CMS Energy Corporation - CMS STOCK NEWS

Consumers Energy is collaborating with Central Michigan University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to support the recovery of endangered snuffbox mussels in the Grand River. The project involves propagating mussels at Webber Dam, utilizing a unique system for the first time in Michigan. This effort includes adding larval mussels to fish hosts for growth before release, contributing to improved water quality. Snuffbox mussels, listed as endangered since 2012, are crucial for filtering contaminants in their habitat. Consumers Energy, the largest energy provider in Michigan, is pivotal in facilitating this initiative.

Consumers Energy has dispatched over 50 personnel to Indiana to aid in restoring power to more than 40,000 residents affected by severe storms. The team includes 15 crews from various Lower Michigan service centers, as well as 12 contractor crews. The collaboration with NIPSCO, Indiana's local energy provider, aims to repair extensive damage caused by hurricane-force winds. Approximately 33,000 Consumers Energy customers in Michigan were also impacted, with restoration expected for most by 10 p.m. on Aug. 11, 2020. Consumers Energy is a principal subsidiary of CMS, serving 6.7 million residents in Michigan.

On August 6, 2020, Consumers Energy, a subsidiary of CMS Energy, declared a quarterly dividend of $1.125 per share on its $4.50 preferred stock (NYSE: CMS_pb). The dividend will be payable on October 1, 2020, to shareholders of record by September 8, 2020. CMS Energy operates a significant electric and natural gas utility in Michigan alongside its independent power generation ventures, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to its shareholders.

CMS Energy reported a net income of $136 million or $0.48 per share for Q2 2020, up from $93 million or $0.33 per share in Q2 2019. Adjusted earnings per share also increased to $0.49. Key drivers included cost management and favorable weather conditions. The company reaffirmed its 2020 adjusted earnings guidance of $2.64 - $2.68 per share. Notable achievements include the appointment of a Chief Diversity Officer and provision of 100,000 free smart thermostats to aid residents during the pandemic.

Consumers Energy has launched its first PowerMIDrive fast charging stations for electric vehicles in four Michigan communities: Gaylord, Cadillac, Big Rapids, and Marshall. These stations can charge EV batteries from zero to 80% in about an hour, supporting the growing demand for electric vehicles in the state. The company plans to establish 30 more stations by early next year, with available rebates up to $70,000 for installation. The initiative aims to promote electric vehicle adoption and contribute to Michigan's economic growth as the state experiences over 20% year-over-year EV growth.

CMS Energy has acquired a majority stake in the 525-megawatt Aviator Wind project located in Texas, aimed at supporting Facebook and McDonald's in achieving their renewable energy goals. The project, expected to commence operations by fall 2020, will be managed by CMS Enterprises. This initiative aligns with CMS Energy's commitment to sustainable energy and will help Facebook reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% while assisting McDonald's in meeting its target to lower emissions by 36% by 2030. CMS Enterprises now operates 11 power plants totaling over 1,800 megawatts.

CMS Energy will release its 2020 second quarter results along with a business and financial outlook on August 3, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. EDT. A webcast of the presentation will be available on the company's website, with an audio replay accessible approximately three hours later, archived for 30 days. CMS Energy, based in Michigan, primarily operates Consumers Energy, an electric and natural gas utility, and has independent power generation businesses.

CMS Energy has declared a quarterly dividend of 40.75 cents per share, payable on Aug. 31, 2020, to shareholders of record as of Aug. 7, 2020. This announcement reflects the company's ongoing commitment to return value to shareholders amidst its operations in electric and natural gas utilities.

As a Michigan-based company, CMS Energy primarily operates Consumers Energy and independent power generation businesses.

The Consumers Energy Foundation announced grants totaling $135,000 to assist 14 Michigan nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. These funds aim to address critical needs by providing food, personal supplies, and equipment to organizations adapting their services during the pandemic. Since March, the Foundation has contributed over $3.6 million to similar initiatives.

Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Foundation, emphasized the Foundation's commitment to supporting communities in need as they navigate the ongoing effects of the pandemic.