How Consolidated Edison, Inc. Has Managed to Raise Its Dividend for 44 Years

At first blush, there's nothing all that exciting about Consolidated Edison, Inc.'s (NYSE: ED)business -- until you look at the utility's incredible dividend history. To put it mildly, 44 years worth of annual dividend increases isn't something that happens by accident. If you're a dividend investor looking for a reliable income stock, Con Ed is likely to show up in your stock screens.

Here's a quick look at what the company does that supports such an incredible dividend streak.