Dividend Growth in the first week of 2026

 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.