- Earnings per share ("EPS")* for the third quarter of 2023
was $0.53 compared to $0.54 per share for the third quarter of
2022
- Adjusted EPS** for the third quarter of 2023, which excludes
transaction-related expenses attributable to the announced
acquisition of Florida City Gas ("FCG"), increased by 28 percent to
$0.69 compared to $0.54 per share for the third quarter of
2022
- Year-to-date EPS was $3.47
compared to $3.58 per share in the
prior year. Adjusted EPS, excluding transaction-related expenses,
for the nine months ended September 30,
2023 was $3.63
- Historically warmer temperatures significantly impacted
customer consumption during the first half of 2023, lowering both
EPS and Adjusted EPS by approximately $0.41 per share
- Adjusted gross margin** growth of $7.6 million during the third quarter was driven
by continued pipeline expansion projects, natural gas organic
growth, regulatory initiatives, and increased propane margins and
fees
- Entered into a definitive agreement to acquire FCG for
approximately $923 million, which is
expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023
DOVER,
Del., Nov. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake
Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) ("Chesapeake Utilities" or the
"Company") today announced financial results for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2023.
In the third quarter of 2023, the Company's adjusted net
income**, which excludes transaction-related expenses for the
announced acquisition of FCG, was $12.2
million, compared to $9.7
million reported in the third quarter of 2022. Adjusted EPS
in the quarter was $0.69 per share,
compared to $0.54 per share reported
in the same prior-year period.
Earnings for the third quarter of 2023 were driven by continued
pipeline expansion projects, organic growth in the Company's
natural gas distribution businesses, contributions from the
Company's Florida natural gas base
rate proceeding, increased propane margins and fees, and
incremental contributions associated with regulated infrastructure
programs. These improvements were partially offset by reduced
customer consumption compared to the prior-year period, lower
virtual pipeline services and increased interest expense
attributable to higher rates on short-term borrowings and the
senior notes issued in March
2023.
During the first nine months of 2023, adjusted net income was
$64.8 million compared to
$63.6 million for the same period in
2022. Adjusted EPS for the nine months ended September 30,
2023 was $3.63 compared to
$3.58 per share reported in the
prior-year period.
Year-to-date earnings in 2023 were impacted by significantly
warmer weather where our service territories on the Delmarva
Peninsula and in Ohio experienced
temperatures that were more than 20 percent higher than historical
averages through the first half of 2023. The impacts of weather for
the first nine months of 2023 were offset by the positive growth
contributions noted above as well as a continued focus on cost
management.
"Despite continued challenges with rising interest rates
and significantly warmer temperatures through the first half of the
year, Chesapeake Utilities has delivered strong performance on a
year-to-date basis," commented Jeff
Householder, chairman, president and CEO. "Growth
investments, regulatory initiatives and continued expense
management enabled us to overcome the significant weather and
interest rate impacts on a year-to-date basis, resulting in
year-to-date Adjusted EPS of $3.63
versus 2022 Adjusted EPS of $3.58.
Excluding transaction-related expenses associated with the
acquisition of FCG, in the third quarter, operating income
increased $5.5 million or 29.4
percent compared to the prior-year period, driven by incremental
adjusted gross margin of $7.6
million, or 8.8 percent."
"Not only do we see additional growth opportunities to drive
incremental growth in our legacy businesses, but we are excited
about the additional opportunities that the FCG acquisition will
provide once it is a member of the Chesapeake family of businesses. We remain on
track to completing the acquisition by year end. Across the
organization, our team remains committed to executing on our growth
strategy, achieving another record year of performance and driving
increased shareholder value," concluded Householder.
Acquisition of Florida City Gas
In September 2023, the Company
entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement with NextEra
Energy, Inc. to acquire FCG for approximately $923 million in cash, subject to certain working
capital adjustments. The transaction is expected to close by the
end of the fourth quarter of 2023, contingent on customary closing
conditions and certain regulatory approvals.
FCG serves approximately 120,000 residential and commercial
natural gas customers across eight counties in Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Brevard, Palm
Beach, Hendry, Martin, St.
Lucie and Indian River. Its
natural gas system includes approximately 3,800 miles of
distribution main and 80 miles of transmission pipe.
In connection with the acquisition, the Company has obtained a
commitment for a 364-day bridge loan facility for up to
$965 million. The Company expects to
ultimately finance the transaction through the issuance of new
permanent debt and equity.
Capital Investment and Earnings Guidance
Prior to the announcement of the FCG acquisition, the Company's
capital expenditures guidance ranged from $900 million to $1.1
billion for the five years ended 2025 and its EPS guidance
range was $6.15 to $6.35 per share for 2025.
Given the magnitude of the FCG acquisition, the Company will
surpass its capital expenditures guidance range two years early.
Additionally, as a result of the Company's most recent 5-year
strategic plan review where it revisited growth projections over
the next five years for its legacy businesses and with the
increased scale and investment opportunities related to the planned
acquisition of FCG, the Company announced new capital expenditure
guidance for the five-year period ended 2028 that will range from
$1.5 billion to $1.8 billion. The Company also reaffirmed its
current EPS guidance range for 2025 of $6.15 to $6.35 per
share and extended its EPS guidance to a range of $7.75 to $8.00 per
share for 2028. This would imply an EPS growth rate of
approximately 8 percent from the current 2025 EPS guidance range,
or since 2018, an 8.5 percent growth rate.
*Unless otherwise noted, EPS and Adjusted EPS information is
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
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months
Ended September 30, 2023
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Regulated
Energy
|
|
Unregulated
Energy
|
|
Other and
Eliminations
|
|
Total
|
Operating
Revenues
|
|
$
102,411
|
|
$
34,970
|
|
$
(5,834)
|
|
$
131,547
|
Cost of
Sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas, propane
and
electric costs
|
|
(26,518)
|
|
(16,381)
|
|
5,805
|
|
(37,094)
|
Depreciation &
amortization
|
|
(13,192)
|
|
(4,420)
|
|
2
|
|
(17,610)
|
Operations &
maintenance
expense (1)
|
|
(4,819)
|
|
(7,532)
|
|
(382)
|
|
(12,733)
|
Gross Margin
(GAAP)
|
|
57,882
|
|
6,637
|
|
(409)
|
|
64,110
|
Operations &
maintenance
expense (1)
|
|
4,819
|
|
7,532
|
|
382
|
|
12,733
|
Depreciation &
amortization
|
|
13,192
|
|
4,420
|
|
(2)
|
|
17,610
|
Adjusted Gross
Margin (Non-
GAAP)
|
|
$
75,893
|
|
$
18,589
|
|
$
(29)
|
|
$
94,453
|
|
|
For the Three Months
Ended September 30, 2022
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Regulated
Energy
|
|
Unregulated
Energy
|
|
Other and
Eliminations
|
|
Total
|
Operating
Revenues
|
|
$
90,980
|
|
$
47,914
|
|
$
(7,841)
|
|
$
131,053
|
Cost of
Sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas, propane
and
electric costs
|
|
(21,248)
|
|
(30,768)
|
|
7,811
|
|
(44,205)
|
Depreciation &
amortization
|
|
(13,271)
|
|
(4,071)
|
|
3
|
|
(17,339)
|
Operations &
maintenance
expense (1)
|
|
(9,211)
|
|
(7,673)
|
|
371
|
|
(16,513)
|
Gross Margin
(GAAP)
|
|
47,250
|
|
5,402
|
|
344
|
|
52,996
|
Operations &
maintenance
expense (1)
|
|
9,211
|
|
7,673
|
|
(371)
|
|
16,513
|
Depreciation &
amortization
|
|
13,271
|
|
4,071
|
|
(3)
|
|
17,339
|
Adjusted Gross
Margin (Non-
GAAP)
|
|
$
69,732
|
|
$
17,146
|
|
$
(30)
|
|
$
86,848
|
|
|
For the Nine months
ended September 30, 2023
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Regulated
Energy
|
|
Unregulated
Energy
|
|
Other and
Eliminations
|
|
Total
|
Operating
Revenues
|
|
$
345,822
|
|
$
158,886
|
|
$
(19,439)
|
|
$
485,269
|
Cost of
Sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas, propane
and
electric costs
|
|
(105,692)
|
|
(75,068)
|
|
19,282
|
|
(161,478)
|
Depreciation &
amortization
|
|
(39,179)
|
|
(12,923)
|
|
6
|
|
(52,096)
|
Operations &
maintenance
expense (1)
|
|
(23,346)
|
|
(23,528)
|
|
(377)
|
|
(47,251)
|
Gross Margin
(GAAP)
|
|
177,605
|
|
47,367
|
|
(528)
|
|
224,444
|
Operations &
maintenance
expense (1)
|
|
23,346
|
|
23,528
|
|
377
|
|
47,251
|
Depreciation &
amortization
|
|
39,179
|
|
12,923
|
|
(6)
|
|
52,096
|
Adjusted Gross
Margin (Non-
GAAP)
|
|
$
240,130
|
|
$
83,818
|
|
$
(157)
|
|
$
323,791
|
|
|
For the Nine months
ended September 30, 2022
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Regulated
Energy
|
|
Unregulated
Energy
|
|
Other and
Eliminations
|
|
Total
|
Operating
Revenues
|
|
$
311,064
|
|
$
202,669
|
|
$
(20,330)
|
|
$
493,403
|
Cost of
Sales:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas, propane
and
electric costs
|
|
(88,264)
|
|
(120,476)
|
|
20,238
|
|
(188,502)
|
Depreciation &
amortization
|
|
(39,496)
|
|
(12,025)
|
|
(11)
|
|
(51,532)
|
Operations &
maintenance
expense (1)
|
|
(25,694)
|
|
(21,428)
|
|
(578)
|
|
(47,700)
|
Gross Margin
(GAAP)
|
|
157,610
|
|
48,740
|
|
(681)
|
|
205,669
|
Operations &
maintenance
expense (1)
|
|
25,694
|
|
21,428
|
|
578
|
|
47,700
|
Depreciation &
amortization
|
|
39,496
|
|
12,025
|
|
11
|
|
51,532
|
Adjusted Gross
Margin (Non-
GAAP)
|
|
$
222,800
|
|
$
82,193
|
|
$
(92)
|
|
$
304,901
|
(1)
Operations & maintenance expenses within the Consolidated
Statements of Income are presented in accordance with regulatory
requirements and to provide comparability within the industry.
Operations & maintenance expenses which are deemed to be
directly attributable to revenue producing activities have been
separately presented above in order to calculate Gross Margin as
defined under US GAAP.
|
Adjusted Net Income
and Adjusted EPS
|
|
|
|
Three Months
Ended
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
|
|
|
September
30,
|
|
September
30,
|
(in thousands,
except shares and per share data)
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
Net Income
(GAAP)
|
|
$
9,407
|
|
$
9,662
|
|
$
61,884
|
|
$
63,646
|
Transaction-related
expenses, net (1)
|
|
2,804
|
|
—
|
|
2,898
|
|
—
|
Adjusted Net Income
(Non-GAAP)
|
|
$
12,211
|
|
$
9,662
|
|
$
64,782
|
|
$
63,646
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common
shares outstanding -
diluted
|
|
17,857,784
|
|
17,819,373
|
|
17,847,288
|
|
17,797,001
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings Per Share -
Diluted (GAAP)
|
|
$
0.53
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
$
3.47
|
|
$
3.58
|
Transaction-related
expenses, net (1)
|
|
0.16
|
|
—
|
|
0.16
|
|
—
|
Adjusted Earnings
Per Share - Diluted (Non-
GAAP)
|
|
$
0.69
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
$
3.63
|
|
$
3.58
|
(1)
Transaction-related expenses represent costs incurred
attributable to the announced acquisition of FCG including, but not
limited to, legal, consulting, audit and financing
fees.
|
Operating Results for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated
Results
|
|
|
Three Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Change
|
|
Percent
Change
|
Adjusted gross
margin**
|
$
94,453
|
|
$
86,848
|
|
$
7,605
|
|
8.8 %
|
Depreciation,
amortization and property taxes
|
23,800
|
|
23,103
|
|
697
|
|
3.0 %
|
Transaction-related
expenses
|
3,899
|
|
—
|
|
3,899
|
|
NMF
|
Other operating
expenses
|
46,526
|
|
45,097
|
|
1,429
|
|
3.2 %
|
Operating
income
|
$
20,228
|
|
$
18,648
|
|
$
1,580
|
|
8.5 %
|
Operating income for the third quarter of 2023 was $20.2 million, an increase of $1.6 million or 8.5 percent compared to the same
period in 2022. Excluding transaction-related expenses associated
with the acquisition of FCG, operating income increased
$5.5 million or 29.4 percent compared
to the prior-year period. Adjusted gross margin in the third
quarter of 2023 was positively impacted by contributions from the
Company's Florida natural gas base
rate proceeding, increased propane margins and fees, continued
pipeline expansion projects, organic growth in the Company's
natural gas distribution businesses and incremental contributions
associated with regulated infrastructure programs. These increases
in adjusted gross margin were partially offset by a reduced level
of virtual pipeline services and lower consumption during the third
quarter of 2023. Higher operating expenses were largely associated
with increased employee costs driven by growth initiatives, the
ongoing competitive labor market and higher benefits costs compared
to the prior-year period. Operating income was also impacted by
higher depreciation, amortization and property taxes.
Regulated Energy
Segment
|
|
|
Three Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Change
|
|
Percent
Change
|
Adjusted gross
margin**
|
$
75,893
|
|
$
69,732
|
|
$
6,161
|
|
8.8 %
|
Depreciation,
amortization and property taxes
|
18,891
|
|
18,594
|
|
297
|
|
1.6 %
|
Transaction-related
expenses
|
3,899
|
|
—
|
|
3,899
|
|
NMF
|
Other operating
expenses
|
28,191
|
|
27,475
|
|
716
|
|
2.6 %
|
Operating
income
|
$
24,912
|
|
$
23,663
|
|
$
1,249
|
|
5.3 %
|
The key components of the increase in adjusted gross margin**
are shown below:
(in
thousands)
|
|
Rate changes associated
with the Florida natural gas base rate proceeding
(1)
|
$
3,470
|
Natural gas
transmission service expansions
|
1,382
|
Natural gas growth
including conversions (excluding service expansions)
|
1,312
|
Contributions from
regulated infrastructure programs
|
563
|
Changes in customer
consumption
|
(259)
|
Other
variances
|
(307)
|
Quarter-over-quarter
increase in adjusted gross margin**
|
$
6,161
|
(1) Includes adjusted gross margin
contributions from permanent base rates that became effective in
March 2023.
|
The major components of the increase in other operating expenses
are as follows:
(in
thousands)
|
|
Increased payroll,
benefits and other employee-related expenses
|
$
749
|
Other
variances
|
(33)
|
Quarter-over-quarter
increase in other operating expenses
|
$
716
|
Unregulated
Energy Segment
|
|
|
Three Months
Ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Change
|
|
Percent
Change
|
Adjusted gross
margin**
|
$
18,589
|
|
$
17,146
|
|
$
1,443
|
|
8.4 %
|
Depreciation,
amortization and property taxes
|
4,902
|
|
4,507
|
|
395
|
|
8.8 %
|
Other operating
expenses
|
18,410
|
|
17,695
|
|
715
|
|
4.0 %
|
Operating
loss
|
$
(4,723)
|
|
$
(5,056)
|
|
$
333
|
|
6.6 %
|
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 change in adjusted gross margin**
are shown below:
(in
thousands)
|
|
|
Propane
Operations
|
|
|
Increased propane
margins and service fees
|
|
$
1,813
|
Reduced propane
customer consumption
|
|
(659)
|
CNG/RNG/LNG
Transportation and Infrastructure
|
|
|
Lower level of virtual
pipeline services
|
|
(428)
|
Aspire
Energy
|
|
|
Increased customer
consumption
|
|
298
|
Other
variances
|
|
419
|
Quarter-over-quarter
increase in adjusted gross margin**
|
|
$
1,443
|
The major components of the increase in other operating expenses
are as follows:
(in
thousands)
|
|
|
Increased payroll,
benefits and other employee-related expenses
|
|
$
889
|
Other
variances
|
|
(174)
|
Quarter-over-quarter
increase in other operating expenses
|
|
$
715
|
Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated
Results
|
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
September
30,
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Change
|
|
Percent
Change
|
Adjusted gross
margin**
|
$
323,791
|
|
$
304,901
|
|
$
18,890
|
|
6.2 %
|
Depreciation,
amortization and property taxes
|
70,918
|
|
68,521
|
|
2,397
|
|
3.5 %
|
Transaction-related
expenses
|
3,899
|
|
—
|
|
3,899
|
|
NMF
|
Other operating
expenses
|
145,486
|
|
136,399
|
|
9,087
|
|
6.7 %
|
Operating
income
|
$
103,488
|
|
$
99,981
|
|
$
3,507
|
|
3.5 %
|
Operating income for the first nine months of 2023 was
$103.5 million, an increase of
$3.5 million or 3.5 percent compared
to the same period in 2022. Excluding transaction-related expenses
associated with the acquisition of FCG, operating income increased
$7.4 million or 7.4 percent compared
to the prior-year period, despite significantly warmer temperatures
in the Company's northern service territories experienced primarily
during the first half of 2023. Adjusted gross margin for the first
nine months of 2023 was positively impacted by contributions from
the Company's Florida natural gas
base rate proceeding, increased propane margins and fees, continued
pipeline expansion projects, organic growth in the Company's
natural gas distribution businesses, incremental contributions
associated with regulated infrastructure programs and increased
demand for virtual pipeline services. These increases were
partially offset by a $7.3 million
reduction in adjusted gross margin from reduced customer
consumption resulting from the significantly warmer temperatures in
our northern service territories during the first half of the year.
Also offsetting the increase in adjusted gross margin were higher
employee costs driven by growth initiatives, the ongoing
competitive labor market and higher benefits costs, higher
depreciation, amortization and property taxes and increased costs
related to the Company's facilities, maintenance and outside
services.
Regulated Energy
Segment
|
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Change
|
|
Percent
Change
|
Adjusted gross
margin**
|
$
240,130
|
|
$
222,800
|
|
$
17,330
|
|
7.8 %
|
Depreciation,
amortization and property taxes
|
56,415
|
|
55,225
|
|
1,190
|
|
2.2 %
|
Transaction-related
expenses
|
3,899
|
|
—
|
|
3,899
|
|
NMF
|
Other operating
expenses
|
87,988
|
|
83,373
|
|
4,615
|
|
5.5 %
|
Operating
income
|
$
91,828
|
|
$
84,202
|
|
$
7,626
|
|
9.1 %
|
The key components of the increase in adjusted gross margin**
are shown below:
(in
thousands)
|
|
Rate changes associated
with the Florida natural gas base rate proceeding
(1)
|
$
11,440
|
Natural gas growth
including conversions (excluding service expansions)
|
4,678
|
Natural gas
transmission service expansions
|
2,976
|
Contributions from
regulated infrastructure programs
|
1,756
|
Changes in customer
consumption - primarily related to weather
|
(3,272)
|
Other
variances
|
(248)
|
Period-over-period
increase in adjusted gross margin**
|
$
17,330
|
(1) Includes adjusted gross margin
contributions from interim rates and permanent base rates that
became effective in March 2023.
|
The major components of the increase in other operating expenses
are as follows:
(in
thousands)
|
|
Increased payroll,
benefits and other employee-related expenses
|
$
2,301
|
Increased facilities
expenses, maintenance costs and outside services
|
1,079
|
Increased regulatory
expenses
|
444
|
Increased costs related
to credit and collections
|
270
|
Other
variances
|
521
|
Period-over-period
increase in other operating expenses
|
$
4,615
|
Unregulated
Energy Segment
|
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Change
|
|
Percent
Change
|
Adjusted gross
margin**
|
$
83,818
|
|
$
82,193
|
|
$
1,625
|
|
2.0 %
|
Depreciation,
amortization and property taxes
|
14,500
|
|
13,269
|
|
1,231
|
|
9.3 %
|
Other operating
expenses
|
57,789
|
|
53,367
|
|
4,422
|
|
8.3 %
|
Operating
income
|
$
11,529
|
|
$
15,557
|
|
$
(4,028)
|
|
(25.9) %
|
The major components of the change in adjusted gross margin**
are shown below:
(in
thousands)
|
|
|
Propane
Operations
|
|
|
Increased propane
margins and service fees
|
|
$
6,389
|
Propane customer
consumption - primarily weather related
|
|
(5,583)
|
Decreased customer
consumption due to conversion of customers to our natural gas
system
|
|
(656)
|
CNG/RNG/LNG
Transportation and Infrastructure
|
|
|
Increased level of
virtual pipeline services
|
|
1,338
|
Aspire
Energy
|
|
|
Reduced customer
consumption - primarily weather related
|
|
(254)
|
Other
variances
|
|
391
|
Period-over-period
increase in adjusted gross margin**
|
|
$
1,625
|
The major components of the increase in other operating expenses
are as follows:
(in
thousands)
|
|
|
Increased payroll,
benefits and other employee-related expenses
|
|
$
3,603
|
Increased facilities
expenses, maintenance costs and outside services
|
|
836
|
Other
variances
|
|
(17)
|
Period-over-period
increase in other operating expenses
|
|
$
4,422
|
Sustainability Initiatives
In May 2023, Chesapeake Utilities
published its most recent sustainability report, and the Company
continues to remain steadfast in regards to its sustainability
commitments, including:
- Maintaining a leading role in the journey to a lower carbon
future in its service areas.
- Continuing to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace and
further the sustainability of the communities it serves.
- Operating its businesses with integrity and the highest ethical
standards.
These commitments guide the Company's mission to deliver energy
that makes life better for the people and communities it serves.
They impact every aspect of the Company and the relationships it
has with its stakeholders. The Company encourages its investors to
review the report, which can be accessed on the Company's website,
and welcomes feedback as it continues to enhance its sustainability
disclosures.
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 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2023 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 3, 2023 at 8:30 a.m.
Eastern Time to discuss the Company's financial results for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. 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: 800.343.5172
International: 203.518.9848
Conference ID: CPKQ323
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 Galtman
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
302.217.7036
Financial
Summary
(in thousands,
except shares and per-share data)
|
|
|
Three Months
Ended
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
|
|
September
30,
|
|
September
30,
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
Adjusted Gross
Margin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated Energy
segment
|
$
75,893
|
|
$ 69,732
|
|
$
240,130
|
|
$
222,800
|
Unregulated
Energy segment
|
18,589
|
|
17,146
|
|
83,818
|
|
82,193
|
Other businesses
and eliminations
|
(29)
|
|
(30)
|
|
(157)
|
|
(92)
|
Total Adjusted Gross
Margin**
|
$
94,453
|
|
$ 86,848
|
|
$
323,791
|
|
$
304,901
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
(Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
Energy segment
|
$
24,912
|
|
$ 23,663
|
|
$
91,828
|
|
$ 84,202
|
Unregulated Energy segment
|
(4,723)
|
|
(5,056)
|
|
11,529
|
|
15,557
|
Other
businesses and eliminations
|
39
|
|
41
|
|
131
|
|
222
|
Total Operating
Income
|
20,228
|
|
18,648
|
|
103,488
|
|
99,981
|
Other income (expense),
net
|
(72)
|
|
957
|
|
1,036
|
|
4,454
|
Interest
charges
|
7,076
|
|
6,240
|
|
21,272
|
|
17,404
|
Income Before Income
Taxes
|
13,080
|
|
13,365
|
|
83,252
|
|
87,031
|
Income taxes
|
3,673
|
|
3,703
|
|
21,368
|
|
23,385
|
Net
Income
|
$
9,407
|
|
$
9,662
|
|
$
61,884
|
|
$ 63,646
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings Per Share
of Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
$
0.53
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
$
3.48
|
|
$
3.59
|
Diluted
|
$
0.53
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
$
3.47
|
|
$
3.58
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted Net Income
and Adjusted Earnings Per
Share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
(GAAP)
|
$
9,407
|
|
$
9,662
|
|
$
61,884
|
|
$ 63,646
|
Transaction-related-expenses, net
(1)
|
2,804
|
|
—
|
|
2,898
|
|
—
|
Adjusted Net Income
(Non-GAAP)**
|
$
12,211
|
|
$
9,662
|
|
$
64,782
|
|
$ 63,646
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common
shares outstanding - diluted
|
17,857,784
|
|
17,819,373
|
|
17,847,288
|
|
17,797,001
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings Per Share -
Diluted (GAAP)
|
$
0.53
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
$
3.47
|
|
$
3.58
|
Transaction-related-expenses, net
(1)
|
0.16
|
|
—
|
|
0.16
|
|
—
|
Adjusted Earnings
Per Share - Diluted (Non-GAAP)**
|
$
0.69
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
$
3.63
|
|
$
3.58
|
(1) Transaction-related expenses
represent costs incurred attributable to the announced acquisition
of FCG including, but not limited to, legal, consulting, audit and
financing fees.
|
Financial Summary Highlights
Key variances between the third quarter of 2022 and the third
quarter of 2023 included:
(in thousands,
except per share data)
|
|
Pre-tax
Income
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
Earnings
Per Share
|
Third Quarter of
2022 Adjusted Results
|
|
$
13,365
|
|
$
9,662
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-recurring
Items:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Absence of interest
income from Federal Income Tax refund
|
|
(628)
|
|
(454)
|
|
(0.03)
|
|
|
(628)
|
|
(454)
|
|
(0.03)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increased
(Decreased) Adjusted Gross Margins:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contribution from rates
associated with Florida natural gas base rate
proceeding*
|
|
3,470
|
|
2,495
|
|
0.14
|
Increased propane
margins and service fees
|
|
1,813
|
|
1,304
|
|
0.07
|
Natural gas
transmission service expansions*
|
|
1,382
|
|
994
|
|
0.06
|
Natural gas growth
including conversions (excluding service expansions)
|
|
1,312
|
|
944
|
|
0.06
|
Contributions from
regulated infrastructure programs*
|
|
563
|
|
405
|
|
0.02
|
Changes in customer
consumption
|
|
(684)
|
|
(492)
|
|
(0.03)
|
Decreased margins
related to demand for virtual pipeline services*
|
|
(428)
|
|
(308)
|
|
(0.02)
|
|
|
7,428
|
|
5,342
|
|
0.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increased Operating
Expenses (Excluding Natural Gas, Propane, and
Electric Costs):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increased payroll,
benefits and other employee-related expenses
|
|
(1,638)
|
|
(1,178)
|
|
(0.06)
|
Depreciation,
amortization and property taxes
|
|
(697)
|
|
(501)
|
|
(0.03)
|
|
|
(2,335)
|
|
(1,679)
|
|
(0.09)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
charges
|
|
(835)
|
|
(601)
|
|
(0.03)
|
Changes in Other
income, net
|
|
(401)
|
|
(288)
|
|
(0.02)
|
Net other
changes
|
|
385
|
|
229
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
(851)
|
|
(660)
|
|
(0.03)
|
Third Quarter of
2023 Adjusted Results**
|
|
$
16,979
|
|
$
12,211
|
|
$
0.69
|
*
|
Refer to Major Projects
and Initiatives Table for additional information.
|
**
|
Transaction-related
expenses attributable to the announced acquisition of FCG have
been excluded from the Company's non-GAAP measures of adjusted net
income and adjusted EPS. See above tables for a reconciliation of
these items against the related GAAP measures.
|
Key variances between the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2023
included:
(in thousands,
except per share data)
|
|
Pre-tax
Income
|
|
Net
Income
|
|
Earnings
Per Share
|
Nine months ended
September 30, 2022 Adjusted Results
|
|
$
87,031
|
|
$
63,646
|
|
$
3.58
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-recurring
Items:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Absence of gain from
sales of assets
|
|
(1,902)
|
|
(1,414)
|
|
(0.08)
|
Absence of interest
income from Federal Income Tax refund
|
|
(628)
|
|
(459)
|
|
(0.03)
|
One-time benefit
associated with reduction in state tax rate
|
|
—
|
|
1,284
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
(2,530)
|
|
(589)
|
|
(0.04)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increased
(Decreased) Adjusted Gross Margins:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contribution from rates
associated with Florida natural gas base rate
proceeding*
|
|
11,440
|
|
8,504
|
|
0.48
|
Increased propane
margins and service fees
|
|
6,389
|
|
4,749
|
|
0.27
|
Natural gas growth
including conversions (excluding service expansions)
|
|
4,678
|
|
3,478
|
|
0.19
|
Natural gas
transmission service expansions*
|
|
2,976
|
|
2,212
|
|
0.12
|
Contributions from
regulated infrastructure programs*
|
|
1,756
|
|
1,305
|
|
0.07
|
Increased margins
related to demand for virtual pipeline services*
|
|
1,338
|
|
995
|
|
0.06
|
Increased adjusted
gross margin from off-system natural gas capacity sales
|
|
740
|
|
550
|
|
0.03
|
Customer consumption -
primarily resulting from weather
|
|
(9,765)
|
|
(7,259)
|
|
(0.41)
|
|
|
19,552
|
|
14,534
|
|
0.81
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increased Operating
Expenses (Excluding Natural Gas, Propane, and
Electric Costs):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increased payroll,
benefits and other employee-related expenses
|
|
(5,905)
|
|
(4,389)
|
|
(0.25)
|
Depreciation,
amortization and property taxes
|
|
(2,397)
|
|
(1,782)
|
|
(0.10)
|
Increased facilities
expenses, maintenance costs and outside services
|
|
(2,032)
|
|
(1,510)
|
|
(0.08)
|
|
|
(10,334)
|
|
(7,681)
|
|
(0.43)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
charges
|
|
(3,868)
|
|
(2,875)
|
|
(0.16)
|
Changes in Other
income, net
|
|
(888)
|
|
(660)
|
|
(0.04)
|
Net other
changes
|
|
(1,812)
|
|
(1,593)
|
|
(0.09)
|
|
|
(6,568)
|
|
(5,128)
|
|
(0.29)
|
Nine months ended
September 30, 2023 Adjusted Results**
|
|
$
87,151
|
|
$
64,782
|
|
$
3.63
|
*
|
Refer to Major Projects
and Initiatives Table for additional information.
|
**
|
Transaction-related
expenses attributable to the announced acquisition of FCG have
been excluded from the Company's non-GAAP measures of adjusted net
income and adjusted EPS. See above tables for a reconciliation of
these items against the related GAAP measures.
|
Recently Completed and Ongoing Major Projects and
Initiatives
The Company constantly 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 the major projects and initiatives
recently completed and currently underway. 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 discussion of the
Company's major projects accompanying this table, includes those
projects which began generating adjusted gross margin in the
current year, or those which are expected to contribute adjusted
gross margin beginning in future years. A comprehensive discussion
of all projects reflected below can be found in the Company's third
quarter 2023 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company's practice
is to add new projects and initiatives to this table once
negotiations or details are substantially final and/or the
associated earnings can be estimated. As the FCG acquisition is
still pending, it has not been incorporated into the table
below.
|
Adjusted Gross
Margin
|
|
Three Months
Ended
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
|
|
Year
Ended
|
|
Estimate
for
|
|
September
30,
|
|
September
30,
|
|
December
31,
|
|
Fiscal
|
(in
thousands)
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2024
|
Pipeline
Expansions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guernsey Power
Station
|
$
373
|
|
$
373
|
|
$
1,107
|
|
$
1,004
|
|
$
1,377
|
|
$
1,486
|
|
$
1,482
|
Southern
Expansion
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
586
|
|
2,344
|
Winter Haven
Expansion
|
166
|
|
64
|
|
468
|
|
125
|
|
260
|
|
576
|
|
626
|
Beachside Pipeline
Expansion
|
603
|
|
—
|
|
1,206
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
1,825
|
|
2,451
|
North Ocean City
Connector
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
200
|
St. Cloud / Twin
Lakes
Expansion
|
118
|
|
—
|
|
118
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
268
|
|
584
|
Clean Energy
(1)
|
267
|
|
—
|
|
783
|
|
—
|
|
126
|
|
1,009
|
|
1,009
|
Wildlight
|
178
|
|
—
|
|
271
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
528
|
|
2,000
|
Lake Wales
|
114
|
|
—
|
|
152
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
265
|
|
454
|
Newberry
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
862
|
Total Pipeline
Expansions
|
1,819
|
|
437
|
|
4,105
|
|
1,129
|
|
1,763
|
|
6,543
|
|
12,012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CNG/RNG/LNG
Transportation and
Infrastructure
|
2,385
|
|
2,813
|
|
8,811
|
|
7,473
|
|
11,100
|
|
11,321
|
|
12,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory
Initiatives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Florida GUARD
program
|
90
|
|
—
|
|
90
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
324
|
|
2,421
|
Capital Cost
Surcharge
Programs
|
687
|
|
489
|
|
2,110
|
|
1,503
|
|
2,001
|
|
2,811
|
|
3,979
|
Florida
Rate Case
Proceeding (2)
|
3,991
|
|
521
|
|
11,961
|
|
521
|
|
2,474
|
|
16,289
|
|
17,153
|
Electric Storm
Protection Plan
|
298
|
|
—
|
|
940
|
|
—
|
|
486
|
|
960
|
|
2,433
|
Total Regulatory
Initiatives
|
5,066
|
|
1,010
|
|
15,101
|
|
2,024
|
|
4,961
|
|
20,384
|
|
25,986
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$
9,270
|
|
$
4,260
|
|
$ 28,017
|
|
$ 10,626
|
|
$
17,824
|
|
$ 38,248
|
|
$ 50,498
|
(1) Includes adjusted gross margin
generated from interim services through the project in-service date
in September 2023.
|
(2) Includes adjusted gross margin
during 2023 comprised of both interim rates and permanent base
rates which became effective in March 2023.
|
Detailed Discussion of Major Projects and
Initiatives
Pipeline Expansions
Southern Expansion
Eastern Shore
installed a new natural gas driven compressor skid unit at its
existing Bridgeville, Delaware
compressor station that will provide 7,300 Dts/d of incremental
firm transportation pipeline capacity. The project obtained FERC
approval in December 2022 and went
into service during October 2023.
Beachside Pipeline Expansion
In June 2021, Peninsula Pipeline and, at that time,
an unrelated party, Florida City Gas, entered into a Transportation
Service Agreement for an incremental 10,176 Dts/d of firm service
in Indian River County, Florida,
to support Florida City Gas' growth along the Indian River's
barrier island. As part of this agreement, Peninsula Pipeline
constructed approximately 11.3 miles of pipeline from its existing
pipeline in the Sebastian, Florida
area east under the Intercoastal Waterway and southward on the
barrier island. Construction is complete and the project went into
service in April 2023.
North Ocean City Connector
During the second
quarter of 2022, the Company began construction of an extension of
service into North Ocean City,
Maryland. The Company's Delaware natural gas division and its
subsidiary, Sandpiper Energy, Inc. installed approximately 5.7
miles of pipeline across southern Sussex
County, Delaware to Fenwick
Island, Delaware and Worcester
County, Maryland. The project reinforces the Company's
existing system in Ocean City,
Maryland and enables incremental growth along the pipeline.
Construction of this project was completed in the second quarter of
2023. Adjusted gross margin in connection with this project is
expected to be recognized contingent upon the completion and
inclusion in rate base at the Company's next rate case in
Maryland.
St. Cloud / Twin Lakes
Expansion
In July 2022,
Peninsula Pipeline filed a petition with the Public Service
Commission ("PSC") for the State of
Florida for approval of its Transportation Service Agreement
with the Company's Florida
subsidiary, Florida Public Utilities ("FPU"), for an additional
2,400 Dts/day of firm service in the St.
Cloud, Florida area. As part of this agreement, Peninsula
Pipeline constructed a pipeline extension and regulator station for
FPU. The extension supports new incremental load due to growth in
the area, including providing service, most immediately, to the
residential development Twin Lakes. The expansion also improves
reliability and provides operational benefits to FPU's existing
distribution system in the area, supporting future growth.
Construction is complete and the project went into service in
July 2023.
Wildlight Expansion
In August 2022, Peninsula Pipeline and FPU filed a
joint petition with the Florida PSC for approval of its
Transportation Service Agreement associated with the Wildlight
planned community located in Nassau
County, Florida. The project enables the Company to meet the
significant growing demand for service in Yulee, Florida. The agreement allows the
Company to build the project during the construction and build-out
of the community, and charge the reservation rate as each phase of
the project goes into service. Construction of the pipeline
facilities will occur in two separate phases. Phase one consists of
three extensions with associated facilities, and a gas injection
interconnect with associated facilities. Phase two will consist of
two additional pipeline extensions. Various phases of the project
commenced in the first quarter of 2023, with construction on the
overall project continuing through 2025.
Lake Wales
In
February 2023, Peninsula Pipeline
filed a petition with the Florida PSC for approval of its
Transportation Service Agreement with the Company's Florida natural gas division, FPU for an
additional 9,000 Dt/d of firm service in the Lake Wales, Florida area. The PSC approved the
petition in April 2023. Approval of
the agreement enabled Peninsula Pipeline to complete the
acquisition of an existing pipeline in May
2023 that is being utilized to serve the Company's current
and new natural gas customers.
Newberry
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 Dt/d 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.
Worcester Resiliency Upgrade
In August 2023, Eastern Shore filed an application
with the FERC requesting authorization to construct the Worcester
Resiliency Upgrade, which consists of a mixture of storage and
transmission facilities in Sussex County,
DE and Wicomico,
Worcester, and Somerset Counties in Maryland. The project will provide long-term
incremental supply necessary to support the growing demand of the
participating shippers. Eastern Shore has requested certificate
authorization by December 2024, with
a target in-service date by the third quarter of 2025.
CNG/RNG/LNG Transportation and
Infrastructure
The Company has made a commitment to meet customer demand for
CNG, RNG and LNG in the markets we serve. This has included making
investments within Marlin Gas Services to be able to transport
these products through its virtual pipeline fleet to customers. To
date, the Company has also made an infrastructure investment in
Ohio, enabling RNG to fuel a
third-party landfill fleet and to transport RNG to end use
customers off its pipeline system. Similarly, the Company announced
in March 2022, the opening of a
high-capacity CNG truck and tube trailer fueling station in
Port Wentworth, Georgia. As one of
the largest public access CNG stations on the East Coast, it will
offer a RNG option to customers in the near future. The Company
constructed the station in partnership with Atlanta Gas Light, a
subsidiary of Southern Company Gas.
The Company is also involved in various other projects, all at
various stages and all with different opportunities to participate
across the energy value chain. In many of these projects, Marlin
will play a key role in ensuring the RNG is transported to one of
the Company's many pipeline systems where it will be injected. The
Company includes its RNG transportation services and infrastructure
related adjusted gross margin from across the organization in
combination with CNG and LNG projects.
As new projects are finalized, we will provide additional detail
on those projects at that time.
Discussed below is a current project in which we are in the
construction phase:
Full Circle Dairy
In February 2023, the Company announced plans to
construct, own and operate a dairy manure RNG facility at Full
Circle Dairy in Madison County,
Florida. The project consists of a facility converting dairy
manure to RNG and transportation assets to bring the gas to market.
The first injection of RNG is projected to occur in the first half
of 2024.
Regulatory Initiatives
Florida Gas Utility Access and Replacement Directive
("GUARD") Program
In February 2023, FPU filed a petition with the
Florida PSC for approval of the GUARD program. GUARD is a ten-year
program to enhance the safety, reliability, and accessibility of
portions of the Company's natural gas distribution system. The
Company identified various categories of projects to be included in
GUARD, which include the relocation of mains and service lines
located in rear easements and other difficult to access areas to
the front of the street, the replacement of problematic
distribution mains, service lines, and maintenance and repair
equipment and system reliability projects. In August 2023, the Florida PSC approved the GUARD
program, which included $205 million
of capital expenditures projected to be spent over a 10-year
period.
Other Major Factors Influencing Adjusted Gross Margin
Weather and Consumption
Weather was not a
significant factor during the third quarter of 2023 but the
Company's year-to-date adjusted gross margin was negatively
impacted by approximately $9.8
million attributable to reduced customer consumption driven
largely by significantly warmer weather in some of the Company's
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,
2023 and 2022.
HDD and CDD Information
|
Three Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
|
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Variance
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Variance
|
Delmarva
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual HDD
|
19
|
|
28
|
|
(9)
|
|
2,069
|
|
2,603
|
|
(534)
|
10-Year Average HDD
("Normal")
|
38
|
|
43
|
|
(5)
|
|
2,731
|
|
2,710
|
|
21
|
Variance from
Normal
|
(19)
|
|
(15)
|
|
|
|
(662)
|
|
(107)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Florida
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual HDD
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
—
|
|
371
|
|
535
|
|
(164)
|
10-Year Average HDD
("Normal")
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
—
|
|
550
|
|
543
|
|
7
|
Variance from
Normal
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(179)
|
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ohio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual HDD
|
86
|
|
84
|
|
2
|
|
3,148
|
|
3,614
|
|
(466)
|
10-Year Average HDD
("Normal")
|
65
|
|
72
|
|
(7)
|
|
3,661
|
|
3,614
|
|
47
|
Variance from
Normal
|
21
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
(513)
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Florida
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual CDD
|
1,533
|
|
1,303
|
|
230
|
|
2,793
|
|
2,486
|
|
307
|
10-Year Average CDD
("Normal")
|
1,391
|
|
1,393
|
|
(2)
|
|
2,535
|
|
2,535
|
|
—
|
Variance from
Normal
|
142
|
|
(90)
|
|
|
|
258
|
|
(49)
|
|
|
Natural Gas Distribution Growth
The average
number of residential customers served on the Delmarva Peninsula
increased by approximately 5.5 percent and 5.6 percent,
respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, while Florida customers increased by 3.6 percent and
4.0 percent, respectively, for the three- and nine-month periods.
On the Delmarva Peninsula, a larger percentage of the adjusted
gross margin growth was generated from residential growth given the
expansion of gas into new housing communities and conversions to
natural gas as our distribution infrastructure continues to build
out. In Florida, as new
communities continue to build out due to population growth and
infrastructure is added to support the growth, there is increased
load from both residential customers as well as new commercial and
industrial customers. The details are provided in the following
table:
|
Adjusted Gross
Margin**
|
|
Three Months
Ended
September 30, 2023
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2023
|
(in
thousands)
|
Delmarva
Peninsula
|
|
Florida
|
|
Delmarva
Peninsula
|
|
Florida
|
Customer
growth:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
$
384
|
|
$
380
|
|
$
1,470
|
|
$
1,043
|
Commercial and
industrial
|
69
|
|
479
|
|
522
|
|
1,643
|
Total customer growth
(1)
|
$
453
|
|
$
859
|
|
$
1,992
|
|
$
2,686
|
(1) Customer
growth amounts for Florida include the effects of revised rates
associated with the Company's natural gas base rate
proceeding.
|
Capital Investment Growth and Capital Structure
Updates
The Company's capital expenditures were $144.8 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2023. The following
table shows a range of the forecasted 2023 capital expenditures by
segment and by business line, excluding the FCG acquisition which
is expected to close prior to year-end 2023:
|
2023
|
(in
thousands)
|
Low
|
|
High
|
Regulated
Energy:
|
|
|
|
Natural gas
distribution
|
$
89,000
|
|
$
100,000
|
Natural gas
transmission
|
50,000
|
|
60,000
|
Electric
distribution
|
13,000
|
|
15,000
|
Total Regulated
Energy
|
152,000
|
|
175,000
|
Unregulated
Energy:
|
|
|
|
Propane
distribution
|
15,000
|
|
16,000
|
Energy
transmission
|
8,000
|
|
9,000
|
Other unregulated
energy
|
23,000
|
|
27,000
|
Total Unregulated
Energy
|
46,000
|
|
52,000
|
Other:
|
|
|
|
Corporate and other
businesses
|
2,000
|
|
3,000
|
Total 2023
Forecasted Capital Expenditures
|
$
200,000
|
|
$
230,000
|
The capital expenditure projection is subject to continuous
review and modification. Actual capital requirements may vary from
the above estimates due to a number of factors, including changing
economic conditions, supply chain disruptions, capital delays that
are greater than currently anticipated, customer growth in existing
areas, regulation, new growth or acquisition opportunities and
availability of capital. Historically, actual capital expenditures
have typically lagged behind the forecasted amounts. See "Capital
Investment and Earnings Guidance" discussed above for additional
information on the expected impacts related to the planned
acquisition of FCG.
The Company's target ratio of equity to total capitalization,
including short-term borrowings, is between 50 and 60 percent. The
Company's equity to total capitalization ratio, including
short-term borrowings, was approximately 53 percent as of
September 30, 2023.
Chesapeake Utilities
Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
Three Months
Ended
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
|
|
|
September
30,
|
|
September
30,
|
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
(in thousands,
except shares and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
Energy
|
|
$
102,411
|
|
$
90,980
|
|
$
345,822
|
|
$ 311,064
|
Unregulated Energy and
other
|
|
29,136
|
|
40,073
|
|
139,447
|
|
182,339
|
Total Operating
Revenues
|
|
131,547
|
|
131,053
|
|
485,269
|
|
493,403
|
Operating
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas and
electricity costs
|
|
26,518
|
|
21,248
|
|
105,692
|
|
88,264
|
Propane and natural
gas costs
|
|
10,576
|
|
22,958
|
|
55,786
|
|
100,236
|
Operations
|
|
41,217
|
|
40,182
|
|
128,147
|
|
120,981
|
Transactions-related expenses
|
|
3,899
|
|
—
|
|
3,899
|
|
—
|
Maintenance
|
|
5,125
|
|
4,501
|
|
15,487
|
|
13,273
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
17,610
|
|
17,339
|
|
52,096
|
|
51,532
|
Other
taxes
|
|
6,374
|
|
6,177
|
|
20,674
|
|
19,136
|
Total operating
expenses
|
|
111,319
|
|
112,405
|
|
381,781
|
|
393,422
|
Operating
Income
|
|
20,228
|
|
18,648
|
|
103,488
|
|
99,981
|
Other income (expense),
net
|
|
(72)
|
|
957
|
|
1,036
|
|
4,454
|
Interest
charges
|
|
7,076
|
|
6,240
|
|
21,272
|
|
17,404
|
Income Before Income
Taxes
|
|
13,080
|
|
13,365
|
|
83,252
|
|
87,031
|
Income Taxes
|
|
3,673
|
|
3,703
|
|
21,368
|
|
23,385
|
Net
Income
|
|
$
9,407
|
|
$
9,662
|
|
$
61,884
|
|
$
63,646
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average
Common Shares Outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
17,796,741
|
|
17,737,984
|
|
17,783,787
|
|
17,715,845
|
Diluted
|
|
17,857,784
|
|
17,819,373
|
|
17,847,288
|
|
17,797,001
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings Per Share
of Common Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
0.53
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
$
3.48
|
|
$
3.59
|
Diluted
|
|
$
0.53
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
$
3.47
|
|
$
3.58
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted Net Income
and Adjusted Earnings Per Share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
(GAAP)
|
|
$
9,407
|
|
$
9,662
|
|
$
61,884
|
|
$
63,646
|
Transaction-related
expenses, net (1)
|
|
2,804
|
|
—
|
|
2,898
|
|
—
|
Adjusted Net Income
(Non-GAAP)**
|
|
$
12,211
|
|
$
9,662
|
|
$
64,782
|
|
$
63,646
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings Per Share -
Diluted (GAAP)
|
|
$
0.53
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
$
3.47
|
|
$
3.58
|
Transaction-related
expenses, net (1)
|
|
0.16
|
|
—
|
|
0.16
|
|
—
|
Adjusted Earnings
Per Share - Diluted (Non-GAAP)**
|
|
$
0.69
|
|
$
0.54
|
|
$
3.63
|
|
$
3.58
|
(1) Transaction-related expenses
include costs incurred attributable to the announced acquisition of
FCG including, but not limited to, legal, consulting, audit and
financing fees.
|
Chesapeake Utilities
Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance
Sheets (Unaudited)
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
September
30,
2023
|
|
December 31,
2022
|
(in thousands,
except shares and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant and
Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated
Energy
|
|
$
1,916,585
|
|
$
1,802,999
|
Unregulated
Energy
|
|
404,924
|
|
393,215
|
Other businesses and
eliminations
|
|
28,802
|
|
29,890
|
Total property, plant
and equipment
|
|
2,350,311
|
|
2,226,104
|
Less: Accumulated
depreciation and amortization
|
|
(503,897)
|
|
(462,926)
|
Plus: Construction work
in progress
|
|
61,843
|
|
47,295
|
Net property, plant and
equipment
|
|
1,908,257
|
|
1,810,473
|
Current
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
1,793
|
|
6,204
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
|
47,397
|
|
65,758
|
Less: Allowance for
credit losses
|
|
(2,405)
|
|
(2,877)
|
Trade and other
receivables, net
|
|
44,992
|
|
62,881
|
Accrued
revenue
|
|
15,229
|
|
29,206
|
Propane inventory, at
average cost
|
|
7,001
|
|
9,365
|
Other inventory, at
average cost
|
|
17,593
|
|
16,896
|
Regulatory
assets
|
|
19,111
|
|
41,439
|
Storage gas
prepayments
|
|
5,063
|
|
6,364
|
Income taxes
receivable
|
|
5,340
|
|
2,541
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
17,179
|
|
15,865
|
Derivative assets, at
fair value
|
|
2,328
|
|
2,787
|
Other current
assets
|
|
1,837
|
|
428
|
Total current
assets
|
|
137,466
|
|
193,976
|
Deferred Charges and
Other Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
46,213
|
|
46,213
|
Other intangible
assets, net
|
|
16,518
|
|
17,859
|
Investments, at fair
value
|
|
11,084
|
|
10,576
|
Derivative assets, at
fair value
|
|
425
|
|
982
|
Operating lease
right-of-use assets
|
|
12,842
|
|
14,421
|
Regulatory
assets
|
|
91,678
|
|
108,214
|
Receivables and other
deferred charges
|
|
16,263
|
|
12,323
|
Total deferred charges
and other assets
|
|
195,023
|
|
210,588
|
Total
Assets
|
|
$
2,240,746
|
|
$
2,215,037
|
Chesapeake Utilities
Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated
Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
|
|
Capitalization and
Liabilities
|
|
September
30,
2023
|
|
December 31,
2022
|
(in thousands,
except shares and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalization
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders'
equity
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, par
value $0.01 per share (authorized 2,000,000 shares),
no shares issued and outstanding
|
|
$
—
|
|
$
—
|
Common stock, par
value $0.4867 per share (authorized 50,000,000
shares)
|
|
8,662
|
|
8,635
|
Additional paid-in
capital
|
|
382,551
|
|
380,036
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
476,601
|
|
445,509
|
Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
(1,137)
|
|
(1,379)
|
Deferred compensation
obligation
|
|
8,987
|
|
7,060
|
Treasury
stock
|
|
(8,987)
|
|
(7,060)
|
Total stockholders'
equity
|
|
866,677
|
|
832,801
|
Long-term debt, net of
current maturities
|
|
643,801
|
|
578,388
|
Total
capitalization
|
|
1,510,478
|
|
1,411,189
|
Current
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of
long-term debt
|
|
20,000
|
|
21,483
|
Short-term
borrowing
|
|
118,570
|
|
202,157
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
53,729
|
|
61,496
|
Customer deposits and
refunds
|
|
40,228
|
|
37,152
|
Accrued
interest
|
|
4,985
|
|
3,349
|
Dividends
payable
|
|
10,500
|
|
9,492
|
Accrued
compensation
|
|
9,831
|
|
14,660
|
Regulatory
liabilities
|
|
9,092
|
|
5,031
|
Derivative
liabilities, at fair value
|
|
828
|
|
585
|
Other accrued
liabilities
|
|
20,647
|
|
13,618
|
Total current
liabilities
|
|
288,410
|
|
369,023
|
Deferred Credits and
Other Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income
taxes
|
|
264,541
|
|
256,167
|
Regulatory
liabilities
|
|
145,092
|
|
142,989
|
Environmental
liabilities
|
|
2,562
|
|
3,272
|
Other pension and
benefit costs
|
|
17,133
|
|
16,965
|
Derivative
liabilities, at fair value
|
|
101
|
|
1,630
|
Operating lease -
liabilities
|
|
11,040
|
|
12,392
|
Deferred investment
tax credits and other liabilities
|
|
1,389
|
|
1,410
|
Total deferred credits
and other liabilities
|
|
441,858
|
|
434,825
|
Environmental and other
commitments and contingencies (1)
|
|
|
|
|
Total Capitalization
and Liabilities
|
|
$
2,240,746
|
|
$
2,215,037
|
(1) Refer to
Note 6 and 7 in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
further information.
|
Chesapeake Utilities
Corporation and Subsidiaries
Distribution Utility
Statistical Data (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months
Ended September 30, 2023
|
|
For the Three Months
Ended September 30, 2022
|
|
|
Delmarva NG
Distribution
|
|
Florida
Natural Gas
Distribution (1)
|
|
FPU Electric
Distribution
|
|
Delmarva NG
Distribution
|
|
Florida
Natural Gas
Distribution (1)
|
|
FPU Electric
Distribution
|
Operating
Revenues (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
|
$
8,663
|
|
$
9,862
|
|
$
16,967
|
|
$
7,642
|
|
$
8,762
|
|
$
12,941
|
Commercial and
Industrial
|
|
9,119
|
|
26,020
|
|
15,920
|
|
8,898
|
|
22,770
|
|
12,596
|
Other
(2)
|
|
217
|
|
2,441
|
|
(204)
|
|
143
|
|
4,302
|
|
(338)
|
Total Operating
Revenues
|
|
$
17,999
|
|
$
38,323
|
|
$
32,683
|
|
$
16,683
|
|
$
35,834
|
|
$
25,199
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volumes (in Dts for
natural gas and MWHs for electric)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
|
245,612
|
|
325,445
|
|
102,699
|
|
230,333
|
|
332,857
|
|
99,517
|
Commercial and
Industrial
|
|
1,915,125
|
|
10,684,539
|
|
96,716
|
|
1,981,048
|
|
9,603,742
|
|
100,519
|
Other
|
|
62,277
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
68,729
|
|
804,970
|
|
2,007
|
Total
|
|
2,223,014
|
|
11,009,984
|
|
199,415
|
|
2,280,110
|
|
10,741,569
|
|
202,043
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
Customers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
|
97,847
|
|
88,640
|
|
25,782
|
|
92,776
|
|
85,555
|
|
25,585
|
Commercial and
Industrial
|
|
8,208
|
|
8,411
|
|
7,382
|
|
8,071
|
|
8,335
|
|
7,366
|
Other
|
|
24
|
|
6
|
|
—
|
|
4
|
|
6
|
|
—
|
Total
|
|
106,079
|
|
97,057
|
|
33,164
|
|
100,851
|
|
93,896
|
|
32,951
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2023
|
|
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2022
|
|
|
Delmarva NG
Distribution
|
|
Florida
Natural Gas
Distribution (1)
|
|
FPU Electric
Distribution
|
|
Delmarva NG
Distribution
|
|
Florida
Natural Gas
Distribution (1)
|
|
FPU Electric
Distribution
|
Operating
Revenues (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
|
$
67,562
|
|
$
38,546
|
|
$
39,347
|
|
$
61,730
|
|
$
34,560
|
|
$
30,537
|
Commercial and
Industrial
|
|
41,637
|
|
80,499
|
|
39,913
|
|
39,078
|
|
72,524
|
|
30,351
|
Other
(2)
|
|
(6,696)
|
|
6,401
|
|
(805)
|
|
(4,767)
|
|
4,472
|
|
3,705
|
Total Operating
Revenues
|
|
$
102,503
|
|
$
125,446
|
|
$
78,455
|
|
$
96,041
|
|
$
111,556
|
|
$
64,593
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volumes (in Dts for
natural gas and MWHs for electric)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
|
3,302,125
|
|
1,551,348
|
|
238,051
|
|
3,593,154
|
|
1,572,974
|
|
243,341
|
Commercial and
Industrial
|
|
7,523,061
|
|
31,047,013
|
|
239,505
|
|
7,753,767
|
|
29,455,170
|
|
249,487
|
Other
|
|
213,600
|
|
627,934
|
|
—
|
|
231,013
|
|
2,474,454
|
|
5,978
|
Total
|
|
11,038,786
|
|
33,226,295
|
|
477,556
|
|
11,577,934
|
|
33,502,598
|
|
498,806
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
Customers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
|
97,230
|
|
88,051
|
|
25,718
|
|
92,078
|
|
84,664
|
|
25,500
|
Commercial and
Industrial
|
|
8,242
|
|
8,408
|
|
7,373
|
|
8,115
|
|
8,309
|
|
7,344
|
Other
|
|
23
|
|
6
|
|
—
|
|
4
|
|
6
|
|
—
|
Total
|
|
105,495
|
|
96,465
|
|
33,091
|
|
100,197
|
|
92,979
|
|
32,844
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) In
accordance with the Florida PSC approval of our natural gas base
rate proceeding, effective March 1, 2023, our natural gas
distribution businesses in Florida (FPU, FPU-Indiantown division,
FPU-Fort Meade division and Chesapeake Utilities CFG division,
collectively, "Florida natural gas distribution businesses") have
been consolidated for rate-making purposes and amounts above are
now being presented on a consolidated basis consistent with the
final rate order.
|
(2) Operating Revenues from "Other"
sources include unbilled revenue, under (over) recoveries of fuel
cost, conservation revenue, other miscellaneous charges, fees for
billing services provided to third parties and adjustments for
pass-through taxes.
|
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chesapeake-utilities-corporation-reports-third-quarter-2023-results-301976490.html
SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation