Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider today, December 31st:

Veren Inc. : This explorer and developer of oil and gas properties in Canada and the United States has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing 41.4% over the last 60 days.

Veren Inc. Price and Consensus

Veren Inc. price-consensus-chart | Veren Inc. Quote

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 6.9%, compared with the industry average of 4.9%.

Veren Inc. Dividend Yield (TTM)

Veren Inc. dividend-yield-ttm | Veren Inc. Quote

Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (NWBI Quick QuoteNWBI - Free Report) : This bank holding company for Northwest Bank has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing 8.4% over the last 60 days.

Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Price and Consensus

Northwest Bancshares, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Quote

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 6%, compared with the industry average of 3.1%.

Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Dividend Yield (TTM)

Northwest Bancshares, Inc. dividend-yield-ttm | Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Quote

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (JKS Quick QuoteJKS - Free Report) : This global solar technology company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing 42.9% over the last 60 days.

JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited Price and Consensus

JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited price-consensus-chart | JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited Quote

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 5.9%, compared with the industry average of 0.0%.

JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited Dividend Yield (TTM)

JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited dividend-yield-ttm | JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited Quote

See the full list of top ranked stocks here.

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