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CMS Energy (CMS)
NYSE:CMS

CMS Energy (CMS) AI Stock Analysis

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CMS Energy

(NYSE:CMS)

Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
$78.00
▲(10.59%Upside)
CMS Energy's overall stock score reflects its robust financial performance and strategic initiatives. While technical indicators show a neutral stance, the company's solid earnings guidance and corporate restructuring provide a positive outlook. The main risks include cash flow management and potential legislative impacts.
Positive Factors
Earnings
The unanimous approval by the Michigan PSC suggests a supportive environment for CMS Energy's future plans.
Financial Performance
CMS Energy's price objective has been raised to $80 from $73, reflecting a positive valuation outlook.
Growth Outlook
CMS shares outperformed peers due to an 18% increase to its 5-year capital plan driven by clean energy generation and distribution investments.
Negative Factors
Equity Dilution
Manageable external equity program is resulting in about 2.2-2.4% average annual dilution relative to 1.7% previously.
Regulatory Pressure
Higher customer costs could increase regulatory pressure on affordability at the utility, impacting earnings.
Tax Credit Risk
There is a sizable tax credit transferability risk if the IRA is fully repealed, particularly affecting NorthStar.

CMS Energy (CMS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

CMS Energy Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCMS Energy Corporation operates as an energy company primarily in Michigan. The company operates through three segments: Electric Utility; Gas Utility; and Enterprises. The Electric Utility segment is involved in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity. This segment generates electricity through coal, wind, gas, renewable energy, oil, and nuclear sources. Its distribution system comprises 208 miles of high-voltage distribution overhead lines; 4 miles of high-voltage distribution underground lines; 4,428 miles of high-voltage distribution overhead lines; 19 miles of high-voltage distribution underground lines; 82,474 miles of electric distribution overhead lines; 9,395 miles of underground distribution lines; 1,093 substations; and 3 battery facilities. The Gas Utility segment engages in the purchase, transmission, storage, distribution, and sale of natural gas, which includes 2,392 miles of transmission lines; 15 gas storage fields; 28,065 miles of distribution mains; and 8 compressor stations. The Enterprises segment is involved in the independent power production and marketing, including the development and operation of renewable generation. It serves 1.9 million electric and 1.8 million gas customers, including residential, commercial, and diversified industrial customers. The company was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Jackson, Michigan.
How the Company Makes MoneyCMS Energy generates revenue primarily through its utility operations under Consumers Energy. The company's key revenue streams include the sale of electricity and natural gas to its customer base across Michigan. Revenue is earned from regulated electric and gas rates approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which ensures the company can recover its operational costs and earn a reasonable return on its investments. Additionally, CMS Energy benefits from infrastructure investments aimed at enhancing grid reliability, integrating renewable energy sources, and improving energy efficiency. The company's earnings are influenced by factors such as regulatory decisions, weather conditions, fuel costs, and customer usage patterns.

CMS Energy Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 24, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -3.32%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 24, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
CMS Energy showed strong financial performance and benefitted from a constructive regulatory environment, with positive economic indicators in Michigan providing confidence. However, the company faced significant storm-related costs and higher operational expenses, alongside potential risks from legislative changes affecting renewable investments.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
CMS Energy reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.02 for the first quarter, which compares favorably to the same period in 2024. The company remains confident in this year's guidance and long-term outlook, reaffirming financial objectives with full-year guidance at $3.54 to $3.60 per share, expecting to hit the high end.
Constructive Regulatory Environment
The company received a favorable electric rate order in March, with approximately 65% of the revised ask approved. This supports investments to improve electric reliability. The gas rate case also started with a constructive staff position.
Positive Economic Indicators in Michigan
CMS Energy highlighted strong growth indicators, including a 2% to 3% load growth within the five-year financial plan, accelerated data center projects, and a healthy pipeline of nine gigawatts influenced by tax exemptions.
Resilient Supply Chain Strategy
With 90% of direct and indirect spend domestically sourced, CMS Energy continues to shift to US-based vendors to lower exposure to tariffs, providing stability amidst economic uncertainty.
Successful Hybrid Issuance
CMS Energy issued $1 billion in junior subordinated notes at a 6.5% coupon, demonstrating strong market receptivity and addressing a significant portion of 2025's financing needs.
Negative Updates
Record Storm Costs
The late March to early April storm was the costliest in the company's history, estimated at $100 million in operating and maintenance expenses. This led to the filing of a deferred accounting order to manage financial impacts.
Higher Operational Costs
The company experienced higher O&M costs due to the execution of its electric reliability roadmap and timing of select items at NorthStar, leading to a $0.05 per share negative variance compared to 2024.
Potential Transferability Risk
CMS Energy faces potential risks from the repeal of tax credit transferability provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, which could impact future renewable project economics.
Company Guidance
In the CMS Energy 2025 First Quarter Results call, guidance was provided with several key metrics highlighted. The company reaffirmed its full-year earnings per share (EPS) guidance at $3.54 to $3.60, with confidence leaning towards the high end. In the first quarter, adjusted earnings per share were reported at $1.02, showing a favorable comparison to the previous year due to normal weather conditions and higher rate relief net of investments. The company plans to file its next electric rate case in Q2 and expects an order in its Renewable Energy Plan by mid-September. Longer-term, CMS Energy continues to guide towards the high end of its adjusted EPS growth range of 6% to 8%. The financial strategy includes a focus on maintaining solid investment-grade credit ratings, evidenced by a recent $1 billion hybrid issuance. Additionally, CMS Energy is actively managing storm-related costs, seeking a deferred accounting order for a historic storm that incurred roughly $100 million in expenses, while simultaneously identifying cost-saving measures to uphold financial objectives.

CMS Energy Financial Statement Overview

Summary
CMS Energy demonstrates strong revenue growth and profitability metrics, with stable equity and moderate leverage. However, the negative free cash flow indicates potential liquidity challenges due to high capital expenditures.
Income Statement
79
Positive
CMS Energy shows a strong financial performance with consistent revenue growth, demonstrated by a 4% increase in TTM revenue compared to the previous year. The company maintains a healthy gross profit margin at 57.14% and an improved net profit margin standing at 13.10% for TTM. However, EBIT and EBITDA margins have shown slight fluctuations, indicating potential operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a stable financial position with a noteworthy equity growth, reaching $11.6 billion in TTM. The debt-to-equity ratio is moderate at 0.97, suggesting a balanced capital structure. Return on Equity (ROE) has improved to 8.77%, indicating efficient use of equity to generate profits. However, the equity ratio stands at 32.34%, showing room for improvement in asset financing.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
CMS Energy's cash flow position is mixed. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 2.37, indicating strong cash generation capabilities. However, the free cash flow is negative at -$75 million for TTM, primarily due to high capital expenditures, suggesting potential liquidity challenges if not addressed.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
7.79B7.51B7.46B8.60B7.33B6.68B
Gross Profit
3.04B3.21B2.86B2.76B2.65B2.77B
EBIT
1.57B1.49B1.24B295.00M209.00M398.00M
EBITDA
3.15B3.07B2.78B2.55B2.44B2.36B
Net Income Common Stockholders
1.02B1.00B887.00M837.00M728.00M755.00M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
465.00M103.00M227.00M164.00M452.00M168.00M
Total Assets
36.30B36.51B33.52B31.35B28.75B29.67B
Total Debt
16.97B16.57B15.64B15.43B12.47B15.20B
Net Debt
16.50B16.46B15.42B15.26B12.02B15.03B
Total Liabilities
27.37B27.17B25.39B23.76B21.57B23.59B
Stockholders Equity
8.34B8.23B7.54B7.01B6.63B5.50B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-844.00M-808.00M-265.00M-1.63B-390.00M-1.17B
Operating Cash Flow
2.41B2.37B2.31B855.00M1.82B1.28B
Investing Cash Flow
-3.33B-3.05B-3.39B-2.48B-1.23B-2.87B
Financing Cash Flow
586.00M614.00M1.14B1.32B-295.00M1.62B

CMS Energy Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price70.53
Price Trends
50DMA
71.24
Negative
100DMA
70.69
Negative
200DMA
69.00
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.28
Negative
RSI
50.05
Neutral
STOCH
71.58
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CMS, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 70.53 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 70.24, below the 50-day MA of 71.24, and above the 200-day MA of 69.00, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.28 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 50.05 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 71.58 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for CMS.

CMS Energy Risk Analysis

CMS Energy disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. CMS Energy reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 2 New Risks
1.
The creation of utilities by municipalities in Consumers' service territory, or the impairment of Consumers' franchise rights to serve customers in municipalities, could have a material adverse effect on CMS Energy's and Consumers' businesses. Q4, 2024
2.
Demand for electricity associated with data center expansion could have a material effect on CMS Energy and Consumers. Q4, 2024

CMS Energy Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
CMCMS
72
Outperform
$21.18B20.8712.53%3.06%5.87%3.59%
FEFE
72
Outperform
$23.47B21.468.69%4.38%7.92%1.54%
ESES
71
Outperform
$24.08B28.305.63%4.57%10.82%
PPPPL
71
Outperform
$24.97B25.227.00%3.17%5.62%30.02%
CNCNP
67
Neutral
$23.52B24.229.22%2.42%4.76%4.08%
EIEIX
67
Neutral
$19.38B6.8617.93%6.57%5.36%209.92%
64
Neutral
$8.62B10.394.24%4.63%4.07%-13.04%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CMS
CMS Energy
70.53
13.04
22.68%
CNP
Centerpoint Energy
36.37
6.50
21.76%
EIX
Edison International
48.32
-20.01
-29.28%
FE
FirstEnergy
40.34
3.65
9.95%
ES
Eversource Energy
65.21
10.23
18.61%
PPL
PPL
33.89
6.86
25.38%

CMS Energy Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
CMS Energy Director Kurt Darrow Announces Retirement
Neutral
Jun 6, 2025

On June 5, 2025, Kurt Darrow announced his retirement from the Boards of Directors of CMS Energy Corporation and Consumers Energy Company, effective July 1, 2025. His departure is based on personal reasons and not due to any disagreements with the companies. The Boards and management expressed their gratitude for his service and contributions.

The most recent analyst rating on (CMS) stock is a Buy with a $77.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on CMS Energy stock, see the CMS Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
CMS Energy Announces $125M Debt Tender Offer
Neutral
Jun 4, 2025

On June 4, 2025, CMS Energy announced a cash tender offer to purchase up to $125 million of outstanding debt securities issued by Consumers Energy Company. This move is part of a strategic financial maneuver to manage its debt portfolio, potentially impacting its financial stability and market perception. The tender offer, set to expire on July 3, 2025, is structured to prioritize certain bonds based on acceptance priority levels, allowing CMS Energy to optimize its debt structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (CMS) stock is a Buy with a $77.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on CMS Energy stock, see the CMS Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
CMS Energy Announces New Corporate Structure
Positive
May 15, 2025

On May 15, 2025, CMS Energy announced a new corporate organizational structure aimed at supporting its operational transformation and long-term strategy, effective July 1, 2025. The restructuring includes new leadership roles and business units, with a focus on enhancing customer service and operational success. This strategic move is expected to enable CMS Energy to deliver consistent results across its triple bottom line of people, planet, and prosperity, positioning the company for future growth and sustainability.

The most recent analyst rating on (CMS) stock is a Hold with a $73.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on CMS Energy stock, see the CMS Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder Meetings
CMS Energy Shareholders Approve Key Proposals at Annual Meeting
Neutral
May 6, 2025

At the CMS Energy 2025 annual meeting of shareholders on May 2, 2025, all board nominees were elected, and key proposals, including executive compensation and the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the auditor, were approved. Additionally, a shareholder proposal supporting the ability to call special meetings received majority support. Concurrently, at the Consumers Energy 2025 annual meeting, all board nominees were also elected, and similar proposals regarding executive compensation and auditor appointment were approved, reflecting strong shareholder engagement and support.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
CMS Energy Reports Q1 2025 Earnings Increase
Positive
Apr 24, 2025

On April 24, 2025, CMS Energy announced its first-quarter earnings for 2025, reporting an earnings per share of $1.01, up from $0.96 in 2024. The company reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted earnings guidance and expressed confidence in achieving high-end growth targets, supported by favorable outcomes in its electric rate case and ongoing customer investment projects.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.