CMS Energy(US:CMS)2025-07-31 14:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first half of 2025, the company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.73, exceeding budget expectations and aligning with full-year guidance [25][28] - The full-year guidance remains at $3.54 to $3.6 per share, with confidence towards the high end [26] - Adjusted net income for 2025 was $518 million, benefiting from favorable weather and constructive regulatory outcomes [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has reached an agreement with a new data center expected to add up to one gigawatt of load, part of a nine gigawatt pipeline [5][6] - The renewables portion of the business is small, typically completing one to two solar projects a year with utility-like returns [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Michigan has been ranked as one of the best states for business, with strong housing starts and positive growth among residential and commercial customers [7][21] - The company anticipates long-term annual sales growth estimates of 2% to 3% [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on customer affordability and plans to spread fixed costs over a larger customer base as demand grows [10] - Significant investments are planned in the electric grid and renewable energy to meet Michigan's clean energy law [11][12] - The integrated resource plan (IRP) will be filed in mid-2026, addressing capacity needs and potential additional storage and gas capacity [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory environment and the company's ability to deliver on financial objectives [25][31] - The company is well-positioned to meet growing energy needs and is prepared for future investments [35][36] Other Important Information - The company has completed the majority of its financing plan for 2025, executing 40 equity contracts totaling approximately $350 million [32][33] - Moody's reaffirmed the company's credit ratings, and the company is working through the review process with S&P [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the new data center agreement and its ramp-up - Management confirmed the agreement is part of a nine gigawatt pipeline, with early megawatts expected to show up in 2029 or 2030 [41][42] Question: Interaction between the new data center and the $5 billion CapEx upside in the IRP - Management indicated that the $5 billion figure is based on current sales growth and would need to be adjusted if additional capacity is added [54][58] Question: Status of the gas case and potential for settlement - Management reported a positive outlook for the gas case, with 80% of the revised ask and 95% of capital approved, while remaining open to settlement [60][61] Question: Financing plans for 2026 - Management stated that they are considering funding needs for 2026 and may pull ahead some financing if opportunities arise [62][63]