MPTI
M-tron Industries, Inc.
Hardware, Equipment & Parts
Market Cap$220M
5Y Perf.+644.3%
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Stock Comparison
MPTI vs CLFD
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
CLFD
Clearfield, Inc.
Communication Equipment
Market Cap$519M
5Y Perf.-69.1%
MPTI vs CLFD — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MPTI | CLFD |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Hardware, Equipment & Parts | Communication Equipment |
| Market Cap | $220M | $519M |
| Revenue (TTM) | $54M | $136M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $8M | $-9M |
| Gross Margin | 44.4% | 37.2% |
| Operating Margin | 18.9% | 1.4% |
| Forward P/E | 31.1x | 72.1x |
| Total Debt | $148K | $9M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $21M | $21M |
MPTI vs CLFD — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MPTI
CLFD
| Stock | Oct 22 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| M-tron Industries, … (MPTI) | 100 | 744.3 | +644.3% |
| Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD) | 100 | 30.9 | -69.1% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MPTI vs CLFD
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: MPTI leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for valuation and capital efficiency and profitability and margin quality. Clearfield, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
MPTI
M-tron Industries, Inc.
The Income Pick
MPTI carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and long-term compounding.
- beta 1.44
- 485.2% 10Y total return vs CLFD's 106.7%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.44, Low D/E 0.2%, current ratio 12.52x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
CLFD
Clearfield, Inc.
The Growth Play
CLFD is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure.
- Rev growth 19.6%, EPS growth 31.8%, 3Y rev CAGR -17.9%
- 19.6% revenue growth vs MPTI's 11.0%
Best for: growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | CLFD | 19.6% revenue growth vs MPTI's 11.0% |
| Value | MPTI | Lower P/E (31.1x vs 72.1x) |
| Quality / Margins | MPTI | 15.5% margin vs CLFD's -6.3% |
| Stability / Safety | MPTI | Beta 1.44 vs CLFD's 1.79, lower leverage |
| Dividends | Tie | Neither stock pays a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | MPTI | +36.8% vs CLFD's +20.2% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | MPTI | 18.0% ROA vs CLFD's -3.0%, ROIC 25.3% vs 0.6% |
MPTI vs CLFD — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLMPTILAGGINGCLFD
CLFDClearfield, Inc.
1leads
MPTIM-tron Industries, In…
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs CLFDMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
MPTI6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
CLFD4/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
MPTI7/8
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
MPTI6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
MPTI2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
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Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MPTI leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CLFD is the larger business by revenue, generating $136M annually — 2.5x MPTI's $54M. MPTI is the more profitable business, keeping 15.5% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to CLFD's -6.3%. On growth, MPTI holds the edge at +11.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | MPTIM-tron Industries… | CLFDClearfield, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $54M | $136M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $11M | $6M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $8M | -$9M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $8M | $15M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +44.4% | +37.2% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +18.9% | +1.4% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +15.5% | -6.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +14.9% | +10.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +11.2% | -27.1% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +35.6% | -142.5% |
MPTI leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
CLFD leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, MPTI's 17.5x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than CLFD's 61.5x.
| Metric | MPTIM-tron Industries… | CLFDClearfield, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $220M | $519M |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $200M | $506M |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 29.26x | -64.64x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 31.07x | 72.10x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 0.67x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 17.54x | 61.46x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 4.05x | 3.46x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 3.91x | 2.05x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 27.17x | 21.01x |
CLFD leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MPTI leads this category, winning 7 of 8 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MPTI delivers a 20.1% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $20 in annual profit, vs $-3 for CLFD. MPTI carries lower financial leverage with a 0.00x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CLFD's 0.03x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), CLFD scores 7/9 vs MPTI's 4/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | MPTIM-tron Industries… | CLFDClearfield, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +20.1% | -3.4% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +18.0% | -3.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +25.3% | +0.6% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +21.7% | +0.8% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 7 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.00x | 0.03x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$21M | -$13M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $21M | $21M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $148,000 | $9M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | — | 85.32x |
MPTI leads this category, winning 7 of 8 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
MPTI leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in MPTI five years ago would be worth $58,519 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $9,591 for CLFD. Over the past 12 months, MPTI leads with a +36.8% total return vs CLFD's +20.2%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors MPTI at 86.2% vs CLFD's 1.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MPTIM-tron Industries… | CLFDClearfield, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +47.2% | +27.1% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +36.8% | +20.2% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +545.9% | +3.9% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +485.2% | -4.1% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +485.2% | +106.7% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +86.2% | +1.3% |
MPTI leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MPTI leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MPTI is the less volatile stock with a 1.44 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than CLFD's 1.79 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. MPTI currently trades 96.3% from its 52-week high vs CLFD's 80.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | MPTIM-tron Industries… | CLFDClearfield, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.44x | 1.79x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $79.58 | $46.76 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $36.38 | $24.01 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +96.3% | +80.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 63.7 | 57.1 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 84K | 146K |
MPTI leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates MPTI as "Buy" and CLFD as "Buy".
| Metric | MPTIM-tron Industries… | CLFDClearfield, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $43.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 1 | 8 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | — |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +3.2% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
MPTI leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). CLFD leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics).
Best OverallM-tron Industries, Inc. (MPTI)Leads 4 of 6 categories
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MPTI vs CLFD: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MPTI or CLFD a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Clearfield, Inc.
(CLFD) is the stronger pick with 19. 6% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 11. 0% for M-tron Industries, Inc. (MPTI). M-tron Industries, Inc. (MPTI) offers the better valuation at 29. 3x trailing P/E (31. 1x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate M-tron Industries, Inc. (MPTI) a "Buy" — based on 1 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — MPTI or CLFD?
On forward P/E, M-tron Industries, Inc.
is actually cheaper at 31. 1x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — MPTI or CLFD?
Over the past 5 years, M-tron Industries, Inc.
(MPTI) delivered a total return of +485. 2%, compared to -4. 1% for Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: MPTI returned +485. 2% versus CLFD's +106. 7%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — MPTI or CLFD?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), M-tron Industries, Inc.
(MPTI) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 44β versus Clearfield, Inc. 's 1. 79β — meaning CLFD is approximately 25% more volatile than MPTI relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, M-tron Industries, Inc. (MPTI) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 0% versus 3% for Clearfield, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — MPTI or CLFD?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Clearfield, Inc.
(CLFD) is pulling ahead at 19. 6% versus 11. 0% for M-tron Industries, Inc. (MPTI). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Clearfield, Inc. grew EPS 31. 8% year-over-year, compared to -1. 1% for M-tron Industries, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, MPTI leads at 19. 6% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — MPTI or CLFD?
M-tron Industries, Inc.
(MPTI) is the more profitable company, earning 15. 5% net margin versus -5. 4% for Clearfield, Inc. — meaning it keeps 15. 5% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: MPTI leads at 18. 9% versus 1. 4% for CLFD. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — MPTI leads at 44. 4%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is MPTI or CLFD more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, M-tron Industries, Inc.
(MPTI) trades at 31. 1x forward P/E versus 72. 1x for Clearfield, Inc. — 41. 0x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — MPTI or CLFD?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
09Is MPTI or CLFD better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, M-tron Industries, Inc.
(MPTI) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (+485. 2% 10Y return). Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD) carries a higher beta of 1. 79 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (MPTI: +485. 2%, CLFD: +106. 7%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between MPTI and CLFD?
Both stocks operate in the Technology sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: MPTI is a small-cap quality compounder stock; CLFD is a small-cap high-growth stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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