The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a global beverage giant that sells soft drinks, juices, waters, teas, coffees, and sports drinks in more than 200 countries. It has remained one of the most enduring consumer brands on the planet, recently trading near $70 per share with a market value of about $304 billion. Long known for its flagship soda, Coca-Cola has become a staple holding for both retail and institutional investors.
Coca-Cola is now a widely owned global institution, anchored by Berkshire Hathaway and supported by the world’s largest asset managers. By looking at who owns the stock and what insiders are doing, we can see how the biggest investors really feel about Coca-Cola today.
The Biggest Investors Behind Coca-Cola’s Stock
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Coca-Cola’s shareholder base is anchored by Berkshire Hathaway, with passive giants like Vanguard and BlackRock also holding large stakes. Active funds, however, are showing mixed conviction.
- Berkshire Hathaway: 400M shares (9.3%), ~$28.3B. No change.
- Vanguard Group: 365.6M shares (8.5%), ~$25.8B. Added 6.2M shares (+1.7%).
- BlackRock: 210.4M shares (4.9%), ~$14.9B. Added 1.8M shares (+0.9%).
- State Street: 164.9M shares (3.8%), ~$11.7B. Slight increase (+0.2%).
- Fidelity: 90.8M shares (2.1%), ~$6.4B. Added 12.9M shares (+16.6%).
- Geode Capital: 88.9M shares (2.1%), ~$6.3B. Cut 7M shares (-7.3%).
- JPMorgan Asset Management: 57M shares (1.3%), ~$4.0B. Cut 8.5M shares (-12.9%).
One highlight from last quarter is Balyasny Asset Management’s massive increase, lifting its Coca-Cola stake by 767%. The hedge fund now owns about 642,000 shares worth $45 million, showing a strong conviction bet on the stock’s stability and dividend income.
Another notable move came from Citadel Advisors, which boosted its position by nearly 2,000%. The firm now controls around 9.65 million shares valued at $683 million, a huge ramp-up that suggests high confidence in Coca-Cola’s defensive qualities.
Meanwhile, Tudor Investment Corp, led by Paul Tudor Jones, raised its holdings by an eye-catching 13,615%. The fund now owns about 701,000 shares worth $50 million, a bold swing that signals selective optimism from one of the market’s most well-known macro traders.
Berkshire’s steady position shows long-term stability. Vanguard and BlackRock continue to add gradually, keeping index support strong. Fidelity’s big increase may signal confidence in Coca-Cola’s reliable cash flows, while JPMorgan and Geode trimming suggests caution. Hedge fund buying from Balyasny, Citadel, and Tudor highlights selective but aggressive bets on Coca-Cola’s defensive appeal.
Ownership looks stable overall, but the split between cautious active managers and bold hedge fund buyers shows opinions remain divided on Coca-Cola’s near-term upside.
See whether Coca-Cola’s top shareholders are buying or selling today >>>
What Coca-Cola’s Insiders Are Doing With Their Shares
Insider trading can offer a glimpse into how management feels about the company’s prospects. At Coca-Cola, recent activity has leaned toward selling rather than buying. While these moves may be tied to scheduled plans, diversification, or personal portfolio decisions, the lack of visible insider buying stands out for a business known for stability and steady cash flows.
For investors, this pattern may suggest that leadership is content to hold their existing stakes without increasing exposure at current prices.
Here are some recent insider sales:
- Nikolaos Koumettis (Officer): Sold ~37,400 shares at ~$69 in August.
- Beatriz Perez (Officer): Sold ~43,800 shares in August.
- James Quincey (CEO): Multiple sales of ~66,600 shares in May at $72 and $43.
- Nancy Quan (Officer): Sold ~28,500 shares at ~$71 in May.
These trades appear mostly like sales, possibly planned or for diversification. There has been no meaningful insider buying, which may suggest management is not signaling strong conviction at current prices.
Insider activity looks cautious, with leadership choosing to reduce exposure rather than add.
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What the Ownership & Insider Trade Data Tell Us
Coca-Cola’s shareholder base looks anchored by Berkshire Hathaway and the passive giants, which gives the stock stability through long-term and index-driven ownership. At the same time, active managers are clearly divided. Fidelity’s large increase shows confidence in Coca-Cola’s dependable cash flows and dividend strength, while JPMorgan and Geode trimming their stakes suggests others may see limited upside at today’s valuation.
On the insider side, recent activity has leaned toward selling. While these trades may reflect planned sales or personal financial decisions, the absence of insider buying makes it harder to argue that management sees the stock as an obvious bargain at current levels.
Coca-Cola remains a classic defensive income play. Institutions continue to support it as a steady compounder, but the lack of insider conviction and the mixed signals from active funds suggest expectations for near-term growth may be modest.
For long-term investors, Coca-Cola still looks like a stable dividend anchor, but recent moves hint that big upside could be limited in the short run.
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