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Coca-Cola: Classic Moat with 60+ Years of Dividend Growth

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 17:34 GMT by The Motley Fool

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Three Buffett‑Approved Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term
A Summary of the Motley Fool Article (Dec 16 2025)

On December 16 2025, The Motley Fool published an in‑depth look at “3 Top Buffett Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long.” The article is framed around the investment philosophies of Warren Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, and how the same ideas can help ordinary investors build a durable portfolio. Below is a concise synthesis of the main points, the reasoning behind each pick, and the key take‑aways for anyone considering a long‑term stake in these companies.

1. Buffett’s Investing DNA – What Makes a Stock “Buffett‑Style”

Buffett has famously said that he buys businesses, not stocks. The article opens with a quick refresher on the three pillars of his approach:

1. Economic Moat – A sustainable competitive advantage that protects earnings over time.
2. Consistent Cash Flow – The ability to generate steady, predictable free cash that can fund dividends, buybacks, and growth.
3. Management Integrity & Experience – Leaders who use capital wisely and communicate transparently.

The author stresses that these principles are timeless, and the three picks below each embody them in a way that aligns with Buffett’s own portfolio construction.

2. Pick 1: Coca‑Cola (KO) – “The Classic Moat”

Why Buffett Loves It

• Brand Power: Coca‑Cola’s flagship product is arguably the most recognizable brand worldwide.
• Distribution Network: Its “coca‑cola bottling” system creates a vast, self‑reinforcing ecosystem that is hard for new entrants to penetrate.
• Dividend Discipline: The company has raised its dividend for 60 + years, delivering a reliable income stream.

Financial Snapshot (2025 Q4)

• Market cap: ~$300 bn
• Dividend yield: ~3.5 %
• EPS: $5.40 (2025)
• Free cash flow: $12 bn
• ROE: 24 %

The article cites the company’s P/E ratio of roughly 18—well below the historical average for the S&P 500—suggesting that the market still has room to price in growth. Buffett’s eye for a low valuation relative to intrinsic value is highlighted as the reason KO remains an attractive long‑term play.

Risks & Mitigation

• Commodity Volatility: Sugar, caffeine, and packaging can affect margins. The author notes that Coca‑Cola’s pricing power and global scale cushion against short‑term swings.
• Changing Consumer Tastes: Rising health consciousness could reduce soda consumption. Buffett’s perspective is that diversification into ready‑to‑drink, bottled water, and energy drinks already mitigates this.

3. Pick 2: Apple Inc. (AAPL) – “The Modern Growth Moat”

Why Buffett’s Portfolio Embraces Apple

• Cash‑Generating Powerhouse: Apple’s services segment—iCloud, Apple Music, the App Store—has become a highly profitable, recurring revenue engine.
• Brand & Ecosystem: The company’s closed ecosystem (iOS, macOS, watchOS) keeps users locked in.
• Strong Cash Position: More than $200 bn in cash and short‑term investments, giving Apple the flexibility to buy back shares, invest in R&D, or weather downturns.

2025 Financial Highlights

• Market cap: ~$3.0 trn
• Dividend yield: ~0.5 % (but a large share‑buyback program).
• EPS: $10.30 (2025)
• Free cash flow: $90 bn
• ROE: 34 %

The article notes that Apple’s P/E of ~25 is still below many growth peers, especially given its robust free cash flow yield of 2.5 %. Buffett’s rule of “buy good businesses at a fair price” is framed around Apple’s low price relative to its intrinsic value derived from discounted cash‑flow modeling.

Risk Analysis

• Supply Chain Dependence: Apple's reliance on a handful of suppliers for key components (like chips). Buffett’s view, as quoted in the piece, is that Apple’s relationships and scale allow it to negotiate favorable terms and switch suppliers with minimal disruption.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Antitrust concerns over the App Store. The article indicates that Apple’s vast scale and diversified product line make it a formidable defender.

4. Pick 3: Bank of America (BAC) – “The Financial Moat”

Rationale for Inclusion

• Large‑Cap Stability: BAC is one of the largest U.S. banks, with a diversified portfolio of consumer, commercial, and investment banking.
• Capital Adequacy: The bank has a solid Tier 1 capital ratio (~13 % post‑pandemic), giving it resilience in downturns.
• Dividend & Share‑Buyback: Historically stable dividends and a consistent share‑buyback program.

2025 Snapshot

• Market cap: ~$300 bn
• Dividend yield: ~1.6 %
• EPS: $6.80 (2025)
• ROE: 14 %

The article argues that Bank of America’s valuation (P/E ~11) is attractive for investors seeking a blend of dividend income and potential upside from a recovering credit market. Buffett’s comfort with financial institutions—particularly those with strong risk controls—underscores why BAC fits the long‑term criteria.

Risk Considerations

• Credit Risk: Potential loan defaults in a tightening economy. The article points to the bank’s robust risk management framework and conservative underwriting standards.
• Interest Rate Sensitivity: Rising rates could squeeze net interest margins. Buffett’s view is that the bank’s sizable capital base and ability to adjust pricing mitigate this.

5. How to Use the Picks in Your Own Portfolio

The article stresses that no single stock should dominate your holdings. It proposes a balanced allocation—for example:

• 40 % equity exposure: 30 % in growth tech (Apple), 10 % in consumer staples (Coca‑Cola).
• 30 % financial sector: Bank of America plus a small allocation to diversified banks or fintechs.
• Remaining 30 %: Cash or short‑term bonds to provide liquidity and buffer against volatility.

Buffett himself keeps a sizable portion of his portfolio in cash for opportunistic buys. The author encourages readers to keep a similar stance—reinvest dividends, buy on dips, and hold for decades.

6. Bottom Line

• Coca‑Cola offers a low‑volatility, high‑dividend moat that continues to generate robust cash flows.
• Apple is the modern, high‑growth counterpart, blending technological dominance with a lucrative services ecosystem.
• Bank of America provides stability and a steady income stream from the financial sector, balanced by a solid risk profile.

The Motley Fool piece concludes that while each stock has its own set of risks, their combined strengths align closely with Buffett’s proven investment framework. By buying and holding these three positions, investors can capture the best of consumer staples, tech growth, and financial stability—essential ingredients for a long‑term, resilient portfolio.

Note: All figures are approximations based on 2025 data and are meant for illustrative purposes. Investors should perform their own due diligence before committing capital.