CMS ENERGY CORP - CMS STOCK NEWS

Consumers Energy Foundation and Jackson YMCA announced reaching a $6 million fundraising milestone, successfully navigating the COVID-19 pandemic in 10 months. This achievement includes a $200,000 donation from local business owner Ric Walton, contributing to a total of $3 million raised since January. The Consumers Energy Foundation committed a matching pledge of $3 million, the largest in its history. Overall, the YMCA's campaign aims to enhance services with a new facility and has raised nearly $20 million to date.

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.