• Net income and earnings per share ("EPS")* were $17.5 million and $0.78, respectively, for the third quarter of 2024, and $81.9 million and $3.66, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024
• Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS**, which exclude transaction and transition-related expenses attributable to the acquisition and integration of Florida City Gas ("FCG"), were $18.1 million and $0.80, respectively, for the third quarter of 2024 and $84.2 million and $3.76, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024
• Adjusted gross margin** growth of $89.3 million during the first nine months of 2024 driven by contributions from FCG, regulatory initiatives and infrastructure programs, natural gas organic growth, continued pipeline expansion projects, and additional customer consumption
• Results continue to track in line with Management's expectations, and the Company continues to affirm 2024 EPS and capital guidance

DOVER, Del., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) ("Chesapeake Utilities" or the "Company") today announced financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $17.5 million ($0.78 per share) compared to $9.4 million ($0.53 per share) in the third quarter of 2023. Excluding transaction and transition-related expenses associated with the fourth quarter 2023 acquisition of FCG, adjusted net income was $18.1 million ($0.80 per share) or approximately 16 percent higher per share compared to the prior-year period. 

The higher results for the third quarter of 2024 were largely attributable to incremental contributions from FCG, additional margin from regulated infrastructure programs, continued pipeline expansion projects to support distribution growth, growth in the Company's natural gas distribution businesses and increased levels of virtual pipeline services. The financing impacts of the FCG acquisition, including increased interest expense related to debt issued and additional shares outstanding, partially offset the increases.  

During the first nine months of 2024, net income was $81.9 million ($3.66 per share) compared to $61.9 million ($3.47 per share) in the prior-year period. Excluding the transaction and transition-related expenses, adjusted net income was $84.2 million ($3.76 per share) compared to $64.8 million ($3.63 per share) for the same period in 2023.

Year-to-date earnings for 2024 were primarily impacted by the factors discussed for the third quarter as well as additional adjusted gross margin from increased customer consumption experienced earlier in the year and contributions from the Company's unregulated businesses. 

"Chesapeake Utilities delivered strong financial performance and sustained operational excellence in the third quarter as we continued to execute on the three pillars that drive long-term earnings growth and shareholder value: prudently deploying record levels of capital, proactively advancing our regulatory agenda and continually executing on business transformation," said Jeff Householder, chair, president and CEO. "In the third quarter alone, we invested nearly $100 million in capital expenditures, filed for rate increases in Delaware and in Florida for our electric operations and successfully implemented our new enterprise-wide customer billing system."

"In the third quarter of 2024, adjusted earnings per share was up 16 percent relative to the same period in 2023, attributable to adjusted gross margin growth of close to 30 percent and continued cost management driven by our business transformation efforts and focus on a "one company" approach. Some of the larger margin drivers include the addition of FCG, which we continue to effectively integrate, strong customer growth of approximately 4 percent in both Delmarva and Florida, incremental margin related to transmission expansions and increased virtual pipeline services and depreciation savings related to regulatory initiatives," continued Householder. "I'm proud of our teammates' consistent dedication to prioritizing service and safety to deliver performance in line with our expectations. This commitment enables us to affirm our full-year 2024 adjusted EPS and capital guidance."

Earnings and Capital Investment Guidance

The Company continues to affirm its 2024 EPS guidance of $5.33 to $5.45 in adjusted earnings per share given the incremental margin opportunities present across the Company's businesses, investment opportunities within and surrounding FCG, regulatory initiatives and operating synergies.

The Company also affirms its previously-announced 2024 capital expenditure guidance of $300 million to $360 million, as well as the capital expenditure guidance for the five-year period ended 2028 that will range from $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion. This investment forecast is projected to result in a 2025 EPS guidance range of $6.15 to $6.35, as well as a 2028 EPS guidance range of $7.75 to $8.00. This implies an EPS growth rate of approximately 8 percent from the 2025 EPS guidance range.

*Unless otherwise noted, EPS and Adjusted EPS information are presented on a diluted basis.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

**This press release including the tables herein, include references to both Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") and non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS. A "non-GAAP financial measure" is generally defined as a numerical measure of a company's historical or future performance that includes or excludes amounts, or that is subject to adjustments, so as to be different from the most directly comparable measure calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP. Our management believes certain non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with GAAP financial measures, provide information that is useful to investors in understanding period-over-period operating results separate and apart from items that may, or could, have a disproportionately positive or negative impact on results in any particular period.

The Company calculates Adjusted Gross Margin by deducting the purchased cost of natural gas, propane and electricity and the cost of labor spent on direct revenue-producing activities from operating revenues. The costs included in Adjusted Gross Margin exclude depreciation and amortization and certain costs presented in operations and maintenance expenses in accordance with regulatory requirements. The Company calculates Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS by deducting costs and expenses associated with significant acquisitions that may affect the comparison of period-over-period results. These non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the comparable GAAP measures. The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures are useful and meaningful to investors as a basis for making investment decisions, and provide investors with information that demonstrates the profitability achieved by the Company under allowed rates for regulated energy operations and under the Company's competitive pricing structures for unregulated energy operations. The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing a business unit and Company performance. Other companies may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures in a different manner.

The following tables reconcile Gross Margin, Net Income, and EPS, all as defined under GAAP, to our non-GAAP measures of Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS for each of the periods presented.

Adjusted Gross Margin

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS

Operating Results for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

Consolidated Results

Operating income for the third quarter of 2024 was $40.9 million, an increase of $20.7 million compared to the same period in 2023. Excluding transaction and transition-related expenses associated with the acquisition and integration of FCG, operating income increased $17.6 million or 73.0 percent compared to the prior-year period. An increase in adjusted gross margin in the third quarter of 2024 was driven by contributions from the acquisition of FCG, incremental margin from regulated infrastructure programs, continued pipeline expansion projects, increased demand for virtual pipeline services and natural gas organic growth. Higher operating expenses were driven largely by the operating expenses of FCG and increased payroll, benefits and other employee-related expenses compared to the prior-year period. Increases in depreciation, amortization and property taxes attributable to growth projects and FCG were partially offset by a $3.2 million reserve surplus amortization mechanism ("RSAM") adjustment from FCG and lower depreciation from our electric operations and Maryland natural gas division due to revised rates from approved depreciation studies.

Regulated Energy Segment

The key components of the increase in adjusted gross margin** are shown below:

The major components of the increase in other operating expenses are as follows:

Unregulated Energy Segment

Operating results for the second and third quarters historically have been lower due to reduced customer demand during warmer periods of the year. The impact to operating income may not align with the seasonal variations in adjusted gross margin as many of the operating expenses are recognized ratably over the course of the year.

The major components of the increase in adjusted gross margin** are shown below:

The major components of the decrease in other operating expenses are as follows:

Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

Consolidated Results

Operating income for the first nine months of 2024 was $161.3 million, an increase of $57.8 million compared to the same period in 2023. Excluding transaction and transition-related expenses associated with the acquisition and integration of FCG, operating income increased $57.0 million or 53.1 percent compared to the prior-year period. An increase in adjusted gross margin in the first nine months of 2024 was driven by contributions from the acquisition of FCG, incremental margin from regulatory initiatives, natural gas organic growth and continued pipeline expansion projects, higher customer consumption and increased margins from the Company's unregulated businesses. Higher operating expenses during the current period were driven largely by the operating expenses of FCG and increased insurance costs. These increases were partially offset by lower payroll, benefits and other employee-related expenses compared to the prior-year period. Increases in depreciation, amortization and property taxes attributable to growth projects and FCG were partially offset by an $8.9 million RSAM adjustment from FCG and lower depreciation from our electric operations and Maryland natural gas division due to revised rates from approved depreciation studies.

Regulated Energy Segment

The key components of the increase in adjusted gross margin** are shown below:

The major components of the increase in other operating expenses are as follows:

Unregulated Energy Segment

The major components of the change in adjusted gross margin** are shown below:

The major components of the decrease in other operating expenses are as follows:

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters included in this release may include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements in the Company's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2024 for further information on the risks and uncertainties related to the Company's forward-looking statements.

Conference Call

Chesapeake Utilities (NYSE: CPK) will host a conference call on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company's financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. To listen to the Company's conference call via live webcast, please visit the Events & Presentations section of the Investors page on www.chpk.com. For investors and analysts that wish to participate by phone for the question and answer portion of the call, please use the following dial-in information:

Toll-free: 800.245.3074

International: 203.518.9765

Conference ID: CPKQ324

A replay of the presentation will be made available on the previously noted website following the conclusion of the call.

About Chesapeake Utilities Corporation 

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy delivery company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Chesapeake Utilities Corporation offers sustainable energy solutions through its natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity generation and distribution, propane gas distribution, mobile compressed natural gas utility services and solutions, and other businesses.

Please note that Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is not affiliated with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas exploration company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

For more information, contact:

Beth W. Cooper

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Corporate Secretary

302.734.6022

Michael D. Galtman

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

302.217.7036

Lucia M. Dempsey

Head of Investor Relations

347.804.9067

Financial Summary

(in thousands, except per-share data)

Financial Summary Highlights

Key variances between the third quarter of 2023 and 2024 included:

Key variances between the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2024 included: 

Recently Completed and Ongoing Major Projects and Initiatives

The Company continuously pursues and develops additional projects and initiatives to serve existing and new customers, further grow its businesses and earnings, and increase shareholder value. The following table includes all major projects and initiatives that are currently underway or recently completed. The Company's practice is to add incremental margin associated with new projects and initiatives to this table once negotiations or details are substantially final and/or the associated earnings can be estimated. Major projects and initiatives that have generated consistent year-over-year adjusted gross margin contributions are removed from the table at the beginning of the next calendar year.

The related descriptions of projects and initiatives that accompany the table include only new items and/or items where there have been significant developments, as compared to the Company's prior quarterly filings. A comprehensive discussion of all projects and initiatives reflected in the table below can be found in the Company's third quarter 2024 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Detailed Discussion of Major Projects and Initiatives

Pipeline Expansions

St. Cloud / Twin Lakes Expansion

In February 2024, Peninsula Pipeline filed a petition with the Florida Public Service Commission ("PSC") for approval of an amendment to its Transportation Service Agreement with FPU for an additional 10,000 Dts/day of firm service in the St. Cloud, Florida area. Peninsula Pipeline will construct pipeline expansions that will allow FPU to serve the future communities that are expected in that area. The Florida PSC approved the project in May 2024, and it is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Newberry Expansion

In April 2023, Peninsula Pipeline filed a petition with the Florida PSC for approval of its Transportation Service Agreement with FPU for an additional 8,000 Dts/day of firm service in the Newberry, Florida area. The petition was approved by the Florida PSC in the third quarter of 2023. Peninsula Pipeline will construct a pipeline extension, which will be used by FPU to support the development of a natural gas distribution system to provide gas service to the City of Newberry. A filing to address the acquisition and conversion of existing Company owned propane community gas systems in Newberry was made in November 2023. The Florida PSC approved it in April 2024, and conversions of the community gas systems began in the second quarter of 2024.

East Coast Reinforcement Projects

In December 2023, Peninsula Pipeline filed a petition with the Florida PSC for approval of its Transportation Service Agreements with FPU for projects that will support additional supply to communities on the East Coast of Florida. The projects are driven by the need for increased supply to coastal portions of the state that are experiencing significant population growth. Peninsula Pipeline will construct several pipeline extensions which will support FPU's distribution system in the areas of Boynton Beach and New Smyrna Beach with an additional 15,000 Dts/day and 3,400 Dts/day, respectively. The Florida PSC approved the projects in March 2024. Construction is projected to be complete in the first and second quarters of 2025 for Boynton Beach and New Smyrna Beach, respectively.

Central Florida Reinforcement Projects

In February 2024, Peninsula Pipeline filed a petition with the Florida PSC for approval of its Transportation Service Agreements with FPU for projects that will support additional supply to communities located in Central Florida. The projects are driven by the need for increased supply to communities in central Florida that are experiencing significant population growth. Peninsula Pipeline will construct several pipeline extensions which will support FPU's distribution system around the Plant City and Lake Mattie areas of Florida with an additional 5,000 Dts/day and 8,700 Dts/day, respectively. The Florida PSC approved the projects in May 2024. Completion of the projects is projected for the fourth quarter of 2024 for Plant City and the fourth quarter of 2025 for Lake Mattie.

Warwick

In July 2024, the Company announced plans to extend Eastern Shore's transmission deliverability by constructing an additional 4.4 miles of six inch steel pipeline. The project will reinforce the supply and growth for our Delaware division distribution system and expand natural gas service further into Maryland for anticipated future growth. The project is estimated to be in service during the fourth quarter of 2024.

Pioneer Supply Header Pipeline Project

In March 2024, Peninsula Pipeline filed a petition with the Florida PSC for its approval of Firm Transportation Service Agreements with both FCG and FPU for a project that will support greater supply growth of natural gas service in southeast Florida. The project consists of the transfer of a pipeline asset from FCG to Peninsula Pipeline. Peninsula Pipeline will proceed to provide transportation service to both FCG and FPU using the pipeline asset, which supports continued customer growth and system reinforcement of these distribution systems. The Florida PSC approved the petition in July 2024.

Renewable Natural Gas Supply Projects

In February 2024, Peninsula Pipeline filed a petition with the Florida PSC for approval of Transportation Service Agreements with FCG for projects that will support the transportation of additional renewable energy supply to FCG. The projects, located in Florida's Brevard, Indian River and Miami-Dade counties, will bring renewable natural gas produced from local landfills into FCG's natural gas distribution system. Peninsula Pipeline will construct several pipeline extensions which will support FCG's distribution system in Brevard County, Indian River County, and Miami-Dade County. Benefits of these projects include increased gas supply to serve expected FCG growth, strengthened system reliability and additional system flexibility. The Florida PSC approved the petition at its July 2024 meeting with the projects estimated to be completed in the first half of 2025. 

Regulatory Initiatives

Maryland Natural Gas Rate Case

In January 2024, the Company's natural gas distribution businesses in Maryland, CUC-Maryland Division, Sandpiper Energy, Inc., and Elkton Gas Company (collectively, "Maryland natural gas distribution businesses") filed a joint application for a natural gas rate case with the Maryland PSC. In connection with the application, the Company is seeking approval of the following: (i) permanent rate relief of approximately $6.9 million with a return on equity ("ROE") of 11.5 percent; (ii) authorization to make certain changes to tariffs to include a unified rate structure and to consolidate the Maryland natural gas distribution businesses which is anticipated to be called Chesapeake Utilities of Maryland, Inc.; and (iii) authorization to establish a rider for recovery of the costs associated with the Company's new technology systems. In August 2024, the Maryland natural gas distribution businesses, the Maryland Office of Peoples' Counsel ("OPC") and PSC Staff reached a settlement agreement which provided for, among other things, an increase in annual base rates of $2.6 million. In September 2024, the Maryland Public Utility Judge issued an order approving the settlement agreement in part. The $2.6 million increase in annual base rates was approved and the Company will file a Phase II filing to determine rate design across the Maryland natural gas distribution businesses, consolidation of the applicable tariffs and recovery of technology costs. The outcome of the application is subject to review and approval by the Maryland PSC.

Maryland Natural Gas Depreciation Study

In January 2024, the Company's Maryland natural gas distribution businesses filed a joint petition for approval of its proposed unified depreciation rates with the Maryland PSC. A settlement agreement between the Company, PSC staff and the Maryland OPC Counsel was reached and the final order approving the settlement agreement went into effect in July 2024, with new depreciation rates effective as of January 1, 2023. The approved depreciation rates will result in an annual reduction in depreciation expense of approximately $1.2 million.

FCG SAFE Program

In April 2024, FCG filed a petition with the Florida PSC to more closely align the SAFE Program with FPU's GUARD program. Specifically, the requested modifications will enable FCG to accelerate remediation related to problematic pipe and facilities consisting of obsolete and exposed pipe. These modifications will require an estimated additional $50.0 million in capital expenditures associated with the SAFE Program, which would increase the total projected capital expenditures to approximately $255.0 million over a 10-year period. The Florida PSC approved the modifications in September 2024.

Delaware Natural Gas Rate Case

In August 2024, the Company's Delaware natural gas division filed an application for a natural gas rate case with the Delaware PSC. In connection with the application, the Company is seeking approval of the following: (i) permanent rate relief of approximately $12.1 million with a ROE of 11.5 percent; (ii) proposed changes to depreciation rates which were part of a depreciation study also submitted with the filing; and (iii) authorization to make certain changes to the existing tariffs. In September 2024, interim rates were approved by the Delaware PSC in the amount of $2.5 million on an annualized basis effective in October 2024. The discovery process has commenced and hearing for the proceeding has been scheduled for May 2025. The outcome of the application is subject to review and approval by the Delaware PSC.

FPU Electric Rate Case

In August 2024, the Company's Florida Electric division filed a petition with the Florida PSC seeking a general base rate increase of $12.6 million with a ROE of 11.3 percent based on a 2025 projected test year. The outcome of the application will be subject to review and approval by the Florida PSC. In October 2024, annualized interim rates of approximately $1.8 million were approved with an effective date of November 1, 2024.

Other Major Factors Influencing Adjusted Gross Margin

Weather and Consumption

Weather was not a significant factor to adjusted gross margin in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, higher consumption which includes the effects of colder weather conditions compared to the prior-year period resulted in a $1.2 million increase in adjusted gross margin. While temperatures through September 30, 2024 were colder than the prior-year period, they were approximately 13.2 percent and 13.1 percent warmer, respectively, compared to normal temperatures in our Delmarva and Ohio service territories.

The following table summarizes HDD and CDD variances from the 10-year average HDD/CDD ("Normal") for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.