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Chesapeake Utilities (CPK)
NYSE:CPK
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Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) AI Stock Analysis

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Chesapeake Utilities

(NYSE:CPK)

Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$138.00
▲(13.63%Upside)
Chesapeake Utilities' strong financial performance and positive earnings call insights are the primary drivers of its score. While technical analysis and valuation are moderate, the company's strategic growth initiatives and regulatory achievements present a favorable outlook.
Positive Factors
Dividend Increase
CPK raised the dividend by 7.0%, representing an annualized yield of 2.2%.
Natural Gas Demand
Future rocket launches by Blue Origin, NASA, and SpaceX may require more natural gas, which could increase demand for CPK's pipeline services.
Revenue Growth
1Q25 revenue was $298.7M, up 21.6% y/y, above estimates due to colder weather, leading to more consumption of natural gas.
Negative Factors
EPS Growth Challenges
EPS growth was below revenue growth due to higher interest expense and share count to fund the acquisition.
Project Delay
A delay in the start of a liquefied natural gas storage project is expected to negatively impact EPS in 2025 and 2026.

Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Chesapeake Utilities Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionChesapeake Utilities Corporation operates as an energy delivery company. The company operates through two segments, Regulated Energy and Unregulated Energy. The Regulated Energy segment engages in the natural gas distribution operations in central and southern Delaware, Maryland's eastern shore, and Florida; regulated natural gas transmission in the Delmarva Peninsula and Florida; and regulated electric distribution in northeast and northwest Florida. The Unregulated Energy segment engages in the propane operations in the Mid-Atlantic region, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida; unregulated natural gas transmission/supply operation in central and eastern Ohio; generation of electricity and steam; and provision of compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and renewable natural gas transportation and pipeline solutions primarily to utilities and pipelines in the eastern United States. This segment also provides other unregulated energy services, such as energy-related merchandise sales; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services; and plumbing and electrical services. The company was founded in 1859 and is headquartered in Dover, Delaware.
How the Company Makes MoneyChesapeake Utilities generates revenue through several key streams. The primary source is the distribution and sale of natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. This involves charging for the volume of gas delivered as well as associated service fees. Additionally, the company earns income from the transmission of natural gas through its pipeline infrastructure. Electricity generation and distribution is another significant revenue stream, where Chesapeake Utilities provides electricity to its customers and charges based on usage. The company also makes money from its propane distribution operations, catering to customers who require propane for heating and other applications. Furthermore, Chesapeake Utilities may engage in strategic partnerships and investments to enhance its capabilities and expand its market reach, contributing to its overall financial performance.

Chesapeake Utilities Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 07, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -8.88%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 07, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call demonstrated strong financial and operational performance with significant growth in customer base, capital investments, and regulatory successes. However, the delay and increased costs of the WRU project, alongside heightened operating and depreciation expenses, present challenges. Overall, the positive aspects outweigh the negatives, indicating a healthy outlook.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Earnings Growth
Chesapeake Utilities reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.22 for Q1 2025, a 6% increase from Q1 2024.
Robust Capital Investment
The company invested $113 million in the first quarter of 2025 towards its capital growth plan, part of a $325 million to $375 million annual goal.
Record Customer Growth
Delmarva region saw nearly 4% customer growth, and Florida experienced a 3% increase, driven by population migration and new residential communities.
Successful Regulatory Outcomes
A base rate increase of $3.5 million was approved in Maryland, and a settlement for an $8.6 million revenue increase in Florida was reached.
Unregulated Segment Expansion
The Unregulated Energy segment grew adjusted gross margin by 18% to approximately $54 million, with strong performance from propane operations and Marlin Gas Services.
Dividend Increase
The company announced a 7% increase in its annualized dividend, raising it from $2.56 to $2.74 per share.
Negative Updates
WRU Project Delays
The Worcester Resiliency Upgrade project faced a $20 million cost increase, with its completion delayed from October 2025 to the second quarter of 2026.
Increased Operating Costs
Operations and maintenance expenses increased by $0.20 per share due to business growth and higher prices.
Higher Depreciation Expenses
A $0.17 per share increase in depreciation and amortization expense was recorded, with the absence of previous RSAM depreciation benefits.
Company Guidance
In the first quarter of 2025, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation reported impressive financial growth, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.22, marking a 6% increase from the prior year's first quarter. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.15 to $6.35, highlighting strong momentum. Capital investments are progressing well, with $113 million invested in the first three months, contributing to a capital growth plan of $325 million to $375 million for the year. Key drivers of performance include a 4% customer growth in Delmarva and a 3% increase in Florida, underpinned by population migration, new residential construction, and expansion projects. Gross margin from infrastructure investments and gas transmission businesses further supported growth, with reliability infrastructure generating $5.8 million in the first quarter and expected to yield $27 million for the year. Despite a $20 million cost increase and delay in the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade project, overall strategic initiatives in regulatory management and business transformation continue to drive sustainable earnings and shareholder value.

Chesapeake Utilities Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Chesapeake Utilities exhibits strong financial health characterized by robust revenue growth, efficient operational margins, and stable balance sheet metrics. The improvements in free cash flow and effective leverage management underscore financial resilience, though slight declines in gross profit margin and free cash flow to net income ratio present areas for enhancement.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Chesapeake Utilities has demonstrated strong revenue growth with a notable increase in Total Revenue from $670.6M in 2023 to $839.986M in the TTM period. The Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin are healthy, at approximately 39.12% and 14.68% respectively in the TTM. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are robust, indicating efficient operational management. However, the Gross Profit has slightly decreased from the previous year, suggesting a potential area for improvement.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company has a solid equity base with Stockholders' Equity at $1.447B, leading to an Equity Ratio of 39.49%, which suggests a stable financial structure. The Debt-to-Equity Ratio is low at approximately 0.023, indicating prudent leverage management. Return on Equity (ROE) stands at a satisfactory 8.52%, reflecting decent profitability relative to equity. The balance sheet suggests financial stability, though the reliance on equity may limit aggressive expansion.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Chesapeake Utilities shows a strong Operating Cash Flow to Net Income ratio of 1.84, highlighting effective cash generation from operations. Free Cash Flow has improved significantly to $206.916M in the TTM from negative figures in prior years, indicating better capital spending control. However, Free Cash Flow to Net Income ratio is 1.68, which, while positive, suggests room for optimizing free cash generation relative to net income.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue839.99M787.20M670.60M680.70M569.97M488.20M
Gross Profit328.65M334.80M255.28M237.52M217.93M192.62M
EBITDA316.42M311.70M230.20M224.06M205.69M180.09M
Net Income123.33M118.60M87.21M89.80M83.47M71.50M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.66B3.58B3.30B2.22B2.11B1.93B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments700.00K7.90M4.90M6.20M4.98M3.50M
Total Debt33.90M1.49B1.40B814.42M798.07M707.62M
Total Liabilities2.22B2.19B2.06B1.38B1.34B1.24B
Stockholders Equity1.45B1.39B1.25B832.80M774.13M697.09M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow206.92M-115.90M14.86M30.61M-36.42M-6.59M
Operating Cash Flow227.12M239.40M203.48M158.88M150.50M158.92M
Investing Cash Flow-388.29M-349.90M-1.11B-136.45M-223.02M-181.63M
Financing Cash Flow160.18M113.50M906.61M-21.21M74.00M19.23M

Chesapeake Utilities Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price121.45
Price Trends
50DMA
121.61
Positive
100DMA
124.97
Negative
200DMA
123.29
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.17
Negative
RSI
50.22
Neutral
STOCH
40.54
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CPK, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 121.45 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 122.15, below the 50-day MA of 121.61, and below the 200-day MA of 123.29, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.17 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 50.22 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 40.54 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for CPK.

Chesapeake Utilities Risk Analysis

Chesapeake Utilities disclosed 37 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Chesapeake Utilities reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Chesapeake Utilities Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (67)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
CPCPK
77
Outperform
$2.86B22.489.04%2.23%20.41%13.64%
UGUGI
76
Outperform
$7.71B14.8310.84%4.17%-4.30%
SRSR
72
Outperform
$4.48B18.617.30%4.13%-7.10%2.54%
NWNWN
72
Outperform
$1.69B16.587.36%4.67%3.88%11.80%
OGOGS
71
Outperform
$4.37B17.678.08%3.67%7.73%2.36%
SWSWX
68
Neutral
$5.54B24.686.49%3.22%-10.78%16.27%
67
Neutral
$16.46B16.854.47%3.80%4.76%6.06%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CPK
Chesapeake Utilities
122.11
7.82
6.84%
SR
Spire
75.32
12.61
20.11%
NWN
Northwest Gas
41.53
4.03
10.75%
SWX
Southwest Gas
77.98
6.51
9.11%
UGI
UGI
36.34
13.18
56.91%
OGS
ONE Gas
73.45
7.61
11.56%

Chesapeake Utilities Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Chesapeake Utilities to Present at 2025 AGA Forum
Neutral
May 16, 2025

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation announced that its management will meet with investors, analysts, and other financial community members at the 2025 American Gas Association Financial Forum from May 18 to 20, 2025. The company will present its investor presentation, which includes forward-looking information, showcasing its leadership’s focus on business transformation, growth, and operational health.

The most recent analyst rating on (CPK) stock is a Hold with a $124.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Chesapeake Utilities stock, see the CPK Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Chesapeake Utilities Amends Certificate to Boost Governance
Neutral
May 9, 2025

On May 8, 2025, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation filed an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, effective immediately, which includes significant changes such as declassifying the Board of Directors over three years starting in 2026, increasing authorized common stock from 50 million to 75 million shares, and limiting officer liability under certain conditions. These amendments, approved by stockholders at the May 7, 2025, Annual Meeting, aim to enhance corporate governance and operational flexibility, potentially impacting the company’s strategic direction and shareholder value.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Chesapeake Utilities Reports Q1 2025 Financial Results
Positive
May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting a net income of $50.9 million, up from $46.2 million in the same period of 2024. The growth was driven by increased customer consumption due to colder temperatures, regulatory initiatives, and infrastructure programs. The company also reaffirmed its earnings guidance for 2025 and 2028, projecting continued growth through strategic capital investments and regulatory management.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jul 18, 2025