Is it immoral to invest in Phillip Morris, I mean, Altria?

burritos · 11-06-2009, 09:42 AM

Smoking and drinking is bad for you, it's not a mystery. Why not profit of those who choose to ignore obvious fact?

jayman · 11-06-2009, 10:12 AM

I don't have a problem with that.

hyo silver · 11-06-2009, 10:18 AM

Investment increases the share price and the company's value. In economic terms, we literally vote with our wallets.

Yes, investing in companies whose products or activities you disagree with doesn't make sense. Unless of course they make money...

Rae Vynn · 11-06-2009, 10:34 AM

My investments are through Calvert. Only socially responsible investments.

eagle33199 · 11-06-2009, 11:21 AM

Sadly, those who chose to allow morals guide their investments will never be as rich as those that don't - Some of the most lucrative investments out there are with companies that are borderline "bad" - tobacco, oil, pseudo-monopolies, etc.

hyo silver · 11-06-2009, 11:39 AM

Yeah, well, that's how it works. Some of us have money, and some of us have morals.

MarinJohn · 11-06-2009, 12:38 PM

If you enjoy their products then no, if you don't then yes. Having worked for the first socially responsible brokerage in the country at one time, I have come to the conclusion that GIVEN YOUR PERSONAL MORALS it's more important to invest in companies which provide superior returns, then SPEND your dividends in a socially responsible manner, you purchases and donations should meet your moral expectations.

burritos · 11-07-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarinJohn

If you enjoy their products then no, if you don't then yes. Having worked for the first socially responsible brokerage in the country at one time, I have come to the conclusion that GIVEN YOUR PERSONAL MORALS it's more important to invest in companies which provide superior returns, then SPEND your dividends in a socially responsible manner, you purchases and donations should meet your moral expectations.

I don't buy their products and ultimately, that's what supports a company no? Buying their stock allows me to tap their dividend, vote against the board with my shares, and vote for anything that the board recommends against. If I create more personal wealth, then I feel justified in buying a prius, solar panels, and supporting charities and institutions that fight against corporate malfeasance.

JimN · 11-07-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burritos

I don't buy their products and ultimately, that's what supports a company no?

It's been some time since the "tobacco company" was just selling tobacco. In the age of conglomerates the "vice" companies were supported by buying their other brands. At one time Kraft was owned by Phillip Morris. Altria looks like it primarily sells wine & cigarettes now.

In 1985 Nabisco merged with RJ Reynolds. In 2000 Phillip Morris acquired Nabisco & merged it with Kraft.

You may not buy their beer but then go to their amusement park or watch their sports team.

philobeddoe · 11-07-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eagle33199

Sadly, those who chose to allow morals guide their investments will never be as rich as those that don't - Some of the most lucrative investments out there are with companies that are borderline "bad" - tobacco, oil, pseudo-monopolies, etc.

define rich

11-06-2009, 09:42 AM	#1
burritos Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: California Posts: 3,679 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #1 Thanks: 1 Thanked 22 Times in 17 Posts Friends: 8	Is it immoral to invest in Phillip Morris, I mean, Altria? Smoking and drinking is bad for you, it's not a mystery. Why not profit of those who choose to ignore obvious fact?

11-06-2009, 10:12 AM	#2
jayman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Winnipeg Manitoba Posts: 11,560 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: B Thanks: 35 Thanked 184 Times in 167 Posts Friends: 12	Re: Is it immoral to invest in Phillip Morris, I mean, Altria? I don't have a problem with that.

11-06-2009, 10:34 AM	#4
Rae Vynn Tree-hugging Vegan Witch Join Date: May 2007 Location: Grays Harbor, WA, USA Posts: 4,154 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: N/A Package: Base Thanks: 258 Thanked 60 Times in 50 Posts Friends: 66	Re: Is it immoral to invest in Phillip Morris, I mean, Altria? My investments are through Calvert. Only socially responsible investments.

11-06-2009, 11:21 AM	#5
eagle33199 Platinum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4,283 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 35 Thanked 70 Times in 40 Posts Friends: 3	Re: Is it immoral to invest in Phillip Morris, I mean, Altria? Sadly, those who chose to allow morals guide their investments will never be as rich as those that don't - Some of the most lucrative investments out there are with companies that are borderline "bad" - tobacco, oil, pseudo-monopolies, etc.

11-06-2009, 12:38 PM	#7
MarinJohn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,330 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 399 Thanked 77 Times in 44 Posts Friends: 7	Re: Is it immoral to invest in Phillip Morris, I mean, Altria? If you enjoy their products then no, if you don't then yes. Having worked for the first socially responsible brokerage in the country at one time, I have come to the conclusion that GIVEN YOUR PERSONAL MORALS it's more important to invest in companies which provide superior returns, then SPEND your dividends in a socially responsible manner, you purchases and donations should meet your moral expectations.

11-06-2009, 10:18 AM	#3
hyo silver awaaay Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 10,724 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: Base Thanks: 47 Thanked 152 Times in 107 Posts Friends: 63	Investment increases the share price and the company's value. In economic terms, we literally vote with our wallets. Yes, investing in companies whose products or activities you disagree with doesn't make sense. Unless of course they make money...

11-06-2009, 11:39 AM	#6
hyo silver awaaay Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 10,724 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: Base Thanks: 47 Thanked 152 Times in 107 Posts Friends: 63	Yeah, well, that's how it works. Some of us have money, and some of us have morals.

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