Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider today, January 9:

Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation (ACRE Quick QuoteACRE - Free Report) : This specialty finance company from the real estate sector has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing 52.7% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company has a dividend yield of 12.7%, compared with the industry average of 12.2%.

StepStone Group Inc. (STEP Quick QuoteSTEP - Free Report) : This venture capital company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing 3.7% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company has a dividend yield of 1.6%, compared with the industry average of 0.0%.

Adeia Inc. (ADEA Quick QuoteADEA - Free Report) : This media and semiconductor intellectual property licensing company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing 34.2% over the last 60 days.

This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company has a dividend yield of 1.1%, compared with the industry average of 0.0%.

See the full list of top ranked stocks here.

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