Chesapeake Utilities(CPK)

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Chesapeake Utilities(CPK) - 2023 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2024-02-23 06:01
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2023, the company achieved adjusted EPS of $5.31, representing a 5.4% growth over 2022, driven by incremental gross margins of $33.9 million [25][77] - The company reported a 10.4% increase in adjusted gross margin for the Regulated Energy segment, with operating income increasing by 18.4% [50] - Stockholders' equity increased by $413 million or approximately 50%, primarily due to equity financing for the Florida City Gas acquisition [60] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested $211 million in capital projects, with approximately 80% allocated to the Regulated Energy segment [43] - The unregulated energy segment's adjusted gross margin increased by 2.2% over the previous year, although operating income decreased by 10.7% due to lower consumption [36] - The propane business saw an increase in margins per gallon, contributing to overall growth [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average residential customer growth rate was 5.4% in the Delmarva service territories and nearly 4% in Florida [25] - The company expects customer base growth of approximately 3% in Florida and 4% in Delmarva over the next five years [45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on integrating Florida City Gas and pursuing operational efficiencies across its businesses [32][41] - Future capital investments are projected to be between $1.5 billion and $1.8 billion by 2028, with a significant portion dedicated to regulated energy [58][85] - The company is also exploring hydrogen initiatives and sustainable energy projects to enhance its service offerings [11][65] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of warmer temperatures and rising interest rates on customer consumption but emphasized that regulatory initiatives and growth investments offset these challenges [39][49] - The outlook for 2024 is seen as a transition year, with EPS guidance set at $5.33 to $5.45 per share [42] - Management remains optimistic about achieving top quartile performance and delivering value to stakeholders through disciplined investments [68][93] Other Important Information - The company is finalizing regulatory filings for three RNG transmission projects expected to generate margins by late 2024 or early 2025 [31] - The Worcester Resiliency Upgrade project, a significant capital investment, is currently pending before FERC [64] Q&A Session Summary Question: When will the company file a full general rate case in Florida? - Management indicated that they are evaluating the timing for filing a recovery of a portion of the goodwill from the acquisition, focusing on integration first [95][100] Question: What is the status of the propane business in 2024? - The company is not pursuing large transformational deals but may consider smaller bolt-on transactions to enhance its propane footprint [75][118] Question: Can you provide insight into customer growth forecasts? - Management noted that the forecasts are conservative, considering potential impacts from rising mortgage rates, but they remain optimistic about exceeding these estimates if construction activity continues [104][128]
CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION REPORTS FISCAL YEAR 2023 RESULTS
Prnewswire· 2024-02-21 21:45
Full Year 2023 earnings per share ("EPS")* was $4.73, including transaction-related expenses attributable to the acquisition of Florida City Gas ("FCG") of $0.58 per share, compared to $5.04 per share in 2022 Adjusted EPS**, which excludes the transaction-related expenses, was $5.31 for the year ended 2023, or an increase of 5.4 percent over 2022 EPS for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $1.26, including transaction-related expenses of $0.38 per share, versus $1.47 per share for the fourth quarter of 2022 Ad ...
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Announces Quarterly Dividend
Prnewswire· 2024-02-20 18:24
DOVER, Del., Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At their meeting held today, the Board of Directors of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.59 per share on the Company's common stock. The $0.59 per share dividend will be paid on April 5, 2024 to all shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2024. With this dividend, Chesapeake will have paid dividends to its shareholders without interruption for 63 years and has increased its annualized dividend ...
Chesapeake Utilities(CPK) - 2023 Q4 - Annual Report
2024-02-20 16:00
[Part I](index=7&type=section&id=Part%20I) [Business](index=9&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Business) Chesapeake Utilities is a diversified energy company with Regulated and Unregulated segments, focusing on growth through strategic acquisitions and sustainable energy investments - The company's growth strategy focuses on optimizing existing businesses, pursuing pipeline expansions, growing transport services, and investing in sustainable energy[19](index=19&type=chunk)[23](index=23&type=chunk) - On November 30, 2023, Chesapeake completed the acquisition of Florida City Gas (FCG) for **$923.4 million**, adding approximately **120,000** natural gas customers[22](index=22&type=chunk) - As of December 31, 2023, the company had **1,281 employees**, with 196 represented by two labor unions[65](index=65&type=chunk) [Regulated Energy](index=9&type=section&id=Regulated%20Energy) Regulated Energy Segment Financials (2023) | Operations | Areas Served | Net Income (Loss) (in thousands) | Total Assets (in thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Natural Gas Distribution** | | | | | Delmarva Natural Gas | Delaware/Maryland | $9,256 | $407,089 | | Florida Natural Gas | Florida | $23,840 | $545,952 | | Florida City Gas | Florida | $(3,256) | $1,010,998 | | **Natural Gas Transmission** | | | | | Eastern Shore | Delaware/Maryland/Pennsylvania | $23,284 | $480,147 | | Peninsula Pipeline | Florida | $12,195 | $154,301 | | Aspire Energy Express | Ohio | $417 | $6,746 | | **Electric Distribution** | | | | | FPU | Florida | $3,727 | $176,348 | | **Total Regulated Energy** | | **$69,463** | **$2,781,581** | - The Florida PSC approved a permanent rate relief of approximately **$17.2 million** annually for the company's legacy natural gas distribution businesses[32](index=32&type=chunk) - In June 2023, the Florida PSC approved a **$23.3 million** total base revenue increase for FCG, with new rates effective May 1, 2023[33](index=33&type=chunk) [Unregulated Energy](index=16&type=section&id=Unregulated%20Energy) Unregulated Energy Segment Financials (2023) | Operations | Area Served | Net Income (Loss) (in thousands) | Total Assets (in thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Propane Operations | DE, MD, VA, PA, NC, SC, FL | $13,587 | $191,164 | | Energy Transmission (Aspire Energy) | Ohio | $3,080 | $145,183 | | Energy Generation (Eight Flags) | Florida | $2,235 | $37,805 | | Marlin Gas Services | The Entire U.S. | $432 | $54,256 | | Sustainable investments and other | Various | $(1,697) | $48,994 | | **Total** | | **$17,637** | **$477,402** | - The propane operations sold **71.3 million gallons** in 2023 to approximately **84,886 customers** across multiple states[50](index=50&type=chunk) - Sustainable investments include renewable natural gas (RNG) projects, with a new dairy manure facility expected to begin injection in the first half of 2024[59](index=59&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=22&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) The company faces material financial, operational, and regulatory risks, including market instability, competition, cybersecurity threats, and challenges in integrating acquisitions - Financial risks include instability in financial markets impacting access to capital, fluctuations in propane prices, and increases in interest rates affecting debt costs[81](index=81&type=chunk)[82](index=82&type=chunk)[84](index=84&type=chunk) - Operational risks are significant, including dependence on new construction, competition, earnings volatility due to weather, and cybersecurity threats[89](index=89&type=chunk)[91](index=91&type=chunk)[94](index=94&type=chunk)[100](index=100&type=chunk) - The company faces risks in integrating acquisitions, such as the recent FCG purchase, which could involve failing to realize anticipated benefits or difficulties in integrating systems[120](index=120&type=chunk)[121](index=121&type=chunk) - Regulatory, legal, and environmental risks include adverse decisions from regulatory bodies, compliance costs with safety and environmental laws, and potential impacts from climate change policies[123](index=123&type=chunk)[124](index=124&type=chunk)[127](index=127&type=chunk)[130](index=130&type=chunk) [Unresolved Staff Comments](index=30&type=section&id=Item%201B.%20Unresolved%20Staff%20Comments) The company reports no unresolved staff comments from the SEC - There are no unresolved staff comments[133](index=133&type=chunk) [Cybersecurity](index=30&type=section&id=Item%201C.%20Cybersecurity) The company manages cybersecurity risks through a comprehensive program aligned with NIST frameworks, with no material incidents reported to date - The company's cybersecurity risk management program is based on frameworks established by the **National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)**[136](index=136&type=chunk) - Oversight is provided by the Board and its Audit Committee, with the Chief Information Officer leading the information security program[139](index=139&type=chunk) - As of the filing date, the company states there have not been any cybersecurity incidents that have **materially affected** its business, operations, or financial condition[137](index=137&type=chunk) [Properties](index=32&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Properties) The company's assets include over 10,700 miles of regulated energy pipelines and lines, and unregulated assets like 8.9 million gallons of propane storage Miles of Assets Operated by Regulated Energy Segment (as of Dec 31, 2023) | Operations | Miles | | :--- | :--- | | **Natural Gas Distribution** | | | Delmarva Natural Gas (Natural gas pipelines) | 2,075 | | FPU (Natural gas pipelines) | 3,154 | | Florida City Gas (Natural gas pipelines) | 3,860 | | **Natural Gas Transmission** | | | Eastern Shore | 517 | | Florida City Gas | 79 | | Peninsula Pipeline | 177 | | **Electric Distribution** | | | FPU | 906 | | **Total** | **10,785** | Key Assets of Unregulated Energy Segment (as of Dec 31, 2023) | Operations | Gallons or miles | | :--- | :--- | | **Propane distribution** | | | Propane storage capacity (gallons in millions) | 8.9 | | Underground propane distribution mains (miles) | 153 | | **Unregulated Energy Transmission (Aspire Energy)** | | | Natural gas pipelines (miles) | 2,800 | [Legal Proceedings](index=33&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Legal%20Proceedings) Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 20 of the Consolidated Financial Statements - For information on legal proceedings, the company refers to Note 20, Other Commitments and Contingencies, in the Consolidated Financial Statements[145](index=145&type=chunk) [Mine Safety Disclosures](index=33&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Mine%20Safety%20Disclosures) This item is not applicable to the company - Not applicable[146](index=146&type=chunk) [Part II](index=33&type=section&id=Part%20II) [Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](index=33&type=section&id=Item%205.%20Market%20for%20the%20Registrant's%20Common%20Equity%2C%20Related%20Stockholder%20Matters%20and%20Issuer%20Purchases%20of%20Equity%20Securities) The company's stock (CPK) trades on the NYSE, with 63 consecutive years of dividend payments and a five-year total stockholder return of 42% - The company's common stock (CPK) is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, with **1,974 holders of record** as of February 16, 2024[147](index=147&type=chunk) - The company has paid cash dividends for **63 consecutive years**, declaring a total of **$2.305 per share** in 2023[147](index=147&type=chunk) Five-Year Cumulative Total Stockholder Return | Year | Chesapeake Utilities | Industry Index | S&P 500 Index | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **2018** | $100 | $100 | $100 | | **2019** | $120 | $119 | $131 | | **2020** | $138 | $99 | $156 | | **2021** | $189 | $114 | $200 | | **2022** | $156 | $122 | $164 | | **2023** | $142 | $121 | $207 | [Reserved](index=36&type=section&id=Item%206.%20Reserved) This item is reserved [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=36&type=section&id=Item%207.%20Management's%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) The FCG acquisition significantly impacted financials, with GAAP net income decreasing due to transaction costs, though adjusted net income grew 9% - The acquisition of Florida City Gas (FCG) for **$923.4 million** was a key event, adding approximately **120,000 customers** and significantly impacting financial results[157](index=157&type=chunk)[159](index=159&type=chunk) - Key drivers for 2023 performance included positive contributions from rate cases and the FCG acquisition, offset by a **$13.6 million negative impact** from warmer weather[173](index=173&type=chunk) - Total capital expenditures were **$1.1 billion** in 2023, including **$926.7 million** for the FCG acquisition, with a 2024 forecast between **$300 million and $360 million**[236](index=236&type=chunk)[237](index=237&type=chunk) GAAP vs. Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (Diluted) | Metric | 2023 | 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Earnings Per Share - Diluted (GAAP)** | **$4.73** | **$5.04** | | FCG transaction-related expenses, net | $0.58 | — | | **Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Diluted (Non-GAAP)** | **$5.31** | **$5.04** | [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=60&type=section&id=Item%207A.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) The company manages market risks including interest rate, commodity price, and credit risk through various mitigation strategies like hedging and fuel cost recovery mechanisms - The company is exposed to interest rate risk, which can increase the cost of future debt, and uses interest rate swaps to mitigate this risk[274](index=274&type=chunk) - Commodity price risk is limited for regulated operations due to fuel cost recovery mechanisms but is managed in unregulated propane operations through storage and derivative contracts[275](index=275&type=chunk)[276](index=276&type=chunk)[277](index=277&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](index=62&type=section&id=Item%208.%20Financial%20Statements%20and%20Supplementary%20Data) This section presents the audited consolidated financial statements for 2021-2023, along with an unqualified opinion from the independent auditor Consolidated Statement of Income Highlights | (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total operating revenues** | $670,604 | $680,704 | $569,968 | | **Operating Income** | $150,803 | $142,933 | $131,112 | | **Net Income** | $87,212 | $89,796 | $83,466 | Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights | (in thousands) | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Assets** | $3,304,704 | $2,215,037 | | Net property, plant and equipment | $2,456,374 | $1,810,473 | | Goodwill | $508,174 | $46,213 | | **Total Liabilities** | $2,058,600 | $1,382,236 | | Long-term debt, net | $1,187,075 | $578,388 | | **Total stockholders' equity** | $1,246,104 | $832,801 | Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Highlights | (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net cash provided by operating activities** | $203,482 | $158,882 | $150,504 | | **Net cash used in investing activities** | $(1,111,391) | $(136,448) | $(223,023) | | **Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities** | $906,609 | $(21,206) | $73,996 | [Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure](index=114&type=section&id=Item%209.%20Changes%20In%20and%20Disagreements%20With%20Accountants%20on%20Accounting%20and%20Financial%20Disclosure) The company reports no changes in or disagreements with its accountants on accounting and financial disclosure - None reported[540](index=540&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=114&type=section&id=Item%209A.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded that disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting were effective, excluding the recently acquired Florida City Gas from the assessment - The CEO and CFO concluded that **disclosure controls and procedures were effective** as of December 31, 2023[541](index=541&type=chunk) - Management's report on internal control over financial reporting concluded that controls were effective, excluding the recently acquired Florida City Gas, which represented approximately **31% of total assets**[543](index=543&type=chunk)[546](index=546&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=115&type=section&id=Item%209B.%20Other%20Information) The company reports no other information - None[549](index=549&type=chunk) [Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspection](index=115&type=section&id=Item%209C.%20Disclosure%20Regarding%20Foreign%20Jurisdictions%20that%20Prevent%20Inspection) This item is not applicable to the company - None[550](index=550&type=chunk) [Part III](index=115&type=section&id=Part%20III) [Directors, Executive Officers of the Registrant and Corporate Governance](index=115&type=section&id=Item%2010.%20Directors%2C%20Executive%20Officers%20of%20the%20Registrant%20and%20Corporate%20Governance) This section incorporates information by reference from the company's upcoming Proxy Statement regarding governance and its Code of Ethics - Information regarding directors, executive officers, and corporate governance is **incorporated by reference** from the company's Proxy Statement[552](index=552&type=chunk) - The company has adopted a **Code of Ethics** applicable to its principal executive and financial officers, which is available on its website[551](index=551&type=chunk) [Executive Compensation](index=115&type=section&id=Item%2011.%20Executive%20Compensation) Information regarding executive and director compensation is incorporated by reference from the company's upcoming Proxy Statement - Information required by this item is **incorporated by reference** from the company's Proxy Statement[552](index=552&type=chunk) [Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters](index=115&type=section&id=Item%2012.%20Security%20Ownership%20of%20Certain%20Beneficial%20Owners%20and%20Management%20and%20Related%20Stockholder%20Matters) Information regarding security ownership and equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference from the company's upcoming Proxy Statement - Information required by this item is **incorporated by reference** from the company's Proxy Statement[553](index=553&type=chunk) [Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](index=115&type=section&id=Item%2013.%20Certain%20Relationships%20and%20Related%20Transactions%2C%20and%20Director%20Independence) Information regarding related party transactions and director independence is incorporated by reference from the company's upcoming Proxy Statement - Information required by this item is **incorporated by reference** from the company's Proxy Statement[553](index=553&type=chunk) [Principal Accounting Fees and Services](index=115&type=section&id=Item%2014.%20Principal%20Accounting%20Fees%20and%20Services) Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is incorporated by reference from the company's upcoming Proxy Statement - Information required by this item is **incorporated by reference** from the company's Proxy Statement[554](index=554&type=chunk) [Part IV](index=116&type=section&id=Part%20IV) [Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules](index=116&type=section&id=Item%2015.%20Exhibits%2C%20Financial%20Statement%20Schedules) This section lists all documents filed as part of the Annual Report, including financial statements, schedules, and various exhibits - This section lists the financial statements, Schedule II (Valuation and Qualifying Accounts), and all exhibits filed with the Form 10-K[555](index=555&type=chunk)[556](index=556&type=chunk) [Form 10-K Summary](index=121&type=section&id=Item%2016.%20Form%2010-K%20Summary) The company provides no summary for its Form 10-K - None[563](index=563&type=chunk)
Chesapeake Utilities(CPK) - 2023 Q4 - Annual Results
2024-02-20 16:00
[Financial Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Financial%20Highlights) [Full Year 2023 Performance](index=1&type=section&id=Full%20Year%202023%20Performance) Fiscal year 2023 adjusted net income rose **8.9%** to **$97.8 million**, with adjusted EPS growing **5.4%** to **$5.31**, despite a **$0.54** per share weather impact | Metric | 2023 | 2022 | Growth | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **GAAP EPS** | $4.73 | $5.04 | -6.1% | | **Adjusted EPS** | $5.31 | $5.04 | +5.4% | | **Adjusted Net Income** | $97.8M | $89.8M | +8.9% | - Full year earnings were negatively impacted by approximately **$0.54 per share** due to significantly warmer than normal temperatures[4](index=4&type=chunk) - Adjusted gross margin increased by **$33.9 million** for the year, driven by regulatory initiatives, natural gas organic growth, pipeline expansion projects, increased propane margins, and incremental margin from the FCG acquisition[4](index=4&type=chunk) - Earnings growth was partially offset by increased interest expense from higher rates on short-term borrowings and new debt and equity issued for the FCG acquisition[18](index=18&type=chunk) [Fourth Quarter 2023 Performance](index=1&type=section&id=Fourth%20Quarter%202023%20Performance) Fourth quarter 2023 adjusted net income reached **$33.1 million**, with adjusted EPS growing **11.6%** to **$1.64**, despite a **$0.14** per share negative impact from warmer weather | Metric | Q4 2023 | Q4 2022 | Growth | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **GAAP EPS** | $1.26 | $1.47 | -14.3% | | **Adjusted EPS** | $1.64 | $1.47 | +11.6% | | **Adjusted Net Income** | $33.1M | $26.2M | +26.3% | - Fourth quarter earnings were negatively impacted by approximately **$0.14 per share** due to warmer than normal temperatures[4](index=4&type=chunk) - The quarter's earnings drivers were consistent with the full year, though partially offset by reduced customer consumption and lower adjusted gross margin from virtual pipeline services[19](index=19&type=chunk) [CEO Commentary and Business Outlook](index=2&type=section&id=CEO%20Commentary%20and%20Business%20Outlook) [CEO Commentary](index=2&type=section&id=CEO%20Commentary) The CEO highlighted 2023 as the **17th consecutive year** of record earnings, driven by strong customer growth and the successful FCG acquisition, despite rising interest rates and warm weather - The company delivered its **17th consecutive year** of record earnings, excluding transaction costs related to the FCG acquisition[21](index=21&type=chunk) - Regulated natural gas distribution businesses gained customers at more than **twice the national average**[21](index=21&type=chunk) - The company reinforces its commitment to achieving its **2025 EPS guidance of $6.15-$6.35 per share**, supported by the FCG acquisition and strong performance in 2023[21](index=21&type=chunk) [Acquisition of Florida City Gas](index=2&type=section&id=Acquisition%20of%20Florida%20City%20Gas) [Acquisition Details](index=2&type=section&id=Acquisition%20Details) Chesapeake Utilities completed the acquisition of Florida City Gas (FCG) for **$923.4 million** in cash on November 30, 2023, adding approximately **120,000** customers in Florida - The acquisition of FCG was completed on November 30, 2023, for **$923.4 million** in cash[22](index=22&type=chunk) - FCG serves approximately **120,000 residential and commercial natural gas customers** across eight counties in Florida[22](index=22&type=chunk) - In June 2023, FCG received approval for a **$23.3 million** total increase in base revenue from the Florida Public Service Commission, with new rates effective May 1, 2023[22](index=22&type=chunk) [Capital Investment and Earnings Guidance](index=2&type=section&id=Capital%20Investment%20and%20Earnings%20Guidance) [Earnings Guidance](index=2&type=section&id=Earnings%20Guidance) The company introduced **2024 EPS guidance** of **$5.33-$5.45** and reaffirmed **2025** (**$6.15-$6.35**) and **2028** (**$7.75-$8.00**) EPS guidance, implying an approximate **8%** growth rate from 2025 | Period | EPS Guidance Range | | :--- | :--- | | **2024** | $5.33 - $5.45 | | **2025** | $6.15 - $6.35 (Reaffirmed) | | **2028** | $7.75 - $8.00 (Reaffirmed) | [Capital Expenditure Guidance](index=2&type=section&id=Capital%20Expenditure%20Guidance) Chesapeake Utilities affirmed **2024 capital expenditure guidance** of **$300 million to $360 million** and maintained its **$1.5 billion to $1.8 billion** five-year guidance through 2028 | Period | Capital Expenditure Guidance | | :--- | :--- | | **2024** | $300M - $360M (Affirmed) | | **2023-2028** | $1.5B - $1.8B (Reaffirmed) | [Consolidated Financial Results](index=6&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Results) [Operating Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2023](index=6&type=section&id=Operating%20Results%20for%20the%20Year%20Ended%20December%2031%2C%202023) Full year 2023 operating income increased **5.5%** to **$150.8 million**, or **12.8%** excluding FCG transaction expenses, driven by a **$33.9 million** adjusted gross margin increase | Metric (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Adjusted Gross Margin** | $454,123 | $420,198 | $33,925 | 8.1% | | **Operating Income** | $150,803 | $142,933 | $7,870 | 5.5% | - Excluding **$10.4 million** in FCG transaction-related expenses, operating income increased by **$18.2 million** or **12.8%** compared to the prior year[32](index=32&type=chunk)[30](index=30&type=chunk) [Operating Results for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2023](index=9&type=section&id=Operating%20Results%20for%20the%20Quarter%20Ended%20December%2031%2C%202023) Fourth quarter 2023 operating income rose **10.2%** to **$47.3 million**, or **25.2%** excluding FCG transaction expenses, with adjusted gross margin growing **13.0%** to **$130.3 million** | Metric (in thousands) | Q4 2023 | Q4 2022 | Change | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Adjusted Gross Margin** | $130,331 | $115,297 | $15,034 | 13.0% | | **Operating Income** | $47,315 | $42,952 | $4,363 | 10.2% | - Excluding FCG transaction-related expenses, operating income increased by **$10.8 million** or **25.2%** compared to the same period in 2022[65](index=65&type=chunk) [Segment Performance](index=7&type=section&id=Segment%20Performance) [Regulated Energy Segment](index=7&type=section&id=Regulated%20Energy%20Segment) The Regulated Energy segment's 2023 operating income grew **9.4%** to **$126.2 million**, driven by a **10.4%** increase in adjusted gross margin from rate changes, FCG acquisition, and organic growth Full Year Performance (in thousands) | Metric | 2023 | 2022 | Change | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Adjusted Gross Margin** | $333,587 | $302,252 | $31,335 | 10.4% | | **Operating Income** | $126,199 | $115,317 | $10,882 | 9.4% | Key Drivers of Full Year Adjusted Gross Margin Increase (in thousands) | Driver | Contribution | | :--- | :--- | | Rate changes (Florida) | $13,361 | | FCG Acquisition | $8,687 | | Natural gas growth | $6,214 | | Transmission expansions | $4,812 | | Warmer temperatures | ($5,096) | [Unregulated Energy Segment](index=8&type=section&id=Unregulated%20Energy%20Segment) The Unregulated Energy segment's 2023 operating income decreased **10.7%** to **$24.4 million**, despite a **2.2%** adjusted gross margin increase driven by propane margins but offset by lower consumption Full Year Performance (in thousands) | Metric | 2023 | 2022 | Change | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Adjusted Gross Margin** | $120,656 | $118,067 | $2,589 | 2.2% | | **Operating Income** | $24,426 | $27,350 | ($2,924) | -10.7% | Key Drivers of Full Year Adjusted Gross Margin Change (in thousands) | Driver | Contribution | | :--- | :--- | | Increased propane margins and fees | $8,821 | | Propane customer consumption (weather) | ($8,235) | | Aspire Energy gathering margin | $1,141 | [Major Projects and Initiatives](index=16&type=section&id=Major%20Projects%20and%20Initiatives) [Project Portfolio Overview](index=16&type=section&id=Project%20Portfolio%20Overview) The company's major projects, including pipeline expansions and clean energy initiatives, contributed **$38.1 million** to adjusted gross margin in 2023, with projections of **$53.0 million** in 2024 and **$64.0 million** in 2025 Adjusted Gross Margin Contribution from Major Projects (in thousands) | Category | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 (Est.) | 2025 (Est.) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Pipeline Expansions** | $1,763 | $6,575 | $11,812 | $14,096 | | **CNG/RNG/LNG** | $11,100 | $11,181 | $12,500 | $13,969 | | **Regulatory Initiatives** | $4,961 | $20,343 | $28,669 | $35,907 | | **Total** | **$17,824** | **$38,099** | **$52,981** | **$63,972** | - Key regulatory initiatives include the Florida GUARD Program and FCG SAFE Program, which are expected to drive significant margin growth in coming years[81](index=81&type=chunk)[115](index=115&type=chunk)[93](index=93&type=chunk) - The company is constructing a dairy manure RNG facility in Florida, with the first injection of RNG projected for the first half of 2024[114](index=114&type=chunk) [Other Major Factors Influencing Performance](index=19&type=section&id=Other%20Major%20Factors%20Influencing%20Performance) [Weather and Consumption](index=19&type=section&id=Weather%20and%20Consumption) Warmer weather significantly impacted 2023 results, reducing adjusted gross margin by approximately **$13.6 million** due to reduced heating demand across key service territories - Significantly warmer weather negatively impacted adjusted gross margin by approximately **$13.6 million** in 2023 compared to 2022[117](index=117&type=chunk)[140](index=140&type=chunk) Full Year 2023 Heating Degree Day (HDD) Variance from Normal | Region | Variance from 10-Year Average | | :--- | :--- | | **Delmarva** | (745) | | **Florida** | (162) | | **Ohio** | (551) | [Natural Gas Distribution Growth](index=21&type=section&id=Natural%20Gas%20Distribution%20Growth) The company achieved strong organic customer growth in 2023, with residential customer increases of **5.4%** in Delmarva and **3.9%** in Florida, contributing **$6.2 million** to adjusted gross margin - Average residential customers grew by **5.4%** in Delmarva and **3.9%** in legacy Florida operations during 2023[142](index=142&type=chunk) Full Year 2023 Adjusted Gross Margin from Customer Growth (in thousands) | Region | Residential | Commercial & Industrial | Total | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Delmarva** | $1,895 | $589 | $2,484 | | **Florida** | $1,599 | $2,131 | $3,730 | [Capital Investment and Structure](index=22&type=section&id=Capital%20Investment%20and%20Structure) [Capital Expenditures](index=22&type=section&id=Capital%20Expenditures) Total 2023 capital expenditures were approximately **$1.1 billion**, primarily driven by the **$926.7 million** FCG acquisition, with **2024** forecasted between **$300 million** and **$360 million** 2023 Capital Expenditures (in thousands) | Category | Amount | | :--- | :--- | | **Legacy Capital Expenditures** | $211,195 | | **FCG Acquisition** | $926,702 | | **Total** | **~$1.1B** | 2024 Forecasted Capital Expenditures (in thousands) | Segment | Low | High | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Regulated Energy** | $265,000 | $318,000 | | **Unregulated Energy** | $31,000 | $36,000 | | **Other** | $4,000 | $6,000 | | **Total** | **$300,000** | **$360,000** | [Capital Structure](index=23&type=section&id=Capital%20Structure) As of December 31, 2023, the company's equity to total capitalization ratio was approximately **47%**, below its **50% to 60%** target, reflecting the FCG acquisition financing impact - The company's equity to total capitalization ratio was approximately **47%** as of December 31, 2023, impacted by the FCG acquisition financing[124](index=124&type=chunk) - The company's target ratio of equity to total capitalization is between **50% and 60%**[124](index=124&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Reconciliations](index=3&type=section&id=Financial%20Statements%20and%20Reconciliations) [Non-GAAP Reconciliations](index=3&type=section&id=Non-GAAP%20Reconciliations) This section provides reconciliations for non-GAAP financial measures, primarily adjusting for FCG acquisition transaction-related expenses to enable clearer period-over-period operating comparisons Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP EPS | Metric (per share) | Full Year 2023 | Q4 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **GAAP EPS - Diluted** | **$4.73** | **$1.26** | | FCG transaction-related expenses, net | $0.58 | $0.38 | | **Adjusted EPS - Diluted (Non-GAAP)** | **$5.31** | **$1.64** | Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Income (in thousands) | Metric | Full Year 2023 | Q4 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net Income (GAAP)** | **$87,212** | **$25,328** | | FCG transaction-related expenses, net | $10,625 | $7,727 | | **Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP)** | **$97,837** | **$33,055** | [Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)](index=24&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Income%20(Unaudited)) This section presents the unaudited consolidated statements of income for the years and quarters ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, detailing revenues, expenses, and net income [Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)](index=25&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets%20(Unaudited)) This section provides the unaudited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, detailing assets, liabilities, and stockholders' equity [Operating Statistics](index=27&type=section&id=Operating%20Statistics) This section provides key operating statistics for the company's distribution businesses, including operating revenues, volumes, and average customer counts
Chesapeake Utilities to Host its Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast on February 22, 2024
Prnewswire· 2024-02-07 03:08
DOVER, Del., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) will host a conference call on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the Company's financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023. The earnings press release will be issued on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, after market close.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 ...
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Breaks Ground for Safety Training Facility in Florida
Prnewswire· 2024-02-02 20:35
Second State-of the-Art Safety Training Center Underway DOVER, Del., Feb. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) announced today that it broke ground for its second safety training facility in DeBary, Florida, to serve its Florida subsidiaries Florida Public Utilities (FPU) and Florida City Gas (FCG). Florida's Safety Town will serve as a resource for training employees who build, maintain and operate the Company's energy infrastructure, as well as regional first responders. Th ...
Chesapeake Utilities(CPK) - 2023 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2023-11-03 16:35
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE:CPK) Q3 2023 Results Conference Call November 2, 2023 8:30 AM ET Company Participants Beth Cooper - EVP, CFO, Treasurer and Assistant Corporate Secretary Jeff Householder - Chairman, President and CEO Jim Moriarty - EVP, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Policy and Risk Officer Conference Call Participants Chris Ellinghaus - Siebert Williams Shank Dylan Lipner - Ladenburg Thalmann Tate Sullivan - Maxim Group Brian Russo - Sidoti Operator Welcome to the Che ...
Chesapeake Utilities(CPK) - 2023 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2023-11-01 16:00
FORM10-Q Commission File Number: 001-11590 ☒ | --- | --- | --- | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | C HESAPEAKE (Exact \nDelaware of incorporation or organization) (State or other jurisdiction | U TILITIES C name of registrant as specified | ...
Chesapeake Utilities(CPK) - 2023 Q2 - Earnings Call Presentation
2023-08-04 19:52
C 2022 A Absence of gain from sales of assets -$0.08 F Depreciation, amortization and property tax costs due to new capital investments -$0.07 G Regulated Energy Segment – Financial Summary Second Quarter Change Year-to-Date Change Year-to-Date Highlights 1See appendix for GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation of adjusted gross margin Stockholders' Equity increased $31.4 million since the end of 2022 primarily driven by: • Strong Net Income performance of $52.5 million • Continued Dividend payments of $20.2 milli ...