Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, October 17th: H&R Block, Inc. (HRB) : This DIY tax return preparation services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 2.8% over the last 60 days. H&R Block has a PEG ratio of 0.93 compared with 1.08 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B. Unilever PLC (UL) : This This fast-moving consumer goods company c ...