19745--3/8/2010--CHESAPEAKE_UTILITIES

related topics

{operation, natural, condition}

{condition, economic, financial}

{gas, price, oil}

{competitive, industry, competition}

{cost, contract, operation}

{loss, insurance, financial}

{debt, indebtedness, cash}

{capital, credit, financial}

{cost, regulation, environmental}

{cost, operation, labor}

{regulation, change, law}

{tax, income, asset}

{acquisition, growth, future}

{financial, litigation, operation}

Unsound financial institutions could adversely affect the Company. A downgrade in our credit rating could adversely affect our access to capital markets and our cost of capital. Debt covenant obligations, if triggered, may affect our financial condition. The continuation of recent economic conditions could adversely affect our customers and negatively impact our financial results. Further changes in economic conditions and interest rates may adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Inflation may impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. Our operations are exposed to market risks, beyond our control, which could adversely affect our financial results and capital requirements. Our energy marketing subsidiaries have credit risk and credit requirements that may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Current market conditions have had an adverse impact on the return on plan assets for our pension plans, which may require significant additional funding and adversely affect the Company s cash flows. We may be unable to successfully integrate operations after the merger. Fluctuations in weather may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. The amount and availability of natural gas, electricity and propane supplies are difficult to predict; a substantial reduction in available supplies could reduce our earnings in those segments. We rely on a limited number of natural gas, electric and propane suppliers, the loss of which could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We rely on having access to interstate natural gas pipelines transmission and storage capacity and electric transmission capacity; a substantial disruption or lack of growth in these services may impair our ability to meet customers existing and future requirements. Commodity price changes may affect the operating costs and competitive positions of our natural gas, electric and propane distribution operations, which may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Our propane inventory is subject to inventory risk, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Operating events affecting public safety and the reliability our natural gas and electric distribution systems could adversely affect the results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Because we operate in a competitive environment, we may lose customers to competitors which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Changes in technology may adversely affect our advanced information services subsidiary s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Our use of derivative instruments may adversely affect our results of operations. Changes in customer growth may affect earnings and cash flows. Our businesses are capital intensive, and the costs of capital projects may be significant. Our facilities and operations could be targets of acts of terrorism. The risk of terrorism and political unrest and the current hostilities in the Middle East may adversely affect the economy and the price and availability of propane, refined fuels, electricity and natural gas. Operational interruptions to our natural gas transmission and natural gas and electric distribution activities, caused by accidents, malfunctions, severe weather (such as a major hurricane), a pandemic or acts of terrorism, could adversely impact earnings. Our regulated energy business will be at risk if franchise agreements are not renewed. A strike, work stoppage or a labor dispute could adversely affect our results of operation. Regulation of the Company, including changes in the regulatory environment, may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. We are dependent upon construction of new facilities to support future growth in earnings in our natural gas and electric distribution and natural gas transmission operations. We are subject to operating and litigation risks that may not be fully covered by insurance. We have recorded significant amounts of goodwill and regulatory assets prior to obtaining a rate order. An adverse outcome could result in an impairment of those assets. Costs of compliance with environmental laws may be significant We may be exposed to certain regulatory and financial risks related to climate change. Pending environmental matters, particularly with respect to FPU s site in West Palm Beach, Florida, may have a materially adverse effect on the Company and our results of operations.

Full 10-K form ▸

19745--3/8/2010--CHESAPEAKE_UTILITIES_CORP