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8-K - 8-K - CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPcpkform8-kq22015.htm

                

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2015
NYSE Symbol: CPK

CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION REPORTS
HIGHER EARNINGS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER

Second quarter net income increased to $6.3 million, or $0.41 per share
Natural gas system expansions and other customer growth generated $2.3 million in additional gross margin during the quarter
Continued execution of the Florida natural gas pipe replacement program generated $1.1 million of additional gross margin
A Florida electric base rate increase contributed $731,000 to the quarter-over-quarter gross margin increase



Dover, Delaware — Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) today reported second quarter financial results. The Company's net income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $6.3 million, or $0.41 per share. This represents an increase of $1.2 million, or $0.06 per share, over the same quarter in 2014. Included in the Company's results for the current quarter was a non-recurring $1.5 million pre-tax gain ($900,000 after-tax gain, or $0.06 per share), related to cash received from a settlement with a vendor in connection with a customer billing system implementation.

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company reported net income of $27.4 million or $1.83 per share. This represents an increase of $4.6 million or $0.26 per share, compared to the same period in 2014.

Our quarterly and year-to-date performance remains strong, driven by additional gross margin generated from our regulated and unregulated energy businesses,” stated Michael P. McMasters, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation.

“Across the Company, our employees continue to develop attractive growth opportunities both within and beyond our current markets. In April, we completed the merger of Gatherco, Inc. (“Gatherco”), a natural gas infrastructure company providing midstream services in Central and Eastern Ohio, into our wholly-owned subsidiary, Aspire Energy of Ohio, LLC ("Aspire Energy of Ohio"). We have begun re-branding as Aspire Energy of Ohio, are pleased with the progress made in our overall transition plan and remain excited about the growth potential of this business. In our other energy operations, we are on schedule to complete several large projects in our robust capital expenditures program. The key to our success has been, and will continue to be, our employees' aspirations to grow our businesses, provide superior service in the Chesapeake tradition and generate higher earnings and dividend growth.” Mr. McMasters added.

A more detailed discussion and analysis of the Company's results for each segment is provided in the following pages.

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Comparative Results for the Quarters Ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014

The Company’s operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $13.2 million, an increase of $2.7 million over the same quarter in 2014. A gain from a settlement with a vendor regarding the implementation of a customer billing system contributed $1.5 million to operating income in the current quarter. The increase in operating income was also driven by a $3.9 million increase in gross margin, which was partially offset by an increase of $2.7 million in other operating expenses to support growth. Additional details on key variances in gross margin and other operating expenses are provided in the Financial Summary Highlights section later in this release. As a result of the sale of BravePoint, Inc. ("BravePoint") in October 2014, the Company no longer reports the Other segment.

Regulated Energy Segment

Operating income for the Regulated Energy segment increased by $2.9 million to $13.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same quarter in 2014. The increased operating income reflects a gain of $1.5 million received in connection with the billing system settlement as well as additional gross margin of $4.0 million, partially offset by a $2.6 million increase in other operating expenses. The significant components of the gross margin increase included:
$1.3 million from customer growth in natural gas distribution and transmission services beyond recent service expansions;
$1.1 million generated by additional Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program ("GRIP") investments by the Florida natural gas distribution operations;
$919,000 generated from natural gas service expansions completed in 2014 and 2015, as more fully discussed in the Major Projects Section below; and
$731,000 from a base rate increase in the Florida electric distribution operation that was approved by the Florida Public Service Commission ("PSC") in September 2014.

The significant components of the increase in other operating expenses included:
$614,000 in higher payroll and benefits costs as a result of additional personnel to support growth;
$426,000 in higher depreciation, asset removal and property tax costs associated with recent capital investments to support growth;
$417,000 in legal and consulting costs associated with the billing system settlement and other initiatives;
$374,000 in higher accruals for incentive compensation as a result of the higher quarterly results; and
$187,000 in additional amortization expense due to a change in the amortization of regulatory assets and liabilities, primarily in the Florida electric distribution operation.

Unregulated Energy Segment

The Unregulated Energy segment reported an operating loss of $540,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compared to an operating loss of $43,000 for the same quarter in 2014. The Unregulated Energy segment typically reports an operating loss, or modest operating income, in the second quarter due to the seasonal nature of the propane distribution operations, which represents a large portion of this segment. The results for the second quarter include gross margin of $1.6 million and other operating expenses of $1.9 million from Aspire Energy of Ohio, following the acquisition of Gatherco. Historically, Gatherco also reported the lowest volumes delivered and revenue in the second quarter due to the seasonality of its business. Excluding Aspire Energy of Ohio, gross margin increased by $478,000, which was offset by a $704,000 increase in other operating expenses.



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Comparative Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014

The Company’s operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $50.7 million, an increase of $8.6 million over the same period in 2014. A gain from the billing system settlement contributed $1.5 million to operating income in the year-to-date results. The remainder of the increase in 2015 operating income was driven by an increase in gross margin of $10.9 million, which was offset by an increase of $3.8 million in other operating expenses necessary to support growth. As mentioned previously, as a result of the BravePoint sale in October 2014, the Company no longer reports the Other segment.

Regulated Energy Segment

Operating income for the Regulated Energy segment increased by $4.0 million to $35.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The increased operating income reflects a $1.5 million gain from the billing system settlement. The remainder of the increase in operating income was due to an increase in gross margin of $8.6 million, partially offset by a $6.1 million increase in other operating expenses. The significant components of the gross margin increase included:
$2.4 million in customer growth in natural gas distribution and transmission services beyond recent service expansions;
$2.4 million generated from natural gas service expansions completed in 2014 and 2015, as more fully discussed in the Major Projects section below;
$1.8 million generated by the Florida GRIP; and
$1.7 million from a base rate increase for the Florida electric distribution operation.

The significant components of the increase in other operating expenses included:
$1.2 million in higher payroll and benefit costs as a result of additional personnel to support growth and increased overtime on the Delmarva Peninsula in early 2015 due to colder weather;
$987,000 in legal and consulting costs associated with the billing system settlement and other transactions;
$837,000 in higher service contractor and other consulting costs;
$805,000 in higher depreciation, asset removal and property tax costs associated with recent capital investments to support growth;
$601,000 in higher accruals for incentive compensation as a result of year-to-date performance;
$404,000 in additional costs for facility maintenance; and
$332,000 in additional amortization expense due to a change in the amortization of regulatory assets and liabilities, primarily in the Florida electric distribution operation.


Unregulated Energy Segment

Operating income for the Unregulated Energy segment increased by $3.9 million to $14.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Excluding the impact generated by Aspire Energy of Ohio as a result of the Gatherco acquisition ($1.6 million in gross margin and $1.9 million of other operating expenses), the increased operating income was driven by a $5.0 million increase in gross margin, which was partially offset by an $838,000 increase in other operating expenses. The significant components of the gross margin increase included:

$5.7 million generated from higher retail propane margins per gallon due to the retail pricing strategy, guided by local market conditions, and lower propane inventory costs as a result of favorable supply management and hedging activities; and
$984,000 in decreased trading margin for Xeron due to lower volatility in wholesale propane prices.

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4-4-4-4


Other operating expenses increased by $2.7 million due primarily to $1.9 million of other operating expenses incurred by Aspire Energy of Ohio. The remaining increase in other operating expenses was due primarily to:

$588,000 in higher payroll and benefits expense due to increased seasonal overtime and additional resources to support growth;
$253,000 in additional costs for facility maintenance;
$240,000 in increased accruals for incentive compensation as a result of year-to-date financial results in 2015; and
$269,000 in lower expenses for credit and collections activities, which partially offset these increases in expenses.


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 Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the risks and uncertainties related to the Company’s forward-looking statements.

The discussions of the results use the term “gross margin,” a non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) financial measure, which management uses to evaluate the performance of the Company’s business segments. For an explanation of the calculation of “gross margin,” see the footnote to the Financial Summary.

Share and per share amounts for all periods presented reflect the three-for-two stock split declared on July 2, 2014, effected in the form of a stock dividend, and distributed on September 8, 2014.

Unless otherwise noted, earnings per share information is presented on a diluted basis.

Conference Call

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation will host a conference call on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company’s financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. To participate in this call, dial 866.821.5457 and reference Chesapeake Utilities Corporation’s 2015 Second Quarter Financial Results Conference Call. To access the replay recording of this call, please visit the Company’s website at http://investor.chpk.com/results.cfm or download the replay on your mobile device by accessing the Audio cast section of the Company's IR App.

About Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy company engaged in natural gas distribution, transmission, gathering and processing, and marketing; electricity distribution; propane gas distribution and wholesale marketing; and other related services. Information about Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and the Chesapeake family of businesses is available at http://www.chpk.com or through its IR App.

For more information, contact:
Beth W. Cooper
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
302.734.6799

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Financial Summary
(in thousands, except per share)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Gross Margin (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Regulated Energy segment
$
40,936

 
$
36,974

 
$
93,389

 
$
84,832

  Unregulated Energy segment
10,403

 
8,301

 
35,722

 
29,115

  Other businesses and eliminations
(53
)
 
2,108

 
(108
)
 
4,141

 Total Gross Margin
$
51,286

 
$
47,383

 
$
129,003

 
$
118,088

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Regulated Energy segment
$
13,605

 
$
10,711

 
$
35,788

 
$
31,802

   Unregulated Energy segment
(540
)
 
(43
)
 
14,689

 
10,815

   Other businesses and eliminations
105

 
(211
)
 
201

 
(538
)
 Total Operating Income
13,170

 
10,457

 
50,678

 
42,079

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Loss), net of Other Expenses
(171
)
 
405

 
(38
)
 
413

Interest Charges
2,485

 
2,303

 
4,933

 
4,459

Pre-tax Income
10,514

 
8,559

 
45,707

 
38,033

Income Taxes
4,220

 
3,425

 
18,304

 
15,218

 Net Income
$
6,294

 
$
5,134

 
$
27,403

 
$
22,815

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.41

 
$
0.35

 
$
1.84

 
$
1.57

Diluted
$
0.41

 
$
0.35

 
$
1.83

 
$
1.57


(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 are 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. Chesapeake’s 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.



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Financial Summary Highlights

Key variances for the three months ended June 30, 2015 included:

(in thousands, except per share)
 
Pre-tax
Income
 
Net
Income
 
Earnings
Per Share
Second Quarter of 2014 Reported Results
 
$
8,559

 
$
5,134

 
$
0.35

Adjusting for Unusual Items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain from a settlement
 
1,500

 
900

 
0.06

Gain on sale of business, recorded in 2014
 
(397
)
 
(238
)
 
(0.02
)
Absence of BravePoint, which was sold in October 2014
 
319

 
191

 
0.01

 
 
1,422

 
853

 
0.05

Increased (Decreased) Gross Margins:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contribution from Aspire Energy of Ohio
 
1,624

 
974

 
0.07

Natural gas growth (excluding service expansions)
 
1,347

 
808

 
0.06

GRIP
 
1,067

 
640

 
0.04

Service expansions (See Major Projects Highlights table)
 
919

 
551

 
0.04

FPU Electric base rate increase
 
731

 
439

 
0.03

Higher retail propane margins
 
649

 
389

 
0.03

Decrease in customer consumption
 
(203
)
 
(122
)
 
(0.01
)
 
 
6,134

 
3,679

 
0.26

Increased Other Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses from Aspire Energy of Ohio
 
(1,895
)
 
(1,137
)
 
(0.08
)
Higher payroll and benefits costs
 
(802
)
 
(481
)
 
(0.03
)
Increased accrual for incentive compensation
 
(606
)
 
(364
)
 
(0.02
)
Higher depreciation, asset removal and property tax costs due to recent capital investments
 
(495
)
 
(297
)
 
(0.02
)
Costs associated with billing system settlement and other initiatives
 
(465
)
 
(279
)
 
(0.02
)
Higher facility maintenance
 
(194
)
 
(116
)
 
(0.01
)
  Higher amortization expense
 
(172
)
 
(103
)
 
(0.01
)
 
 
(4,629
)
 
(2,777
)
 
(0.19
)
Interest Charges
 
(182
)
 
(109
)
 
(0.01
)
Net Other Changes (1)
 
(790
)
 
(486
)
 
(0.05
)
Second Quarter of 2015 Reported Results
 
$
10,514

 
$
6,294

 
$
0.41

(1) The earnings per share impact net of other changes shown above includes $(0.02) of dilution from the issuance of 592,970 shares of Chesapeake's common stock in conjunction with the merger of Gatherco into Aspire Energy of Ohio on April 1, 2015.



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7-7-7-7

Key variances for the six months ended June 30, 2015 included:

(in thousands, except per share)
 
Pre-tax
Income
 
Net
Income
 
Earnings
Per Share
Six months ended June 30, 2014 Reported Results
 
$
38,033

 
$
22,815

 
$
1.57

Adjusting for Unusual Items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain from a settlement
 
1,500

 
900

 
0.06

Absence of BravePoint, which was sold in October 2014
 
757

 
454

 
0.03

Gain on sale of business, recorded in 2014
 
(397
)
 
(238
)
 
(0.02
)
Weather impact
 
320

 
192

 
0.01

 
 
2,180

 
1,308

 
0.08

Increased (Decreased) Gross Margins:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Higher retail propane margins
 
5,650

 
3,387

 
0.23

Natural gas growth (excluding service expansions)
 
2,378

 
1,426

 
0.10

Service expansions (See Major Projects Highlights table)
 
2,377

 
1,425

 
0.10

GRIP
 
1,822

 
1,092

 
0.07

FPU Electric base rate increase
 
1,693

 
1,015

 
0.07

Contribution from Aspire Energy of Ohio
 
1,624

 
974

 
0.07

Propane wholesale marketing
 
(984
)
 
(590
)
 
(0.04
)
Increase in customer consumption
 
408

 
245

 
0.02

 
 
14,968

 
8,974

 
0.62

Increased Other Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses from Aspire Energy of Ohio
 
(1,895
)
 
(1,136
)
 
(0.08
)
Higher payroll and benefits costs
 
(1,654
)
 
(992
)
 
(0.07
)
Costs associated with billing system settlement and other transactions
 
(1,081
)
 
(648
)
 
(0.04
)
Higher depreciation, asset removal costs and property tax costs due to recent capital investments
 
(944
)
 
(566
)
 
(0.04
)
Higher service contractor and other consulting costs
 
(853
)
 
(511
)
 
(0.04
)
Increased accruals for incentive compensation
 
(837
)
 
(502
)
 
(0.03
)
Higher facility maintenance
 
(657
)
 
(394
)
 
(0.03
)
Higher amortization expense
 
(302
)
 
(181
)
 
(0.01
)
 
 
(8,223
)
 
(4,930
)
 
(0.34
)
Interest Charges
 
(474
)
 
(284
)
 
(0.02
)
Net Other Changes (1)
 
(777
)
 
(480
)
 
(0.08
)
Six months ended June 30, 2015 Reported Results
 
$
45,707

 
$
27,403

 
$
1.83

(1) The earnings per share impact net of other changes shown above includes $(0.04) of dilution from the issuance of 592,970 shares of Chesapeake's common stock in conjunction with the merger of Gatherco into Aspire Energy of Ohio on April 1, 2015.


Major Projects
Service Expansions
During 2014, Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company, ("Eastern Shore"), the Company's interstate pipeline subsidiary, executed a one-year contract with an industrial customer in New Castle County, Delaware to provide 50,000 dekatherms per day ("Dts/d") of additional transmission service from April 2014 to April 2015. This contract was subsequently amended to provide 55,580 Dts/d of transmission service at a lower reservation rate through August 2020. This contract, including the impact of the extension, generated additional gross margin of $111,000 and $842,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. The lower rate decreased gross margin by $183,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014, and will reduce the gross margin generated by this contract by $409,000 in the second half of 2015. The extension of the contract, net of the impact from the lower rate, generated additional gross margin of $659,000, for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

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8-8-8-8


In December 2014, Eastern Shore executed another short-term contract with the same customer in New Castle County, Delaware to provide an additional 10,000 Dts/d of Off Peak ≤90 firm transportation service ("OPT ≤ 90 Service") from December 2014 to March 2015. The OPT ≤ 90 Service is a new firm transportation service that allows Eastern Shore not to schedule service for up to 90 days during the peak months of November through April each year. This short-term contract generated additional gross margin of $233,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

On October 1, 2014, Eastern Shore commenced a new lateral service to an industrial customer facility in Kent County, Delaware. This service commenced after construction of new facilities, including approximately 5.5 miles of pipeline lateral and metering facilities extending from Eastern Shore's mainline to the new industrial customer facility. This service generated $463,000 and $926,000, of gross margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. On an annual basis, this service will generate $1.8 million of gross margin in 2015 and annual gross margin of approximately $1.2 million to $1.8 million during the 37-year service period.

In April 2015, Eastern Shore commenced interruptible service to the same industrial customer in Kent County, Delaware and generated additional gross margin of $398,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. The interruptible service is expected to generate $2.5 million of gross margin in 2015, and it is expected to be replaced by the new OPT ≤ 90 Service beginning late first quarter or early second quarter of 2016. (See the Future Service Expansion Initiatives section later in the release).
On January 16, 2015, the Florida PSC approved a firm transportation agreement between Peninsula Pipeline and Chesapeake's Florida natural gas distribution division. Under this agreement, Peninsula Pipeline provides natural gas transmission service to support Chesapeake's expansion of natural gas distribution service in Polk County, Florida at an annual rate of $1.6 million. Peninsula Pipeline began the initial phase of its service to Chesapeake in March 2015, which generated $134,000 and $161,000 of additional gross margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. All phases of this service will generate $1.6 million of estimated annual gross margin.

The following Major Project Highlights table summarizes our major projects initiated since 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
Gross Margin for the Period (1)
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
Estimate
 
Total
 
June 30,
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
 
for
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
2015
 
Margin
Acquisition:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aspire Energy of Ohio (formerly Gatherco) (2)
$
1,624

 
$

 
$
1,624

 
$
1,624

 
$

 
$
1,624

 
$
8,797

 
$

Service Expansions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas Transmission:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Castle County, Delaware
$
523

 
$
599

 
$
(76
)
 
$
1,491

 
$
599

 
$
892

 
$
2,505

 
$
2,026

Kent County, Delaware (3)
398

 

 
398

 
398

 

 
398

 
2,516

 

Total short-term
921

 
599

 
322

 
1,889

 
599

 
1,290

 
5,021

 
2,026

Long-term
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kent County, Delaware
463

 

 
463

 
926

 

 
926

 
1,844

 
463

Polk County, Florida
134

 

 
134

 
161

 

 
161

 
908

 

Total long-term
$
597


$


$
597


$
1,087


$


$
1,087


$
2,752


$
463

Total Service Expansions
$
1,518


$
599


$
919


$
2,976


$
599


$
2,377


$
7,773


$
2,489

Total Major Projects
$
3,142

 
$
599

 
$
2,543

 
$
4,600

 
$
599


$
4,001


$
16,570


$
2,489


(1) Gross margin of $4.5 million and $11.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, and $21.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, respectively, related to projects initiated prior to 2014. These projects were previously disclosed and are excluded from the above table as they no longer result in period-over-period variances.
(2) During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, we incurred $1.9 million, in other operating expenses related to Aspire Energy of Ohio's operation. We expect to incur a total of $6.7 million in other operating expenses for all of 2015.

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(3) The gross margin is attributable to interruptible service Eastern Shore provided to an industrial customer beginning in April 2015. The interruptible service will be replaced by the OPT ≤ 90 Service beginning in late first quarter or early second quarter of 2016.

Future Service Expansion Initiatives
Eight Flags Energy, LLC, ("Eight Flags"), one of the Company's unregulated energy subsidiaries, is engaged in the development and construction of a Combined Heat and Power ("CHP") plant in Nassau County, Florida. This CHP plant, which will consist of a natural-gas-fired turbine and associated electric generator, is designed to generate approximately 20 megawatts of base load power and will include a heat recovery system generator capable of providing approximately 75,000 pounds per hour of unfired steam. Eight Flags will sell the power generated from the CHP plant to FPU for distribution to its retail electric customers pursuant to a 20-year power purchase agreement. It will also sell the steam to an industrial customer pursuant to a separate 20-year contract. FPU will transport natural gas through its distribution system to Eight Flags’ CHP plant, which will produce power and steam. On a consolidated basis, this project is expected to generate approximately $7.3 million in annual gross margin, which could fluctuate based upon various factors, including, but not limited to, the quantity of steam delivered and the CHP plant’s hours of operations. Eight Flags' CHP plant is expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2016. Chesapeake's total projected investment, by Eight Flags and other Chesapeake affiliates, to construct the CHP plant and associated facilities is approximately $40.0 million.
In December 2014, Eastern Shore entered into a precedent agreement with an industrial customer in Kent County, Delaware, whereby Eastern Shore committed to provide a 20-year natural gas transmission service for 45,000 Dts/d for the customer's new facility, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. This new service will be provided as OPT ≤ 90 Service and is expected to generate at least $5.8 million in annual gross margin. In November 2014, Eastern Shore requested the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's ("FERC") authorization to construct 7.2 miles of 16-inch pipeline looping and 3,550 horsepower of new compression in Delaware to provide this service. The cost of these new facilities is estimated to be approximately $30.0 million. Eastern Shore anticipates receiving the FERC’s authorization in 2015, with service targeted to commence in the late first quarter or early second quarter of 2016, following construction of the new facilities. As previously discussed, during the second quarter of 2015, we generated $398,000 in additional gross margin by providing interruptible service to this customer.

The following table summarizes our future major expansion initiatives and opportunities with executed contracts (dollars in thousands):

Project
 
Estimated In Service Date
 
Projected Capital Cost
 
Estimated
Annualized
Margin
20-year OPT ≤ 90 Service to an industrial customer in Kent County, Delaware
 
Late first quarter or early second quarter of 2016
 
$30.0 million
 
$5.8 million
Eight Flags CHP plant in Nassau County, Florida
 
Third quarter of 2016
 
$40.0 million
 
$7.3 million
Other Natural Gas Growth - Distribution Operations
In addition to these service expansions, the natural gas distribution operations on the Delmarva Peninsula generated $395,000 and $845,000, respectively, in additional gross margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014, due to an increase in residential, commercial and industrial customers served. The number of residential customers on the Delmarva Peninsula increased by 2.6 percent in the second quarter of 2015, compared to the same quarter in 2014. The natural gas distribution operations in Florida generated $660,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, in additional gross margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014, due primarily to an increase in commercial and industrial customers in Florida.

Gatherco Acquisition
On April 1, 2015, we completed the merger with Gatherco, pursuant to which Gatherco merged with and into Aspire Energy of Ohio, a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Chesapeake. At closing, we issued 592,970 shares of the Company's common stock, valued at $30.2 million based on the closing price of the Company's common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on April 1, 2015, and paid $27.5 million in cash. We also acquired $6.8 million of Gatherco's cash at the time of the closing and assumed $1.7 million of Gatherco’s debt, which was paid off on the same day. As a result of this merger, Aspire Energy of Ohio provides unregulated natural gas midstream services including natural gas gathering services and natural gas liquid processing services to over 300 producers through 16 gathering systems and over 2,000 miles of pipelines in Central and Eastern Ohio, and supplies natural gas to over 6,000 customers in Ohio through the Consumers Gas Cooperative, an independent entity, which Aspire Energy of Ohio manages under an operating agreement.

--more--


10-10-10-10


The Company's results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 included $1.6 million of gross margin and $1.9 million of other operating expenses from Aspire Energy of Ohio as a result of the acquisition of Gatherco. The results of Aspire Energy of Ohio are projected to have a minimal impact on the Company's earnings per share in 2015, since the merger was completed after the first quarter, which has historically produced a significant portion of Gatherco's annual earnings. This acquisition is expected to be accretive to the Company's earnings in the first full year of operations, which will include the first quarter of 2016.
Weather and Consumption

Weather was not a significant factor in the second quarter as the negative impact of warmer temperatures on the Delmarva Peninsula on the natural gas and propane distribution operations was offset by the positive impact of warmer temperatures in Florida on the electric distribution operation. Since the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 were both significantly colder than normal (10-year average weather) on the Delmarva Peninsula, weather was not a significant factor in the period-over-period variance. The following tables highlight the heating degree-day ("HDD") and cooling degree-day ("CDD") information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and the gross margin variance resulting from weather fluctuations in those periods.

HDD and CDD Information
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
 
2015
 
2014
 
Variance
Delmarva
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual HDD
386

 
456

 
(70
)
 
3,208

 
3,173

 
35

10-Year Average HDD ("Normal")
443

 
459

 
(16
)
 
2,843

 
2,820

 
23

Variance from Normal
(57
)
 
(3
)
 
 
 
365

 
353

 
 
Florida
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual HDD

 
17

 
(17
)
 
501

 
574

 
(73
)
10-Year Average HDD ("Normal")
24

 
26

 
(2
)
 
557

 
555

 
2

Variance from Normal
(24
)
 
(9
)
 
 
 
(56
)
 
19

 
 
Florida
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual CDD
1,114

 
928

 
186

 
1,236

 
970

 
266

10-Year Average CDD ("Normal")
909

 
908

 
1

 
982

 
982

 

Variance from Normal
205

 
20

 
 
 
254

 
(12
)
 
 

Gross Margin Variance attributed to Weather
(in thousands)
Q2 2015 vs. Q2 2014
 
Q2 2015 vs. Normal
 
YTD 2015 vs. YTD 2014
 
YTD 2015 vs. Normal
Delmarva
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulated Energy segment
$
(138
)
 
$
(182
)
 
$
185

 
$
906

Unregulated Energy segment
(253
)
 
2

 
77

 
978

Florida
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulated Energy segment
151

 
229

 
68

 
(199
)
Unregulated Energy segment

 

 
(10
)
 
122

Total
$
(240
)
 
$
49

 
$
320

 
$
1,807

Propane prices


--more--


11-11-11-11

Higher retail margins per gallon generated $427,000 and $5.0 million in additional gross margin by the Delmarva propane distribution operation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. A large decline in propane prices in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same quarter in 2014, had a significant impact on the amount of revenue and cost of sales associated with the Company's propane distribution operations. Based on the Mont Belvieu wholesale propane index, propane prices in the first quarter of 2015 were approximately 59 percent lower than prices in the same quarter in 2014. As a result of favorable supply management and hedging activities, the Delmarva propane distribution operation experienced a decrease in its average propane inventory cost in addition to the decrease in wholesale prices, which generated increased retail margins per gallon. During the second quarter of 2015, wholesale propane prices continued to remain significantly lower than prices in the same quarter of 2014; however, retail margins per gallon reverted to more normal levels as a result of local market conditions. These market conditions, which include competition with other propane suppliers as well as the availability and price of alternative energy sources, may fluctuate based on changes in demand, supply and other energy commodity prices. The level of retail margins generated during the first six months of 2015 is not typical and, therefore, is not included in the Company's long-term financial plans or forecasts.
Xeron, which benefits from wholesale price volatility by entering into trading transactions, did not have a significant quarter-over-quarter variance for the three months ended June 30, 2015. On a year-to-date basis, Xeron experienced a gross margin decrease of $984,000, compared to the same period in 2014, due to lower wholesale price volatility.
Regulatory Initiatives

GRIP
GRIP is a natural gas pipe replacement program approved by the Florida PSC, designed to expedite the replacement of qualifying distribution mains and services (any material other than coated steel or plastic) to enhance reliability and integrity of natural gas distribution systems. This program allows recovery through rates of capital and other program-related costs, inclusive of a return on investment, associated with the replacement of the mains and services. Since the program's inception in August 2012, the Company's Florida natural gas distribution operations have invested $61.0 million to replace 141 miles of qualifying distribution mains, $17.0 million of which was invested during the first six months of 2015. The Company expects to invest an additional $11.9 million in this program through the end of 2015. The increased investment in GRIP generated additional gross margin of $1.1 million and $1.8 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014.
Florida Electric Rate Case
On September 15, 2014, the Florida PSC approved a settlement agreement between Florida Public Utilities Company ("FPU") and the Florida Office of Public Counsel in FPU's base rate case filing for its electric operation, which included, among other things, an increase in FPU's annual revenue requirement of approximately $3.8 million and a 10.25 percent rate of return on common equity. The new rates became effective for all meter reads on or after November 1, 2014. Previously, the Florida PSC approved interim rate relief, effective for meter readings on or after August 10, 2014. The higher base rates in FPU's electric operation generated $731,000 and $1.7 million in additional gross margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
The Company forecasts its capital expenditures in 2015, excluding amounts expended to acquire Gatherco, to be in the range of $160.0 million to $190.0 million, a significant increase over the average level of capital expenditures during the past three years, which equaled $94.8 million. The change from the original budget of $223.4 million, which also excluded amounts expended to acquire Gatherco, primarily reflects a shift in the timing of certain capital expenditures from 2015 to 2016. Major projects currently underway, such as the Eight Flags' CHP plant and associated facilities, anticipated new facilities to serve an industrial customer in Kent County, Delaware under the OPT ≤ 90 Service, and additional GRIP investments projected in 2015, account for approximately $99.0 million of the capital expenditures forecast for 2015. Eastern Shore is also seeking approval from the FERC for a $32.1 million project to construct additional facilities that will improve the overall reliability and flexibility of its pipeline system for the benefit of all customers. Other expansions of natural gas distribution and transmission systems, additional infrastructure and facility improvements and other strategic initiatives and investments, account for the remainder of the 2015 capital budget. Capital expenditures are subject to continuous review and modification by the Company's management and Board of Directors, and some anticipated capital expenditures are subject to approval by the applicable regulators. Actual capital requirements may vary from the above

--more--


12-12-12-12

estimates due to a number of factors, including changing economic conditions, changes in customer expectations or service needs, customer growth in existing areas, regulation, new growth or acquisition opportunities and availability of capital. Historically, actual capital expenditures have typically lagged behind the budgeted amounts. In the past three years, the Company's actual capital expenditures were between 82 percent and 88 percent of the originally budgeted amounts.
In order to fund the 2015 capital expenditures currently budgeted, the Company expects to increase the level of borrowings during 2015 to supplement cash provided by operating activities. The Company will look at other financing options as needed. The Company's target ratio of equity to total capitalization, including short-term borrowings, is between 50 and 60 percent, and it has maintained equity between 54 and 60 percent of total capitalization, including short-term borrowings, in the past three years. If the Company increases the level of debt during 2015 to fund the budgeted capital expenditures, the ratio of equity to total capitalization, including short-term borrowings, will temporarily decline until the Company issues equity. The timing of any equity issuance(s) will be based on market conditions. The Company will seek to align, as much as feasible, any such equity issuance(s) with the commencement of service, and associated earnings, for larger revenue generating projects.



--more--


13-13-13-13

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulated Energy
$
62,060

 
$
61,646

 
$
171,642

 
$
163,812

Unregulated Energy and other
30,622

 
38,851

 
91,121

 
123,022

Total Operating Revenues
92,682

 
100,497

 
262,763

 
286,834

Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulated Energy cost of sales
21,124

 
24,672

 
78,253

 
78,979

Unregulated Energy and other cost of sales
20,272

 
28,442

 
55,507

 
89,766

   Operations
26,190

 
24,615

 
53,133

 
51,242

   Maintenance
2,727

 
2,457

 
5,431

 
4,606

Gain from a settlement
(1,500
)
 

 
(1,500
)
 

   Depreciation and amortization
7,543

 
6,736

 
14,518

 
13,371

   Other taxes
3,156

 
3,118

 
6,743

 
6,791

Total operating expenses
79,512

 
90,040

 
212,085

 
244,755

Operating Income
13,170

 
10,457

 
50,678

 
42,079

Other income (loss), net of other expenses
(171
)
 
405

 
(38
)
 
413

Interest charges
2,485

 
2,303

 
4,933

 
4,459

Income Before Income Taxes
10,514

 
8,559

 
45,707

 
38,033

Income taxes
4,220

 
3,425

 
18,304

 
15,218

Net Income
$
6,294

 
$
5,134

 
$
27,403

 
$
22,815

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
15,235,860

 
14,556,242

 
14,922,094

 
14,522,133

Diluted
15,280,657

 
14,606,779

 
14,970,190

 
14,573,643

Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.41

 
$
0.35

 
$
1.84

 
$
1.57

Diluted
$
0.41

 
$
0.35

 
$
1.83

 
$
1.57


--more--


14-14-14-14


Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Assets
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(in thousands, except shares)
 
 
 
 
 Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 
 
Regulated Energy
 
$
795,331

 
$
766,855

Unregulated Energy
 
139,174

 
84,773

Other businesses and eliminations
 
19,051

 
18,497

 Total property, plant and equipment
 
953,556

 
870,125

 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(205,030
)
 
(193,369
)
 Plus: Construction work in progress
 
41,923

 
13,006

 Net property, plant and equipment
 
790,449

 
689,762

 Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents
 
2,104

 
4,574

Accounts receivable (less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,146 and $1,120, respectively)
 
42,270

 
53,300

Accrued revenue
 
8,091

 
13,617

Propane inventory, at average cost
 
4,151

 
7,250

Other inventory, at average cost
 
4,305

 
3,699

Regulatory assets
 
7,587

 
8,967

Storage gas prepayments
 
2,498

 
4,258

Income taxes receivable
 
2,518

 
18,806

Deferred income taxes
 
128

 

Prepaid expenses
 
4,223

 
6,652

Mark-to-market energy assets
 
358

 
1,055

Other current assets
 
285

 
195

 Total current assets
 
78,518

 
122,373

 Deferred Charges and Other Assets
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
16,048

 
4,952

Other intangible assets, net
 
2,415

 
2,404

Investments, at fair value
 
3,665

 
3,678

Regulatory assets
 
77,657

 
78,136

Receivables and other deferred charges
 
1,884

 
3,164

 Total deferred charges and other assets
 
101,669

 
92,334

Total Assets
 
$
970,636

 
$
904,469





--more--


15-15-15-15

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Capitalization and Liabilities
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(in thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
 
 
 
 Capitalization
 
 
 
 
 Stockholders' equity
 
 
 
 
 Common stock, par value $0.4867 per share
 
 
 
 
(authorized 25,000,000 shares)
 
$
7,419

 
$
7,100

 Additional paid-in capital
 
187,903

 
156,581

 Retained earnings
 
161,333

 
142,317

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(5,479
)
 
(5,676
)
 Deferred compensation obligation
 
1,843

 
1,258

 Treasury stock
 
(1,843
)
 
(1,258
)
 Total stockholders' equity
 
351,176

 
300,322

 Long-term debt, net of current maturities
 
156,247

 
158,486

 Total capitalization
 
507,423

 
458,808

 Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
9,127

 
9,109

Short-term borrowing
 
94,713

 
88,231

Accounts payable
 
38,173

 
44,610

Customer deposits and refunds
 
21,449

 
25,197

Accrued interest
 
1,256

 
1,352

Dividends payable
 
4,382

 
3,939

Deferred income taxes
 

 
832

Accrued compensation
 
6,500

 
10,076

Regulatory liabilities
 
15,205

 
3,268

Mark-to-market energy liabilities
 
47

 
1,018

Other accrued liabilities
 
8,756

 
6,603

 Total current liabilities
 
199,608

 
194,235

 Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes
 
173,821

 
160,232

Regulatory liabilities
 
43,307

 
43,419

Environmental liabilities
 
9,043

 
8,923

Other pension and benefit costs
 
33,614

 
35,027

Deferred investment tax credits and other liabilities
 
3,820

 
3,825

 Total deferred credits and other liabilities
 
263,605

 
251,426

Total Capitalization and Liabilities
 
$
970,636

 
$
904,469



--more--


16-16-16-16

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
Distribution Utility Statistical Data (Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Delmarva NG Distribution
Chesapeake Florida NG Division
FPU NG Distribution
FPU Electric Distribution
 
Delmarva NG Distribution
Chesapeake Florida NG Division
FPU NG Distribution
FPU Electric Distribution
Operating Revenues
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Residential
$
11,600

$
1,175

$
4,929

$
10,263

 
$
12,113

$
1,144

$
5,756

$
8,961

  Commercial
6,544

1,135

6,026

10,262

 
7,103

1,069

8,333

8,855

  Industrial
1,636

1,561

4,112

567

 
1,468

1,266

3,224

1,001

  Other (1)
(4,357
)
767

407

(2,308
)
 
(3,972
)
739

(1,670
)
(281
)
Total Operating Revenues
$
15,423

$
4,638

$
15,474

$
18,784

 
$
16,712

$
4,218

$
15,643

$
18,536

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume (in Dts/MWHs)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Residential
609,797

66,072

258,428

66,636

 
619,752

72,960

280,610

65,100

  Commercial
675,668

1,373,449

580,233

73,849

 
690,650

323,371

621,159

74,619

  Industrial
1,059,440

2,848,051

1,024,294

2,140

 
998,147

3,302,814

1,016,923

7,240

  Other
18,089


(27,076
)
10,128

 
19,524


(53,204
)
6,351

Total
2,362,994

4,287,572

1,835,879

152,753

 
2,328,073

3,699,145

1,865,488

153,310

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Residential
63,686

14,833

51,973

24,045

 
62,055

14,387

50,939

23,894

  Commercial
6,629

1,343

4,264

7,390

 
6,540

1,363

4,392

7,412

  Industrial
117

67

1,608

2

 
108

59

1,273

2

  Other
6




 
7




Total
70,438

16,243

57,845

31,437

 
68,710

15,809

56,604

31,308

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
Distribution Utility Statistical Data (Unaudited)
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Delmarva NG Distribution
Chesapeake Florida NG Division
FPU NG Distribution
FPU Electric Distribution
 
Delmarva NG Distribution
Chesapeake Florida NG Division
FPU NG Distribution
FPU Electric Distribution
Operating Revenues
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Residential
$
48,206

$
2,685

$
13,570

$
22,673

 
$
45,841

$
2,581

$
13,742

$
20,514

  Commercial
22,983

2,493

15,543

19,939

 
22,751

2,302

17,896

17,466

  Industrial
3,767

3,058

8,486

1,549

 
3,004

2,560

6,667

2,433

  Other (1)
(3,728
)
1,531

(1,515
)
(4,959
)
 
(3,682
)
1,575

(1,015
)
(3,569
)
Total Operating Revenues
$
71,228

$
9,767

$
36,084

$
39,202

 
$
67,914

$
9,018

$
37,290

$
36,844

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume (in Dts/MWHs)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Residential
2,951,229

206,792

773,393

147,488

 
2,778,338

209,616

764,767

149,590

  Commercial
2,493,359

2,764,538

1,417,065

144,573

 
2,380,520

729,069

1,421,313

146,423

  Industrial
2,329,581

5,683,848

2,154,061

9,650

 
2,172,339

7,030,959

2,145,937

16,870

  Other
28,432


(108,633
)
5,348

 
26,052


(83,207
)
(6,016
)
Total
7,802,601

8,655,178

4,235,886

307,059

 
7,357,249

7,969,644

4,248,810

306,867

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Residential
64,056

14,814

51,811

23,981

 
62,379

14,368

50,826

23,855

  Commercial
6,670

1,349

4,276

7,380

 
6,572

1,354

4,403

7,414

  Industrial
116

67

1,577

2

 
107

60

1,247

2

  Other
6




 
7




Total
70,848

16,230

57,664

31,363

 
69,065

15,782

56,476

31,271

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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.