Warren Buffett rakes in $93,150 every hour from Coca-Cola dividends
Warren Buffett, investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is earning more than $93,000 every hour from a single stock: Coca-Cola. With 400 million shares of the beverage giant in its portfolio, Berkshire Hathaway receives a staggering $816 million annually in dividends from this one holding alone.
That breaks down to about $2.2 million per day, or $93,150 per hour, making it one of the most iconic examples of long-term investing in modern financial history. And this passive income continues to flow in — without Buffett having to lift a finger.
A Sweet Deal Since 1988
Buffett began acquiring shares of Coca-Cola in 1988, shortly after the 1987 market crash. Over the next few years, Berkshire Hathaway invested roughly $1.3 billion to accumulate 400 million shares — a position that then represented more than 7% of the company.
Remarkably, Berkshire has never sold a single share, and that $1.3 billion stake is now worth tens of billions. In addition to the appreciation in stock value, the investment has delivered decades of rising dividends, making Coca-Cola one of Berkshire’s most reliable cash machines.
Why Coca-Cola Still Makes Sense
So why did Buffett pick Coca-Cola — and stick with it for so long? The answer lies in Buffett’s signature investment philosophy. Coca-Cola’s brand strength, global dominance, and consistent earnings created a durable “moat” that few competitors could challenge.
He also praised the company’s shareholder-friendly approach, with steady dividend increases and consistent buybacks. Coca-Cola has raised its dividend for over 60 consecutive years, earning it the title of a “dividend king.”
Timeless Strategy, Timeless Returns
Buffett often says his favorite holding period is “forever,” and Coca-Cola stands as the ultimate example of that approach. It showcases the power of compounding, patience, and choosing simple, enduring businesses. As of 2025, Coca-Cola’s dividend checks are paying Berkshire more every hour than many Americans earn in an entire year — all thanks to a bet made nearly four decades ago.