Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider today, Oct. 22:

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (UVE Quick QuoteUVE - Free Report) : This insurance holding company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 63.8% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 2.2%, compared with the industry average of 0.7%.

Gold Fields Limited (GFI Quick QuoteGFI - Free Report) : This gold producer has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 7.7% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 1.5%, compared with the industry average of 0.0%.

Maximus, Inc. (MMS Quick QuoteMMS - Free Report) : This business process services provider to the public sector has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 1.4%, compared with the industry average of 0.6%.

See the full list of top ranked stocks here.

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