The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that the newspaper touted its new Yield Hog Dividend Growth Portfolio two weeks ago as one where its 22 member companies would continue to raise their dividends. The Globe's John Heinzl writes that his clairvoyant powers are still intact. On Monday, two of his stocks, Fortis and A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund hiked their dividends -- by 6.25 per cent and 2.3 per cent, respectively. A third, Emera, announced an 8-per-cent increase in late September. Over the next few months, Mr. Heinzl says that he expects several other stocks in the portfolio to raise their dividends. Unlike the erratic ups and downs of the stock market, dividend stock are relatively predictable. They send a strong signal about the future. A company that raises its dividend is basically telling you that the outlook for its business is positive. Consider Fortis. In addition to raising its dividend, the electric and gas utility operator also extended its 6-per-cent annual dividend growth target by a year to 2022, citing its increased five-year capital investment plan of $14.5-billion. Mr. Heinzl points out that Fortis has paid higher dividends for 44 consecutive years.