Image source: Getty Images Quality dividend-paying companies provide investors with an opportunity to generate a predictable stream of income via dividend payouts as well as increase wealth via share price appreciation over the long term. However, as is the case with equity investing, not every dividend-paying stock is a good investment. Investors need to identify companies that have the ability to maintain or even increase dividends across economic cycles. Fortis (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) is one such company that has increased its dividends for 47 consecutive years. Fortis stock has a forward yield of 3.7% Fortis stock is currently trading at a price of $55 per share, indicating a forward yield of 3.7% given its annual dividend of $2.02 per share. In the last five years, Fortis has increased its dividends at an annual rate of 6.13%.