Con Ed extends dividend streak to 52 years with a 4.4% hike amid solid cash flow but rising debt risks.

Consolidated Edison (Con Ed) has increased its dividend for the 52nd consecutive year, raising it by 4.4% to $3.55 per share in 2026. The company maintains a healthy forward earnings payout ratio near 58% and strong operating cash flow coverage, supporting dividend safety. However, high capital expenditures and elevated debt levels, with Moody's placing the credit outlook on negative watch, pose risks of increased equity dilution. Despite these concerns, Con Ed remains a reliable income source for retirees seeking stable regulated utility cash flows in New York.