8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) April 26, 2018

Commission File Number	Registrant; State of Incorporation; Address; and Telephone Number	IRS Employer Identification No.
1-9513	CMS ENERGY CORPORATION (A Michigan Corporation) One Energy Plaza Jackson, Michigan 49201 (517) 788-0550	38-2726431
1-5611	CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY (A Michigan Corporation) One Energy Plaza Jackson, Michigan 49201 (517) 788-0550	38-0442310

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).  Emerging growth company: CMS Energy Corporation o        Consumers Energy Company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  CMS Energy Corporation o        Consumers Energy Company o

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On April 26, 2018, CMS Energy Corporation (“CMS Energy”) issued a News Release, in which it announced its 2018 first quarter results.  Attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and incorporated herein by reference is a copy of the CMS Energy News Release, furnished as a part of this report.

Exhibit 99.1 contains certain financial measures that are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined in Securities and Exchange Commission rules.  Other than forward-looking earnings guidance, Exhibit 99.1 contains a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  CMS Energy provides forward-looking earnings guidance on an adjusted basis.  Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, regulatory items from prior years, or other items.  Because CMS Energy is not able to estimate the impact of specific line items, which have the potential to significantly impact reported earnings in future periods, Exhibit 99.1 does not contain reported earnings guidance nor a reconciliation for the comparable future period earnings.  Management views adjusted earnings as a key measure of the company’s present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors.  Internally, the company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance.  The adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for the reported earnings.  All references to earnings per share are on a diluted basis.

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

The information set forth in the CMS Energy News Release dated April 26, 2018, attached as Exhibit 99.1, is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 7.01.

In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933.

Investors and others should note that CMS Energy routinely posts important information on its website and considers the Investor Relations section, www.cmsenergy.com/investor-relations, a channel of distribution.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit Index

99.1       CMS Energy News Release dated April 26, 2018

2

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

		CMS ENERGY CORPORATION
Dated: April 26, 2018	By:	/s/ Rejji P. Hayes
		Rejji P. Hayes
		Executive Vice President and
		Chief Financial Officer
		CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY
Dated: April 26, 2018	By:	/s/ Rejji P. Hayes
		Rejji P. Hayes
		Executive Vice President and
		Chief Financial Officer

3

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

CMS ENERGY ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS OF $0.86 PER SHARE; REAFFIRMS 2018 GUIDANCE

JACKSON, Mich., April 26, 2018 — CMS Energy announced today reported net income of $241 million or $0.86 per share, for the first quarter of 2018, compared to $199 million or $0.71 per share for the same quarter in 2017 largely driven by weather and cost savings.

CMS Energy reaffirmed its guidance for 2018 adjusted earnings of $2.30 - $2.34 per share (*See below for important information about non-GAAP measures) or 6 to 8 percent annual adjusted earnings per share growth.

“CMS Energy is committed to the triple bottom line — focusing our efforts to the benefit of people, planet, and profit,” said Patti Poppe, President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. “This was clearly evident in the first quarter when we took a stand for our planet, in the form of our new Clean Energy Breakthrough Goal, and continued our commitment to care for our customers, — all while delivering strong financial results.”

CMS Energy noted several accomplishments in this quarter:

·The company announced its Clean Energy Breakthrough Goal which entails reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent; no longer using coal to generate electricity; and using more than 40 percent renewable energy and energy storage all by 2040.

·General Motors and Switch became the first participants in a new company program to help large businesses use more renewable energy sources. Both companies are now matching 100 percent of their electric use at key locations in Michigan with wind power from Consumers Energy.

·Consumers Energy filed its five-year electric distribution plan with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

·Consumers Energy submitted its proposal to the MPSC to pass savings from federal tax reform by reducing energy bills to customers, which is expected to lower bills by up to 4 percent.

Looking forward, the company is developing its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for submission to the MPSC in June. The IRP includes input from several stakeholders and will reflect our long-range plan to ensure Michigan continues to be powered by safe, reliable, affordable and clean energy. Our commitment to our communities and to the people who work for us will guide us as we continue on our IRP and Clean Energy Goal journeys.

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based company that has an electric and natural gas utility, Consumers Energy, as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

# # #

CMS Energy will hold a webcast to discuss its 2018 first quarter results and provide a business and financial outlook on April 26 at 8:30 a.m. (EDT). To participate in the webcast, go to CMS Energy’s homepage (cmsenergy.com) and select “Investor Meeting.”

Important information for investors about non-GAAP measures and other disclosures.

*This news release contains non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (non-GAAP) measures, such as adjusted earnings. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, regulatory items from prior years, or other items detailed in the attached summary financial statements. Management views adjusted earnings as a key measure of the company’s present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance. Because the company is not able to estimate the impact of specific line items, which have the potential to significantly impact, favorably or unfavorably, the company’s reported earnings in future periods, the company is not providing reported earnings guidance nor is it providing a reconciliation for the comparable future period earnings. The adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for the reported earnings. All references to earnings per share are on a diluted basis.

This news release contains “forward-looking statements.” The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause CMS Energy’s and Consumers Energy’s results to differ materially. All forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk and other factors detailed from time to time in CMS Energy’s and Consumers Energy’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Investors and others should note that CMS Energy routinely posts important information on its website and considers the Investor Relations section, www.cmsenergy.com/investor-relations, a channel of distribution.

For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com. To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website.

Media Contacts: Katie Carey, 517/788-2395 or Brian Wheeler, 517/788-2394

Investment Analyst Contact: CMS Energy Investor Relations, 517/788-2590

CMS ENERGY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

	In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts
	Three Months Ended
	3/31/18		3/31/17
Operating revenue	$	1,953	$	1,829
Operating expenses	1,590		1,441
Operating Income	363		388
Other income	29		14
Interest charges	111		107
Income Before Income Taxes	281		295
Income tax expense	40		96
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$	241	$	199
Basic Earnings Per Average Common Share	$	0.86	$	0.71
Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share	0.86		0.71

1

CMS ENERGY CORPORATION

Summarized Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

	In Millions
	As of
	3/31/18		12/31/17
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	195	$	182
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	26		17
Other current assets	1,986		2,276
Total current assets	2,207		2,475
Non-current assets
Plant, property, and equipment	16,904		16,761
Other non-current assets	3,757		3,814
Total Assets	$	22,868	$	23,050
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities (1)	$	1,196	$	1,511
Non-current liabilities (1)	6,671		6,574
Capitalization
Debt, capital leases, and financing obligation (excluding securitization debt) (2)
Debt, capital leases, and financing obligation (excluding non-recourse and securitization debt)	8,830		8,940
Non-recourse debt	1,236		1,245
Total debt, capital leases, and financing obligation (excluding securitization debt)	10,066		10,185
Noncontrolling interests	37		37
Common stockholders’ equity	4,596		4,441
Total capitalization (excluding securitization debt)	14,699		14,663
Securitization debt (2)	302		302
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	22,868	$	23,050

(1)Excludes debt, capital leases, and financing obligation.

(2)Includes current and non-current portions.

CMS ENERGY CORPORATION

Summarized Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

	In Millions
	Three Months Ended
	3/31/18			3/31/17
Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Restricted Amounts	$	204		$	257
Net cash provided by operating activities	708			646
Net cash used in investing activities	(456		)	(346		)
Cash flows from operating and investing activities	252			300
Net cash used in financing activities	(229		)	(94		)
Total Cash Flows	$	23		$	206
End of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Restricted Amounts	$	227		$	463

CMS ENERGY CORPORATION

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income

(Unaudited)

	In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts
	Three Months Ended
	3/31/18			3/31/17
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$	241		$	199
Reconciling items:
Discontinued operations loss	*			*
Restructuring costs and other	*			1
Tax impact	(*		)	(*		)
Adjusted net income — non-GAAP	$	241		$	200
Average Common Shares Outstanding
Basic	281.5			278.9
Diluted	282.2			279.9
Basic Earnings Per Average Common Share
Reported net income per share	$	0.86		$	0.71
Reconciling items:
Discontinued operations loss	*			*
Restructuring costs and other	*			*
Tax impact	(*		)	(*		)
Adjusted net income per share — non-GAAP	$	0.86		$	0.71
Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share
Reported net income per share	$	0.86		$	0.71
Reconciling items:
Discontinued operations loss	*			*
Restructuring costs and other	*			*
Tax impact	(*		)	(*		)
Adjusted net income per share — non-GAAP	$	0.86		$	0.71

*Less than $0.5 million or $0.01 per share.

Management views adjusted (non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings as a key measure of the Company’s present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors.  Internally, the Company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance.  Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, regulatory items from prior years, or other items detailed in these summary financial statements.  Adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for reported earnings.