CMS hikes dividend

The board of directors of CMS Energy has increased the quarterly dividend on the company’s common stock by 20 percent, to 15 cents per share, up from 12.5 cents per share. The first quarter dividend for the common stock (CUSIP: 125896100) is payable Feb. 26, to shareholders of record on Feb. 8.

David Joos, CMS Energy’s president and CEO, said the board’s decision to increase the dividend for the third consecutive year was based on the company’s improving financial strength.