Is GlaxoSmithKline's Dividend Safe?

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK 1.60%) is one of the globe's largest drug companies. The company generates more than $40 billion in annual sales and, given that its dividend yield is nearly 5%, its shares are often included in dividend investor's portfolios.

Glaxo has a solid track record of dividend increases during the past five years; however, investors are right to wonder whether sliding sales tied to patent expiration may put Glaxo's streak in jeopardy.

In the following slideshow, you'll learn whether I think Glaxo's dividend is safe, and see how Glaxo's dividend matches up to its new consumer goods joint venture partner Novartis (NVS 2.27%) and its competitor AstraZeneca (AZN 1.03%).