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DOVER, Del. - Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE:CPK) reported fourth quarter earnings that missed analyst estimates, but the stock jumped 5% as the company reaffirmed its long-term growth outlook.
The natural gas and electric utility company posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.63 for Q4, below the consensus estimate of $1.67. Revenue came in at $215 million, falling short of expectations for $231.35 million.
Despite the earnings miss, Chesapeake Utilities reaffirmed its 2025 EPS guidance range of $6.15 to $6.35, as well as its 2028 EPS target of $7.75 to $8.00. The company said this implies an annual EPS growth rate of approximately 8% from 2025 to 2028.
For the full year 2024, adjusted net income rose to $121.5 million, or $5.39 per share, up from $97.8 million, or $5.31 per share, in 2023. The company said the increase was driven by contributions from its acquisition of Florida City Gas, regulatory initiatives, infrastructure programs, and organic growth in its natural gas distribution business.
"2024 has been a transformational year for Chesapeake Utilities," said Jeff Householder, Chair, President and CEO. "We’ve made significant progress this year, including investing in our new and existing service areas, collaborating with our regulators and ensuring continuous business improvement."
Chesapeake Utilities said it achieved its 2024 earnings guidance while accelerating its return to its target capital structure range. The company’s equity to total capitalization reached 48.4% at year-end.
The stock rose 5% following the earnings release, suggesting investors were encouraged by the reaffirmed long-term growth outlook despite the Q4 miss.
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