Investors are always happy when a company they own increases its dividend. After all, as an income investor, you just received a raise. But the hikes often mean more than just a company being generous. Dividend increases can also be an indication that the company feels its future earnings will be sufficient to cover the increase being given to its shareholders. This is especially true with real estate investment trusts (REITs) that are mandated by law to pay out a minimum of 90% of their taxable