Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong value characteristics for investors to consider today, Dec. 18:

Kimball Electronics, Inc. (KE Quick QuoteKE - Free Report) : This company that provides electronics manufacturing and contract manufacturing services for automotive, medical, and industrial markets carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 8.8% over the last 60 days.

Kimball has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 21.53, compared with 24.96 for the S&P 500. The company possesses a Value Score of A.

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. (COLL Quick QuoteCOLL - Free Report) : This specialty pharmaceutical company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.6% over the last 60 days.

Collegium has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 6.45, compared with 24.96 for the S&P 500. The company possesses a Value Score of A.

James River Group Holdings, Ltd. (JRVR Quick QuoteJRVR - Free Report) : This specialty insurance company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 10.5% over the last 60 days.

James River has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 6.30, compared with 8.90 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of B.

See the full list of top ranked stocks here.

Learn more about the Value score and how it is calculated here.