Here are four stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider today, September 13th:

PPL Corporation (PPL Quick QuotePPL - Free Report) : This utility holding company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 0.9% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company has a dividend yield of 5.43%, compared with the industry average of 3.22%. Its five-year average dividend yield is 4.51%.

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NLY Quick QuoteNLY - Free Report) : This diversified capital manager has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings advancing 2.6% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company has a dividend yield of 8.46%, compared with the industry average of 7.59%. Its five-year average dividend yield is 11.29%.

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN Quick QuoteAQN - Free Report) : This regulated utility company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 3% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company has a dividend yield of 4.95%, compared with the industry average of 3.22%. Its five-year average dividend yield is 4.61%.

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (ARI Quick QuoteARI - Free Report) : This real estate investment trust has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings advancing 2.8% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company has a dividend yield of 9.47%, compared with the industry average of 7.59%. Its five-year average dividend yield is 10.29%.

See the full list of top ranked stocks here

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