CMS Energy(US:CMS)2025-10-30 14:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.66 for the first nine months of 2025, an increase of $0.19 compared to the same period in 2024, primarily driven by favorable regulatory outcomes and a return to normal weather conditions [12][15] - The bottom end of the earnings guidance for 2025 has been raised to a range of $3.56 to $3.60 per share from $3.54 to $3.60 per share, reflecting confidence in achieving financial objectives [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company connected approximately 450 megawatts of the planned 900 megawatts of industrial growth in its five-year plan, with an additional 100 megawatts of signed contracts year to date [5][6] - The Renewable Energy Plan approved an additional 8 gigawatts of solar and 2.8 gigawatts of wind through 2035, which will be integrated into the next five-year plan [3][4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to see strong economic growth in Michigan, with a robust pipeline of projects in data centers and manufacturing, contributing to a forecasted annual sales growth of 2% to 3% over the next five years [5][6] - The company is well-positioned to serve the growing demand from data centers and other industries, with a significant investment plan of $20 billion for customer investments over the next five years [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on balancing customer investments with affordability, aiming to keep customer rates at or below inflation while maintaining utility bills below the national average [11] - The Integrated Resource Plan, to be filed in mid-2026, will detail additional capacity needed to replace retired plants and support future growth, emphasizing the need for more battery storage and natural gas generation [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong pipeline of new and expanding load, which supports infrastructure investments across both gas and electric businesses [22] - The company anticipates needing more battery storage and gas capacity as part of its long-term strategy to meet growing demand and regulatory requirements [10][39] Other Important Information - The company has reaffirmed its credit ratings and is focused on maintaining a strong financial position to minimize funding costs [20] - The company has completed nearly all planned financings for 2025, with a recent settlement of approximately $500 million of forward equity contracts [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the timing of the large load tariff? - Management expects the large load tariff to be finalized by November 7, which is crucial for advancing projects in the pipeline [25][26] Question: How quickly could the $25 billion of CapEx be folded into the plan? - Management indicated that some of the $25 billion would be incorporated into the next five-year plan, with a focus on electric reliability and renewable energy investments [39][50] Question: What is the mix between self-build and PPA for the Renewable Energy Plan? - The company plans for a mix of self-build and power purchase agreements, with an assumption of about 50% owned versus PPA for solar projects [81][87] Question: How much excess capacity is available to serve the new load? - The company has a bit of excess capacity and is actively building additional capacity in line with the clean energy law [68] Question: What is the status of the Campbell plant and its potential continuation? - Management confirmed that costs associated with operating the Campbell units are treated as a regulatory asset, with a clear path to cost recovery [73][75]