GlaxoSmithKline(LSE: GSK) currently supports one of the largest dividend yields in the FTSE 100.
At present, the companys shares yield just under 6%, around double the market average, making them extremely attractive in the current interest rate environment.
However, it is often the case thata higher-than-average dividend yield like Glaxos reflects the markets belief that the company is sick and will have trouble maintaining its dividend payout.
That said, Glaxos management has stated that the groups dividend payout will remain at 80p per share for the next threeyears. This indicates that the company will yield 5.9% for the next three years based on the current price.
But how realistic is managements outlook? Its not uncommon for companies to guarantee their dividend payouts, only to backtrack and slash the payout a few months later.
So, will Glaxos management stay true to their word?
Crunching numbers
According to my figures, it looks as if Glaxo will be able to maintain a payout of 80p per share for the next few years.
Last year the company generated 5.2bn in cash from operations. Meanwhile, the groups capital spending totalled 1.7bn, giving a free cash flow of 3.5bn. During the past five years, on average Glaxo has reported a free cash flow of approximately 4.4bn.
Free cash flowgives a much clearer view of a companys ability tomaintain its dividend payout. Indeed, without cash, its tough to invest without borrowing, pay dividends and reduce debt. Earnings can often be clouded by accounting gimmicks, but its tougher to fake cash flow.
Funding the payout
With around 4.9bn shares in issue, a dividend of 80p per share per annum will cost Glaxo around 3.9bn per annum to maintain. According to last years figures, Glaxos dividend payout of 80p per share cost the company a total of 3.8bn.
Unfortunately, this figure of 3.8bn is only just covered by Glaxos free cash flow based on the five-year average.With this being the case, Glaxo doesnt have much room for manoeuvre and if things dont go to plan the company could struggle to make ends meet.
Still, these figures are based on historic numbers and dont take into account the initiatives Glaxo has in place to improve profit margins.
Specifically,the group is on track to achieve annualised cost savings of 3bn by the end of 2017. Also, Glaxo is set to receive3bn from its recent asset swap deal with Novartis. As part of this deal, a further 1bn will be returned to investors via a special dividend.
Moreover, Glaxos management believes that the companys earnings will expand at a compound annual rate in the mid-to-high single digits from 2016 onwards, further boosting group cash flow.
Looks safe
All in all, Glaxos lofty dividend yield seems to be safe for the time being. The dividend is covered by free cash flow at present and cost-saving initiatives, coupled with earnings growth should only help improve dividend cover.
And if it’s income you’re looking for, our top analysts have put together thisFREEreporttitled”How To Create Dividends For Life“which is designed to help you discover the market’s best income stocks.
For a limited time onlyyou can gettwo reports in one. Along with “How To Create Dividends For Life”, we’re throwing in a new report entitled “My 5 Golden Rules for Building a Dividend Portfolio”.
Justclick hereto download the free report double pack today!
Rupert Hargreaves owns shares of GlaxoSmithKline. The Motley Fool UK has recommended GlaxoSmithKline. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.