Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: What do you think of Consolidated Edison? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

A: Consolidated Edison Inc., $75.52, symbol ED on New York (Shares outstanding: 302.8 million; Market cap: $23.2 billion; www.coned.com), is the holding company for Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc. That firm sells electricity, gas and steam (used for heating and power) across most of New York City and Westchester County, New York. It also owns Orange and Rockland Utilities, which operates in the state as well as neighbouring parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Consolidated Edison has 3.6 million electricity and 1.2 million natural gas customers. Its steam system serves 3 million users. The company’s revenue fell 5.4%, from $12.9 billion in 2011 to $12.2 billion in 2012. That was partly due to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. Revenue then rebounded to $12.4 billion in 2013, and to $12.9 billion in 2014. However, revenue declined to $12.6 billion in 2015. Earnings rose from $3.57 a share in 2011 to $3.93 a share in 2013. They then dipped to $3.62 a..