts expire in fiscal years 2019 through 2022 if not utilized. In addition, as of September 30, 2018, the Company has Minnesota research and development and alternative minimum tax credits of $198,000 and $50,000, respectively. The Company has not recorded a valuation allowance on these deferred tax assets as the Company believes it is more likely than not they will be utilized before they begin to expire in fiscal year 2030.

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES – Continued

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.

Under ASU No. 2016-09, an entity recognizes all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies relating to stock-based compensation as income tax expense or benefit in the statement of earnings. This change eliminates the notion of the “APIC” pool and related prior year disclosures for excess tax deductions not reflected in the Company’s deferred tax asset presentation.

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

	September 30, 2018		September 30, 2017		September 30, 2016
Federal statutory rate	24	%	34	%	34	%
Federal rate change	(5	%)	-		-
State income taxes	2	%	1	%	1	%
Permanent differences	-		(1	%)	-
Change in valuation allowance	(3	%)	(4	%)	(3	%)
Expiration and utilization of state NOL’s	4	%	3	%	2	%
Research and development credits	(1	%)	(1	%)	(1	%)
Excess tax expense (benefits) from stock-based compensation	2	%	(1	%)	(7	%)
Tax rate	23	%	31	%	26	%

Components of the income tax expense are as follows for the years ended:

		September 30, 2018			September 30, 2017		September 30, 2016
Current:
Federal	$	1,472,512		$	1,627,125	$	428,638
State		120,034			78,552		106,623
Current income tax expense		1,592,546			1,705,677		535,261
Deferred:
Federal		(463,798	)		8,680		2,434,294
State		124,657			23,617		(93,523	)
Deferred income tax expense		(339,141	)		32,297		2,340,771
Income tax expense	$	1,253,405		$	1,737,974	$	2,876,032

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 and did not recognize any interest or penalties during the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, or 2016.

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES – Continued

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 2003. We are generally subject to U.S. federal and state tax examinations for all tax years since 2002 due to our net operating loss carryforwards and the utilization of the carryforwards in years still open under statute. During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company was examined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for fiscal year 2016. This examination resulted in no adjustments. The Company changed its fiscal year end in 2007 from March 31 to September 30.

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, 2018. 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.

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 the 2013 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, 2018, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with our Audit Committee. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018 has been audited by Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which is included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

No changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Information required by Item 10 to be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2019 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.

The information required by Item 11 to be included in the 2019 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference into this section.

See “Equity Compensation Plan Information” under Item 5, “Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of Part II hereof.

The remainder of the information required by Item 12 to be included in the 2019 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference into this section.

The information required by Item 13 to be included in the 2019 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference into this section.

The information required by Item 14 to be included in the 2019 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference into this section.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.	12
ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	12
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	15
ITEM 7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	15
ITEM 7A.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	24
ITEM 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	24
ITEM 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.	46
ITEM 9A.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	46
ITEM 9B.	OTHER INFORMATION	47
PART III.		47
ITEM 10.	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.	47
ITEM 11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.	47
ITEM 12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.	47
ITEM 13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	47
ITEM 14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	48
PART IV.		48
ITEM 15.	EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	48
ITEM 16.	FORM 10-K SUMMARY	48
SIGNATURES		51

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018		High		Low
Quarter ended December 31, 2017	$	14.75	$	11.95
Quarter ended March 31, 2018		15.30		11.00
Quarter ended June 30, 2018		14.10		10.35
Quarter ended September 30, 2018		14.10		10.85

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017		High		Low
Quarter ended December 31, 2016	$	21.60	$	16.01
Quarter ended March 31, 2017		21.50		15.00
Quarter ended June 30, 2017		16.50		12.20
Quarter ended September 30, 2017		14.80		11.00

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program ⁽¹⁾
July 1-31, 2018		34,776	$	11.19		34,776	$	5,409,326
August 1-31, 2018		10,776		13.08		-		5,409,326
September 1-30, 2018		-		-		-		5,409,326
Total		45,552	$	11.63		34,776	$	5,409,326

	Year Ended September 30
	2018		2017		2016		2015		2014
Selected Statements of Earnings Data
Net sales	$	77,651,354	$	73,947,619	$	75,287,726	$	60,323,917	$	58,045,292
Gross profit		30,996,784		30,264,259		32,870,248		24,867,953		24,598,766
Income from operations		5,070,851		5,311,883		10,731,692		7,051,355		8,518,126
Income tax expense		1,253,405		1,737,974		2,876,032		2,475,238		3,180,978
Net income		4,274,547		3,847,839		8,013,062		4,682,008		5,432,851
Net income per share basic	$	0.32	$	0.28	$	0.60	$	0.35	$	0.42
Net income per share diluted	$	0.32	$	0.28	$	0.59	$	0.34	$	0.40

Selected Balance Sheet Data
Total assets	$	74,228,642	$	69,494,037	$	70,595,313	$	57,627,617	$	51,847,898
Long-term liabilities		372,975		725,796		655,534		1,311,232		-
Shareholders’ equity		68,874,876		64,525,120		62,594,043		51,279,130		46,746,634

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
2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan		-	$	-		87,081
2007 Stock Compensation Plan		138,500		10.99		1,003,644
Total		138,500	$	10.99		1,090,725

	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	25
Financial Statements
Balance Sheets	27
Statements of Earnings	28
Statements of Shareholders’ Equity	29
Statements of Cash Flows	30
Notes to Financial Statements	31

	September 30, 2018		September 30, 2017
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,547,777	$	18,536,111
Short-term investments		8,930,225		5,937,150
Accounts receivable, net		12,821,258		7,237,641
Inventories, net		10,050,135		8,453,567
Other current assets		742,136		978,933
Total current assets		41,091,531		41,143,402

Property, plant and equipment, net		4,744,584		5,434,172

Other Assets
Long-term investments		17,974,000		19,816,000
Goodwill		4,708,511		2,570,511
Intangible assets, net		5,482,555		284,787
Other		227,461		245,165
Total other assets		28,392,527		22,916,463
Total Assets	$	74,228,642	$	69,494,037

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	2,363,380	$	1,739,791
Accrued compensation		2,048,904		2,410,026
Accrued expenses		568,507		93,304
Total current liabilities		4,980,791		4,243,121

Other Liabilities
Deferred taxes		104,935		444,076
Deferred rent		268,040		281,720
Total other liabilities		372,975		725,796
Total liabilities		5,353,766		4,968,917

Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 500,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding		-		-
Common stock, $ .01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 13,646,553 and 13,812,821 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively		136,466		138,128
Additional paid-in capital		55,483,759		55,406,888
Retained earnings		13,254,651		8,980,104
Total shareholders’ equity		68,874,876		64,525,120
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	74,228,642	$	69,494,037

	Year Ended September 30, 2018		Year Ended September 30, 2017		Year Ended September 30, 2016

Net sales	$	77,651,354	$	73,947,619	$	75,287,726

Cost of sales		46,654,570		43,683,360		42,417,478

Gross profit		30,996,784		30,264,259		32,870,248

Operating expenses
Selling, general, and administrative		25,925,933		24,952,376		22,138,556
Income from operations		5,070,851		5,311,883		10,731,692

Interest income		457,101		273,930		157,402

Income before income taxes		5,527,952		5,585,813		10,889,094

Income tax expense		1,253,405		1,737,974		2,876,032
Net income	$	4,274,547	$	3,847,839	$	8,013,062

Net income per share Basic	$	0.32	$	0.28	$	0.60
Net income per share Diluted	$	0.32	$	0.28	$	0.59

Shares used in calculation of net income per share:
Basic		13,429,232		13,532,375		13,372,579
Diluted		13,452,860		13,660,806		13,663,349

	Common Stock							Additional			Retained earnings			Total shareholders’
		Shares			Amount			paid-in capital			(accumulated deficit)			equity
Balance as of September 30, 2015		13,705,658		$	137,057		$	55,887,850		$	(4,745,777	)	$	51,279,130
Establishment of deferred tax asset for the adoption of ASU 2016-09		-			-			-			1,864,980			1,864,980
Stock-based compensation expense		-			-			1,404,899			-			1,404,899
Repurchase of common stock		(27,090	)		(271	)		(333,490	)		-			(333,761	)
Restricted stock issuance, net		258,266			2,583			(2,583	)		-			-
Employee stock purchase plan		22,318			223			254,203			-			254,426
Exercise of stock options, net of shares exchanged for payment		191,853			1,918			546,926			-			548,844
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock grants and exercise of stock options		(24,726	)		(247	)		(437,290	)		-			(437,537	)
Net income		-			-			-			8,013,062			8,013,062
Balance as of September 30, 2016		14,126,279			141,263			57,320,515			5,132,265			62,594,043
Stock-based compensation expense		-			-			2,319,975			-			2,319,975
Repurchase of common stock		(270,124	)		(2,701	)		(3,644,613	)		-			(3,647,314	)
Restricted stock issuance, net		(7,809	)		(78	)		78			-			-
Employee stock purchase plan		25,867			258			334,434			-			334,692
Exercise of stock options, net of shares exchanged for payment		14,053			140			28,577			-			28,717
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock grants and exercise of stock options		(75,445	)		(754	)		(952,078	)		-			(952,832	)
Net income		-			-			-			3,847,839			3,847,839
Balance as of September 30, 2017		13,812,821			138,128			55,406,888			8,980,104			64,525,120
Stock-based compensation expense		-			-			2,003,207			-			2,003,207
Repurchase of common stock		(154,491	)		(1,545	)		(1,758,897	)		-			(1,760,442	)
Restricted stock issuance, net		(7,987	)		(80	)		80			-			-
Employee stock purchase plan		30,174			302			297,558			-			297,860
Exercise of stock options, net of shares exchanged for payment		8,025			81			23,931			-			24,012
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock grants and exercise of stock options		(41,989	)		(420	)		(489,008	)		-			(489,428	)
Net income		-			-			-			4,274,547			4,274,547
Balance as of September 30, 2018		13,646,553		$	136,466		$	55,483,759		$	13,254,651		$	68,874,876

Year ending September 30		Operating leases
	2019	$	593,586
	2020		568,018
	2021		402,123
	2022		412,177
	2023		422,481
	Thereafter		615,336
	Total minimum lease payments	$	3,013,721

		February 20, 2018
Inventories	$	2,781,000
Property, plant and equipment		58,000
Trademarks		563,000
Customer relationships		3,742,000
Product certification		1,068,000
Goodwill		2,138,000
Total Assets	$	10,350,000

	Pro Forma Year Ended September 30, 2017 (unaudited)		Pro Forma Year Ended September 30, 2018 (unaudited)
Net sales	$	89,672,074	$	80,958,789

Income from operations	$	8,174,841	$	5,554,766

Net income	$	5,809,018	$	4,794,757

Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.43	$	0.36
Diluted	$	0.43	$	0.36

Number	Description	Incorporated by Reference to
2.1	Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 20, 2018 by and between Calix, Inc. and Clearfield Inc.	Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 20, 2018
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	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Clearfield, Inc.	Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 25, 2016
*10.1	Form of Agreement regarding Indemnification of Directors and Officers with certain current and former directors	Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the quarter ended September 30, 2017
*10.2	2007 Stock Compensation Plan, as amended through December 23, 2016	Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on January 10, 2017 for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on February 23, 2017.
*10.3	Employment Agreement dated December 16, 2008 by and between Clearfield, Inc. and Cheryl P. Beranek	Exhibit 10.26 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2008
*10.4	Employment Agreement dated December 16, 2008 by and between Clearfield, Inc. and John P. Hill	Exhibit 10.27 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2008
*10.5	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.
10.6	Clearfield, Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on January 26, 2010 for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on February 25, 2010.
10.7	Standard Form Industrial Building Lease dated September 9, 2014 by and between Clearfield, Inc. and First Industrial, L.P.	Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 10, 2014.

*10.8	Employment Agreement dated November 16, 2017 by and between Clearfield, Inc. and Daniel Herzog	Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2017
23.1	Consent of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, 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	**
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document	**
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema	**
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase	**
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Labels Linkbase	**
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase	**
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase	**

	Clearfield, Inc.
Date: November 14, 2018	/s/ Cheryl Beranek
	Cheryl Beranek
	President and Chief Executive Officer

Signatures	Title	Date

/s/ Cheryl Beranek Cheryl Beranek	President, Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Director	November 14, 2018
/s/ Daniel Herzog Daniel Herzog	Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)	November 14, 2018
/s/ Ronald G. Roth Ronald G. Roth	Director	November 14, 2018
/s/ Roger G. Harding Roger G. Harding	Director	November 14, 2018
/s/ Donald R. Hayward Donald R. Hayward	Director	November 14, 2018
/s/ Charles N. Hayssen Charles N. Hayssen	Director	November 14, 2018
/s/ Patrick F. Goepel Patrick F. Goepel	Director	November 14, 2018