Let’s face it—most people wouldn’t guess that someone who lives on Coca-Cola, McDonald’s breakfasts, and Dairy Queen ice cream would also be a financial genius.
But Warren Buffett, 94 years old and still going strong, defies all the rules.
Not only does he enjoy these global staples, he owns stakes in the companies behind them.
That’s the kind of dedication that helped him build Berkshire Hathaway into a $1.1 trillion powerhouse.
How Buffett Turned Simple Brands Into a Mind-Blowing Portfolio
Buffett isn’t just a fan of fast food—he’s built a legendary investment career by backing household names.
His portfolio includes Apple, American Express, Visa, Kraft-Heinz, and even the Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi.
Over six decades, his picks have earned a jaw-dropping 5,502,284% return.
That’s twice what the S&P 500 delivered in the same period.
Now that he’s stepping back from the spotlight, his influence remains rock solid.
As Peter Branner from Aberdeen Investments puts it, Buffett could be considered the original “finfluencer”—the guy who made investing feel relatable.
Coca-Cola: More Than Just a Fizzy Drink
Buffett first snapped up Coca-Cola shares back in 1988, shortly after a market crash.
They were trading at $2.50 then; today, they hover around $70.
That’s not just growth—it’s loyalty.
Buffett believes in investing in brands with an “economic moat”—a competitive edge that keeps rivals at bay.
For Coca-Cola, it’s the distribution network and worldwide demand.
Buffett himself drinks five cans of cherry Coke a day. Talk about being your own brand ambassador.
Not Every Bet Is Perfect—Just Ask Kraft-Heinz
Of course, not every Buffett move has been golden. Kraft-Heinz, once a proud addition to the portfolio, hasn’t quite lived up to expectations.
Analysts currently consider it a “hold,” waiting to see if new leadership can turn things around.
In contrast, Domino’s Pizza has earned analyst praise with a “buy” rating, and while Buffett loves a Big Mac, Berkshire only briefly held McDonald’s stock back in 1996.
Apple and the Art of Timing
If you’re looking for Buffett’s masterstroke, it’s Apple.
When Berkshire started buying in 2016, Apple shares were around $24.
Today?
$255.
That’s a 962% leap.
Apple remains the biggest piece of the Berkshire pie, even though the fund has trimmed its holdings a bit.
What drew Buffett to Apple wasn’t innovation—it was the brand power.
His grandkids loved their iPhones, and the rest of the world clearly agrees.
Buffett’s Unexpected Love Affair With Japan
Buffett isn’t just loyal to American companies.
He’s invested heavily in five major Japanese trading houses: Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsui, Mitsubishi, and Sumitomo.
These groups touch everything from oil to convenience stores.
In 2024, these stakes were worth $23.5 billion—nearly double what he paid. A
nd Buffett has made it clear: he wants to hold them “forever.”
Banking on Strong Financial Brands
Buffett’s approach to banking is picky but smart.
He avoided investing in Lehman Brothers during the 2008 crash (good call), but did rescue Goldman Sachs—turning a $5 billion deal into $3 billion profit.
He also bet on Bank of America in 2011 when the company was struggling.
Since then, its shares have climbed from $6 to $40. Analysts still love it.
And don’t forget Citigroup and American Express, which Berkshire has held onto since 1991.
Why Berkshire Has $350 Billion in Cash Right Now
Thanks to selling off some bank shares (except for loyal faves like AmEx), Berkshire has a whopping $350 billion in cash.
That’s a war chest ready to be unleashed if the market dips again.
Buffett’s successor, Greg Abel, is expected to follow in his footsteps. As analyst Dan Brocklebank says, it would be “gobsmacking” if he didn’t.
The Insurance Secret Behind Buffett’s Investment Power
A key part of Buffett’s success isn’t just his brand picks—it’s Geico.
The insurance company provides a steady stream of money (known as a “float”) that Buffett has used to fund his investments for decades.
Most individual investors can’t copy this exactly, but they can learn from the principle: build cash reserves so you’re ready when great opportunities come along.
So, Can You Invest Like Warren Buffett?
In short—yes, kind of.
You can’t buy shares of Berkshire Hathaway A-class unless you have $769,000 lying around.
But the lesson is simple: do your homework, be patient, and look for well-priced shares in high-quality companies with strong brand loyalty.
And remember Buffett’s famous advice: “I want sharks in the moat to keep away those who would encroach on the castle.”