Arkansas ? Wal-Mart Stores is increasing its annual dividend 15 percent to $1.09.

For the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2009, the world’s largest retailer will raise its annual dividend 14 cents from the 95 cents it paid out last year.

The first quarterly dividend payment of about 27 cents will be paid on April 6 to shareholders of record as of March 13.

Wal-Mart has raised its dividend every year since 1974.

The news came as Wal-Mart said February same-store sales rose 5.1 percent, ahead of expectations.