CMS Energy(US:CMS)2025-10-30 14:32Financial 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][14][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, with a full-year guidance for 2026 set at $3.80 to $3.87 per share, reflecting a growth of 6% to 8% off the midpoint of the revised range for 2025 [13][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company connected approximately 450 MW of the planned 900 MW of industrial growth in its five-year plan, with an additional 100 MW of signed contracts year-to-date, indicating strong growth in sectors such as food processing, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing [6][7] - The Renewable Energy Plan approved an additional 8 GW of solar and 2.8 GW of wind through 2035, which will be integrated into the company's next five-year plan [4][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to see strong economic growth in Michigan, with a robust pipeline of projects, particularly in data centers and manufacturing, contributing to a forecasted annual sales growth of 2% to 3% over the next five years [6][7] - The company has agreements with data centers that could lead to significant load increases, with one data center planning up to 1 GW of load starting in early 2030 [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on balancing a robust capital investment plan of $20 billion over five years with affordability for customers, aiming to keep utility bills below the national average [11][12] - 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][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position for the remainder of the year and into 2026, citing a strong pipeline of new and expanding loads that will bolster growth opportunities [22][12] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining affordability while executing a significant capital plan, with a focus on cost management and operational efficiencies [11][12] Other Important Information - The company has reaffirmed its credit ratings and is targeting mid-teens funds from operations to debt on a consolidated basis to preserve solid investment-grade credit ratings [19][20] - The company has completed nearly all planned financings for 2025, including a recent settlement of approximately $500 million of forward equity contracts [20][21] 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 several data center projects in the pipeline [25][26] Question: How quickly could the $25 billion of CapEx be folded into the plan? - Management indicated that the $25 billion in additional investment opportunities will be incorporated into the next five-year plan, with a focus on electric reliability and renewable energy investments [36][38] Question: What is the current capacity to serve the new load? - The company has excess capacity to serve the connected load and is actively building additional renewable capacity to meet future demands [53] Question: Can you explain the status of the Campbell plant? - Management confirmed that costs associated with operating the Campbell units are treated as a regulatory asset, with a clear path to cost recovery established [56][57] Question: How does the company plan to balance self-build and PPA in its renewable energy strategy? - The company plans a mix of self-build and power purchase agreements, with an assumption of about 50% owned versus PPA for solar projects [65][66]