Essential Utilities' Aqua New Jersey subsidiary completed the acquisition of Lake Tamarack Water Corporation's water system for $113,000, adding 255 customers and planning $1.4M in infrastructure investments. The company continues its expansion strategy, having added over 138,000 customers since 2015. American Water Works' proposed merger with Essential Utilities remains on track for Q1 2027, creating a combined utility serving 4.7 million connections.

CenterPoint Energy (CNP) and Consolidated Edison (ED) are outperforming the broader Utilities sector year-to-date. CNP is up 0.5% while the sector has declined 3.3%, and ED is up 5.4%. Both stocks hold Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) ratings with improving analyst sentiment on earnings estimates.

The article highlights three Dividend King stocks (companies with 50+ consecutive years of dividend increases) as ideal long-term holdings: Coca-Cola, Federal Realty Investment Trust, and Consolidated Edison. Coca-Cola maintains market dominance with 64 years of dividend growth and 27% YTD gains. Federal Realty is the only REIT with Dividend King status, showing strong occupancy and 59 years of dividend increases. Consolidated Edison provides stable utility income with 52 years of dividend growth, benefiting from rising power demand.

The article recommends three utility stocks as defensive investments against potential economic downturns driven by persistent inflation and geopolitical tensions. American Electric Power (AEP) exceeded earnings expectations with strong revenue and raised its dividend while guiding higher EPS growth. Consolidated Edison (ED) reported revenue growth and has increased dividends for 52 consecutive years, qualifying as a Dividend King. American Water Works (AWK) raised its dividend by 8.2% and reaffirmed its long-term growth targets, with consistent revenue increases driven by rate case wins.

The article highlights three energy sector stocks with strong dividend track records: Consolidated Edison (a Dividend King with 52 years of consecutive increases), Enbridge (31 years of increases with a 4.8% yield), and Enterprise Products Partners (27 years of increases with a 5.5% yield). Despite energy sector volatility, these companies maintain reliable income generation through regulated utilities, diversified energy approaches, and midstream services.

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.8875 per share on its common stock, payable on June 15, 2026 to shareholders of record as of May 13, 2026. The company is a holding company providing electric, gas, and steam services through its subsidiaries in New York and New Jersey.

Customer Effort scores for US utilities declined by one point year-over-year to 722, signaling a setback driven primarily by billing and payment friction. Despite the overall decline, 31 utilities were recognized as 'Easiest to Do Business With,' with leading practices including improved bill transparency and customer support programs. The decline reflects affordability pressures and the need for utilities to better communicate billing information and provide payment flexibility.

The article highlights three Dividend King stocks recommended for March 2026: AbbVie, a pharmaceutical company with strong drug pipeline and 54 years of consecutive dividend increases; Walmart, a retail powerhouse with growing e-commerce and 53 years of dividend growth; and Consolidated Edison, a utility company with predictable cash flow and 52 years of consecutive dividend increases.

Consolidated Edison will report Q4 and full-year earnings on Feb. 19, 2026. The dividend record date is Feb. 18, so investors must own shares by then to receive the upcoming dividend payment. The company recently raised its dividend by 4.6% to $0.8875 per share, extending its 52-year streak of consecutive dividend increases. The stock has rallied 17% in recent months due to falling interest rates and expectations of increased electricity demand from AI growth.

Consolidated Edison Inc. (NYSE:ED) announced a quarterly dividend of 88.75 cents per share, payable March 16, 2026. The declaration marks the company's 52nd consecutive annual dividend increase, raising the annualized dividend by 15 cents to $3.55 per share. The company maintains a target dividend payout ratio of 55-65% of adjusted earnings.

Consolidated Edison announced a quarterly dividend of 85 cents per share, payable on December 15, 2025, to stockholders of record as of November 19, 2025.

Three Dividend Kings - Consolidated Edison, PepsiCo, and Federal Realty Investment Trust - offer over 50 years of consistent dividend growth, providing investors potential for steady passive income through long-term, reliable investments.