Energy East is on the Upside

Energy East (EAS), an electric and natural gas utility that serves 3 million customers throughout upstate New York and New England, is on the upside.

From 1995 though March 2005 EAS increased its annual dividend from $0.70 to $1.10. The dividend yield is $4.22% as of April 8, 2005. The payout ratio (annual dividend/earnings) is a safe 67.9% ($1.10/$1.62).

EAS is an excellent stock to own in a dividend reinvestment portfolio.