Why You Should Always Consider Ethics When Investing

Home Capital Group Inc. (TSX:HCG) knows all too well how a bad image can damage a company’s value.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

One of the most effective ways for people to take a stance on important issues is to use their pocketbooks. Nothing can hit a company harder than its bottom line, and that’s why investors should consider whether their investments reflect their beliefs and ethics, as doing so can provide you with a real way to take a stand on issues that matter.

In the U.S., we are seeing some companies start to distance themselves from the National Rifle Association (NRA) in the wake of yet another school shooting. It’s these types of moves that can help raise awareness and unite people under a common goal. In this case, it’s showing disapproval for the lack of gun control south of the border and the desire for people to finally get some traction on an issue that continues to plague the U.S.

By backing companies like Symantec Corporation (NASDAQ:SYMC) and Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL), which have recently cut ties with the NRA, it sends a message not only to the organizations, but to politicians and government as well.

Lack of ethics can be bad for business

While some people may not look to use their investments for the purpose of getting behind a certain social issue, it’s just good practice to support companies that have good ethics and values.

Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) has come under fire for its fake accounts scandal the past year, and the normally solid, blue-chip stock has achieved returns of just 2% in the last 12 months. That’s quite underwhelming for a stock that in five years has risen more than 65%, which equates to a compounded annual growth rate of over 10%.

Another example is Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP), which has dropped nearly 30% in value since listing its IPO, as the company has been accused of misleading investors, and an arrogant CEO doesn’t help either.

Closer to home, we saw Home Capital Group Inc. (TSX:HCG) take a big hit last year after it too was facing lawsuits and controversy regarding misleading investors.

Admired companies typically see a lot more positivity surrounding their stock prices, and that can help generate stronger returns over the long term. While some investors may believe that profits are the only thing that matters, in today’s world, that’s becoming the case less often, where bad press can have a significant impact on your share price.

Bottom line

It’s easy to get wrapped up with bottom lines, price-to-earnings ratios, and other metrics, but at the end of the day, you should know the business you are investing in. When you purchase shares, you are effectively owning a piece of that company.

Not only is it important to understand how a company’s business model works and why it has good prospects for growth, but it’s also important to consider its values and if it’s an investment you want to own.

There are many great investment options out there that have great prospects and that you can be proud to own. You shouldn’t have to choose between a successful business and an ethical one.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

GettyImages-1352607170 (1)
Tech Stocks

Why Shopify Stock Is Skyrocketing Today

Shopify published its Q3 report this morning, and it gave investors plenty to be excited about.

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

3 Blue-Chip Stocks So Safe Canadians Can Hold Them Until They Die

Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) is a stock worth owning for life.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

14.7% Dividend Yield? Buy Up This Passive-Income Stock in Bulk!

That dividend yield is high, but it still comes with some strong reasons to consider the stock outside of a…

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Stock Market

Chewy vs. Pet Valu: Which Growth Stock Is a Better Buy?

Chewy and Pet Valu are two beaten-down pet stocks that trade at a reasonable valuation in November 2024.

Read more »

Forklift in a warehouse
Investing

Canadian Industrial Stocks to Buy Now

Canadian industrial stocks offer a comprehensive variety of safety, dividend, and growth combinations. This ensures that all kinds of investors…

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, November 12

Sliding metals prices amid a strengthening U.S. dollar could continue to weigh on TSX mining stocks today.

Read more »

rising arrow with flames
Investing

2 TSX Stocks With Market-Beating Potential

Fairfax Financial Holdings (TSX:FFH) stock has been soaring of late but remains cheap from a valuation perspective.

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend Stock That Could Create $5,000 in Tax-Free Passive Income in 10 Years

Here's why Fortis (TSX:FTS) certainly looks like a top dividend stock with outsized total return upside worth buying right now.

Read more »