The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, July 16, edition that utility stocks provide decent cash flow, but nothing eye-popping. The Globe's regular guest columnist Gordon Pape writes that as for capital-gains potential, utility stocks are very limited. He says utility stocks have dependable revenue. Most utility revenue is regulated by local, provincial or national boards that set the rates for gas, electricity and water services. These rates are designed to ensure the company can earn a reasonable profit without risking its financial stability. As well, utility stocks have predictable profits. Utility stocks usually have rising dividends. Regulators normally allow utilities to make small but regular increases to the dividends paid to investors. Fortis has one of the longest records of increasing its payout at least once a year. Fortis has boosted payments for 51 consecutive years and counting. Mr. Pape originally recommended Fortis on Jan. 28, 2016, at $38.14. The stock closed Tuesday at $64.53. Fortis supplies gas and electricity services to about 3.4 million people across Canada and in the United States and Caribbean. Fortis recently released results for the first quarter of 2025, and they were in line with expectations.