Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider today, March 21st:

Rio Tinto Group (RIO Quick QuoteRIO - Free Report) : This company that engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 13.7% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 6.9%, compared with the industry average of 0.0%.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG Quick QuoteSMFG - Free Report) : This company that provides commercial banking, leasing, securities, consumer finance, and other services has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 9.9% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company has a dividend yield of 3.7%, compared with the industry average of 3.2%.

Deutsche Telekom AG (DTEGY Quick QuoteDTEGY - Free Report) : This integrated telecommunication services company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.2% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 2.9%, compared with the industry average of 0.2%.

See the full list of top ranked stocks here.

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