Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Zacks Recommendation Upgrade Drives Clearfield, AXT Higher Shares of Clearfield, Inc. CLFD and AXT, Inc. AXTI have gained 31.4% and 24.9%, respectively, since their Zacks Recommendation was upgraded to Outperform on August 1. Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD): Free Stock Analysis Report Rising inflation, the continued geopolitical crisis and the resultant energy shortage, and COVID-19 flare-ups in China have clouded investor mood for the better part of this year.