Something About Coke
June 12, 2011 Leave a comment
Coca-Cola made an IPO in 1919 when it issued shares at $ 40 each. A year later, the share was quoting at $19. You might think that’s a disaster because the share had lost 50% of its value in just one year. After that there was sugar rationing and the farmers were rebellious. Years later, the Great Depression and World War II happened, there were thermonuclear weapons and what not. You could always find a reason for why that was not the right time to buy shares of Coca Cola. But if you had gone ahead and bought that one share for $40 and reinvested the dividends, your investment in Coca-Cola would be worth $5 Million today.
Below is a favourite but somewhat dated Rakesh Jhunjhunwala interview.I frequently revisit the article to read about how he started out.Every time I wonder how I might be able to do what I want to do with so few resources,I find reading his story inspiring.Also I like his way of limiting risk,dealing with loss , having flexible targets and dealing with unfavourable opinions.The red ink is mine.It’s to highlight the parts I find interesting.As a side note,I also like reading the account of the 1993 blasts,if for no other reason than to remind myself about the spirit of Mumbai and the grit of all Mumbaikars. 
wealthymatters 