Greg Abel Highlights Buffett's Big Wins: Apple, Coke, and More

In his first shareholder letter as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Greg Abel paid homage to Warren Buffett by spotlighting four of the legendary investor's most successful stock picks: Apple, American Express, Coca-Cola, and Moody's. These investments have ballooned in value, delivering returns that range from 10 to 50 times the original cost. Abel's move underscores Buffett's prowess in long-term, value-based investing, a strategy yielding impressive dividends.

Apple remains the crown jewel, with Buffett's $6.3 billion investment in the tech giant now valued at $62 billion by the end of 2025. This ten-bagger wasn't even the most spectacular. Moody's offers a jaw-dropping 51-fold gain, reflecting Buffett's knack for spotting undervalued opportunities. Meanwhile, American Express and Coca-Cola have been steady performers, multiplying Berkshire's initial outlay by 45 and 21 times, respectively.

Together, these stakes were valued at 17 times their purchase price last December, collecting $1.7 billion in dividends over the past year. That's about 18% of the total sum Berkshire initially spent on them. The uplift in dividends alone means the investments could potentially pay for themselves in just six years. It's Buffett's ability to pick stocks that don’t just appreciate, but also generate significant income.

Here's the thing: while Abel continues to navigate the mammoth task of succeeding Buffett, the crypto world should take note. The explosive gains achieved through patient, concentrated bets remind crypto investors that a long-term horizon and strategic focus can pay off big, even amidst market volatility. But here's the kicker, Abel reviving Buffett's performance comparison charts not only boosts investor confidence but also sets a high bar for his own leadership. The takeaway? Whether in traditional stocks or cryptocurrencies, the art of picking winners remains a valuable skill.