The following companies announced a change in their dividend payouts today.

Companies Increasing Dividend Payouts
Abott Labs (ABT) has raised its annual dividend payout from $2.04 to $2.16. The new dividend yield, based on today’s closing stock price of $65.35, is 3.31%. ABT is not a “Recommended” stock at this time, holding a Dividend.com Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

Biomed Realty Trust (BMR) has raised its annual dividend payout from $.86 to $.94. The new dividend yield, based on today’s closing stock price of $18.99, is 4.95%. BMR is not a “Recommended” stock at this time, holding a Dividend.com Rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars.

General Electric (GE) has raised its annual dividend payout from $.68 to $.76. The new dividend yield, based on today’s closing stock price of $21.62, is 3.52%. GE is not a “Recommended” stock at this time, holding a Dividend.com Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ) has raised its annual dividend payout from $.66 to $.82. The new dividend yield, based on today’s closing stock price of $18.65, is 4.40%. RLJ is not a “Recommended” stock at this time, holding a Dividend.com Rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars.

Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks, as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here.