Is Kimberly Clark Corp (KMB) The Best Staples Stock to Buy?

To emphasize, consider the dividend histories of these companies. Clorox recently raised its dividend by 11%, marking the 36^th consecutive year of a dividend increase. Kimberly Clark Corp (NYSE:KMB) has raised its dividend for 41 years in a row, and has paid dividends for 79 consecutive years. Colgate Palmolive, meanwhile, recently bumped up its shareholder payout by 10%. Colgate-Palmolive has paid uninterrupted dividends on its common stock since 1895 and increased payments to common shareholders every year for an amazing 51 years.

Ideal buy-and-hold stocks

The merits to buying these stocks are clear: world-class brands, reliable growth regardless of the overall economy, and dividend increases every year.

These stocks are ideal for more risk-averse investors who are looking for safe stocks to buy and hold for many years, and can be a foundation of any portfolio.

At the same time, it appears the quick money has been made. Each of these stocks has rallied considerably over the past couple of years and now trades at a premium to the overall market. Investors looking for moderate but reliable returns should think of not just Kimberly Clark Corp (NYSE:KMB), but Clorox and Colgate Palmolive as well, as ideal for investment.

The article Is Kimberly-Clark The Best Staples Stock to Buy? originally appeared on Fool.com.

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