CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION REPORTS FISCAL YEAR 2024 RESULTS
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Overall Analyst Rating:
SELL (= Flat)
Dividend Yield: 2.2%
Revenue Growth %: +5.1%
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- Net income and earnings per share ("EPS")* were
$118.6 million and$5.26 , respectively, for the full year 2024, and$36.7 million and$1.60 , respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2024 - Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS**, which exclude transaction and transition-related expenses attributable to the acquisition of Florida City Gas ("FCG"), were
$121.5 million and$5.39 , respectively, for the full year 2024, and$37.3 million and$1.63 , respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2024 - Adjusted gross margin** increased by
$113.3 million during the year driven by contributions from FCG, regulatory initiatives and infrastructure programs, natural gas organic growth, continued pipeline expansion projects, and increased demand for virtual pipeline services - Achieved earnings guidance while accelerating return to target capital structure range; equity to total capitalization reaches 48.4 percent at
December 31, 2024
For 2024, net income was
The increase in 2024 earnings was driven by incremental contributions from FCG, additional margin from regulatory initiatives and infrastructure programs, growth in the Company's natural gas distribution businesses, continued pipeline expansion projects to support distribution growth, and increased 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.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company's net income was
Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024 were primarily impacted by the factors discussed for the full year.
"2024 has been a transformational year for Chesapeake Utilities – we started the year focused on integrating Florida City Gas and ended the year with substantial progress toward capitalizing on this acquisition as well as expanding opportunities in our legacy operations. We've made significant progress this year, including investing in our new and existing service areas, collaborating with our regulators and ensuring continuous business improvement to meet the needs of our customers and our growing organization," said
"In spite of accelerating the return to our target capital structure range and weather that continued to be warmer than normal, we achieved our earnings and capital guidance ranges and generated a top quartile annual shareholder return of 17 percent in 2024; since initiating guidance in 2018, we have consistently met or beat our guidance ranges while significantly growing the Company. This is a testament to our team's persistent focus on delivering top-quartile performance and growth," continued Householder. "Given this performance, I cannot envision a better start to our next phase of growth as we continue to set high expectations for ourselves and remain focused on meeting our promises, delivering with purpose and reaching new heights."
Capital Investment and Earnings Guidance
The Company's performance for 2024 was in line with its previously announced EPS guidance range of
The Company continues to re-affirm its 2025 EPS guidance range of
These earnings projections are based upon the Company's previously introduced capital expenditure guidance for the five-year period ended 2028 of
*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's and the overall 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 Year Ended | ||||||||
(in millions) | Regulated | Unregulated | Other and | Total | ||||
Operating Revenues | $ 583.4 | $ 228.4 | $ (24.6) | $ 787.2 | ||||
Cost of Sales: | ||||||||
Natural gas, propane and | (144.2) | (100.2) | 24.6 | (219.8) | ||||
Depreciation & amortization | (48.8) | (16.9) | — | (65.7) | ||||
Operations & maintenance | (48.6) | (33.1) | — | (81.7) | ||||
Gross Margin (GAAP) | 341.8 | 78.2 | — | 420.0 | ||||
Operations & maintenance | 48.6 | 33.1 | — | 81.7 | ||||
Depreciation & amortization | 48.8 | 16.9 | — | 65.7 | ||||
Adjusted Gross Margin (Non- | $ 439.2 | $ 128.2 | $ — | $ 567.4 | ||||
For the Year Ended | ||||||||
(in millions) | Regulated | Unregulated | Other and | Total | ||||
Operating Revenues | $ 473.6 | $ 223.1 | $ (26.1) | $ 670.6 | ||||
Cost of Sales: | ||||||||
Natural gas, propane and | (140.0) | (102.5) | 26.0 | (216.5) | ||||
Depreciation & amortization | (48.2) | (17.3) | — | (65.5) | ||||
Operations & maintenance | (27.5) | (31.5) | 0.3 | (58.7) | ||||
Gross Margin (GAAP) | 257.9 | 71.8 | 0.2 | 329.9 | ||||
Operations & maintenance | 27.5 | 31.5 | (0.3) | 58.7 | ||||
Depreciation & amortization | 48.2 | 17.3 | — | 65.5 | ||||
Adjusted Gross Margin (Non- | $ 333.6 | $ 120.6 | $ (0.1) | $ 454.1 | ||||
For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||
(in millions) | Regulated | Unregulated | Other and | Total | ||||
Operating Revenues | $ 153.7 | $ 68.3 | $ (7.0) | $ 215.0 | ||||
Cost of Sales: | ||||||||
Natural gas, propane and | (38.6) | (29.2) | 7.0 | (60.8) | ||||
Depreciation & amortization | (9.3) | (4.6) | — | (13.9) | ||||
Operations & maintenance | (12.9) | (8.8) | — | (21.7) | ||||
Gross Margin (GAAP) | 92.9 | 25.7 | — | 118.6 | ||||
Operations & maintenance | 12.9 | 8.8 | — | 21.7 | ||||
Depreciation & amortization | 9.3 | 4.6 | — | 13.9 | ||||
Adjusted Gross Margin (Non- | $ 115.1 | $ 39.1 | $ — | $ 154.2 | ||||
For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||
(in millions) | Regulated | Unregulated | Other and | Total | ||||
Operating Revenues | $ 127.8 | $ 64.2 | $ (6.7) | $ 185.3 | ||||
Cost of Sales: | ||||||||
Natural gas, propane and | (34.3) | (27.4) | 6.7 | (55.0) | ||||
Depreciation & amortization | (9.0) | (4.4) | — | (13.4) | ||||
Operations & maintenance | (3.9) | (7.6) | — | (11.5) | ||||
Gross Margin (GAAP) | 80.6 | 24.8 | — | 105.4 | ||||
Operations & maintenance | 3.9 | 7.6 | — | 11.5 | ||||
Depreciation & amortization | 9.0 | 4.4 | — | 13.4 | ||||
Adjusted Gross Margin (Non- | $ 93.5 | $ 36.8 | $ — | $ 130.3 | ||||
(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
Year Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
(dollars in millions, shares in thousands (except per share data)) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
Net Income (GAAP) | $ 118.6 | $ 87.2 | $ 36.7 | $ 25.3 | ||||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses, net (1) | 2.9 | 10.6 | 0.6 | 7.7 | ||||
Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP) | $ 121.5 | $ 97.8 | $ 37.3 | $ 33.0 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 22,531 | 18,435 | 22,914 | 20,178 | ||||
Earnings Per Share - Diluted (GAAP) | $ 5.26 | $ 4.73 | $ 1.60 | $ 1.26 | ||||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses, net (1) | 0.13 | 0.58 | 0.03 | 0.38 | ||||
Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Diluted (Non- | $ 5.39 | $ 5.31 | $ 1.63 | $ 1.64 | ||||
(1) Transaction and transition-related expenses represent non-recurring costs attributable to the acquisition and integration of FCG including, but not limited to, transaction costs, transition services, consulting, system integration, rebranding, and legal fees. |
(2) Weighted average shares reflect the impact of 4.4 million common shares issued in |
Operating Results for the Years Ended
Consolidated Results
Year Ended | |||||||
(in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||
Adjusted gross margin** | $ 567.4 | $ 454.1 | $ 113.3 | 25.0 % | |||
Depreciation, amortization and property taxes | 101.6 | 91.2 | 10.4 | 11.4 % | |||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses | 4.0 | 10.4 | (6.4) | (61.5) % | |||
Other operating expenses | 233.6 | 201.7 | 31.9 | 15.8 % | |||
Operating income | $ 228.2 | $ 150.8 | $ 77.4 | 51.3 % | |||
Operating income during 2024 was
At
Regulated Energy Segment
Year Ended | |||||||
(in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||
Adjusted gross margin** | $ 439.2 | $ 333.6 | $ 105.6 | 31.7 % | |||
Depreciation, amortization and property taxes | 82.5 | 71.7 | 10.8 | 15.1 % | |||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses | 4.0 | 10.4 | (6.4) | (61.5) % | |||
Other operating expenses | 156.5 | 125.3 | 31.2 | 24.9 % | |||
Operating income | $ 196.2 | $ 126.2 | $ 70.0 | 55.5 % | |||
The key components of the increase in adjusted gross margin** are shown below:
(in millions) | |
Contribution from FCG | $ 88.6 |
Margin from regulated infrastructure programs | 6.2 |
Natural gas growth including conversions (excluding service expansions) | 5.8 |
Natural gas transmission service expansions, including interim services | 5.2 |
Rate changes associated with | 1.6 |
Interim rates from recent rate case activities | 0.9 |
Expiration of regulatory recovery for pandemic-related costs | (1.2) |
Other variances | (1.5) |
Year-over-year increase in adjusted gross margin** | $ 105.6 |
(1) Includes adjusted gross margin contributions from permanent base rates that became effective in |
The major components of the increase in other operating expenses are as follows:
(in millions) | |
FCG operating expenses | $ 30.6 |
Facilities expenses, maintenance costs and outside services | 1.3 |
Insurance-related costs | 1.0 |
Payroll, benefits and other employee-related expenses | (1.0) |
Other variances | (0.7) |
Year-over-year increase in other operating expenses | $ 31.2 |
Unregulated Energy Segment
Year Ended | |||||||
(in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||
Adjusted gross margin** | $ 128.2 | $ 120.6 | $ 7.6 | 6.3 % | |||
Depreciation, amortization and property taxes | 19.1 | 19.5 | (0.4) | (2.1) % | |||
Other operating expenses | 77.4 | 76.7 | 0.7 | 0.9 % | |||
Operating income | $ 31.7 | $ 24.4 | $ 7.3 | 29.9 % | |||
The major components of the change in adjusted gross margin** are shown below:
(in millions) | ||
Propane Operations | ||
Increased propane customer consumption | $ 1.8 | |
Contributions from acquisition | 1.0 | |
Decreased propane margins and service fees | (0.3) | |
CNG/RNG/LNG Transportation and Infrastructure | ||
Increased demand for virtual pipeline services | 4.5 | |
Aspire Energy | ||
Increased margins - rate changes and gathering fees | 1.6 | |
Changes in customer consumption | (1.4) | |
Other variances | 0.4 | |
Year-over-year increase in adjusted gross margin** | $ 7.6 |
The major components of the increase in other operating expenses are as follows:
(in millions) | ||
Vehicle expenses | $ 0.9 | |
Insurance-related costs | 0.6 | |
Payroll, benefits and other employee-related expenses | (1.0) | |
Other variances | 0.2 | |
Year-over-year increase in other operating expenses | $ 0.7 |
Operating Results for the Quarters Ended
Consolidated Results
Three Months Ended | |||||||
(in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||
Adjusted gross margin** | $ 154.2 | $ 130.3 | $ 23.9 | 18.3 % | |||
Depreciation, amortization and property taxes | 23.8 | 20.3 | 3.5 | 17.2 % | |||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses | 0.9 | 6.5 | (5.6) | (86.2) % | |||
Other operating expenses | 62.6 | 56.2 | 6.4 | 11.4 % | |||
Operating income | $ 66.9 | $ 47.3 | $ 19.6 | 41.4 % | |||
Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was
At
Regulated Energy Segment
Three Months Ended | |||||||
(in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||
Adjusted gross margin** | $ 115.1 | $ 93.5 | $ 21.6 | 23.1 % | |||
Depreciation, amortization and property taxes | 18.8 | 15.2 | 3.6 | 23.7 % | |||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses | 0.9 | 6.5 | (5.6) | (86.2) % | |||
Other operating expenses | 41.8 | 37.4 | 4.4 | 11.8 % | |||
Operating income | $ 53.6 | $ 34.4 | $ 19.2 | 55.8 % | |||
The key components of the increase in adjusted gross margin** are shown below:
(in millions) | |
Contribution from FCG | $ 16.9 |
Margin from regulated infrastructure programs | 1.8 |
Natural gas growth including conversions (excluding service expansions) | 1.6 |
Natural gas transmission service expansions, including interim services | 1.5 |
Interim rates from recent rate case activities | 0.9 |
Other variances | (1.1) |
Period-over-period increase in adjusted gross margin** | $ 21.6 |
The major components of the increase in other operating expenses are as follows:
(in millions) | |
FCG operating expenses | $ 5.2 |
Facilities expenses, maintenance costs and outside services | 0.8 |
Payroll, benefits and other employee-related expenses | (1.1) |
Other variances | (0.5) |
Period-over-period increase in other operating expenses | $ 4.4 |
Unregulated Energy Segment
Three Months Ended | |||||||
(in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | Percent | |||
Adjusted gross margin** | $ 39.1 | $ 36.8 | $ 2.3 | 6.3 % | |||
Depreciation, amortization and property taxes | 5.0 | 5.0 | — | — % | |||
Other operating expenses | 21.0 | 18.9 | 2.1 | 11.1 % | |||
Operating income | $ 13.1 | $ 12.9 | $ 0.2 | 1.6 % | |||
The major components of the increase in adjusted gross margin** are shown below:
(in millions) | ||
Propane Operations | ||
Increased propane customer consumption | $ 0.5 | |
Contribution from acquisitions | 0.3 | |
Decreased propane margins and service fees | (0.8) | |
CNG/RNG/LNG Transportation and Infrastructure | ||
Increased demand for virtual pipeline services | 2.9 | |
Aspire Energy | ||
Increased margins - rate changes and gathering fees | 0.3 | |
Changes in customer consumption | (1.4) | |
Other variances | 0.5 | |
Quarter-over-quarter increase in adjusted gross margin** | $ 2.3 |
The major components of the increase in other operating expenses are as follows:
(in millions) | ||
Facilities expenses, maintenance costs and outside services | $ 0.7 | |
Payroll, benefits and other employee-related expenses | 0.6 | |
Insurance-related costs | 0.2 | |
Other variances | 0.6 | |
Quarter-over-quarter increase in other operating expenses | $ 2.1 |
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 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K 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
Toll-free: 800.579.2543
International: 785.424.1789
Conference ID: CPKQ424
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.
For more information, contact:
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Corporate Secretary
302.734.6022
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
302.217.7036
Head of Investor Relations
347.804.9067
Financial Summary
(dollars in millions, shares in thousands (except per-share data))
Year Ended | Three months ended | ||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
Adjusted Gross Margin | |||||||
Regulated Energy segment | $ 439.2 | $ 333.6 | $ 115.1 | $ 93.5 | |||
Unregulated Energy segment | 128.2 | 120.6 | 39.1 | 36.8 | |||
Other businesses and eliminations | — | (0.1) | — | — | |||
Total Adjusted Gross Margin** | $ 567.4 | $ 454.1 | $ 154.2 | $ 130.3 | |||
Operating Income | |||||||
Regulated Energy segment | $ 196.2 | $ 126.2 | $ 53.6 | $ 34.4 | |||
Unregulated Energy segment | 31.7 | 24.4 | 13.1 | 12.9 | |||
Other businesses and eliminations | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | — | |||
Total Operating Income | 228.2 | 150.8 | 66.9 | 47.3 | |||
Other income, net | 2.0 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | |||
Interest charges | 68.4 | 36.9 | 17.5 | 15.7 | |||
Income Before Income Taxes | 161.8 | 115.3 | 49.7 | 32.0 | |||
Income taxes | 43.2 | 28.1 | 13.0 | 6.7 | |||
Net Income | $ 118.6 | $ 87.2 | $ 36.7 | $ 25.3 | |||
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock | |||||||
Basic | $ 5.28 | $ 4.75 | $ 1.60 | $ 1.26 | |||
Diluted | $ 5.26 | $ 4.73 | $ 1.60 | $ 1.26 | |||
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Share | |||||||
Net Income (GAAP) | $ 118.6 | $ 87.2 | $ 36.7 | $ 25.3 | |||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses, net (2) | 2.9 | 10.6 | 0.6 | 7.7 | |||
Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP)** | $ 121.5 | $ 97.8 | $ 37.3 | $ 33.0 | |||
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 22,531 | 18,435 | 22,914 | 20,178 | |||
Earnings Per Share - Diluted (GAAP) | $ 5.26 | $ 4.73 | $ 1.60 | $ 1.26 | |||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses, net (2) | 0.13 | 0.58 | 0.03 | 0.38 | |||
Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Diluted (Non- | $ 5.39 | $ 5.31 | $ 1.63 | $ 1.64 | |||
(1) Weighted average shares reflect the impact of 4.4 million common shares issued in |
(2) Transaction and transition-related expenses represent costs attributable to the acquisition and integration of FCG including, but not limited to, transaction costs, transition services, consulting, system integration, rebranding and legal fees. |
Financial Summary Highlights
Key variances in operations between 2023 and 2024 included:
(in millions, except per share data) | Pre-tax Income | Net Income | Earnings Per Share | |||
Year ended | $ 129.7 | $ 97.8 | $ 5.31 | |||
Non-recurring Items: | ||||||
Absence of one-time benefit associated with reduction in state tax rate | — | (2.5) | (0.13) | |||
— | (2.5) | (0.13) | ||||
Increased (Decreased) Adjusted Gross Margins: | ||||||
Contributions from acquisition | 89.6 | 65.7 | 2.91 | |||
Margin from regulated infrastructure programs* | 6.2 | 4.6 | 0.20 | |||
Natural gas growth (excluding service expansions) | 5.8 | 4.2 | 0.19 | |||
Natural gas transmission service expansions, including interim services* | 5.2 | 3.8 | 0.17 | |||
Increased demand for virtual pipeline services | 4.5 | 3.3 | 0.15 | |||
Rate changes associated with | 1.6 | 1.2 | 0.05 | |||
Improved Aspire Energy performance - rate changes and gathering fees | 1.6 | 1.1 | 0.05 | |||
Interim rates from recent rate case activities* | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.03 | |||
Changes in customer consumption | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.01 | |||
Reduced propane margins per gallon and fees | (0.3) | (0.2) | (0.01) | |||
Expiration of regulatory recovery for pandemic-related costs | (1.2) | (0.9) | (0.04) | |||
114.2 | 83.7 | 3.71 | ||||
(Increased) Decreased Operating Expenses (Excluding Natural Gas, | ||||||
FCG operating expenses | (37.8) | (27.7) | (1.23) | |||
Depreciation, amortization and property taxes | (3.2) | (2.3) | (0.10) | |||
Increased insurance-related costs | (1.6) | (1.2) | (0.05) | |||
Facilities expenses, maintenance costs and outside services | (1.4) | (1.0) | (0.05) | |||
Increased vehicle expenses | (0.9) | (0.7) | (0.03) | |||
Payroll, benefits and other employee-related expenses | 2.0 | 1.5 | 0.07 | |||
(42.9) | (31.4) | (1.39) | ||||
Interest charges | (35.5) | (26.0) | (1.15) | |||
Increase in shares outstanding due to 2024 and 2023 equity issuances*** | — | — | (0.96) | |||
Net other changes | 0.3 | (0.1) | — | |||
(35.2) | (26.1) | (2.11) | ||||
Year ended | $ 165.8 | $ 121.5 | $ 5.39 |
* | See the Major Projects and Initiatives table for additional information. |
** | Transaction and transition-related expenses attributable to the acquisition and integration of FCG have been excluded from the Company's non-GAAP measures of adjusted net income and adjusted EPS. See reconciliations above for a detailed comparison to the related GAAP measures. |
*** | Reflects the impact of 4.4 million common shares issued in |
Key variances between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2024 included:
(in millions, except per share data) | Pre-tax Income | Net Income | Earnings Per Share | |||
Fourth quarter of 2023 Adjusted Results** | $ 42.6 | $ 33.0 | $ 1.64 | |||
Non-recurring Items: | ||||||
Absence of one-time benefit associated with reduction in state tax rate | — | (1.2) | (0.06) | |||
— | (1.2) | (0.06) | ||||
Increased (Decreased) Adjusted Gross Margins: | ||||||
Contribution from acquisitions | 17.1 | 12.7 | 0.55 | |||
Increased demand for virtual pipeline services | 2.9 | 2.2 | 0.10 | |||
Margins from regulated infrastructure programs* | 1.8 | 1.3 | 0.06 | |||
Natural gas growth including conversions (excluding service expansions) | 1.6 | 1.2 | 0.05 | |||
Natural gas transmission service expansions, including interim services* | 1.5 | 1.1 | 0.05 | |||
Interim rates from recent rate case activities* | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.03 | |||
Improved Aspire Energy performance - rate changes and gathering fees | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.01 | |||
Reduced propane margins and fees | (0.8) | (0.6) | (0.03) | |||
Changes in customer consumption | (0.9) | (0.7) | (0.03) | |||
24.4 | 18.1 | 0.79 | ||||
(Increased) Decreased Operating Expenses (Excluding Natural Gas, | ||||||
FCG operating expenses | (9.0) | (6.6) | (0.29) | |||
Facilities expenses, maintenance costs and outside services | (1.5) | (1.1) | (0.05) | |||
Increased insurance-related costs | (0.5) | (0.3) | (0.01) | |||
Payroll, benefits and other employee-related expenses | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.02 | |||
(10.5) | (7.6) | (0.33) | ||||
Interest charges | (5.9) | (4.4) | (0.19) | |||
Increase in shares outstanding due to 2024 and 2023 equity issuances*** | — | — | (0.20) | |||
Net other changes | (0.1) | (0.6) | (0.02) | |||
(6.0) | (5.0) | (0.41) | ||||
Fourth quarter of 2024 Adjusted Results** | $ 50.5 | $ 37.3 | $ 1.63 |
* | See the Major Projects and Initiatives table for additional information. |
** | Transaction and transition-related expenses attributable to the acquisition and integration of FCG have been excluded from the Company's non-GAAP measures of adjusted net income and adjusted EPS. See reconciliations above for a detailed comparison to the related GAAP measures. |
*** | Reflects the impact of 4.4 million common shares issued in |
Recently Completed and Ongoing Major Projects and Initiatives
The Company continuously pursues and develops additional projects and regulatory 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 that are currently underway or recently completed. The Company's practice is to add incremental margin associated with new projects and regulatory 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 prior year. A comprehensive discussion of all projects and initiatives reflected in the table below can be found in the Company's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Year Ended | Estimate for Calendar Year | |||||||
(in millions) | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | ||||
Pipeline Expansions: | ||||||||
Southern Expansion | $ 0.6 | $ 2.3 | $ 2.3 | $ 2.3 | ||||
Beachside Pipeline Expansion | 1.8 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 | ||||
0.3 | 0.6 | 2.8 | 3.8 | |||||
Wildlight | 0.5 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 4.3 | ||||
0.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | |||||
— | 1.4 | 2.6 | 2.6 | |||||
Worcester Resiliency Upgrade | — | — | 3.0 | 13.7 | ||||
— | — | 3.1 | 3.4 | |||||
— | — | 1.7 | 2.6 | |||||
Central Florida Reinforcement | — | 0.1 | 2.0 | 4.3 | ||||
— | 0.4 | 1.9 | 1.9 | |||||
Renewable Natural Gas Supply Projects | — | — | 5.7 | 6.7 | ||||
Total Pipeline Expansions | 3.5 | 9.2 | 31.0 | 48.5 | ||||
CNG/RNG/LNG Transportation and | 11.1 | 16.4 | 20.0 | 20.7 | ||||
Regulatory Initiatives: | ||||||||
Florida GUARD Program | 0.4 | 3.6 | 6.3 | 8.8 | ||||
FCG SAFE Program | — | 3.8 | 8.3 | 10.9 | ||||
Capital Cost Surcharge Programs | 2.8 | 3.2 | 5.3 | 6.7 | ||||
Florida Rate Case (1) | 15.8 | 17.4 | 17.2 | 17.2 | ||||
— | — | TBD | TBD | |||||
Delaware Rate Case (3) | — | 0.6 | TBD | TBD | ||||
Electric Rate Case (3) | — | 0.3 | TBD | TBD | ||||
Electric Storm Protection Plan | 1.3 | 3.2 | 5.6 | 5.6 | ||||
Total Regulatory Initiatives | 20.3 | 32.1 | 42.7 | 49.2 | ||||
Total | $ 34.9 | $ 57.7 | $ 93.7 | $ 118.4 | ||||
(1) Includes adjusted gross margin during 2023 comprised of both interim rates and permanent base rates which became effective in |
(2) Rate case application and depreciation study filed with the Maryland PSC in |
(3) Includes adjusted gross margin attributable to interim rates during 2024. See additional information provided below. |
Discussion of Major Projects and Initiatives
Pipeline Expansions
In
In
Worcester Resiliency Upgrade
In
East Coast Reinforcement Projects (
In
Central Florida Reinforcement Projects
In
In
Pioneer Supply Header Pipeline Project
In
Renewable Natural Gas Supply Projects
In
Regulatory Initiatives (with recent regulatory actions)
FCG SAFE Program
In
Maryland Natural Gas Rate Case
In
Maryland Natural Gas Depreciation Study
In
Delaware Natural Gas Rate Case
In
FPU Electric Rate Case
In
Other Major Factors Influencing Adjusted Gross Margin
Weather and Consumption
In 2024, higher consumption which includes the effects of colder weather compared to the prior year resulted in a
HDD and CDD Information
Year Ended | Three Months | ||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | Variance | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | ||||||
Delmarva | |||||||||||
Actual HDD | 3,634 | 3,416 | 218 | 1,347 | 1,347 | — | |||||
10-Year Average HDD ("Normal") | 4,039 | 4,161 | (122) | 1,404 | 1,430 | (26) | |||||
Variance from Normal | (405) | (745) | (57) | (83) | |||||||
Actual HDD | 796 | 664 | 132 | 285 | 293 | (8) | |||||
10-Year Average HDD ("Normal") | 794 | 826 | (32) | 282 | 276 | 6 | |||||
Variance from Normal | 2 | (162) | 3 | 17 | |||||||
Actual HDD | 5,014 | 5,043 | (29) | 1,834 | 1,895 | (61) | |||||
10-Year Average HDD ("Normal") | 5,594 | 5,594 | — | 1,933 | 1,933 | — | |||||
Variance from Normal | (580) | (551) | (99) | (38) | |||||||
Actual CDD | 3,299 | 3,101 | 198 | 475 | 308 | 167 | |||||
10-Year Average CDD ("Normal") | 3,009 | 2,934 | 75 | 394 | 399 | (5) | |||||
Variance from Normal | 290 | 167 | 81 | (91) | |||||||
Natural Gas Distribution Growth
The average number of residential customers served on the
The details are provided in the following table:
Adjusted Gross Margin Increase | |||
For the Year Ended | |||
(in millions) | Delmarva | ||
Customer growth: | |||
Residential | $ 1.6 | $ 2.7 | |
Commercial and industrial | 0.5 | 1.0 | |
Total customer growth | $ 2.1 | $ 3.7 | |
(1) Includes growth amounts for our legacy |
Capital Investment Growth and Capital Structure Updates
The Company's capital expenditures were
For the Year Ended | ||
(in millions) | ||
Regulated Energy: | ||
Natural gas distribution | $ 218.6 | |
Natural gas transmission | 68.8 | |
Electric distribution | 32.8 | |
Total Regulated Energy | 320.2 | |
Unregulated Energy: | ||
Propane distribution | 12.0 | |
Energy transmission | 5.3 | |
Other unregulated energy | 16.6 | |
Total Unregulated Energy | 33.9 | |
Other: | ||
Corporate and other businesses | 1.7 | |
Total Other | 1.7 | |
Total 2024 Capital Expenditures | $ 355.8 |
The following table shows a range of the forecasted 2025 capital expenditures by segment and by business line:
2025 | |||
(in millions) | Low | High | |
Regulated Energy: | |||
Natural gas distribution | $ 135.0 | $ 155.0 | |
Natural gas transmission | 135.0 | 145.0 | |
Electric distribution | 35.0 | 45.0 | |
Total Regulated Energy | 305.0 | 345.0 | |
Unregulated Energy: | |||
Propane distribution | 12.0 | 15.0 | |
Energy transmission | 5.0 | 10.0 | |
Other unregulated energy | 2.0 | 3.0 | |
Total Unregulated Energy | 19.0 | 28.0 | |
Other: | |||
Corporate and other businesses | 1.0 | 2.0 | |
Total 2025 Forecasted Capital Expenditures | $ 325.0 | $ 375.0 | |
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 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 our capital expenditure forecast.
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 48.4 percent as of
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries | ||||||||
Year Ended | Three months ended | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
(dollars in millions, shares in thousands (except per share data)) | ||||||||
Operating Revenues | ||||||||
Regulated Energy | $ 583.4 | $ 473.6 | $ 153.7 | $ 127.8 | ||||
Unregulated Energy | 228.4 | 223.1 | 68.3 | 64.2 | ||||
Other businesses and eliminations | (24.6) | (26.1) | (7.0) | (6.7) | ||||
Total Operating Revenues | 787.2 | 670.6 | 215.0 | 185.3 | ||||
Operating Expenses | ||||||||
Natural gas and electricity costs | 144.2 | 140.0 | 38.6 | 34.3 | ||||
Propane and natural gas costs | 75.6 | 76.5 | 22.2 | 20.7 | ||||
Operations | 210.1 | 178.4 | 56.7 | 50.3 | ||||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses | 4.0 | 10.4 | 0.9 | 6.5 | ||||
Maintenance | 22.5 | 20.4 | 5.9 | 4.9 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 65.7 | 65.5 | 13.9 | 13.4 | ||||
Other taxes | 36.9 | 28.6 | 9.9 | 7.9 | ||||
Total operating expenses | 559.0 | 519.8 | 148.1 | 138.0 | ||||
Operating Income | 228.2 | 150.8 | 66.9 | 47.3 | ||||
Other income, net | 2.0 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | ||||
Interest charges | 68.4 | 36.9 | 17.5 | 15.7 | ||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 161.8 | 115.3 | 49.7 | 32.0 | ||||
Income Taxes | 43.2 | 28.1 | 13.0 | 6.7 | ||||
Net Income | $ 118.6 | $ 87.2 | $ 36.7 | $ 25.3 | ||||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: | ||||||||
Basic | 22,469 | 18,371 | 22,838 | 20,113 | ||||
Diluted | 22,531 | 18,435 | 22,914 | 20,178 | ||||
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock: | ||||||||
Basic | $ 5.28 | $ 4.75 | $ 1.60 | $ 1.26 | ||||
Diluted | $ 5.26 | $ 4.73 | $ 1.60 | $ 1.26 | ||||
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Share | ||||||||
Net Income (GAAP) | $ 118.6 | $ 87.2 | $ 36.7 | $ 25.3 | ||||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses, net (1) | 2.9 | 10.6 | 0.6 | 7.7 | ||||
Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP)** | $ 121.5 | $ 97.8 | $ 37.3 | $ 33.0 | ||||
Earnings Per Share - Diluted (GAAP) | $ 5.26 | $ 4.73 | $ 1.60 | $ 1.26 | ||||
FCG transaction and transition-related expenses, net (1) | 0.13 | 0.58 | 0.03 | 0.38 | ||||
Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Diluted (Non-GAAP)** | $ 5.39 | $ 5.31 | $ 1.63 | $ 1.64 | ||||
(1) Transaction and transition-related expenses represent costs attributable to the acquisition and integration of FCG including, but not limited to, transaction costs, transition services, consulting, system integration, rebranding and legal fees, and interest charges related to fees and expenses associated with the Bridge Facility. |
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries | ||||
As of | ||||
Assets | 2024 | 2023 | ||
(in millions, except shares and per share data) | ||||
Property, Plant and Equipment | ||||
Regulated Energy | $ 2,661.8 | $ 2,418.5 | ||
Unregulated Energy | 463.7 | 410.8 | ||
Other businesses | 29.9 | 30.3 | ||
Total property, plant and equipment | 3,155.4 | 2,859.6 | ||
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (567.6) | (516.4) | ||
Plus: Construction work in progress | 148.1 | 113.2 | ||
Net property, plant and equipment | 2,735.9 | 2,456.4 | ||
Current Assets | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 7.9 | 4.9 | ||
Trade and other receivables | 80.0 | 74.5 | ||
Less: Allowance for credit losses | (3.3) | (2.7) | ||
Trade and other receivables, net | 76.7 | 71.8 | ||
Accrued revenue | 37.8 | 32.6 | ||
Propane inventory, at average cost | 8.9 | 9.3 | ||
Other inventory, at average cost | 18.0 | 19.9 | ||
Regulatory assets | 23.9 | 19.5 | ||
Storage gas prepayments | 3.8 | 4.7 | ||
Income taxes receivable | 6.8 | 3.8 | ||
Prepaid expenses | 17.3 | 15.4 | ||
Derivative assets, at fair value | 0.6 | 1.0 | ||
Other current assets | 2.6 | 2.8 | ||
Total current assets | 204.3 | 185.7 | ||
Deferred Charges and Other Assets | ||||
Goodwill | 507.7 | 508.2 | ||
Other intangible assets, net | 15.0 | 16.9 | ||
Investments, at fair value | 14.4 | 12.3 | ||
Derivative assets, at fair value | 0.1 | — | ||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 10.5 | 12.4 | ||
Regulatory assets | 77.4 | 96.4 | ||
Receivables and other deferred charges | 11.7 | 16.4 | ||
Total deferred charges and other assets | 636.8 | 662.6 | ||
Total Assets | $ 3,577.0 | $ 3,304.7 | ||
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries | ||||
As of | ||||
Capitalization and Liabilities | 2024 | 2023 | ||
(in millions, except shares and per share data) | ||||
Capitalization | ||||
Stockholders' equity | ||||
Preferred stock, par value | $ — | $ — | ||
Common stock, par value | 11.1 | 10.8 | ||
Additional paid-in capital | 830.5 | 749.4 | ||
Retained earnings | 550.3 | 488.7 | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1.7) | (2.8) | ||
Deferred compensation obligation | 9.8 | 9.1 | ||
Treasury stock | (9.8) | (9.1) | ||
Total stockholders' equity | 1,390.2 | 1,246.1 | ||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities | 1,261.7 | 1,187.1 | ||
Total capitalization | 2,651.9 | 2,433.2 | ||
Current Liabilities | ||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 25.5 | 18.5 | ||
Short-term borrowing | 196.5 | 179.9 | ||
Accounts payable | 78.3 | 77.5 | ||
Customer deposits and refunds | 45.7 | 46.4 | ||
Accrued interest | 4.8 | 7.0 | ||
Dividends payable | 14.7 | 13.1 | ||
Accrued compensation | 23.9 | 16.5 | ||
Regulatory liabilities | 16.1 | 13.7 | ||
Derivative liabilities, at fair value | — | 0.4 | ||
Other accrued liabilities | 13.9 | 13.4 | ||
Total current liabilities | 419.4 | 386.4 | ||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | ||||
Deferred income taxes | 296.1 | 259.1 | ||
Regulatory liabilities | 184.0 | 195.3 | ||
Environmental liabilities | 2.2 | 2.6 | ||
Other pension and benefit costs | 13.2 | 15.3 | ||
Derivative liabilities at fair value | 0.1 | 0.9 | ||
Operating lease - liabilities | 8.7 | 10.6 | ||
Deferred investment tax credits and other liabilities | 1.4 | 1.3 | ||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities | 505.7 | 485.1 | ||
Environmental and other commitments and contingencies (1) | ||||
Total Capitalization and Liabilities | $ 3,577.0 | $ 3,304.7 | ||
(1) Refer to Note 19 and 20 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended |
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries | |||||||||||||||
For Three Months Ended | For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
Delmarva NG |
|
| FPU Electric | Delmarva NG |
|
| FPU Electric | ||||||||
Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $ 19.4 | $ 12.6 | $ 12.4 | $ 11.6 | $ 20.1 | $ 12.2 | $ 5.0 | $ 10.2 | |||||||
Commercial and Industrial | 12.7 | 26.8 | 17.0 | 10.8 | 12.6 | 28.4 | 5.9 | 12.1 | |||||||
Other (2) | 3.9 | 6.1 | 9.1 | (2.2) | 5.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 | (1.3) | |||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ 36.0 | $ 45.5 | $ 38.5 | $ 20.2 | $ 38.5 | $ 42.9 | $ 12.1 | $ 21.0 | |||||||
Volumes (in Dts for natural gas and MWHs for electric) | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 1,003,547 | 600,803 | 438,416 | 68,174 | 1,087,809 | 529,697 | 157,884 | 62,067 | |||||||
Commercial and Industrial | 2,971,382 | 9,058,554 | 2,804,310 | 94,706 | 2,707,601 | 10,451,908 | 940,028 | 144,801 | |||||||
Other | 73,255 | 176,683 | 1,372,173 | — | 79,586 | — | 549,132 | — | |||||||
Total | 4,048,184 | 9,836,040 | 4,614,899 | 162,880 | 3,874,996 | 10,981,605 | 1,647,044 | 206,868 | |||||||
Average Customers | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 103,308 | 93,321 | 114,769 | 25,781 | 98,974 | 89,383 | 112,585 | 25,722 | |||||||
Commercial and Industrial | 8,425 | 8,614 | 8,610 | 7,315 | 8,256 | 8,434 | 8,587 | 7,370 | |||||||
Other | 21 | — | 123 | — | 23 | 6 | 6 | — | |||||||
Total | 111,754 | 101,935 | 123,502 | 33,096 | 107,253 | 97,823 | 121,178 | 33,092 | |||||||
For the Twelve Months Ended | For the Twelve Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
Delmarva NG |
|
| FPU Electric | Delmarva NG |
|
| FPU Electric | ||||||||
Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $ 79.4 | $ 48.8 | $ 52.4 | $ 50.3 | $ 87.7 | $ 50.8 | $ 5.0 | $ 49.5 | |||||||
Commercial and Industrial | 47.7 | 107.4 | 69.1 | 48.1 | 54.3 | 108.9 | 5.9 | 52.0 | |||||||
Other (2) | 1.7 | 14.1 | 18.8 | (5.8) | (1.0) | 8.7 | 1.2 | (2.0) | |||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ 128.8 | $ 170.3 | $ 140.3 | $ 92.6 | $ 141.0 | $ 168.4 | $ 12.1 | $ 99.5 | |||||||
Volumes (in Dts for natural gas and MWHs for electric) | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 4,502,823 | 2,315,717 | 1,805,825 | 311,628 | 4,389,934 | 2,081,045 | 157,884 | 300,118 | |||||||
Commercial and Industrial | 10,559,929 | 38,377,357 | 11,260,037 | 396,393 | 10,230,662 | 41,498,921 | 940,028 | 384,306 | |||||||
Other | 280,468 | 2,139,372 | 5,938,383 | — | 293,186 | 627,934 | 549,132 | — | |||||||
Total | 15,343,220 | 42,832,446 | 19,004,245 | 708,021 | 14,913,782 | 44,207,900 | 1,647,044 | 684,424 | |||||||
Average Customers | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 101,610 | 91,839 | 113,917 | 25,756 | 97,666 | 88,384 | 112,585 | 25,719 | |||||||
Commercial and Industrial | 8,379 | 8,517 | 8,561 | 7,350 | 8,246 | 8,415 | 8,587 | 7,372 | |||||||
Other | 25 | — | 113 | — | 23 | 6 | 6 | — | |||||||
Total | 110,014 | 100,356 | 122,591 | 33,106 | 105,935 | 96,805 | 121,178 | 33,091 | |||||||
(1) Operating revenues and volumes for FCG include amounts from the acquisition date. Customer totals for FCG reflect actual amounts at |
(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 to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chesapeake-utilities-corporation-reports-fiscal-year-2024-results-302386589.html
SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
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