* Dividend Stocks In the News: July 31, 2008

All in a matter of weeks we have gone from "the sky is falling" to dropping gas prices. People weren't happy before and they are not happy now. Is change and misery the only constants left in the world? Not from where I am sitting. Each week there is a steady stream of companies raising their dividends. Below are several select companies that recently announced dividend increases:

* Stock Analysis: Sherwin-Williams Co (SHW)

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of Sherwin-Williams Co (SHW) (alt.1, alt.2). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

* The Perfect Dividend Stock

In an utopian world, the perfect dividend stock would be one that is both high-yield and provide a high dividend growth rate. Its share price would appreciate ratable with its increasing dividend. All of this would be driven by increasing earnings and cash flow. Ok, so much for my fantasies, the perfect dividend stock just may be a balanced compromise. Consider the following:

* Stock Analysis: Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED)

This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net July 21, 2008.

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED) (alt.1, alt.2). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

* Up Next on The D4L Channel....

It is a week of contrasts! We start the week with something electrifying and powerful. This kingpin has the Big Apple sitting in the palm of his hand. If he doesnt perform, he can make millions and millions of people truly miserable.

* iStar Financial Inc. (SFI) Update

Like most financial company's, iStar Financial Inc. (SFI) has experienced a difficult time over the last several quarters. It has seen it share price collapse from a 52 week high of $40.55 to under $10. SFI's quarterly dividend is $0.87/share. Unfortunately, SFI has not earned its dividend the last four quarters, and it doesn't appear it will in Q2. In a July 18, 2008 earnings revision, SFI said it expects a second quarter non-GAAP loss of $1.55 to $1.45 per share with loan loss provisions of $275.0 million.