Happy New Year, dividend investors! As we step into 2026, the dividend growth train is already rolling. Last week, just three companies announced dividend increases, but what a quality trio they are: Alamo Group Inc. ($ALG), Bank OZK ($OZK), and EMCOR Group Inc. ($EME).These announcements highlight companies with strong fundamentals, conservative payout ratios, and impressive long-term dividend growth track records. Let's break them down.1. Alamo Group Inc. ($ALG) – 13.3% IncreaseAlamo Group, a leader in vegetation management and infrastructure maintenance equipment, boosted its quarterly dividend by 13.3% to $0.34 per share (from $0.30).Growth Streak: Continues a consistent history of annual increases.Key Stats (approximate as of early January 2026):Current Price: ~$170–$186Annual Dividend (new): ~$1.36Yield: ~0.8–0.9%Payout Ratio: Very safe at ~14%FCF Payout: Comfortably low5-Year Dividend CAGR: ~18%This raise reflects confidence in the company's resilient business model and disciplined capital allocation.2. Bank OZK ($OZK) – 2.2% IncreaseBank OZK, known for its rock-solid dividend reliability, raised its quarterly payout by 2.2% to $0.46 per share.Impressive Streak: This marks the 62nd consecutive quarterly increase – truly elite territory.Key Stats:Current Price: ~$46Annual Dividend (new): ~$1.84Yield: ~4.0%Payout Ratio: ~29%FCF Payout: Excellent coverage5-Year Dividend CAGR: ~10%Bank OZK's unwavering commitment to growing dividends quarter after quarter makes it a cornerstone for income-focused portfolios.3. EMCOR Group Inc. ($EME) – Massive 60% IncreaseEMCOR Group, a powerhouse in electrical and mechanical construction services, delivered a blockbuster 60% hike, lifting its quarterly dividend to $0.40 per share (from $0.25).Key Stats:Current Price: ~$638Annual Dividend (new): $1.60Yield: ~0.25%Payout Ratio: Extremely low at ~6–9%FCF Payout: ~4%5-Year Dividend CAGR: ~26%While the yield remains modest due to strong share price appreciation, this aggressive increase signals tremendous free cash flow generation and plenty of room for future growth.
