Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Reports Third Quarter Results

DOVER, Del., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) ("Chesapeake Utilities" or the "Company") today reported third quarter financial results. The Company's net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 was $4.4 million, compared to $5.1 million in the same quarter of 2015. The decrease was principally due to fixed pipeline and storage costs associated with natural gas supply contracts where a significant portion of the sales volume will occur during the winter months; increased deliveries and imbalance positions that favorably impacted Aspire Energy in 2015, which are non-recurring; and lower retail propane margins per gallon on the Delmarva Peninsula, as expected. Earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were $0.29 per share, compared to $0.33 for the same quarter of 2015.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company reported net income of $32.8 million, an increase of $291,000 over the first nine months of 2015.  Earnings per share were $2.14 for the first nine months of 2016, compared to $2.16 per share for the same period in 2015.  Year-to-date, higher earnings from growth in the Company's natural gas transmission and distribution businesses, Aspire Energy of Ohio, LLC ("Aspire Energy") and the Combined Heat & Power ("CHP") plant constructed by the Company's subsidiary, Eight Flags Energy, LLC ("Eight Flags"), offset the negative effect of warmer weather largely during the first quarter of 2016. The warmer weather reduced year-to-date earnings per share by $0.31 compared to the same period in 2015.

"Third quarter results of operations met our expectations and demonstrate the success of our employees in cultivating growth in the areas we serve.  The Eight Flags Energy project is now fully operational and contributed more than $2.0 million in new margin during the quarter." stated Michael P. McMasters, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation.  "We also completed an equity offering which provides us with the capital we need while maintaining our strong financial position. Looking forward we are positioned to continue executing on our projects and delivering value to our customers and shareholders," Mr. McMasters added.

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

Comparative Results for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

Operating income for the third quarter decreased by $753,000, or 6.9 percent, to $10.2 million compared to the same period in 2015. Gross margin increased by $4.7 million, although other operating expenses increased by $5.5 million. The increase in other operating expenses, in part, reflects the fact that higher expenses to support growth of the Company's businesses are largely recognized equally across the year, while the margin from growth is more concentrated in the heating season during the fourth and first quarters.

Regulated Energy Segment

The Regulated Energy segment operating income grew by $1.3 million compared to the same period in 2015. The increased operating income resulted from a $4.7 million increase in gross margin, partially offset by a $3.4 million increase in other operating expenses. The significant components of the gross margin increase included:

• $1.6 million generated from natural gas transmission expansions completed in 2015 and 2016, as well as interim services to customers pending construction of facilities, which are discussed in the "Major Projects and Initiatives" section below;
• $943,000 from customer growth in natural gas distribution and transmission services unrelated to recent service expansions;
• $920,000 generated by additional Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program ("GRIP") investments in the Florida natural gas distribution operations;
• $469,000 generated from the implementation of interim rates for the Company's Delaware natural gas distribution division;
• $464,000 from new natural gas transmission and distribution services provided to the Company's Eight Flags' CHP plant; and
• $226,000 related to higher margins from system improvement rates for the Company's subsidiary, Sandpiper Energy, Inc., ("Sandpiper") resulting from the continuing conversion of the Sandpiper system from propane service to natural gas service.

Other operating expenses increased by $3.4 million. The significant components of the increase in other operating expenses included:

• $1.3 million in higher payroll and benefits costs for additional personnel to support growth;
• $702,000 in higher outside services costs primarily associated with growth and ongoing compliance activities;
• $517,000 in higher facilities costs to support growth; and
• $401,000 in higher depreciation, asset removal and property tax costs associated with recent capital investments to support growth and system integrity.

Unregulated Energy Segment

The Unregulated Energy segment reported an operating loss of $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to a loss of $1.0 million in the same period for 2015. The Unregulated Energy segment typically reports an operating loss in the third quarter due to the seasonal nature of a large portion of the businesses included in this segment. As shown below, gross margin was largely unchanged from period to period as a result of the gross margin added by the Eight Flags CHP plant; results were impacted by the following:

• $1.6 million of additional gross margin from Eight Flags' CHP plant, which commenced operations in June 2016; offset by:
• $613,000 in additional fixed pipeline and storage costs associated with natural gas supply contracts entered into by Peninsula Energy Services Company, Inc. ("PESCO"), where a significant portion of the sales volume will occur during the winter months;
• $414,000 less gross margin for the Company's propane distribution operations of which $344,000 is associated with the Delmarva Peninsula propane distribution operation where retail margins per gallon returned to more normal levels. The Company has assumed more normal levels of margins in its long-term financial plans and forecasts;
• $413,000 of lower gross margin from Xeron on executed trades; and
• $407,000 of decreased gross margin from Aspire Energy as a result of increased deliveries and imbalance positions that favorably impacted Aspire Energy in the third quarter of 2015, which are non-recurring. Lower margin associated with system volumes and imbalance positions in third quarter of 2016, also contributed to the decrease.

Other operating expenses increased by $2.1 million. The significant components of the increase in other operating expenses included:

• $1.1 million in other operating expenses incurred by Eight Flags' CHP plant;
• $545,000 in higher payroll and benefits costs for additional personnel to support growth; and
• $225,000 in higher outside services costs primarily associated with growth and ongoing compliance activities.

Comparative Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased by $690,000 to $62.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $61.6 million for the same period in 2015. The increase in operating income was driven by a $10.9 million increase in gross margin, which was partially offset by a $10.2 million increase in other operating expenses. Excluding the net non-recurring gain associated with the billing system settlement recognized during the first nine months of 2015, operating income increased by $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Regulated Energy Segment

Operating income for the Regulated Energy segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased by $5.0 million. The increase in operating income was driven by an increase in gross margin of $11.4 million, which was partially offset by an increase of $6.4 million in other operating expenses. The significant components of the gross margin increase included:

• $5.5 million generated from natural gas transmission expansions completed in 2015 and 2016, as well as interim services to customers pending construction of facilities, which are more fully discussed in the "Major Projects and Initiatives" section below;
• $3.1 million generated by additional GRIP investments in the Florida natural gas distribution operations;
• $2.6 million from customer growth in natural gas distribution and transmission services unrelated to recent service expansions;
• $1.4 million generated from the implementation of interim rates for the Company's Delaware natural gas distribution division;
• $892,000 from new natural gas transmission and distribution services provided to Eight Flags' CHP plant; and
• $618,000 related to higher margins from system improvement rates for Sandpiper resulting from the continued conversion of its distribution system from propane service to natural gas service.

The above increases were partially offset by $2.1 million in lower gross margin due to reduced consumption of natural gas and electricity, largely as a result of warmer weather during the first quarter of 2016, compared to the same period in 2015.

Other operating expenses increased by $6.4 million. The significant components of the increase in other operating expenses included:

• $2.0 million in higher payroll and benefits costs for additional personnel to support growth;
• $1.4 million due to the absence of a $1.5 million gain from the payment received by the Company in the customer billing system settlement, recorded in 2015, which was partially offset by an associated gain of $130,000 during the third quarter of 2016, representing an additional current portion of the contingent recovery in connection with such settlement;
• $1.4 million in higher depreciation, asset removal and property tax costs associated with recent capital investments to support growth and system integrity; and
• $817,000 in higher outside services costs primarily associated with growth and ongoing compliance activities.

Unregulated Energy Segment

The Unregulated Energy segment reported operating income of $9.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to operating income of $13.7 million for the same period in 2015. The $4.4 million decrease in operating income resulted from a $549,000 decrease in gross margin and a $3.9 million increase in other operating expenses. Income generated from ongoing execution of the Company's growth strategy through Aspire Energy, the Eight Flags CHP plant and customer growth generated by PESCO, offset the negative effect of warmer weather experienced primarily in the first quarter and retail margins per gallon on the Delmarva Peninsula returning to more normal levels.

Gross margin increased as a result of the following:

• $4.5 million of additional gross margin from Aspire Energy as the first nine months of 2015 reflect only six months of margin for Aspire Energy, which became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities on April 1, 2015. In addition, Aspire Energy generated additional margins as a result of pricing amendments to long-term gas sales agreements, additional management fees and the optimization of gathering system receipts and deliveries;
• $1.7 million of additional gross margin from Eight Flags' CHP plant, which commenced operations in June 2016; and
• $1.1 million in additional gross margin from PESCO due to customer growth and favorable supply management activities.

Gross margin decreases offsetting the above increases included the following:

• $4.1 million of lower gross margin due to lower customer consumption of propane. The decrease was driven mainly by weather as a result of warmer temperatures on the Delmarva Peninsula primarily during the first quarter of 2016 compared to colder temperatures during the first quarter of 2015;
• $2.2 million of lower gross margin for the Company's Delmarva propane distribution operation as retail margins per gallon returned to more normal levels; accordingly, the Company has assumed more normal levels of margins in its long-term financial plans and forecasts;
• $436,000 of lower gross margin due to decreased sales of propane to a third party who supplies Sandpiper Energy, as a result of significantly warmer weather in 2016 compared to 2015 as well as conversions to natural gas; and
• $419,000 of lower gross margin from Xeron on executed trades.

Other operating expenses increased by $3.9 million. The significant components of the increase in other operating expenses included:

• $2.5 million in other operating expenses incurred by Aspire Energy, given the additional quarter's results included in 2016, compared to only six months of results in the nine months ended September 30, 2015; and
• $1.1 million in other operating expenses incurred by Eight Flags since it commenced operations in June 2016.

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 2015 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.

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

Conference Call

Chesapeake Utilities will host a conference call on Friday, November 4, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company's financial results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016. To participate in this call, dial 855.801.6270 and reference Chesapeake Utilities' 2016 Third 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 is a diversified energy company engaged in natural gas distribution, transmission, gathering and processing, and marketing; electricity generation and distribution; propane gas distribution and wholesale marketing; and other businesses. Information about Chesapeake Utilities and its family of businesses is available at http://www.chpk.com or through its IR App.

Please note that Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is not affiliated with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas exploration company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

For more information, contact:

Beth W. Cooper
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
302.734.6799

Aspire Energy
Aspire Energy's gross margin decreased by $407,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, partly due to increased deliveries and imbalance positions that favorably impacted Aspire Energy in the third quarter of 2015, which are non-recurring. Lower margin associated with system volumes and imbalance positions in third quarter of 2016, also contributed to the decrease.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Aspire Energy generated $4.5 million in additional gross margin compared to the same period in 2015.  Aspire Energy's gross margin for the same period in 2015 was lower due in part to the fact that the period included only six months of results. Aspire Energy also generated additional gross margin primarily as a result of pricing amendments to long-term gas sales agreements, additional management fees and the optimization of gathering system receipts and deliveries. As projected, this merger was accretive to earnings per share in the first full year of operations.

Service Expansions
On January 16, 2015, the Florida PSC approved a firm transportation agreement between Peninsula Pipeline Company, Inc. ("Peninsula Pipeline"), the Company's wholly-owned Florida intrastate pipeline subsidiary, and Chesapeake Utilities' Florida natural gas distribution division. Pursuant to this agreement, Peninsula Pipeline provides natural gas transmission service to support the Company's expansion of natural gas distribution service in Polk County, Florida.  Peninsula Pipeline began the initial phase of its service to Chesapeake Utilities' Florida natural gas distribution division in March 2015. This new service generated $67,000 and $720,000 of additional gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. When all phases of this service are complete, this expansion will generate an estimated annual gross margin of $1.6 million.

In April 2015, Eastern Shore commenced interruptible service to an electric power generator in Kent County, Delaware. The interruptible service concluded in December 2015 and was replaced by a short-term OPT ≤ 90 Service, which generated additional gross margin of $901,000 and $4.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. The short-term OPT ≤ 90 Service is expected to be replaced by a 20-year contract for OPT ≤ 90 Service in the first quarter of 2017.

On October 13, 2015, Eastern Shore submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") to make certain measurement and related improvements at its Texas Eastern Transmission, LP ("TETLP") interconnect facilities, which would enable Eastern Shore to increase natural gas receipts from TETLP by 53,000 dekatherms per day ("Dts/d"), for a total capacity of 160,000 Dts/d. In December 2015, the FERC authorized Eastern Shore to proceed with this project, which was completed and placed in service in March 2016. Approximately 85 percent of the increased capacity has been subscribed on a short-term firm service basis.  This service generated an additional gross margin of $617,000 and $744,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015, and is expected to generate approximately $1.4 million in additional gross margin for the year. The remaining capacity is available for firm or interruptible service.

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 the Company's Florida natural gas distribution systems. This program allows recovery, through regulated 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 has invested $97.3 million to replace 209 miles of qualifying distribution mains, including $20.4 million during the first nine months of 2016. The Company expects to invest an additional $650,000 in this program during the remainder of 2016. The increased investment in GRIP generated additional gross margin of $920,000 and $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015.

Eight Flags
In June 2016, Eight Flags, completed construction of a CHP plant on Amelia Island, Florida. This CHP plant, which consists of a natural-gas-fired turbine and associated electric generator, produces approximately 20 megawatts of base load power and includes a heat recovery steam generator capable of providing approximately 75,000 pounds per hour of residual steam. On June 13, 2016, Eight Flags began selling power generated from the CHP plant to Florida Public Utilities ("FPU"), the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, pursuant to a 20-year power purchase agreement for distribution to FPU's retail electric customers. On July 1, 2016, it also started selling steam to an industrial customer pursuant to a separate 20-year contract. The CHP plant is powered by natural gas transported by FPU through its distribution system. Eight Flags and other affiliates of Chesapeake Utilities generated  $2.0 million and $2.6 million in additional gross margin as a result of these new services, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 in which the CHP was operational. This amount includes gross margin of $464,000 and $892,000, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, attributed to natural gas distribution and transportation services provided by our affiliates. On a consolidated basis, this project is expected to generate approximately $8.2 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.

Major Projects and Initiatives Underway

White Oak Mainline Expansion Project: In August 2014, Eastern Shore entered into a precedent agreement with an electric power generator in Kent County, Delaware, to provide a 20-year natural gas transmission service for 45,000 Dts/d for the customer's facility, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. This new service will be provided as long-term OPT ≤ 90 Service and is expected to generate at least $5.8 million in annual gross margin. In November 2014, Eastern Shore requested authorization by the FERC to construct 5.4 miles of 16-inch pipeline looping and 3,550 horsepower of new compression in Delaware to provide this service. As previously discussed, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company generated $901,000 and $4.3 million, respectively, in additional gross margin by providing interruptible service and short-term OPT ≤ 90 Service to this customer. On July 21, 2016, the FERC issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Eastern Shore to construct and operate the proposed White Oak Mainline Project. Construction of the project is underway.

System Reliability Project: On May 22, 2015, Eastern Shore submitted an application to the FERC, seeking authorization to construct, own and operate approximately 10.1 miles of 16-inch pipeline looping and auxiliary facilities in New Castle and Kent Counties, Delaware and a new compressor at its existing Bridgeville compressor station in Sussex County, Delaware.  Eastern Shore further proposes to reinforce critical points on its pipeline system.  The total project will benefit all of Eastern Shore's customers by modifying the pipeline system to respond to severe operational conditions experienced during actual winter peak days. Since the project is intended to improve system reliability, Eastern Shore requested a predetermination of rolled-in rate treatment for the costs of the project and an order granting the requested authorization. This project will be included in Eastern Shore's upcoming 2017 rate case filing. The estimated annual gross margin associated with this project, assuming recovery in the 2017 rate case, is approximately $4.5 million. On July 21, 2016, the FERC issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Eastern Shore to construct and operate the proposed System Reliability Project. Construction of the project is underway.

2017 Expansion Project: On May 12, 2016, Eastern Shore submitted a request to the FERC to initiate the FERC's pre-filing procedures for its proposed 2017 Expansion Project. Since the time the pre-filing was initiated, Eastern Shore has finalized market participation for the project.  Seven of Eastern Shore's existing customers have signed Precedent Agreements.  As a result, the project will provide 61,162 Dts/d of additional firm natural gas transportation deliverability on Eastern Shore's pipeline system.  To provide this additional capacity, the project's final facilities will consist of approximately 23 miles of pipeline looping in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware; upgrades to existing metering facilities in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; installation of an additional 3,550 horsepower compressor unit at Eastern Shore's existing Daleville compressor station in Chester County, Pennsylvania; and approximately 17 miles of new mainline extension and two pressure control stations in Sussex County, Delaware.  The project will generate approximately $15.7 million of gross margin in the first full year after the new transportation services go into effect.

Other factors influencing gross margin

Weather and Consumption

Although weather was not a significant factor in the second and third quarters, warmer temperatures during the first three months of the year, compared to temperatures in 2015, had a significant impact on the Company's earnings. Lower customer consumption, directly attributable to warmer temperatures during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, reduced gross margin by $7.5 million compared to the same period in 2015. 

The following tables summarize the heating degree-day ("HDD") and cooling degree-day ("CDD") information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 resulting from weather fluctuations in those periods.

Propane prices
Lower retail propane margins per gallon on the Delmarva Peninsula decreased gross margin by $344,000 and $2.2 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. Margins per retail gallon returned to more normal levels, driven principally by lower propane prices and local market conditions. The level of retail margins per gallon generated during 2015 were not expected to be sustained over the long term; accordingly, the Company has continued to assume more normal levels of margins in its long-term financial plans and forecasts.

In Florida, retail propane margins per gallon, generated $70,000 of lower margin and $61,000 of additional gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015.These market conditions, which are influenced by 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.

Other Natural Gas Growth - Distribution Operations
In addition to service expansions, the Company's natural gas distribution operations on the Delmarva Peninsula generated $253,000 and $1.1 million in additional gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015, due to an increase in residential, commercial and industrial customers served. The average number of residential customers on the Delmarva Peninsula during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased by 4.2 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015.  The natural gas distribution operations in Florida generated $350,000 and $1.1 million in additional gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015, due primarily to an increase in commercial and industrial customers in Florida.

Delaware division rate case
On December 21, 2015, the Company's Delaware natural gas distribution division filed an application with the Delaware PSC for a base rate increase and certain other changes to its tariff. The Company proposed an increase of approximately $4.7 million, or nearly ten percent, in its revenue requirement based on the test period ending March 31, 2016. The Company also proposed new service offerings to promote growth and a revenue normalization mechanism for residential and small commercial customers. The Company expects a decision on the application during the first quarter of 2017. Pending the decision, the Company's Delaware natural gas distribution division increased rates on an interim basis based on the $2.5 million annualized interim rates approved by the Delaware PSC, effective February 19, 2016 ("Phase I"). The Company recognized incremental revenue of approximately $469,000 ($280,000 net of tax) and $1.4 million ($817,000 net of tax) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

In addition, the Company's Delaware natural gas distribution division requested and received approval on July 26, 2016 from the Delaware PSC to implement revised interim rates totaling $4.7 million (equal to the initial rate increase in its application) annualized for usage on and after August 1, 2016 ("Phase II").  These revised interim rates represent a five percent increase over Phase I rates. Revenue associated with these rates collected prior to a final Delaware PSC decision is subject to refund and, although the final decision is expected during the first quarter of 2017, the Company cannot predict the revenue requirement the Delaware PSC will ultimately authorize or forecast the timing of a final decision.  Consequently, the Company will not recognize the impact of the potential additional revenue related to the Phase II rate increase until the Delaware PSC issues its approval in a final ruling.

Capital Expenditures
The Company's capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $106.3 million. The Company currently projects aggregate capital expenditures between $150.0 and $170.0 million for this year. The 2016 forecast includes expenditures for the following projects: Eight Flags' CHP plant; anticipated new facilities to serve an electric power generator in Kent County, Delaware under the OPT ≤ 90 Service; Eastern Shore's system reliability project; additional expansions of the Company's natural gas distribution and transmission systems; continued natural gas infrastructure improvement activities; continued replacement of facilities under the Florida GRIP; replacement of other facilities and information technology systems; and other strategic initiatives and investments. The timing of capital expenditures can vary based on securing environmental approvals and other permits.

In order to fund the 2016 capital expenditures, the Company may further increase the level of borrowings during 2016 to supplement cash provided by operating activities.