burque

Should One Invest in Unethical Companies?

Yes, voting with your wallet is the best way to avoid a company. However, the issue is not only whether WMT or any other company will benefit from your purchase of shares, but if you are comfortable trying to make a profit off their business practices. Everyone's threshold will be different, but everyone should at least consider whether they have any no-go areas. It's a very personal decision, but there are certainly stocks I'd prefer to avoid, and seek equal rates of return elsewhere. For example, someone who has had family pass away from lung cancer might avoid tobacco stocks, not because he wants to hurt tobacco companies, but because he will feel better about his portfolio.