Bill Gates' Secret Love for Coca-Cola: Why He's Always Seen With a Can of Coke.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s wealthiest philanthropists, has an interesting habit that often catches attention during his public appearances: he’s frequently seen with a can of Coca-Cola in hand. While some might see it as just a casual quirk, there’s a deeper connection between Bill Gates and Coca-Cola that explains why he’s often sipping on a Coke during interviews.
The Hidden Link: Bill Gates and Coca-Cola FEMSA
Gates’ frequent association with Coca-Cola isn’t just about his personal preference for the beverage—it’s directly tied to a major investment he made in Coca-Cola FEMSA S.A.B. de C.V., the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottler. This Mexican multinational company, headquartered in Mexico City, operates across much of Latin America, with Mexico being its largest and most profitable market. It’s a major player in the Coca-Cola supply chain, managing the bottling and distribution of Coca-Cola beverages across a wide region.
In Q2 2005, Bill Gates made his first investment in Coca-Cola FEMSA. Over the years, Gates has steadily grown his stake in the company, making 11 additional purchases while selling shares only once. As of now, Gates owns 6.21 million shares in Coca-Cola FEMSA, which is worth approximately $534 million—making up about 1.32% of his entire equity portfolio. This position also represents 2.95% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s outstanding shares.
A Strong Investment: Gates' $346 Million Stake in Coca-Cola FEMSA
By investing in Coca-Cola FEMSA, Gates tapped into a company that holds a dominant position in the beverage industry across Latin America. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s extensive operations give it an edge in a market where it’s nearly impossible to overlook the reach of the Coca-Cola brand.
Why Coca-Cola FEMSA?
For Bill Gates, Coca-Cola FEMSA represented a smart, long-term investment. The company is more than just a bottler—it’s a powerhouse in one of the largest beverage markets in the world. With operations spanning several countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, Coca-Cola FEMSA offers Gates access to a business that enjoys tremendous scale and infrastructure.
Coca-Cola FEMSA is a subsidiary of FEMSA, one of the largest retail and distribution companies in Latin America. FEMSA itself owns 47.8% of Coca-Cola FEMSA, while The Coca-Cola Company holds another 27.8%. The remaining 25% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s shares are publicly traded on both the Mexican Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.
Gates, always on the lookout for profitable, stable companies, recognized the potential for Coca-Cola FEMSA’s continued success. Its size, market dominance, and connection to Coca-Cola make it a prime investment for Gates, whose approach to investing combines both diversification and long-term growth strategies.
The Symbolism Behind the Coca-Cola Can
While the financial details of Gates’ investment in Coca-Cola FEMSA are crucial, his public displays of drinking Coca-Cola go beyond a simple preference for the product. Some observers believe Gates' frequent appearances with a Coca-Cola can symbolize his support for the company—and his personal connection to the investment.
Gates isn’t just drinking Coca-Cola because he enjoys it; he’s often seen with a can of Coke during interviews, conferences, and public speaking events. By doing so, he subtly associates himself with the brand he has invested in, creating a personal and public link between his financial success and Coca-Cola FEMSA.
In fact, Gates himself noted in a 2014 GatesNotes blog post that he consumes several cans of Diet Coke daily. He wrote, “Once I'm at the office, I usually open a can of Diet Coke. Over the course of the day, I might drink three or four." This personal habit further demonstrates his strong connection to the Coca-Cola brand, reinforcing the idea that his fondness for the drink goes beyond just an investment—it’s part of his everyday routine.
This constant association with the product also helps reinforce his belief in the long-term success of Coca-Cola FEMSA. It’s not just an endorsement—it’s a reflection of Gates’ confidence in the company’s performance. His consistent visibility with Coca-Cola could be seen as a way to humanize his investment decisions, making them more relatable to his audience.
Gates’ Investment Strategy: A Look at His Portfolio
Bill Gates is known for his diversified and strategic approach to investing. His portfolio spans multiple industries, including technology, energy, healthcare, and consumer goods. Coca-Cola FEMSA stands out as one of his more notable holdings in the consumer goods sector, and it is a prime example of his ability to balance risk and reward in his investment strategy.
By maintaining a significant stake in Coca-Cola FEMSA, Gates has ensured his exposure to a well-established and growing business. The fact that he has held on to his position for nearly two decades speaks volumes about his belief in the company’s future prospects. Coca-Cola FEMSA continues to thrive in a competitive market, making it a cornerstone of Gates' investment portfolio.
A Refreshing Investment
Bill Gates’ habit of drinking Coca-Cola during interviews may seem like a casual quirk, but it actually reflects a much deeper connection to his investments. His stake in Coca-Cola FEMSA, worth over $534 million, is a testament to his ability to identify profitable, long-term opportunities. By publicly associating himself with the Coca-Cola brand, Gates not only emphasizes his belief in the company’s future but also highlights the importance of smart, diversified investments.
For Gates, Coca-Cola FEMSA isn’t just a beverage company—it’s an investment that aligns with his broader financial strategy, one that seeks stability, growth, and long-term value. So, the next time you see Bill Gates with a Coke in hand, remember that there’s much more to it than just enjoying a cold drink—it’s all part of his global investment empire.
