Warren Buffett’s Top Plays: #15 Coca-Cola

Warren Buffett, through Berkshire Hathaway, purchased 19% of Coca-Cola in 1988, 1989 and 1994 for $1.3 billion, which at the time was one of the most expensive purchases he had made in terms of valuation. The investment is now worth $22 billion, which has resulted in a $21 billion profit. Despite this success, Buffett sees this investment as one of his biggest mistakes of omission. He was aware of Coca-Cola’s brand strength, expansion potential, and cost control capabilities, but he didn’t invest in the company until 1988, 52 years after he first became aware of it. The investment in Coca-Cola provides an example of Buffett’s quick response to investment opportunities and his regret for not investing earlier.