Dean Capital & The Curious Case of CPK

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Dean Capital & The Curious Case of CPK

Chesapeake Utilities Logo

The universe, as we all know (or at least suspect), is a profoundly improbable place. And yet, here we are, discussing the investment decisions of Dean Capital Management. Specifically, their recent acquisition of 27,851 shares in Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK). A perfectly reasonable action, when viewed through the lens of quantum mechanics and the inherent instability of all financial instruments. (It’s like trying to herd cats…made of subatomic particles. Good luck with that.) This little foray into the world of energy delivery amounted to approximately $3.47 million, calculated using the average closing price for the quarter – a figure which, naturally, bears only a passing resemblance to reality.

A Slice of the Pie (and a Rather Small Slice at That)

This investment, it turns out, constitutes 1.48% of Dean Capital’s reportable U.S. equity assets under management. Which, when you consider the sheer scale of the universe, is roughly equivalent to finding a specific grain of sand on all the beaches of Earth. (And then losing it. It happens.) Let’s take a peek at where else Dean Capital’s funds are allocated:

  • NYSE:HP: $4.14 million (1.8% of AUM)
  • UNK:BELFB: $3.99 million (1.7% of AUM)
  • NASDAQ:SHOO: $3.98 million (1.7% of AUM)
  • NASDAQ:VIAV: $3.95 million (1.7% of AUM)
  • NASDAQ:AEIS: $3.94 million (1.7% of AUM)

As of February 20, 2026, CPK shares were trading at $134.39 – a price determined, presumably, by a complex algorithm involving supply, demand, and the unpredictable whims of market participants. The stock had, over the past year, managed a respectable 11.1% gain, but still underperformed the S&P 500 by a mere 1.87 percentage points. (A difference so small, it’s almost statistically insignificant. Almost.) The dividend yield, at 2.0%, offers a modest return, assuming, of course, that the universe doesn’t spontaneously collapse before the next payout.

Chesapeake Utilities: A Brief Overview (For Those Who Care)

Chesapeake Utilities, for the uninitiated, is a diversified energy delivery company operating primarily in the eastern United States. They provide a range of services, including regulated natural gas and electric distribution, propane operations, and various other energy-related activities. Here’s a handy table, just in case you were planning to build a scale model of their financial structure:

Metric Value
Price (as of market close 2/20/26) $134.39
Market capitalization $3.18 billion
Revenue (TTM) $886.15 million
Net income (TTM) $130.85 million

In essence, they move energy around. A surprisingly important function, when you think about it. (Without it, we’d all be sitting in the dark, contemplating the existential void. Not ideal.)

What Does This All Mean For Investors? (Or, Why You Should Probably Just Relax)

Dean Capital’s foray into CPK isn’t an isolated incident. They’ve also been accumulating shares of Portland General Electric (POR), to the tune of approximately $3.8 million. CPK currently occupies the 11th position in their portfolio, while POR holds the enviable 6th spot. (It’s a competitive world, even in the realm of investment portfolios.)

Chesapeake Utilities is scheduled to announce its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 25th. Dean Capital, presumably, will be hoping for continued profit growth – a growth rate that, according to some sources, is surprisingly robust for a utilities business. During the first nine months of the year, the company reported adjusted net income that rose 10.1% year over year to $4.03 per share. (A perfectly respectable number, assuming, of course, that inflation doesn’t render all currency worthless.) They’re also predicting earnings of $7.75 to $8.00 per share by 2028. (A prediction, naturally, subject to the whims of fate and the unpredictable nature of the universe.)

So, there you have it. A snapshot of a financial transaction, viewed through the lens of cosmic absurdity and the inherent improbability of everything. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to contemplate the meaning of life. (Or, failing that, to make a cup of tea.)

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2026-02-22 20:34