Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is increasing its annual dividend by 12 cents, or 11 percent, to $1.21.

The world's largest retailer says the dividend will be paid in annual installments of slightly more than 30 cents for the year ending Jan. 31., 2011. The next dividend will be paid on April 5 to shareholders of record as of March 12.

Wal-Mart says based on the fiscal 2011 payout, it will pay back more than $4.5 billion to shareholders as dividends.

Wal-Mart Stores has increased its dividend every year since 1974.