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- **EPS Guidance Confirmed**: $6.11-$6.35 per share for 2025, contingent on successful Florida depreciation study outcome.
- **Capital Spending Accelerated**: $425-450 million capex, +$25 million for ERP and natural gas expansion.
- **Customer Growth Outperforming**: 4.3% Delmarva, 3.9% Florida utility growth vs. industry averages.
- **Ohio Data Center Expansion**: Pipeline project with AEP; Ohio ranked top for data center growth.
- **Financial Strength**: 49% equity, $755 million liquidity, 7% dividend growth.

**CEO Summary Section**
- Reported adjusted EPS of $0.82 for Q3 2025, up 8% year-to-date, with full year guidance reaffirmed at $6.11-$6.35 per share.
- Capital expenditure guidance increased to $425-450 million, up $25 million, driven by new projects and ERP investments.
- Customer growth of 4.3% in Delmarva and 3.9% in Florida Public Utilities, with 400+ distribution projects completed year-to-date.
- Expansion into Ohio data centers and propane distribution for school buses highlights strategic growth opportunities.

**CFO Financial Commentary**
- Adjusted gross margin up 12% to $137 million, with $14 million from infrastructure investments in Q3.
- Operating expenses at 34% of gross margin, down from 37% in Q3 2024, reflecting cost control.
- $200 million debt issuance at 5.04% coupon, maintaining 49% equity capitalization and strong liquidity.
- Dividend policy targets 45-50% payout, supporting 7% annual dividend growth.

**Q&A Key Highlights**
- **Depreciation Study Update**: Success of Florida City Gas depreciation study (expected by Feb 2026) critical to hitting upper half of EPS guidance. $19 million excess reserve at stake.
- **Ohio Growth**: Pipeline project with AEP for data center; Ohio ranked 5th for data center potential, supported by in-state gas supplies.
- **Capital Allocation**: 2026 budget includes $15 million for ERP, with 2025-2028 5-year capex plan at $1.5-1.8 billion.
- **Regulatory Risk**: Delaware rate case settled, Florida depreciation study faces opposition but 70% of 2025 capex requires no regulatory approval.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

- **EPS Growth**: Q2 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.04 (+21% YoY), with full-year guidance reaffirmed at $6.15–$6.35, contingent on FCG depreciation study resolution.
- **Capital Expansion**: 2025 CapEx raised by $50 million to $375–$425 million, supporting infrastructure reliability and RNG expansion.
- **Customer Momentum**: 4.2% Delmarva and 3% Florida residential growth YoY, driven by multifamily and business park investments.
- **New Projects**: $10 million data center pipeline in Ohio and $3.9 million annual contribution from the WRU LNG facility (H1 2026 in-service).
- **Financial Strength**: 50% equity target achieved, $200 million debt issuance at 5.04%, and 92% liquidity availability post-issuance.


**【CEO Summary Section】**
- **Revenue Growth and EPS**: Adjusted EPS for Q2 2025 was $1.04, up 21% YoY, driven by organic growth, regulatory successes, and integration of Florida City Gas (FCG). Full-year 2025 EPS guidance remains $6.15–$6.35, assuming successful resolution of the FCG depreciation study.
- **Capital Expenditure Increase**: 2025 capital expenditure guidance raised to $375–$425 million (from $325–$375 million), with $50 million allocated to infrastructure reliability, Marlin Virtual Pipeline expansion, and Port St. Lucie growth.
- **Customer Growth**: Residential customer growth of 4.2% in Delmarva and 3% in Florida YoY, fueled by multifamily developments opting for natural gas and business park infrastructure investments.
- **New Projects**: Announced a $10 million data center-related pipeline project in Ohio (Duncan Plains) and advanced the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade (WRU) LNG storage facility, expected to contribute $3.9 million annually upon completion in H1 2026.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- **Financial Performance**: Adjusted gross margin of $143 million (up 13% YoY), adjusted net income of $24 million (up 26% YoY), and EPS growth of 21% despite higher depreciation and operating expenses.
- **Margin Drivers**: Transmission capital projects (+$0.12 EPS), distribution growth (+$0.06 EPS), rate case updates (+$0.13 EPS), and infrastructure investments (+$0.11 EPS) offset challenges like increased depreciation (+$0.14 EPS) and equity dilution (+$0.08 EPS).
- **Capital Structure**: Reached 50% equity target, issuing $66.2 million in equity H1 2025. Secured $200 million in new debt at 5.04% coupon, maintaining A- credit rating and 92% liquidity availability post-issuance.
- **Dividend Policy**: Annualized dividend of $2.74 reflects 7% YoY increase, supporting long-term CAGR of 9%.

**【Q&A Key Highlights】**
- **Depreciation Study Assumptions**: Full-year EPS guidance assumes successful resolution of the FCG depreciation study. If unsuccessful, potential offsets include accelerating capital projects or revising dividend policy.
- **Funding Strategy**: Additional CapEx will be funded through equity (aligned with project timelines) and debt (maintaining 50% equity target). Recent $200 million debt issuance supports liquidity and credit strength.
- **Data Center Pipeline**: Actively pursuing hyperscaler projects in Ohio and Delmarva, with a focus on RNG and virtual pipeline services. No Pennsylvania projects in discussion.
- **PJM Auction Impact**: Higher electric prices may drive industrial and commercial customers to natural gas, aligning with observed growth in service requests across Delmarva and Florida.


Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

- **Q1 Strong Performance**: Adjusted EPS up 6% to $2.22, with full-year guidance reaffirmed despite WRU delay.
- **Customer Growth Drives Expansion**: 4% Delmarva and 3% Florida growth, supported by $325M–$375M capital plan.
- **Unregulated Segment Thrives**: Propane and Marlin services boost gross margin by 18%, offsetting WRU delay.
- **Financial Discipline**: 49% equity to capital ratio, Fitch BBB+ rating, and 7% dividend growth.
- **Key Risk Management**: WRU delay ($3M margin impact) manageable; tariffs and economic factors have limited business impact.

**【CEO Opening Remarks】**
- Q1 2025 adjusted EPS of $2.22, up 6% YoY, with full-year guidance reaffirmed at $6.15–$6.35.
- Customer growth of 4% in Delmarva and 3% in Florida, driven by new residential developments and industrial demand.
- 2025 capital plan of $325M–$375M, with $113M invested in Q1, supporting infrastructure upgrades and transmission expansions.
- WRU project delayed to Q2 2026 due to $20M cost increase, impacting 2025 gross margin by $3M but maintaining long-term strategic value.

**【CFO Financial Highlights】**
- Q1 2025 adjusted gross margin: $182M (+11% YoY), driven by transmission projects and propane demand.
- Adjusted net income: $51M (+9% YoY), with EPS up 6% to $2.22.
- Unregulated segment growth: $54M gross margin (+18% YoY), fueled by propane and Marlin virtual pipeline services.
- Balance sheet strength: 49% equity to total capitalization, with Fitch BBB+ credit rating.
- Dividend increase of $0.18 (7% growth), maintaining 9% 10-year CAGR.

**【Q&A Key Takeaways】**
- **WRU Project Impact**: Delayed margin ($3M) manageable via operational adjustments; full recovery expected post-2025.
- **Economic Risks**: Tariffs affecting WRU costs but minimal impact on core business; tourism and housing starts remain stable.
- **Financial Targets**: Aiming for 50% equity to capital ratio; Fitch downgrade threshold at 4.8x FFO to debt.
- **Regulatory Updates**: Florida depreciation study expected to resolve in Q3/Q4 2025, aligning with standard recovery practices.
- **Unregulated Growth**: Propane supply management maintained margins despite high demand; Marlin expanding into Ohio with new equipment.


Chesapeake Utilities (CPK)-8 May 25-2025 Q1 Earnings call transcript

- **Record Growth**: 2024 EPS of $5.39 (+24%), driven by $356M capex and FCG integration. 2025 capex guidance of $325M-$375M, with 70%+ of 5-year $1.5B plan identified.
- **Market Leadership**: 4% Delmarva residential growth, 3.9% Florida residential growth, fueled by 1.1M in-migrants in 2024.
- **Financial Strength**: 24% net income growth, 48.4% equity ratio, 8.5% dividend growth. 2025 EPS target of $6.15-$6.35 (16% YoY growth).
- **Regulatory Momentum**: Maryland rate case Phase 2, Delaware interim rates, Florida electric staff recommendation of $9.9M increase.
- **Project Pipeline**: $80M Oster LNG (Q3 2025 in-service), $40M Miami Interloop expansions generating $22M+ margin in 2025.


**【CEO Summary Section】**
- **2024 Financial Highlights**: Adjusted diluted EPS of $5.39, up 24% YoY, driven by $356M capital investment (record high) and successful integration of Florida City Gas (FCG). FCG contributed $89M in gross margin, with 93% of FCG employees retained.
- **Capital Allocation**: 2025 capital guidance of $325M-$375M, with 70%+ of 5-year $1.5B-$1.8B plan already identified. Key projects include $80M Oster Resiliency LNG storage and $40M Miami Interloop expansions, expected to generate $22M+ incremental margin in 2025.
- **Growth Drivers**: 4% residential and 1.6% commercial growth in Delmarva; 3.9% residential and 1.2% commercial growth in Florida. Population in-migration (+1.1M in 2024) fuels organic expansion in new communities.
- **Business Transformation**: Implementation of OneCX SAP system, early-stage ERP overhaul, and AI/cybersecurity investments to support scaling operations.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- **2024 Financial Performance**: Adjusted gross margin of $567M (+25% YoY), adjusted net income of $122M (+24% YoY). Regulated segment margin up 32% to $439M, unregulated segment up 6% to $128M.
- **Capital Structure**: Equity to capital ratio of 48.4% (vs. 47% in 2023), with $81M equity issuance and $100M ATMs established for 2025. Targeting 50% equity by end-2025.
- **Dividend Growth**: 8.5% annual dividend growth in 2024, with 55% earnings reinvested in growth. 10-year EPS CAGR of 8.5%, 2025 EPS guidance of $6.15-$6.35 (16% YoY growth).

**【CRO Regulatory & Project Updates】**
- **Regulatory Wins**: 
  - Maryland: $2.6M rate increase approved, Phase 2 filing for full implementation.
  - Delaware: $2.5M interim rate relief granted, $8.3M additional interim rate increase filed.
  - Florida Electric: $1.8M interim rate relief granted, staff recommends $9.9M increase.
- **Infrastructure Progress**: 
  - Oster Resiliency LNG project (FERC approved, $80M) on track for Q3 2025 in-service.
  - Miami Interloop projects ($40M) approved, supporting FCG growth.
- **Community Impact**: $575K in charitable donations, 7,000+ volunteer hours across safety, education, and environmental initiatives.

**【Q&A Highlights】**
- **Policy & Weather Impact**: 
  - Executive orders on energy favorable; no strategic changes despite regulatory uncertainty.
  - Mild 2024Q4 weather slightly boosted propane demand, with stronger tailwind in late December.
  - Regulatory team actively monitoring and engaging with agencies to maintain proactive agenda.
- **RSAM & Depreciation**: Completed FCG RSAM in 2024, transitioning to 2-year accelerated depreciation for excess $25M, improving cash flow visibility.


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