Harrington: My best idea is Kimberly Clark because I don't like anything else

Company Overview - Kimberly-Clark is a manufacturer of consumer staples, including products like Kleenex, Huggies, and various types of toilet paper [2][8] - The stock has experienced a decline of 20% over the last 52 weeks and 9% year-to-date, currently trading at approximately 16.5 times earnings with a dividend yield of 4.2% [2][3] Investment Thesis - The company is viewed as a defensive play due to its essential product offerings, which are less sensitive to economic fluctuations [3][11] - Despite a general aversion to other investment options, stocks are still considered preferable to cash and bonds, with Kimberly-Clark being highlighted as a strong choice for the fourth quarter [3][4] Market Position and Competitiveness - Kimberly-Clark's products are seen as having less economic sensitivity compared to competitors like Clorox, as consumers are less likely to downgrade from premium products to generic options within the Kimberly brand [10][11] - The company is expected to maintain steady demand for its products, regardless of economic conditions, due to their essential nature [2][10] Sector Comparison - While the utility sector is also considered defensive and has seen significant gains, Kimberly-Clark is preferred due to its lower valuation and consistent demand [4][6][7] - The utility sector is trading at higher earnings multiples (around 23 times earnings) with less attractive growth prospects, making Kimberly-Clark a more appealing option [6][7]