Welcome to our dedicated page for CMS ENERGY news (Ticker: CMS), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on CMS ENERGY stock.
CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy company whose primary business is Consumers Energy Company, an electric and gas utility. Consumers Energy is described as Michigan's largest energy provider, supplying natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. In addition to its regulated utility operations, CMS Energy owns and operates independent power generation businesses, including wholesale power generation with contracted renewable energy.
This news page aggregates company and subsidiary news releases and market announcements related to CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. Readers can follow updates on topics such as customer assistance initiatives, community investments, regulatory and legal developments, capital markets activity and financial performance. Recent news has highlighted Consumers Energy's programs to help customers manage energy costs, including a $5 million company-funded investment to support customers and communities across Michigan, as well as specific safeguards and bill credits for seniors to help them stay safe and warm during winter.
Other news items showcase the Consumers Energy Foundation's Prosperity Awards, which provide grant funding for community projects in Michigan, and environmental initiatives such as tree planting grants designed to improve safety and electric reliability by planting the right trees in the right places. Regulatory and planning topics also appear, including Consumers Energy's support for Michigan Public Service Commission orders that set guidelines for large-load customers like data centers and its intention to file an updated Energy Supply Plan covering natural gas, renewable resources and battery storage.
Investors and observers will also find CMS Energy corporate news, including announcements of quarterly financial results, adjustments to earnings guidance, dividend declarations on preferred stock and details of capital markets transactions such as convertible senior note offerings and tender offers for outstanding bonds. This page provides a centralized view of how CMS Energy and Consumers Energy communicate about operations, financial performance, customer programs and community engagement over time.
Consumers Energy, based in Michigan, is launching a Basic Electric Lineworker Apprentice program aimed at military veterans with electrical experience. Participants will undergo 10 days of free training, with a starting wage of $35 per hour upon acceptance. The company has been recognized as a top workplace for veterans and ranks 3rd in the Military Times Best for Vets Employers 2020 list. The training will be conducted at the UWUA Power for America Training Center, and successful candidates will complete an 11-week climbing school to further develop their skills.
CMS Energy reported a net income of $218 million or $0.76 per share for Q3 2020, marking an increase from $207 million or $0.73 per share in Q3 2019. For the first nine months of 2020, net income rose to $597 million or $2.09 per share, up from $513 million or $1.81 per share year-over-year. The company reaffirmed its 2020 adjusted earnings guidance of $2.64 - $2.68 per share and introduced 2021 guidance of $2.82 - $2.86, reflecting 6-8% growth. CMS Energy emphasized its commitment to operational and financial strength amid the pandemic.
Consumers Energy Foundation has announced a $250,000 grant to Youth Solutions, aiming to enhance job skills for nearly 8,000 students in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. This initiative, part of the Jobs for Michigan's Graduates program, focuses on connecting youth to job opportunities and reducing employment barriers. The grant is one of two awarded through the Foundation's People Awards, contributing to a total of $1.5 million in grants. The Foundation is committed to supporting workforce development and addressing the education-employment gap in the state.
CMS Energy will announce its 2020 third quarter results and provide a business outlook on October 29, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. EDT. The presentation will be accessible via a webcast on their website, with an audio replay available three hours post-event and archived for 30 days. CMS Energy operates primarily through its utility, Consumers Energy, providing electric and natural gas services, alongside independent power generation. Investors can find more details and sign up for alerts at their Investor Relations section.
The Board of Directors of CMS Energy has declared a quarterly dividend of 40.75 cents per share on its common stock. This dividend is payable on Nov. 30, 2020, to shareholders on record as of Nov. 6, 2020. CMS Energy, which operates mainly through its utility subsidiary, Consumers Energy, continues to demonstrate its commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Consumers Energy has successfully removed long-retired electric cables and associated infrastructure from the Straits of Mackinac, enhancing safety and environmental integrity. The de-energized 46 kV cables, inactive since 1990, were extracted to mitigate risks after a reported tugboat anchor strike in 2018. The project, completed in five months, involved collaboration with environmental stakeholders and recycling efforts to offset costs. Consumers Energy remains committed to protecting Michigan's waterways, serving 6.7 million residents across the state.
Consumers Energy has committed $12 million to assist Michigan residents and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds aim to support approximately 25,000 households and 1,000 small businesses with their energy bills. This initiative is part of a broader effort, with over $16 million allocated since March for pandemic-related support. The company has suspended energy shut-offs and is providing resources to help customers. Looking ahead, consumers can expect to pay 20% less next year compared to a decade ago for natural gas.
Consumers Energy has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a wildlife rehabilitator to provide a safe habitat for three orphaned whitetail deer fawns on its land in Southeast Michigan. The fawns, rescued from illegal captivity and vehicular accidents, were released into a remote area to minimize human interaction. The company has committed to continuing this environmental conservation effort by granting annual licenses for wildlife rehabilitation on its properties.
The Consumers Energy Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to Youth Opportunities Unlimited aimed at enhancing career readiness for 650 young adults in Southwest Michigan. This initiative will expand the Career Pathway Initiative in multiple counties, providing job training in high-demand fields. The grant is part of a larger $1.5 million allocation through the Foundation's People Awards. The Consumers Energy Foundation, Michigan's largest energy provider's charitable arm, contributed over $11.5 million to state nonprofits in 2019.
Consumers Energy employee Eric Florka survived a severe battle with COVID-19, spending 44 days hospitalized and losing 40 pounds. After recovering, he emphasizes the importance of protective measures like masking. Florka, who feels grateful for his life, urges others to heed health guidelines to prevent the virus's spread. He returned to full-time work and is committed to appreciating life daily. Consumers Energy serves 6.7 million Michigan residents, contributing to their welfare during the pandemic.