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Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Announces Improved Financial Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2009

Posted on: Thursday, 5 November 2009, 05:30 CST

DOVER, Del., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) today announced financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2009. The Company generated net income of $308,000, or $0.04 per share (diluted), for the third quarter of 2009, compared to a net loss of $198,000, or $0.03 per share (diluted), for the third quarter of 2008. The Company's Delmarva natural gas distribution and propane distribution operations typically experience seasonal losses or reduced earnings during the third quarter because customers do not require natural gas or propane for heating purposes during the summer months. The results for the third quarter of 2009 included the effect of deferring as a regulatory asset certain merger-related transaction costs, which the Company will seek to recover in subsequent rate proceedings. Absent the effects of the merger-related costs and related income taxes, the Company would have generated net income of $78,000, or $0.01 per share (diluted), for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The improved period-over-period results primarily reflect customer growth and new transportation services on the Delmarva Peninsula, implementation of new rate structures in Delaware that reduce seasonal fluctuations on gross margin, and lower cost of propane for the propane distribution operations from the absence of inventory valuation adjustments, including a loss on a propane swap agreement, recorded during the third quarter of 2008 and which did not recur in 2009.

The Company generated net income of $9.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, or $1.40 per share (diluted), compared to net income of $9.2 million, or $1.34 per share (diluted) for the same period in 2008. The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 include $530,000 and $1.2 million in merger-related costs that are not subject to recovery through future rates. Excluding the effects of merger-related costs and related income taxes, net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, would have been $10.2 million, or $1.46 per share (diluted), compared to $9.9 million, or $1.44 per share (diluted), for the same period in 2008. The increased year-to-date earnings primarily reflects customer growth, new transportation services on the Delmarva Peninsula, increased retail margins by the propane distribution operations, spot sale opportunities executed by the natural gas marketing operations and weather on the Delmarva Peninsula that was eight percent colder in 2009. These positive achievements were partially offset by reductions in gross margin in the advanced information services and propane wholesale marketing operations, resulting from lower demand and adverse market conditions.

"Continued customer growth, expansion of services, and lower cost of propane on the Delmarva Peninsula helped us deliver improved results for the quarter, despite a challenging economy in Florida and difficult market conditions for the advanced information services segment. With the improved performance of our Delmarva businesses, together with our effort towards the completion of our Florida rate proceedings and the additional cost containment measures for our advanced information services segment, we are well-positioned to complete another successful year," stated John R. Schimkaitis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. "We are excited about the closing of our merger with Florida Public Utilities Company and look forward to further strengthening our Florida operations as a result."

Highlights for the quarter and the subsequent period included:

• On October 22, 2009, shareholders of both Chesapeake and Florida Public Utilities Company ("FPU") approved the merger, which became effective on October 28, 2009. Total consideration paid by Chesapeake is valued at approximately $75.7 million.
  

• On August 18, 2009, the Florida Public Service Commission approved the Company's request for an interim rate increase of $418,000 for the natural gas distribution operation in Florida, which was included in its petition for a permanent annual rate increase of $2.97 million. The Florida division started billing customers the approved interim rates on September 17, 2009, subject to refund, and anticipates a final decision on its request for a permanent rate increase by the end of 2009.
  

• The Company's natural gas transmission operation, Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company ("ESNG"), increased gross margin by $442,000 as a result of the implementation of new transportation services in late 2008 and early 2009. In addition, ESNG received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on October 30, 2009 to commence service on new expansion facilities, which will provide 7,200 dekatherms per day of additional firm service on the Delmarva Peninsula and additional annualized gross margin of approximately $1.0 million.
  

• The natural gas distribution operations in Delaware and Maryland experienced growth in residential, commercial and industrial customers, contributing an additional $300,000 to gross margin, in spite of the continued slowdown in the new housing market and reduced industrial growth in the region.
  

• Margins from the Delmarva propane distribution operations increased by $779,000 as a result of the absence of inventory valuation adjustments, including a mark-to-market loss on a price swap agreement, totaling $975,000 caused by the sharp decline in propane prices during the third quarter of 2008.
  

The discussions of the results for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, use the term "gross margin," which is a non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principle ("GAAP") financial measure that 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 Supplemental Income Statement Data chart below. In addition, certain information is presented, which excludes for comparison purposes, all merger-related transaction costs incurred in connection with the FPU merger. Although the non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the GAAP measures for evaluation of Chesapeake's performance, Chesapeake believes that the portions of the presentation which exclude the merger-related transaction costs are helpful on a comparative basis for investors to understand Chesapeake's performance.

Comparative results for the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

Operating income increased by $1.1 million, or 93 percent, to $2.3 million for the third quarter of 2009, compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2008. Operating income for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, included the effect of deferring as a regulatory asset, a portion of merger-related transaction costs, which the Company will seek to recover through future rates. Some of these costs were previously recorded as expense in the first and second quarters of 2009. Absent the effects of all merger-related costs, operating income for the third quarter of 2009 would have been $1.6 million. The increased operating results, net of the costs related to the merger, reflected increased gross margin, partially offset with increased other operating expenses.

Natural Gas Operations

Operating income for the natural gas segment increased by $243,000 in the third quarter of 2009, compared to the same period in 2008, as higher gross margin of $1.1 million exceeded an $811,000 increase in other operating expenses. Factors contributing to the period-over-period increase in gross margin are described in the following table:

(in thousands) -------------- ------- Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2008 $12,492 ---------------------------------------------------------- ------- Factors contributing to the gross margin increase for the three months ended September 30, 2009: New transportation services 508 Changes in rate structures 563 Net customer growth 209 Natural gas marketing (205) Other (21) ---------------------------------------------------------- ------- Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2009 $13,546 ---------------------------------------------------------- -------

• New transportation services implemented by the natural gas transmission operations on the Delmarva Peninsula and in Florida, which became effective in late 2008 and in early 2009, contributed $508,000 to gross margin. Revenues from these new transportation services and an expansion project completed in the fourth quarter of 2009, net of amounts from other transportation services that are expiring, are expected to contribute additional gross margin of $828,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009 and $3.4 million of additional annual gross margin for 2010.
  

• New rate structures for the Delaware natural gas distribution operation and the natural gas transmission operations generated $563,000 of gross margin. The new rate structure for the Delaware natural gas distribution operation, implemented in October of 2008, allows a greater portion of the annual revenue requirements to be collected through non-volume-based charges, which reduces the impact of weather volatility on gross margin. This change contributed $323,000 to the increase in gross margin for the third quarter of 2009. The new rate structure also allows collection of miscellaneous service fees, including $74,000 during the third quarter of 2009, which, although not representing additional revenue, had previously been offset against operating expenses. In addition, ESNG changed its rates effective April 2009, to recover specified project costs in accordance with the terms of precedent agreements with certain customers. These rates generated $129,000 in gross margin for the third quarter of 2009 and will contribute $387,000 of annualized gross margin in 2009.
  

• Despite the continued slowdown in the new housing market and industrial growth in the region, the natural gas distribution operations in Delaware and Maryland experienced growth in residential, commercial and industrial customers, contributing an additional $300,000 to gross margin. The natural gas distribution operation in Florida experienced a decline in gross margin of $91,000, due primarily to the loss of three industrial customers to either bankruptcy or plant closings.
  

• Partially offsetting the aforementioned increases in gross margin was a decrease of $205,000 from the Company's natural gas marketing operation as prior year's gross margin included favorable imbalance resolutions with interstate pipelines that did not recur during the third quarter of 2009 and a four percent decrease in customer consumption in the current quarter.
  

Other operating expenses for the natural gas segment increased by $811,000 in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is attributable to $187,000 in increased payroll costs primarily related to compensation adjustments for non-executive employees pursuant to the results of a compensation survey completed in the fourth quarter of 2008, $183,000 in higher accruals for incentive compensation of as a result of improved operating results, $149,000 in higher benefit costs related to higher pension costs resulting from the decline in the value of pension assets in 2008 and increased payroll costs, and $197,000 in higher expenses related to plant investments made in late 2008 and 2009.

Propane Operations

The propane segment incurred a seasonal operating loss of $1.6 million for the third quarter of 2009, reducing its loss for the same period in 2008 by $565,000, as a result of a $665,000 increase in gross margin. Factors contributing to the period-over-period increase in gross margin are described in the following table:

(in thousands) -------------- ------ Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2008 $2,117 ---------------------------------------------------------- ------ Factors contributing to the increase in gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2009: Increases in margin per retail gallon 829 Wholesale marketing and sales (93) Decrease in non-weather related gallons sold (83) Miscellaneous fees and other 12 ---------------------------------------------------------- ------ Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2009 $2,782 ---------------------------------------------------------- ------

• The propane distribution operations increased gross margin by $829,000 due primarily to the absence of inventory valuation adjustments, including a mark-to-market loss on a price swap agreement, caused by the sharp decline in propane prices during the third quarter of 2008, which did not recur in the third quarter of 2009.
  

• Decreased price volatility in the propane wholesale market in the third quarter of 2009 resulted in fewer opportunities for the Company's propane wholesale and marketing operation, which led to a $93,000 gross margin decrease and a thirteen percent decrease in its trading volume during the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.
  

• Non-weather-related volumes sold, primarily in Florida, decreased during the third quarter of 2009 compared to the prior year. This decrease resulted in reduced period-over-period gross margin of $83,000.
  

Operating expenses for the propane segment increased by $100,000 for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, due primarily to increased payroll costs and higher benefit costs caused by the decline in the value of pension plan assets during 2008, partially offset with lower vehicle related costs.

Advanced Information Services

The advanced information services segment experienced an operating loss of $103,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to operating income of $277,000 for the same period in 2008. Gross margin for the advanced information services segment was affected by a broad decline in information technology spending. The period-over-period decrease in gross margin of $407,000 reflects lower consulting revenues due to a 27 percent reduction in the number of billable hours.

Operating expenses for the advanced information services segment decreased by $27,000 during the third quarter of 2009, compared to the same period in 2008, as a result of cost-containment actions, net of severance packages, implemented in March, September and October by the Company to reduce costs to offset the decline in revenues. The September cost-containment actions resulted in $38,000 of a one-time charge in the third quarter of 2009. Other operating expenses for the third quarter of 2008 reflected a reversal of accruals for incentive compensation of $179,000, which resulted in lower other operating expenses during the respective period. These cost-containment actions, including layoffs and compensation adjustments, are expected to further reduce operating costs by $392,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009 and are expected to return the advanced information services segment to an operating profit.

Other and Eliminations

The other and eliminations segment, consisting primarily of revenues and expenses of subsidiaries that own real estate leased to other Company subsidiaries and costs relating to mergers or acquisitions, earned operating income of approximately $749,000 for the third quarter of 2009, compared to operating income of $90,000 for the same period in 2008. The operating income experienced in the third quarter of 2009 was due primarily to the net effects of the merger-related costs.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the third quarter of 2009 increased by $52,000, or three percent, compared to the same period in 2008. Interest expense on long-term debt increased for the period as the average outstanding long-term debt increased by $23.1 million from the placement of $30.0 million of 5.93 percent Unsecured Senior Notes in the fourth quarter of 2008. This increase was partially offset by lower interest expense on short-term borrowings as the average short-term borrowings for the period decreased by $38.5 million.

Comparative results for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

Operating income increased by $1.5 million, or eight percent, to $21.1 million for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $19.5 million for the same period in 2008. Operating income for the first nine months of 2009 and 2008 includes, respectively, $530,000 and $1.2 million in costs related to the merger that the Company does not expect to seek to recovery in future rate proceedings. Absent these costs, operating income for the first nine months of 2009 and 2008 would have been $21.6 million and $20.8 million, respectively. The increased operating results, net of the costs related to the merger, reflect increased gross margin of $5.1 million, or eight percent, which was partially offset by increased other operating expenses of $4.3 million.

Natural Gas Operations

Natural gas operating income for the first nine months of 2009 decreased by $602,000, as increased gross margin of $3.2 million was more than offset with increased other operating expenses of $3.8 million. 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, 2008 $47,035 --------------------------------------------------------- ------- Factors contributing to the increase in gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2009: New transportation services 1,449 Net customer growth 702 Natural gas marketing 627 Changes in rate structures 588 Weather 266 Changes in interruptible services, net of margin sharing (408) Other 9 --------------------------------------------------------- ------- Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 $50,268 --------------------------------------------------------- -------

• The natural gas transmission operations benefited from new transportation service contracts on the Delmarva Peninsula and in Florida, which became effective in late 2008 and in early 2009, contributing $1.4 million to gross margin. As mentioned previously, revenue from these new contracts and an expansion project completed in the fourth quarter of 2009, net of amounts from other transportation contracts that are expiring, are expected to contribute additional gross margin of $828,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009 and $3.4 million of additional gross margin in 2010.
  

• Despite the continued slowdown in the new housing market and lower industrial growth in the region, the natural gas distribution operations in Delaware and Maryland experienced growth in residential, commercial and industrial customers, which contributed an additional $875,000 to gross margin. The natural gas distribution operation in Florida experienced a decline in gross margin of $173,000, due primarily to the loss of three industrial customers to either bankruptcy or plant closings.
  

• The natural gas marketing operation experienced an increase of $627,000 in gross margin, as it benefited primarily from increased spot sales to customers on the Delmarva Peninsula. Spot sales are opportunistic transactions, the future availability of which is dependent upon market conditions.
  

• New rate structures for the Delaware natural gas distribution operation and the natural gas transmission operations generated $588,000 of gross margin. The new rate structure for the Delaware natural gas distribution operation, implemented in October of 2008, allows a greater portion of the annual revenue requirements to be collected through non-volume-based charges and reduces weather-driven volatility in gross margin, which typically produces increased margins during heating seasons and reduced margin during non-heating periods. Compared to the previous rate structure, this resulted in an increase of $28,000 in margin during the first nine months of 2009. The new rate structure also allows the collection of miscellaneous service fees, including $260,000 during the first nine months of 2009, which, although not representing additional revenue, had previously been offset against operating expenses. In addition, ESNG changed its rates effective April 2009, to recover certain project costs in accordance with the terms of precedent agreements with certain customers. These rates generated $258,000 in gross margin for the first nine months of 2009 and will contribute $387,000 of annualized gross margin in 2009.
  

• The eight percent colder temperatures on the Delmarva Peninsula contributed $266,000 to the increased gross margin in the first nine months of 2009.
  

• Lower margins from interruptible customers resulted in a decrease of $408,000 due to the reduction in the price of alternative fuels (propane and fuel oil), making those more attractive fuel choices to industrial customers with interruptible service contracts.
  

Other operating expenses for the natural gas segment increased by $3.8 million in the first nine months of 2009. This increase is attributable to $1.2 million of higher expenses related to plant investments made in 2008 and 2009, increased costs related to the economic slowdown, including $731,000 in higher allowances for uncollectible accounts and higher pension costs, increased compensation costs of $557,000 for non-executive employees associated with the compensation survey completed in the fourth quarter of 2008 and $107,000 in higher pipeline integrity costs to comply with various regulations. In addition, depreciation expense for the first nine months of 2008 included a reduction of $305,000 related to the depreciation credit included in the Delaware negotiated rate settlement agreement.

Propane Operations

The propane segment's operating income for the first nine months of 2009 increased by $2.4 million as a $3.1 million increase in gross margin was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses of $749,000. Factors 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, 2008 $14,158 --------------------------------------------------------- ------- Factors contributing to the gross margin increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2009: Increases in margin per retail gallon 2,555 Increased volumes 713 Weather 584 Wholesale marketing and sales (660) Miscellaneous fees and other (46) --------------------------------------------------------- ------- Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 $17,304 --------------------------------------------------------- -------

• The period-over-period increase in margin per gallon is related to higher retail margins for the Delmarva propane operations as a result of sustaining retail prices and lower propane costs. The absence of inventory valuation adjustments, including a mark-to-market loss on price swap agreement, during the third and fourth quarters of 2008 ($975,000 and $300,000, respectively), which did not recur in 2009, contributed to relatively low propane inventory costs in 2009 for the Delmarva propane operations.
  

• The Company's propane distribution operations experienced higher non-weather-related volumes sold during the first nine months of 2009, which expanded gross margin by $713,000. Factors contributing to the increase in gallons sold were the timing of propane deliveries, increased wholesale sales and the addition of 167 new Community Gas Systems customers.
  

• The Company estimates that colder weather during the first nine months of 2009 contributed an additional $584,000 in gross margin for the Delmarva propane distribution operations.
  

• Decreased price volatility in the propane wholesale market during the period resulted in fewer market opportunities for the Company's propane wholesale and marketing operation, which led to a $660,000 gross margin decrease compared to the first nine months of 2008. The propane wholesale and marketing operation experienced a 34 percent decrease in its trading volume during the first nine months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.
  

Other operating expenses for the propane segment increased by $749,000 for the first nine months of 2009, compared to the same period in 2008. The higher costs were due primarily to increased payroll costs, higher accruals for incentive compensation related to increased earnings, increased benefit costs primarily from the decline in the value of pension plan assets, and tank maintenance costs included in the operation's maintenance program. These increases were partially offset with lower vehicle-related expenses.

Advanced Information Services

The advanced information services business experienced an operating loss of $448,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $964,000, compared to operating income of $516,000 for the same period in 2008. Gross margin for the advanced information services segment was severely affected by a broad decline in information technology spending. The period-over-period decrease in gross margin of $1.2 million reflects lower consulting revenues due to a 30 percent reduction in the number of billable hours.

Other operating expenses for the advanced information services decreased by $228,000 during the quarter as a result of cost-containment actions, net of severance packages, implemented in March, September and October by the Company to reduce costs to offset the decline in revenues. These cost-containment actions, including layoffs and compensation adjustments, are expected to further reduce operating costs by $392,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009 and are expected to return the advanced information services segment to an operating profit.

Other and Eliminations

The other and eliminations segment, consisting primarily of revenues and expenses of subsidiaries that own real estate leased to other Company subsidiaries and costs relating to mergers and acquisitions, experienced an operating loss of approximately $260,000 for the first nine months of 2009, compared to an operating loss of approximately $966,000 for the same period in 2008. The operating losses experienced in the first nine months of 2009 and 2008 were due primarily to a portion of merger-related transaction costs of $530,000 and $1.2 million, respectively, which are not potentially recoverable through rates.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the first nine months of 2009 increased by $285,000, or six percent, compared to the same period in 2008. Interest expense on long-term debt increased for the period as the average outstanding long-term debt increased by $23.1 million from the placement of $30.0 million of long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2008. This increase was partially offset by lower interest expense on short-term borrowings as the average short-term borrowings for the period decreased by $28.1 million and the weighted average interest rate on such borrowings were lower.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) For the Periods Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) Third Quarter Year to Date ------------- ------------ 2009 2008 2009 2008 ---- ---- ---- ---- Operating Revenues $31,758 $49,698 $177,071 $219,028 Operating Expenses Cost of sales, excluding costs below 14,416 33,651 106,105 153,170 Operations 11,001 10,341 34,820 31,853 Transaction-related costs (675) - 530 1,240 Maintenance 600 656 1,932 1,644 Depreciation and amortization 2,437 2,267 7,235 6,695 Other taxes 1,722 1,613 5,371 4,885 -------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total operating expenses 29,501 48,528 155,993 199,487 ------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- Operating Income 2,257 1,170 21,078 19,541 Other income (loss), net of other expenses (26) (91) 19 (11) Interest charges 1,540 1,488 4,755 4,470 ---------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 691 (409) 16,342 15,060 Income taxes (benefit) 383 (211) 6,636 5,865 ---------------------- --- ---- ----- ----- Net Income (Loss) $308 ($198) $9,706 $9,195 ================= ==== ===== ====== ====== Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Basic 6,883,070 6,815,886 6,859,516 6,807,919 Diluted 6,888,024 6,815,886 6,981,010 6,922,105 Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock: Basic $0.04 ($0.03) $1.41 $1.35 Diluted $0.04 ($0.03) $1.40 $1.34 ------- ----- ------ ----- -----

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Income Statement Data (Unaudited) For the Periods Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in Thousands, Except Heating Degree Data) Third Quarter Year to Date ------------- ------------ 2009 2008 2009 2008 --------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- Gross Margin (1) Natural Gas $13,546 $12,492 $50,268 $47,035 Propane 2,782 2,117 17,304 14,158 Advanced Information Services 1,193 1,600 3,881 5,073 Other (179) (162) (487) (408) -------- ---- ---- ---- ---- Total Gross Margin $17,342 $16,047 $70,966 $65,858 =================== ======= ======= ======= ======= Operating Income (Loss) Natural Gas $3,181 $2,938 $18,432 $19,034 Propane (1,570) (2,135) 3,354 957 Advanced Information Services (103) 277 (448) 516 Other 749 90 (260) (966) -------- --- -- ---- ---- Total Operating Income $2,257 $1,170 $21,078 $19,541 ======================= ====== ====== ======= ======= Heating Degree-Days - Delmarva Peninsula Actual 80 69 3,003 2,772 10-year average (normal) 58 55 2,889 2,855 ------------------------ -- -- ----- ----- (1) "Gross margin" is determined by deducting the cost of sales from operating revenue. Cost of sales includes the purchased gas cost for natural gas 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 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("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.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (in Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) September 30, December 31, Assets 2009 2008 -------- ------------ ----------- Property, Plant and Equipment Natural gas $322,527 $316,125 Propane 52,588 51,827 Advanced information services 1,434 1,439 Other plant 10,911 10,816 ------------- ------ ------ Total property, plant and equipment 387,460 380,207 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (104,822) (101,018) Plus: Construction work in progress 8,889 1,482 -------------------------------------- ----- ----- Net property, plant and equipment 291,527 280,671 ----------------------------------- ------- ------- Investments 1,834 1,601 ------------- ----- ----- Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 728 1,611 Accounts receivable (less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,246 and $1,159, respectively) 30,757 52,905 Accrued revenue 1,803 5,168 Propane inventory, at average cost 5,355 5,711 Other inventory, at average cost 1,542 1,479 Regulatory assets 671 826 Storage gas prepayments 7,713 9,492 Income taxes receivable 677 7,443 Deferred income taxes 2,591 1,578 Prepaid expenses 4,250 4,679 Mark-to-market energy assets 1,532 4,482 Other current assets 148 147 ---------------------- --- --- Total current assets 57,767 95,521 ---------------------- ------ ------ Deferred Charges and Other Assets Goodwill 674 674 Other intangible assets, net 154 164 Long-term receivables 390 533 Regulatory assets 4,090 2,806 Other deferred charges 3,798 3,825 ------------------------ ----- ----- Total deferred charges and other assets 9,106 8,002 ----------------------------------------- ----- ----- Total Assets $360,234 $385,795 ============== ======== ========

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (in Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data) September 30, December 31, Capitalization and Liabilities 2009 2008 -------------------------------- -------------- ------------ Capitalization Stockholders' equity Common stock, par value $0.4867 per share (authorized 12,000,000 shares) $3,352 $3,323 Additional paid-in capital 69,138 66,681 Retained earnings 60,043 56,817 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,526) (3,748) Deferred compensation obligation 1,333 1,549 Treasury stock (1,333) (1,549) ---------------- ------ ------ Total stockholders' equity 129,007 123,073 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 86,282 86,422 ------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Total capitalization 215,289 209,495 ---------------------- ------- ------- Current Liabilities Current portion of long-term debt 6,656 6,656 Short-term borrowing 10,084 33,000 Accounts payable 26,355 40,202 Customer deposits and refunds 8,508 9,534 Accrued interest 2,184 1,024 Dividends payable 2,170 2,082 Accrued compensation 3,087 3,305 Regulatory liabilities 5,451 3,227 Mark-to-market energy liabilities 1,484 3,052 Other accrued liabilities 3,125 2,970 --------------------------- ----- ----- Total current liabilities 69,104 105,052 --------------------------- ------ ------- Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities Deferred income taxes 41,234 37,720 Deferred investment tax credits 204 235 Regulatory liabilities 831 875 Environmental liabilities 425 511 Other pension and benefit costs 7,585 7,335 Accrued asset removal cost 21,317 20,641 Other liabilities 4,245 3,931 ------------------- ----- ----- Total deferred credits and other liabilities 75,841 71,248 --------------------------------- ------ ------ Total Capitalization and Liabilities $360,234 $385,795 ====================================== ======== ========

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 Cautionary Statement in the Company's report on Form 10-K for further information on the risks and uncertainties related to the Company's 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 Chesapeake's businesses is available on the World Wide Web at www.chpk.com.

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

SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

Source: PR Newswire

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