Boeing's (BA) best-selling plane model, the 737 MAX, has been grounded since mid-March following two deadly crashes. Analysts had estimated this plane series would account for about two-thirds of the company's future deliveries and roughly 40% of Boeing's total profit. Understandably, many investors remain concerned about the risks Boeing faces from this ordeal. Based on what we know today, Boeing's dividend continues to look safe. However, further setbacks could result in the company's Dividend Safety Score being downgraded to our Borderline Safe rating. This past week the company provided two updates. First, on July 18, Boeing announced it would take an after-tax $4.9 billion charge "in connection with an estimate of potential concessions and other considerations to customers for disruptions related to the 737 MAX grounding [...]

Down more than half from their mid-2015 high, shares of WPP (WPP) yield nearly 7% today. The global advertising conglomerate has paid uninterrupted dividends for more than 20 consecutive years, but its business has faced challenges from the rise of digital marketing and shifting client needs.  In most cases, a company's financials paint a fairly clear picture of its dividend safety profile. A high payout ratio, substantial debt, weak profitability, or cyclical earnings can each serve as a warning sign that a firm's payout may not be sustainable in the long term. However, sometimes there is more to the story. A business could face a lawsuit that has potential to result in a material liability (e.g. Johnson & Johnson's talc and [...]

Down more than half from their mid-2015 high, shares of WPP (WPP) yield nearly 7% today. The global advertising conglomerate has paid uninterrupted dividends for more than 20 consecutive years, but its business has faced challenges from the rise of digital marketing and shifting client needs. 

Imperial Brands (IMBBY) boasts an impressive track record of raising its dividend by 10% each year for the past decade, thanks to the predictable cash flow its tobacco business has historically generated.  However, shifting consumer habits and regulatory changes have challenged the tobacco market, sending Imperial Brands' dividend yield soaring to 9%.  With a Borderline Safe Dividend Safety Score and the market appearing skeptical of Imperial Brands' ability to maintain its current payout, some income investors are worried what the company's future might hold.