Turning One $40 Share Into $29,400,000: One of the Greatest ‘Do Nothing’ Trades in History

Core Insights - The Coca-Cola Company went public in September 1919 at $40 per share, and a single share held until December 2025 could be worth $29.4 million, assuming dividends were reinvested [1][2] Group 1: Long-term Investment Value - Coca-Cola's long-term performance exemplifies the benefits of buying and holding quality businesses, demonstrating resilience through various economic challenges [3] - The company's ability to remain profitable and adaptable over time has contributed to its shareholder-friendly reputation [3] Group 2: Role of Dividends - Coca-Cola has consistently paid dividends since 1920, raising them for over six decades, establishing itself as a "Dividend King" in the American economy [5] - The reinvestment of dividends has been crucial for long-term returns, significantly increasing the final value of investments compared to non-reinvested dividends [5][4] - Dividends enabled investors to continuously acquire shares at various price points, enhancing ownership stakes even during periods of stock price stagnation [6]