Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider today, July 15th:

Independent Bank Corporation (IBCP Quick QuoteIBCP - Free Report) : This bank holding company for Independent Bank has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 0.4% over the last 60 days.

Independent Bank Corporation Price and Consensus

Independent Bank Corporation price-consensus-chart | Independent Bank Corporation Quote

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 4.7%, compared with the industry average of 2.8%.

Independent Bank Corporation Dividend Yield (TTM)

Independent Bank Corporation dividend-yield-ttm | Independent Bank Corporation Quote

Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras (PBR Quick QuotePBR - Free Report) : This explorer and producer of oil and gas has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 5.6% over the last 60 days.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras Price and Consensus

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras price-consensus-chart | Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras Quote

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 27.2%, compared with the industry average of nearly 24%.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras Dividend Yield (TTM)

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras dividend-yield-ttm | Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras Quote

Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK Quick QuoteMRK - Free Report) : This healthcare company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 0.4% over the last 60 days.

Merck & Co., Inc. Price and Consensus

Merck & Co., Inc. price-consensus-chart | Merck & Co., Inc. Quote

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 2.9%, compared with the industry average of 2.5%.

Merck & Co., Inc. Dividend Yield (TTM)

Merck & Co., Inc. dividend-yield-ttm | Merck & Co., Inc. Quote

See the full list of top ranked stocks here.

Find more top income stocks with some of our great premium screens.