Wednesday, the $60 billion Hartford, Conn., aerospace and building-services conglomerate (UTX) raised its quarterly common dividend for the 15th consecutive year. The new rate: 38.5 cents a share, up 20.3% from 32 cents, for a 3.37% yield. Holders of record Nov. 14 will receive the new payout Dec. 10. The stock goes ex-dividend Nov. 12. UTC expects to repurchase at least another $2 billion worth of its common stock this year. CEO Louis R. Chenevert said the company's "balanced portfolio, global footprint and seasoned executive team continue to deliver solid results." He added that the dividend enhancement "reflects our confidence in sustained earnings growth." Dividends have been paid without interruption since 1936. The stock market's nosedive has taken UTC -- a Dow Jones industrial recently quoted at 46 -- to a three-year low.

ANOTHER DIVIDEND ENRICHMENT is in the pipeline for holders of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (KMP). One of the largest pipeline master limited partnerships in the U.S., the Houston-based company said Wednesday that it expects to increase its cash distribution per common unit this week to $1.02 from 99 cents, giving it a 10% yield. Although that would be the sixth consecutive quarterly hike, dividends have been sweetened for 12 years in a row and paid since the company's 1992 formation. The respective payment, record and ex dates would be Nov. 14, Oct. 31 and Oct. 29.