Clearfield, Inc. Files Definitive Proxy Statement (DEF 14A)
Ticker: CLFD · Form: DEF 14A · Filed: Jan 11, 2024 · CIK: 796505
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD) |
| Form Type | DEF 14A |
| Filed Date | Jan 11, 2024 |
| Risk Level | low |
| Pages | 14 |
| Reading Time | 17 min |
| Key Dollar Amounts | $0.01 |
| Sentiment | neutral |
Complexity: simple
Sentiment: neutral
Topics: DEF 14A, Proxy Statement, Clearfield, Executive Compensation, Shareholder Meeting
TL;DR
<b>Clearfield, Inc. has filed its Definitive Proxy Statement (DEF 14A) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.</b>
AI Summary
Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD) filed a Proxy Statement (DEF 14A) with the SEC on January 11, 2024. Clearfield, Inc. filed a Definitive Proxy Statement (DEF 14A) on January 11, 2024. The filing covers the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. The company's principal executive offices are located at 7050 Winnetka Ave. N., Suite 100, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428. Clearfield, Inc. was formerly known as APA Enterprises, Inc. and APA OPTICS INC /MN/. The filing includes details on stock and option awards, including changes in fair value and unvested awards.
Why It Matters
For investors and stakeholders tracking Clearfield, Inc., this filing contains several important signals. This filing is crucial for shareholders as it outlines proposals to be voted on at the annual meeting, including executive compensation and director elections. Understanding the details of stock and option awards, as presented in the filing, is important for assessing executive incentives and potential dilution.
Risk Assessment
Risk Level: low — Clearfield, Inc. shows low risk based on this filing. The filing is a routine DEF 14A, indicating standard corporate governance procedures rather than immediate financial distress or significant operational changes.
Analyst Insight
Shareholders should review the proxy statement to understand executive compensation, director nominations, and any other proposals requiring their vote.
Key Numbers
- 2024-01-11 — Filing Date (Date the DEF 14A was filed)
- 2023-09-30 — Fiscal Year End (The period covered by the filing)
- 2024-02-22 — Report Period (Conformed period of report)
Key Players & Entities
- Clearfield, Inc. (company) — Filer of the DEF 14A
- 7050 Winnetka Ave. N., Suite 100, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 (location) — Business and mailing address
- APA Enterprises, Inc. (company) — Former company name
- APA OPTICS INC /MN/ (company) — Former company name
FAQ
When did Clearfield, Inc. file this DEF 14A?
Clearfield, Inc. filed this Proxy Statement (DEF 14A) with the SEC on January 11, 2024.
What is a DEF 14A filing?
A DEF 14A is a definitive proxy statement sent to shareholders before annual meetings, covering executive compensation, board nominations, and shareholder votes. This particular DEF 14A was filed by Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD).
Where can I read the original DEF 14A filing from Clearfield, Inc.?
You can access the original filing directly on the SEC's EDGAR system. The filing is publicly available and includes all exhibits and attachments submitted by Clearfield, Inc..
What are the key takeaways from Clearfield, Inc.'s DEF 14A?
Clearfield, Inc. filed this DEF 14A on January 11, 2024. Key takeaways: Clearfield, Inc. filed a Definitive Proxy Statement (DEF 14A) on January 11, 2024.. The filing covers the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.. The company's principal executive offices are located at 7050 Winnetka Ave. N., Suite 100, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428..
Is Clearfield, Inc. a risky investment based on this filing?
Based on this DEF 14A, Clearfield, Inc. presents a relatively low-risk profile. The filing is a routine DEF 14A, indicating standard corporate governance procedures rather than immediate financial distress or significant operational changes.
What should investors do after reading Clearfield, Inc.'s DEF 14A?
Shareholders should review the proxy statement to understand executive compensation, director nominations, and any other proposals requiring their vote. The overall sentiment from this filing is neutral.
How does Clearfield, Inc. compare to its industry peers?
Clearfield, Inc. operates in the telecommunications equipment sector, specifically in the manufacturing of fiber optic management products.
Are there regulatory concerns for Clearfield, Inc.?
As a publicly traded company, Clearfield, Inc. is subject to SEC regulations, including the requirement to file proxy statements (DEF 14A) for shareholder meetings.
Industry Context
Clearfield, Inc. operates in the telecommunications equipment sector, specifically in the manufacturing of fiber optic management products.
Regulatory Implications
As a publicly traded company, Clearfield, Inc. is subject to SEC regulations, including the requirement to file proxy statements (DEF 14A) for shareholder meetings.
What Investors Should Do
- Review the detailed breakdown of executive compensation and incentive plans.
- Understand the proposals being presented for shareholder vote, such as director elections or amendments.
- Assess any changes in corporate governance practices outlined in the filing.
Key Dates
- 2024-01-11: Filing of DEF 14A — Indicates the company is preparing for its annual shareholder meeting and providing disclosures.
- 2023-09-30: Fiscal Year End — The reporting period for the financial and operational information within the proxy statement.
Year-Over-Year Comparison
This is a DEF 14A filing, which is a standard disclosure document for annual shareholder meetings. Specific comparative financial data from previous filings is not directly presented in this document type.
Filing Stats: 4,343 words · 17 min read · ~14 pages · Grade level 13.5 · Accepted 2024-01-11 10:00:40
Key Financial Figures
- $0.01 — The number of shares of common stock, $0.01 par value outstanding and entitled to v
Filing Documents
- clfd20240103_def14a.htm (DEF 14A) — 880KB
- capvstsr.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 87KB
- clfd20240103_def14aimg001.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 3KB
- clfd20240103_def14aimg002.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 3KB
- clfd20240103_def14aimg003.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 2KB
- clfd20240103_def14aimg004.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 3KB
- clfd20240103_def14aimg005.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 2KB
- clfd20240103_def14aimg006.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 2KB
- clfd20240103_def14aimg007.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 3KB
- clfd20240103_def14aimg008.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 2KB
- compvsnet.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 79KB
- compvsnetsales.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 83KB
- pcard_1.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 224KB
- pcard_2.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 190KB
- targetmix.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 100KB
- tsr3yr.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 79KB
- 0001171843-24-000212.txt ( ) — 3763KB
- clfd-20230930.xsd (EX-101.SCH) — 7KB
- clfd-20230930_def.xml (EX-101.DEF) — 9KB
- clfd-20230930_lab.xml (EX-101.LAB) — 18KB
- clfd-20230930_pre.xml (EX-101.PRE) — 9KB
- clfd20240103_def14a_htm.xml (XML) — 127KB
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 22 Compensation Discussion and Analysis 22 Compensation Committee Report 32 Summary Compensation Table 33 Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal Year 2023 34 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 35 Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2023 36 Employment Arrangements with Named Executive Officers 36 CEO Pay Ratio 41 Pay Versus Performance 42 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION 46 PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 47 Vote Required for Proposal 3 47 RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 47 Accountant Fees and Services 47 Audit Committee Pre-Approval Procedures 48 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS 48 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND SHAREHOLDER NOMINEES FOR 2025 ANNUAL MEETING 48 OTHER BUSINESS 49   ii     CLEARFIELD, INC.   7050 Winnetka Avenue North, Suite 100 Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55428 (763) 476-6866 ____________________   PROXY STATEMENT ____________________   Solicitation of Proxies   This proxy statement is provided in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Clearfield, Inc. (“we,” “Clearfield” or “the Company”) for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time and at any postponements or adjournments thereof (the “Annual Meeting”). The mailing of this proxy statement to our shareholders commenced on or about January 11, 2024.   About the Virtual Annual Meeting   The Annual Meeting will again be a virtual meeting of the shareholders. The Board of Directors believes holding the Annual Meeting in a virtual format allows for greater engagement with our shareholders wherever they may be located, while minimizing the time and cost associated with planning, holding and arranging logistics for an in-person meeting.