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8-K - FORM 8-K - CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORP | c23948e8vk.htm |
Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2011
NYSE Symbol: CPK
November 3, 2011
NYSE Symbol: CPK
CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION ANNOUNCES
STRONG THIRD QUARTER RESULTS
STRONG THIRD QUARTER RESULTS
| Net income was $2.4 million, or $0.25 per share, for the quarter ended September
30, 2011, compared to $1.6 million, or $0.17 per share, for the quarter ended September 30,
2010. |
| Customer growth and a transmission system expansion in the natural gas operations,
coupled with increased retail and wholesale marketing margins in the propane operations,
generated $1.3 million and $624,000, respectively, of additional gross margin. |
| Non-recurring items accounted for $673,000, or $0.07 per share, of the increase in
consolidated earnings for the quarter. |
Dover, Delaware Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) today announced increased
financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. The Companys net income for the
quarter ended September 30, 2011 was $2.4 million, or $0.25 per share. This represents an increase
in net income of $769,000, or $0.08 per share, over net income of $1.6 million, or $0.17 per share,
for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. The higher earnings for the quarter reflect continued
growth and expansion of the natural gas distribution and transmission operations and higher retail
and wholesale marketing margins in the propane operations. These increases more than offset
additional expenses related to an on-going electric franchise dispute, increased regulatory costs
to comply with pipeline integrity requirements and costs associated with the release of a new
product, ProfitZoomTM, by BravePoint, Inc. (BravePoint). The quarter-over-quarter
increase in earnings benefited from non-recurring items, including a gain from the sale of a
non-operating Internet Protocol address asset and a one-time pension charge in the third quarter of
2011, as well as regulatory and litigation reserves recorded in the third quarter of 2010. These
non-recurring items contributed approximately $673,000, or $0.07 per share, to the increase in the
Companys earnings.
The Company reported net income of $19.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, or
$2.04 per share, an increase of $722,000, or $0.06 per share, compared to the same period in 2010.
Strong growth in gross margin in the natural gas and propane operations more than offset the impact
of significantly warmer temperatures early in 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, and
increased expenses related to an on-going electric franchise dispute, various regulatory
proceedings, pipeline integrity requirements and the release of ProfitZoomTM. The
period-over-period increase in earnings also reflects several non-recurring items, including gains
in 2011 from the proceeds received from an antitrust litigation settlement with a major propane
supplier and the sale of a non-operating Internet Protocol address asset; non-recurring severance
and pension charges in 2011; as well as regulatory and litigation reserves recorded in 2010. These
non-recurring items collectively contributed approximately $475,000, or $0.05 per share, to the
year-to-date increase in the Companys earnings.
This quarters performance represents the third straight quarter of higher earnings, quarter over
quarter, absent the weather impact, stated Michael P. McMasters, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. Our commitment over the last several years to
pursuing growth while achieving operational excellence within our existing businesses has not
waivered. Towards that end, we have pursued new service territory expansions and customer
commitments that are increasing the bottom
line while at the same time positioning us for future growth. Todays economic conditions are
challenging but our team is continuing to aggressively identify new opportunities for growth, both
on the Delmarva Peninsula and in Florida. Our BravePoint team is cultivating new opportunities for
the ProfitZoom product. We are creating value for our customers and shareholders and are
positioned to achieve another strong year of performance.
The discussions of the results for the periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, use the term
gross margin, a non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial measure, which
management uses to evaluate the performance of the Companys business segments. For an explanation
of the calculation of gross margin, see the footnote to the Supplemental Income Statement Data
chart.
The discussion of forward-looking gross margin information for Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company
(Eastern Shore), the Companys natural gas transmission subsidiary, is based on the rates
currently agreed to by the parties in the settlement of Eastern Shores base rate proceeding. The
settlement has not been finalized and is subject to approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC). Depending on the final resolution of the base rate proceeding, which is
expected in late 2011 or early 2012, forward-looking gross margin information may change. For
further detail on Eastern Shores base rate proceeding, see the Regulatory Update on Eastern
Shores Base Rate Proceeding section later in the release.
Unless otherwise noted, earnings per share information is presented on a diluted basis.
Highlights for the third quarter of 2011 included:
| Eastern Shore generated gross margin of $542,000 in the third quarter of 2011 from new
transportation services associated with its eight-mile mainline extension to interconnect
with Texas Eastern Transmissions pipeline system. These services for 19,324 Mcfs per day,
which commenced in January 2011, are expected to generate annual gross margin of
approximately $1.9 million. Based upon the proposed settlement, which is discussed in
detail later in this press release, as the services increase in November 2011 to 33,817
Mcfs per day, the new rate under the proposed settlement for these incremental services
will negate the gross margin impact from the increase in volumes. In November 2012, as the new services increase to
38,647 Mcfs per day, additional annual gross margin of approximately $263,000 is expected
to be generated from these services. |
| Eastern Shore generated additional gross margin of $92,000 from a new 10-year
transportation services agreement with an existing industrial customer, which began in May
2011. This new service is expected to generate gross margin of $243,000 in 2011 and
$361,000 annually thereafter. Eastern Shore also entered into a new one-year
transportation services agreement with the same customer, beginning in November 2011, which
is expected to generate gross margin of $168,000 in 2011 and $842,000 in 2012. |
| Although not affecting results in the third quarter of 2011, Eastern Shore began
construction of its mainline extension projects to serve southern Delaware and Worcester
and Cecil Counties in Maryland. These mainline extension projects are expected to be
completed between November 2011 and June 2012. Once completed, these projects will enable
Eastern Shore to deliver additional firm service of 6,039 Mcfs per day to Chesapeakes
Delaware and Maryland divisions and an unaffiliated customer. These new services are
expected to generate additional gross margin of $156,000 in 2011, $1.6 million in 2012 and
$1.8 million annually thereafter. |
| The Delmarva natural gas distribution operation entered into a new agreement in August
2011 to provide natural gas service to an existing industrial customer at two of its
facilities located in southern Delaware. These new services are expected to begin in the
first quarter of 2012 and are expected to generate estimated annual gross margin equivalent to
415 residential customers.
The Delmarva natural gas distribution operation has also added 21 other large commercial and
industrial services since July 2010, which generated $334,000 in additional gross margin
during the third quarter of 2011. These new services are expected to generate annual gross
margin of $1.2 million in 2011, compared to the $196,000 of gross margin they generated in
2010. |
2
| Two-percent growth in Delmarva natural gas distribution residential customers generated
additional gross margin of $58,000 in the third quarter of 2011. |
| The Florida natural gas distribution operation generated additional gross margin of
$159,000 from two-percent growth in commercial customers in the third quarter of 2011,
compared to the same quarter in 2010. |
| Gross margin from the propane distribution operations for the third quarter of 2011
increased by $627,000, compared to the same quarter in 2010. A favorable physical
inventory adjustment and the positive differential between propane wholesale prices and the
Companys average cost of inventory, as well as continued adjustment of Florida retail
pricing in response to market conditions, contributed to the increased retail margins. |
| BravePoint has successfully implemented its new product, ProfitZoomTM, for
three customers, and two additional customers have executed sales contracts with
implementations scheduled for December 2011 and January 2012. Several other sales
proposals are under consideration by other potential customers. |
| The Companys earnings in the third quarter of 2011 included a one-time gain of
$553,000 from the sale of an Internet Protocol address, which is reflected as non-operating
income. |
Comparative results for the quarters ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
Operating income for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 was $5.6 million, representing an
increase of $1.0 million, or 22 percent, compared to the same quarter in 2010. An increase in
gross margin of $2.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 was partially offset by an
increase of $1.5 million in other operating expenses. Operating income for the quarter ended
September 30, 2011 was reduced by $219,000 to reflect a one-time pension charge. Operating income
for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 was reduced by a $500,000 accrual for the regulatory risk
to the earnings of Florida Public Utilities Company (FPU) associated with the Companys request
for recovery of the FPU acquisition adjustment and merger-related costs and a $278,000
non-recurring charge related to a Florida propane
class action settlement. These
non-recurring items contributed approximately $559,000 to the increase in the Companys operating
income.
Also included in the Companys results for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 is a one-time gain
of $553,000 from the sale of an Internet Protocol address asset, which is reflected as non-operating
income.
3
Regulated Energy
Operating income for the regulated energy segment for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 was $7.0
million, an increase of $487,000, or seven percent, compared to the same quarter in 2010. An
increase in gross margin of $1.8 million was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses
of $1.3 million. Items contributing to the period-over-period increase in gross margin are listed
in the following table:
(in thousands) | ||||
Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2010 |
$ | 26,155 | ||
Factors contributing to the gross margin increase for the three
months ended September 30, 2011: |
||||
New transportation services |
717 | |||
Net customer growth |
595 | |||
Florida natural gas regulatory reserve (recorded in 2010) |
500 | |||
Other |
11 | |||
Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2011 |
$ | 27,978 | ||
| In January 2011, Eastern Shore commenced new transportation services associated
with its eight-mile mainline extension to interconnect with Texas Eastern Transmissions
pipeline system. These services for 19,324 Mcfs per day generated gross margin of $542,000
in the third quarter of 2011 and are expected to generate annual gross margin of
approximately $1.9 million. Based upon the proposed settlement, which is discussed in
detail later in this press release, as the services increase in November 2011 to 33,817
Mcfs per day, the new rate under the proposed settlement for these incremental services
will negate the gross margin impact from the increase in volumes. In November 2012, as the new services increase to
38,647 Mcfs per day, additional annual gross margin of approximately $263,000 is expected
to be generated from these services. |
Eastern Shore entered into two additional transportation services agreements with an
existing industrial customer, one for the period of May 2011 through April 2021 for an
additional 3,290 Mcfs per day and the other one for the period of November 2011 through
October 2012 for an additional 9,192 Mcfs per day. These new services generated additional
gross margin of $92,000 in the third quarter of 2011. The 10-year service from May 2011 to
April 2021 is expected to generate gross margin of $243,000 in 2011 and $361,000 annually
thereafter. The one-year service from November 2011 to October 2012 is expected to generate
gross margin of $168,000 in 2011 and $842,000 in 2012. |
Also generating additional gross margin of $83,000 in the third quarter of 2011 were new
transportation services that commenced in November 2010, as a result of an Eastern Shore
system expansion project. This expansion added 1,546 Mcfs of capacity per day with
estimated annual gross margin of $351,000 in 2011. This expansion generated $56,000 of
gross margin in 2010 after the commencement of the services. |
| Gross margin from commercial and industrial customers for the Delmarva natural gas
distribution operation increased by $337,000 in the third quarter of 2011, due primarily to
the addition of 21 large commercial and industrial services since July 2010. These 21 new
services are expected to generate annual margin of $1.2 million in 2011, compared to
$196,000 of gross margin in 2010. Two-percent growth in residential customers also
generated an additional $58,000 for the Delmarva natural gas distribution operation for the
quarter. |
The Companys Florida natural gas distribution operations generated $200,000 of additional
gross margin, resulting primarily from two-percent growth in commercial customers, and the
addition of 700 customers as a result of the purchase of the operating assets of Indiantown
Gas Company in August 2010. |
| During the third quarter of 2010, the Florida natural gas distribution operation
recorded an accrual of $500,000 to reserve for regulatory risk. The establishment of this
reserve was based on managements assessment of its earnings and the risk associated with
possible action by the Florida Public Service Commission related to the Companys request
for recovery of the acquisition adjustment and merger-related costs. The Company recorded
an additional accrual of $250,000 to this reserve in the fourth quarter of 2010. There has
been no subsequent change in the $750,000 regulatory reserve. |
4
Other operating expenses for the regulated energy segment increased by $1.3 million, or seven
percent, in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the same quarter in 2010, due largely to the
following factors:
| $260,000 in higher depreciation expense and asset removal costs from capital investments
made since the third quarter of 2010; |
| $220,000 in increased costs related to Florida customer-service-related activities, due
to service enhancements; |
| $212,000 in additional expenses related to pipeline integrity projects for Eastern Shore
to comply with increased pipeline regulatory requirements; |
| $173,000 related to a one-time pension charge allocated to the regulated energy
operations during the quarter; |
| $145,000 in increased regulatory, legal and other costs associated with the electric
franchise dispute in Marianna, Florida; and |
| $122,000 in additional costs related to maintenance of mains, electric lines and
facilities. |
Unregulated Energy
The unregulated energy segment reported an operating loss of $1.5 million, an improvement of
$765,000, or 34 percent, compared to the same period in 2010. An increase in gross margin of
$679,000 and a decrease in operating expenses of $86,000 contributed to the increase in operating
results. Items contributing to the period-over-period increase in gross margin are listed in the
following table:
(in thousands) | ||||
Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2010 |
$ | 4,420 | ||
Factors contributing to the gross margin increase for the three
months ended September 30, 2011: |
||||
Increase in margin per gallon |
522 | |||
Propane wholesale marketing |
102 | |||
Other |
61 | |||
Natural gas marketing |
(6 | ) | ||
Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2011 |
$ | 5,099 | ||
| The Delmarva and Florida propane distribution operations generated additional gross
margin of $184,000 and $338,000, respectively, in the third quarter of 2011, compared to
the same quarter in 2010. A favorable physical inventory adjustment and the positive
differential between propane wholesale prices and the Companys average cost of inventory
during the third quarter of 2011 contributed to the increased margins per gallon on the
Delmarva Peninsula. Floridas margins per gallon also continued to improve, as the Florida
propane distribution operation continued to adjust its retail pricing in response to local
market conditions. |
| Xeron, Inc. (Xeron), the Companys propane wholesale marketing subsidiary, generated a
$102,000 increase in gross margin during the third quarter of 2011, compared to the same
quarter in 2010, due primarily to a 20-percent increase in trading activity. |
5
Other operating expenses for the unregulated energy segment decreased by $86,000 for the third
quarter of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. The decrease in operating expenses as a
result of the absence in 2011 of a non-recurring charge of $278,000 related to a
Florida propane class action settlement was partially offset by higher vehicle fuel and maintenance
costs and increased bad debt expenses in the propane distribution operations.
Other
The other segment reported operating income of $43,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2011,
compared to $284,000 for the same quarter in 2010. The decrease of $241,000 in operating income
was attributable primarily to lower operating income of $331,000 from BravePoint, offset partially
by the absence in 2011 of $68,000 in merger-related costs expensed in the third quarter of 2010.
BravePoint reported an operating loss of $74,000 in the third quarter of 2011, compared to
operating income of $258,000 in the same quarter in 2010. During the third quarter of 2011,
BravePoint incurred $274,000 in additional startup costs associated with the release of
ProfitZoomTM. Also contributing to the decreased operating results was $94,000 in
increased benefit costs, as Chesapeake adopted a safe harbor 401(k) plan design on January 1, 2011,
which resulted in an increased 401(k) benefit for BravePoint employees.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 increased by approximately $133,000, or
six percent, compared to the same quarter in 2010. The long-term debt issuance of $29 million in
June 2011 to permanently finance the redemption of two series of FPU mortgage bonds resulted in
additional interest expense of $240,000 for the third quarter of 2011, compared to the same period
in 2010. Prior to the long-term issuance, the Company had financed the redemption of these bonds
through a short-term loan credit facility. This increase was partially offset by lower interest
expense from scheduled principal payments of other long-term debt.
Comparative results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
Operating income increased by $467,000, or one percent, to $38.2 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2011, compared to $37.7 million for the same period in 2010. An increase in
gross margin of $5.4 million was partially offset by an increase of $4.9 million in other operating
expenses. Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included the impact of a
non-recurring gain of $575,000 as a result of the proceeds received from an antitrust litigation
settlement with a major propane supplier and non-recurring severance and pension charges of $1.1
million. Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 also included several
non-recurring charges, including the $500,000 accrual for the Florida natural gas regulatory
reserve previously discussed and a $278,000 non-recurring charge related to the Florida propane
class action settlement. The net impact of these non-recurring items contributed
$253,000 of the operating income increase for the period.
Also included in operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was approximately
$2.5 million in decreased gross margin associated with lower customer consumption of natural gas,
electricity and propane, due primarily to warmer temperatures on the Delmarva Peninsula and in
Florida during 2011, compared to 2010, and $823,000 in costs related to the development and release
of ProfitZoomTM.
6
A one-time gain of $553,000 from the sale of an Internet Protocol address
asset, which is reflected as
non-operating income, is also included in the Companys results for the nine months ended September
30, 2011.
Regulated Energy
Operating income for the regulated energy segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was
$31.2 million, a decrease of $1.2 million, or four percent, compared to the same period in 2010.
An increase in gross margin of $2.8 million offset by an increase in other operating expenses of
$4.0 million, resulted in the decrease in operating income. Items contributing to the
period-over-period increase in gross margin are listed in the following table:
(in thousands) | ||||
Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 |
$ | 91,633 | ||
Factors contributing to the gross margin increase for the nine
months ended September 30, 2011: |
||||
Net customer growth |
2,377 | |||
Decreased customer consumption, due primarily to weather |
(2,072 | ) | ||
New transportation services |
2,069 | |||
Florida
natural gas regulatory reserve (recorded in 2010) |
500 | |||
Other |
(72 | ) | ||
Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 |
$ | 94,435 | ||
| Gross margin from commercial and industrial customers for the Delmarva natural gas
distribution operation increased by $921,000 for the first nine months of 2011, due
primarily to the addition of 21 large commercial and industrial services since July 2010.
These 21 new services, which generated $859,000 of gross margin in the first nine months of
2011, are expected to generate annual margin of $1.2 million in 2011. The same services
generated $196,000 of gross margin in 2010 following their addition. Two-percent growth in
residential customers generated an additional $328,000 in gross margin for the Delmarva
natural gas distribution operation. |
The Florida natural gas distribution operations generated $754,000 of additional gross
margin primarily from a two-percent growth in commercial customers. In addition, 700 new
customers, added as a result of the Companys purchase of the operating assets of Indiantown
Gas Company in August 2010, generated $367,000 of additional gross margin during the first
nine months of 2011. |
| Customer consumption of natural gas and electricity decreased both on the Delmarva
Peninsula and in Florida during the first nine months of 2011, compared to the same period
in 2010. The decline in consumption is due primarily to significantly warmer weather
during the heating season, resulting in a period-over-period decrease
of $2.1 million in
gross margin. Heating degree-days decreased by five percent, or 145 heating degree-days,
on the Delmarva Peninsula and by 43 percent, or 408 heating degree-days, in Florida during
the first nine months of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. |
7
| In January 2011, Eastern Shore commenced new transportation services associated with its
eight-mile mainline extension to interconnect with Texas Eastern Transmissions pipeline
system. These new services for 19,324 Mcfs per day generated gross margin of $1.6 million
in the first nine months of 2011 and are expected to generate annual gross margin of
approximately $1.9 million. Based upon the proposed settlement, which is discussed in
detail later in this press release, as the services increase in November 2011 to 33,817
Mcfs per day, the new rate under the proposed settlement for these incremental services
will negate the gross margin impact from the increase in volumes. In
November 2012, as the new services increase to 38,647 Mcfs per day, additional annual gross
margin of approximately $263,000 is expected to be generated from these services. |
Also generating additional gross margin of $330,000 in the first nine months of 2011 were
new transportation services that commenced in May 2010 and November 2010, as a result of
Eastern Shores system expansion projects. These expansions added 2,666 Mcfs of capacity
per day and an estimated gross margin of $606,000 in 2011. These same projects generated
$216,000 of gross margin in 2010. |
Eastern Shore entered into two additional transportation services agreements with an
existing industrial customer, one for the period of May 2011 through April 2021 for an
additional 3,290 Mcfs per day and the other one for the period of November 2011 through
October 2012 for an additional 9,192 Mcfs per day. These new services generated additional
gross margin of $154,000 in the first nine months of 2011. The 10-year service from May
2011 to April 2021 is expected to generate gross margin of $243,000 in 2011 and $361,000
annually thereafter. The one-year service from November 2011 to October 2012 is expected to
generate gross margin of $168,000 in 2011 and $842,000 in 2012. |
Partially offsetting these margin increases were decreased margins of $40,000 from
transportation service contracts, which expired in April 2010. |
| The Florida natural gas distribution operation recorded an accrual of $500,000 to
reserve for regulatory risk during the third quarter of 2010, as previously described. |
Other operating expenses for the regulated energy segment increased by $4.0 million in the nine
months ended September 30, 2011. Included in this increase are non-recurring items of $503,000 for
severance charges and $334,000 for pension charges during the first nine months of 2011. The
remaining increase of $3.2 million is due largely to the following factors:
| $820,000 in higher depreciation expense and asset removal costs from capital investments
made since the third quarter of 2010; |
| Increased regulatory, legal and other costs, including $439,000 of costs associated with
the electric franchise dispute in Marianna, Florida and $245,000 in costs with respect to
the Come-Back filing in Florida, the rate case proceeding for Eastern Shore and other
regulatory proceedings; |
| $628,000 in additional expenses related to pipeline integrity projects for Eastern Shore
to comply with increased pipeline regulatory requirements; |
| $202,000 in higher costs related to maintenance of mains, electric lines and facilities; |
| a reduction of $139,000 in expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2010,
resulting from a reversal of bad debt expense, which was previously reserved for a
receivable from a Florida electric customer in bankruptcy; and |
| $192,000 in increased payroll costs, due primarily to higher accruals for performance
incentive compensation. |
8
Unregulated Energy
Operating income for the unregulated energy segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011
was $7.0 million, representing an increase of $2.3 million, or 49 percent, compared to the same
period in 2010. An increase in gross margin of $2.7 million was slightly offset by an increase in
operating expenses of $344,000. Items contributing to the period-over-period increase in gross
margin are listed in the following table:
(in thousands) | ||||
Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 |
$ | 25,278 | ||
Factors contributing to the gross margin increase for the nine
months ended September 30, 2011: |
||||
Increase in margin per gallon |
2,050 | |||
Volume decrease weather and other |
(926 | ) | ||
Gain from litigation settlement |
575 | |||
Propane wholesale marketing |
514 | |||
Natural gas marketing |
295 | |||
Miscellaneous fees and other |
151 | |||
Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 |
$ | 27,937 | ||
| The propane distribution operations generated additional gross margin of $2.1
million due to higher margins per gallon in the first nine months of 2011, compared to the
same period in 2010. Propane retail margins per gallon on the Delmarva Peninsula during
the first nine months of 2011 returned to more normal levels, compared to lower margins per
gallon reported during the same period in 2010. The lower margins in 2010 were caused by
colder temperatures and higher cost spot purchases during the peak heating season. Also
contributing to the gross margin increase were higher margins per gallon in Florida as the
Florida propane distribution operation continued to adjust its retail pricing in response
to market conditions. |
| A decrease in heating degree-days in the first nine months of 2011, compared to the same
period in 2010, and a decrease in propane deliveries to bulk customers resulted in
decreased gross margin of $926,000. |
| The Company recorded a one-time gain of $575,000 in the first quarter of 2011 related to
the Companys share of proceeds received from an antitrust litigation settlement with a
major propane supplier. |
| Xeron generated a $514,000 increase in gross margin during the first nine months of
2011, compared to the same period in 2010, due primarily to a 40-percent increase in
trading activity. |
| The Companys natural gas marketing subsidiary, Peninsula Energy Services Company, Inc.
(PESCO), generated higher gross margin of $295,000 in the first nine months of 2011,
compared to the same period in 2010. Favorable imbalance resolutions with third-party
pipelines, with which PESCO contracts for natural gas supply, generated this increase.
Such imbalance resolutions are not predictable and therefore, are not included in the
Companys long-term financial plans or forecasts. |
Other operating expenses for the
unregulated energy segment increased by $344,000 for the first
nine months of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, due primarily to the following factors:
(a) increased payroll and benefit costs of $335,000, attributable primarily to higher accruals for
performance incentive compensation; (b) increased vehicle expenses of $282,000 resulting from an
increase in fuel prices; and (c) a one-time charge of $67,000 associated with the voluntary
workforce reduction in Florida as the Company continued to integrate the Florida operations. These
increases were partially offset by the absence of a $278,000 non-recurring charge recorded in the
third quarter of 2010 for a Florida propane class action settlement.
9
Other
The other segment reported an operating loss of $32,000 for the nine months ended September 30,
2011, compared to operating income of $650,000 for the same period in 2010. The decrease in
operating results of $682,000 was attributable primarily to lower operating income of $860,000 from
BravePoint,
offset partially by the absence in 2011 of $179,000 in merger-related costs in the first nine
months of 2010.
BravePoint reported an operating loss of $356,000 in the first nine months of 2011, compared to
operating income of $523,000 in the same period in 2010. During the first nine months of 2011,
BravePoint incurred $823,000 in additional costs associated with the product development and
release of ProfitZoomTM. Also contributing to the decreased operating
results was $287,000 in increased benefit costs, as Chesapeake adopted a safe harbor 401(k) plan
design on January 1, 2011, which resulted in an increased 401(k) benefit for BravePoint employees
in 2011.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased by approximately $270,000,
or four percent, compared to the same period in 2010. The decrease is attributable primarily to a
decrease of $582,000 in other long-term interest expense as scheduled repayments decreased the
outstanding principal balance. Partially offsetting this decrease was additional interest expense
of $240,000 related to the $29 million long-term debt issuance in June 2011 to permanently finance
two series of FPU mortgage bonds.
Regulatory Update on Eastern Shores Base Rate Proceeding
On
December 30, 2010, Eastern Shore filed with the FERC a base rate
proceeding in accordance
with the terms of the settlement in its prior base rate proceeding. Settlement conferences
involving Eastern Shore, FERC Staff and other interested parties have resulted in a settlement in
principle, which provides a cost of service of approximately $29.1 million and a pre-tax return of
13.9 percent. This represents an annual rate increase of approximately $805,000, effective July
29, 2011. The settlement also includes a rate reduction, effective November 1, 2011, associated
with the 14,493 Mcfs per day (15,000 dekatherms per day) phase-in of new transportation services on
Eastern Shores eight-mile extension to interconnect with the Texas Eastern Transmission LP
pipeline system. This rate reduction fully offsets the increased revenue that would have been
generated from the 14,493 Mcfs per day increase in firm service. The settlement also provides a
five-year moratorium on the parties rights to challenge Eastern Shores rates and on Eastern
Shores right to file a base rate increase. The settlement allows Eastern Shore to file for
rate adjustments during those five years in the event certain costs related to government-mandated
obligations are incurred and Eastern Shores pre-tax earnings do not equal or exceed 13.9 percent.
Eastern Shore expects to finalize the settlement with the parties in November 2011 and submit it to
the FERC for approval. The FERCs approval is expected by late 2011 or early 2012.
Starting in July 2011, Eastern Shore adjusted its billing to reflect the rates requested in the
base rate proceeding, subject to refund to customers upon the conclusion of this proceeding.
Eastern Shore recorded approximately $911,000 as a regulatory liability as of September 30, 2011, to
fully reserve any incremental revenues generated by the new rates while the base rate proceeding
continues.
10
Other Information
Chesapeake will host a conference
call on November 4, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time to
discuss the Companys financial results for the third quarter of 2011. To participate in this
call, dial 866.821.5457 and reference Chesapeake Utilities Corporations 2011 Third Quarter
Financial Results Conference Call. To access the replay recording of this call, please visit the
Companys website at http://www.chpk.com/conferencecalls.
11
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the Periods Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
(in thousands, except shares and per share data)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the Periods Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
(in thousands, except shares and per share data)
Third Quarter | Year to Date | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
Operating Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Regulated Energy |
$ | 53,789 | $ | 53,412 | $ | 193,118 | 197,779 | |||||||||
Unregulated Energy |
23,721 | 20,134 | 112,164 | 104,018 | ||||||||||||
Other |
3,100 | 2,920 | 8,757 | 7,990 | ||||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues |
80,610 | 76,466 | 314,039 | 309,787 | ||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Regulated energy cost of sales |
25,811 | 27,257 | 98,683 | 106,146 | ||||||||||||
Unregulated energy and other
cost of sales |
20,306 | 17,238 | 89,017 | 82,713 | ||||||||||||
Operations |
19,560 | 18,322 | 59,796 | 55,847 | ||||||||||||
Maintenance |
2,029 | 1,899 | 5,624 | 5,388 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
4,978 | 4,688 | 14,936 | 14,075 | ||||||||||||
Other taxes |
2,332 | 2,479 | 7,774 | 7,876 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
75,016 | 71,883 | 275,830 | 272,045 | ||||||||||||
Operating Income |
5,594 | 4,583 | 38,209 | 37,742 | ||||||||||||
Other income, net of other expenses |
649 | 102 | 699 | 206 | ||||||||||||
Interest charges |
2,389 | 2,256 | 6,654 | 6,924 | ||||||||||||
Income Before Income Taxes |
3,854 | 2,429 | 32,254 | 31,024 | ||||||||||||
Income tax
expense |
1,457 | 801 | 12,590 | 12,082 | ||||||||||||
Net Income |
$ | 2,397 | $ | 1,628 | $ | 19,664 | $ | 18,942 | ||||||||
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
9,564,012 | 9,493,425 | 9,552,472 | 9,460,462 | ||||||||||||
Diluted |
9,657,970 | 9,497,696 | 9,647,632 | 9,570,921 | ||||||||||||
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.25 | $ | 0.17 | $ | 2.06 | $ | 2.00 | ||||||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.25 | $ | 0.17 | $ | 2.04 | $ | 1.98 |
12
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Income Statement Data (Unaudited)
For the Periods Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
(in thousands, except shares and degree-day data)
Supplemental Income Statement Data (Unaudited)
For the Periods Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
(in thousands, except shares and degree-day data)
Third Quarter | Year to Date | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
Chesapeake and Subsidiaries |
||||||||||||||||
Gross Margin (1) |
||||||||||||||||
Regulated Energy |
$ | 27,978 | $ | 26,155 | $ | 94,435 | $ | 91,633 | ||||||||
Unregulated Energy |
5,099 | 4,420 | 27,937 | 25,278 | ||||||||||||
Other |
1,416 | 1,396 | 3,967 | 4,017 | ||||||||||||
Total Gross Margin |
$ | 34,493 | $ | 31,971 | $ | 126,339 | $ | 120,928 | ||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) |
||||||||||||||||
Regulated Energy |
$ | 7,023 | $ | 6,536 | $ | 31,194 | $ | 32,360 | ||||||||
Unregulated Energy |
(1,472 | ) | (2,237 | ) | 7,047 | 4,732 | ||||||||||
Other |
43 | 284 | (32 | ) | 650 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Income |
$ | 5,594 | $ | 4,583 | $ | 38,209 | $ | 37,742 | ||||||||
Heating Degree-Days
Delmarva Peninsula |
||||||||||||||||
Actual |
49 | 50 | 2,876 | 3,021 | ||||||||||||
10-year average (normal) |
53 | 60 | 2,905 | 2,923 | ||||||||||||
Heating Degree-Days Florida |
||||||||||||||||
Actual |
| | 534 | 942 | ||||||||||||
10-year average (normal) |
| | 594 | 547 | ||||||||||||
Cooling Degree-Days Florida |
||||||||||||||||
Actual |
1,569 | 1,654 | 2,676 | 2,694 | ||||||||||||
10-year average (normal) |
1,483 | 1,466 | 2,444 | 2,418 |
(1) | Gross margin is determined by deducting the cost of sales from operating
revenue. Cost of sales includes the purchased fuel cost for natural gas, electricity and propane
and the cost of labor spent on direct revenue-producing activities. Gross margin should not be
considered an alternative to operating income or net income, which is determined in accordance with
GAAP. Chesapeake believes that gross margin, although a non-GAAP measure is useful and meaningful
to investors as a basis for making investment decisions. It provides investors with information
that demonstrates the profitability achieved by the Company under its allowed rates for regulated
operations and under its competitive pricing structure for non-regulated segments. Chesapeakes
management uses gross margin in measuring its business units performance and has historically
analyzed and reported gross margin information publicly. Other companies may calculate gross margin
in a different manner. |
13
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
Distribution Utility Statistical Data (Unaudited)
Distribution Utility Statistical Data (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chesapeake | Chesapeake | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Delmarva NG | Florida NG | FPU NG | FPU Electric | Delmarva NG | Florida NG | FPU NG | FPU Electric | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distribution | Division | Distribution | Distribution | Distribution | Division | Distribution | Distribution | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues (in thousands) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 4,128 | $ | 984 | $ | 3,335 | $ | 13,781 | $ | 4,041 | $ | 928 | $ | 3,617 | $ | 15,951 | ||||||||||||||||
Commercial |
2,520 | 874 | 5,514 | 11,580 | 3,156 | 815 | 6,651 | 13,462 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial |
1,234 | 1,142 | 2,122 | 1,679 | 811 | 1,134 | 1,675 | 1,441 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (1) |
340 | 557 | 1,034 | (994 | ) | 420 | 434 | (485 | ) | (4,523 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating
Revenues |
$ | 8,222 | $ | 3,557 | $ | 12,005 | $ | 26,046 | $ | 8,428 | $ | 3,311 | $ | 11,458 | $ | 26,331 | ||||||||||||||||
Volume (in Mcfs/MWHs) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential |
139,132 | 41,143 | 166,164 | 98,611 | 140,570 | 41,002 | 172,579 | 108,779 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial |
353,022 | 251,930 | 559,175 | 93,994 | 335,080 | 255,787 | 608,383 | 100,599 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial |
711,316 | 2,798,605 | 523,970 | 11,540 | 467,142 | 2,803,077 | 446,450 | 13,230 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
32,501 | | (33,461 | ) | 1,061 | 58,763 | | (28,129 | ) | (10,756 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
1,235,971 | 3,091,678 | 1,215,848 | 205,206 | 1,001,555 | 3,099,866 | 1,199,283 | 211,852 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average Customers |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential |
47,810 | 13,446 | 47,815 | 23,583 | 46,908 | 13,388 | 47,425 | 23,594 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial |
5,056 | 1,183 | 4,504 | 7,401 | 5,023 | 1,132 | 4,477 | 7,365 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial |
90 | 57 | 699 | 2 | 86 | 59 | 619 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
5 | | | | 6 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
52,961 | 14,686 | 53,018 | 30,986 | 52,023 | 14,579 | 52,521 | 30,961 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | 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. |
14
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
Distribution Utility Statistical Data (Unaudited)
Distribution Utility Statistical Data (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chesapeake | Chesapeake | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Delmarva NG | Florida NG | FPU NG | FPU Electric | Delmarva NG | Florida NG | FPU NG | FPU Electric | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distribution | Division | Distribution | Distribution | Distribution | Division | Distribution | Distribution | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues (in thousands) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 36,774 | $ | 3,371 | $ | 15,306 | $ | 36,794 | $ | 34,471 | $ | 3,561 | $ | 17,950 | $ | 40,508 | ||||||||||||||||
Commercial |
19,499 | 2,785 | 23,214 | 31,924 | 20,243 | 2,755 | 27,399 | 34,176 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial |
3,592 | 3,585 | 6,780 | 5,618 | 2,621 | 3,528 | 6,085 | 5,996 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (1) |
(4,501 | ) | 1,708 | (1,493 | ) | (3,996 | ) | (2,497 | ) | 1,283 | (3,349 | ) | (8,188 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating
Revenues |
$ | 55,364 | $ | 11,449 | $ | 43,807 | $ | 70,340 | $ | 54,838 | $ | 11,127 | $ | 48,085 | $ | 72,492 | ||||||||||||||||
Volume (in Mcfs/MWHs) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential |
2,290,121 | 235,642 | 890,986 | 254,115 | 2,196,744 | 294,562 | 1,018,466 | 273,678 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial |
2,308,451 | 872,557 | 2,176,253 | 245,989 | 2,086,444 | 977,759 | 2,366,050 | 250,821 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial |
2,208,684 | 10,511,292 | 1,991,328 | 41,220 | 1,520,357 | 10,207,594 | 1,562,714 | 52,810 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
77,441 | | (220,923 | ) | 7,949 | 200,713 | | (179,505 | ) | 888 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
6,884,697 | 11,619,491 | 4,837,644 | 549,273 | 6,004,258 | 11,479,915 | 4,767,725 | 578,197 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average Customers |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential |
48,594 | 13,589 | 47,900 | 23,588 | 47,509 | 13,423 | 47,664 | 23,570 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial |
5,179 | 1,173 | 4,524 | 7,385 | 5,139 | 1,125 | 4,486 | 7,375 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial |
90 | 58 | 680 | 2 | 83 | 59 | 608 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
5 | | | | 5 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
53,868 | 14,820 | 53,104 | 30,975 | 52,736 | 14,607 | 52,758 | 30,947 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | 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. |
15
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
Assets | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||
(in thousands, except shares and per share data) | ||||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment |
||||||||
Regulated energy |
$ | 519,713 | $ | 500,689 | ||||
Unregulated energy |
62,828 | 61,313 | ||||||
Other |
19,359 | 16,989 | ||||||
Total property, plant and equipment |
601,900 | 578,991 | ||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
(133,751 | ) | (121,628 | ) | ||||
Plus: Construction work in progress |
10,610 | 5,394 | ||||||
Net property, plant and equipment |
478,759 | 462,757 | ||||||
Investments, at fair value |
3,688 | 4,036 | ||||||
Current Assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
1,770 | 1,643 | ||||||
Accounts receivable (less allowance for
uncollectible
accounts of $906 and $1,194, respectively) |
65,692 | 88,074 | ||||||
Accrued revenue |
8,434 | 14,978 | ||||||
Propane inventory, at average cost |
8,351 | 8,876 | ||||||
Other inventory, at average cost |
2,946 | 3,084 | ||||||
Regulatory assets |
499 | 51 | ||||||
Storage gas prepayments |
5,558 | 5,084 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable |
9,812 | 6,748 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
1,264 | 2,191 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
5,549 | 4,613 | ||||||
Mark-to-market energy assets |
1,229 | 1,642 | ||||||
Other current assets |
212 | 245 | ||||||
Total current assets |
111,316 | 137,229 | ||||||
Deferred Charges and Other Assets |
||||||||
Goodwill |
35,613 | 35,613 | ||||||
Other intangible assets, net |
3,210 | 3,459 | ||||||
Long-term receivables |
51 | 155 | ||||||
Regulatory assets |
21,644 | 23,884 | ||||||
Other deferred charges |
3,235 | 3,860 | ||||||
Total deferred charges and other assets |
63,753 | 66,971 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 657,516 | $ | 670,993 | ||||
16
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
Capitalization and Liabilities | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||
(in thousands, except shares and per share data) | ||||||||
Capitalization |
||||||||
Stockholders equity |
||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.4867 per share
(authorized 25,000,000 shares) |
$ | 4,655 | $ | 4,635 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital |
149,091 | 148,159 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
86,619 | 76,805 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(2,817 | ) | (3,360 | ) | ||||
Deferred compensation obligation |
807 | 777 | ||||||
Treasury stock |
(807 | ) | (777 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
237,548 | 226,239 | ||||||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
117,069 | 89,642 | ||||||
Total capitalization |
354,617 | 315,881 | ||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
9,196 | 9,216 | ||||||
Short-term borrowing |
26,591 | 63,958 | ||||||
Accounts payable |
38,539 | 65,541 | ||||||
Customer deposits and refunds |
27,769 | 26,317 | ||||||
Accrued interest |
3,351 | 1,789 | ||||||
Dividends payable |
3,300 | 3,143 | ||||||
Accrued compensation |
5,665 | 6,784 | ||||||
Regulatory liabilities |
7,628 | 9,009 | ||||||
Mark-to-market energy liabilities |
956 | 1,492 | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities |
11,785 | 10,393 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
134,780 | 197,642 | ||||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities |
||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
93,650 | 80,031 | ||||||
Deferred investment tax credits |
187 | 243 | ||||||
Regulatory liabilities |
3,581 | 3,734 | ||||||
Environmental liabilities |
9,615 | 10,587 | ||||||
Other pension and benefit costs |
16,596 | 18,199 | ||||||
Accrued asset removal cost Regulatory
liability |
36,280 | 35,092 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
8,210 | 9,584 | ||||||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
168,119 | 157,470 | ||||||
Total Capitalization and Liabilities |
$ | 657,516 | $ | 670,993 | ||||
17
Matters discussed 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 Companys most
recent report on Form 10-Q for further information on the risks and uncertainties related to the
Companys forward-looking statements.
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified utility company engaged in natural gas
distribution, transmission and marketing, electric distribution, propane gas distribution and
wholesale marketing, advanced information services and other related services. Information about
Chesapeakes businesses is available at www.chpk.com.
For more information, contact:
Beth W. Cooper
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
302.734.6799
Beth W. Cooper
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
302.734.6799
18