WisdomTree
equity

Buffett’s Acquisition Rules Applied Internationally

Published June 25, 2015

Christopher Gannatti, CFA
Christopher Gannatti, CFA

Global Head of Research

One of our most popular blog posts in 2015 focused on characterizing the types of companies that Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway might see as interesting acquisitions targets. There was one criterion in particular that we found interesting: “Businesses earning good returns on equity (ROE) while employing little or no debt.”1 In essence, this single line encapsulates the core focus of WisdomTree’s dividend growth strategies, which apply a focus on quality companies around the world. Exemplifying a “Quality Tilt” When we say “quality” at WisdomTree, what we mean is a focus on the combination of: • Three-year average return on equity (ROE) and • Three-year average return on assest (ROA) Focusing on both penalizes firms that may have high return on equity through the use of leverage or, in other words, debt. Impact of Focusing on Quality: 3-Year Average Return on Equity (as of 5/31/2015 WisdomTree Index Screening)

Focusing-on-Quality1,-d-,gif.ashx

For definitions of indexes in the chart, visit our glossary.

77.7% Weight in Stocks with Three-Year Average ROE above 16.1%: We arrived at this 16.1% three-year average return on equity figure as the boundary denoting the top 25% of three-year average return on equity values for the MSCI EAFE Index universe. WisdomTree’s methodology finds and then weights its securities such that nearly 80% of the Index’s weight is in these highly profitable firms.• 80.5% Weight in stocks with Three-Year Average Return on Assets above 6.8%: While we don’t show it in the chart, this 6.8% figure is the three-year average return on assets figure that is the boundary for the top 25% in the MSCI EAFE Index universe. The idea of low leverage must connect these two figures.• Comparing to the MSCI EAFE: The EAFE has approximately 30%–33% of its weight in the highest three-year average ROA and ROE quartiles, respectively, which sets the baseline for comparison. This means that WisdomTree’s International Dividend Growth Index is pushing more than twice the weight of the market capitalization benchmark into these respective top quartiles, a significant focus on quality.Sector Manifestation of This Tilt As a result of the global financial crisis of 2008–09, the word “leverage” found its way from the discussion of balance sheet statistics into more mainstream dialogue. As a result, the term became closely connected with Financials. Logically, an approach that focused on low leverage would necessarily have to under-weight Financials. As of the May 31, 2015 Index Screening, the WisdomTree International Hedged Dividend Growth Index had an approximately 20% under-weight to Financials as measured against the MSCI EAFE Index. As bets against a benchmark go, we think the strength of this contrast duly emphasizes the commitment of WisdomTree’s dividend growth Index methodology to focus on quality companies. Quality Stocks with a Currency Hedge to Reduce Risk The WisdomTree Index that includes this quality tilt also employs a currency hedge on top of the equities to just target the local market return of these foreign equities. WisdomTree believes that currency hedging is becoming increasingly important as a strategic baseline for global allocations due to its risk reduction properties, as we discussed in this blog post. At a time when many investors are looking overseas for their additional portfolio allocations, the WisdomTree International Hedged Dividend Growth Index represents a marriage of two core ideas: a focus on quality companies positioned for growth, and the risk reduction properties of currency-hedged foreign allocations. 1Warren Buffett, “Letter to Shareholders 2015,” Berkshire Hathaway.

Important Risks Related to this Article

Dividends are not guaranteed, and a company’s future ability to pay dividends may be limited. A company currently paying dividends may cease paying dividends at any time.

About the contributor

Christopher Gannatti, CFA
Christopher Gannatti, CFA

Global Head of Research

Christopher Gannatti began at WisdomTree as a Research Analyst in December 2010, working directly with Jeremy Schwartz, CFA®, Director of Research. In January of 2014, he was promoted to Associate Director of Research where he was responsible to lead different groups of analysts and strategists within the broader Research team at WisdomTree. In February of 2018, Christopher was promoted to Head of Research, Europe, where he was based out of WisdomTree’s London office and was responsible for the full WisdomTree research effort within the European market, as well as supporting the UCITs platform globally. In November 2021, Christopher was promoted to Global Head of Research, now responsible for numerous communications on investment strategy globally, particularly in the thematic equity space. Christopher came to WisdomTree from Lord Abbett, where he worked for four and a half years as a Regional Consultant. He received his MBA in Quantitative Finance, Accounting, and Economics from NYU’s Stern School of Business in 2010, and he received his bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in Economics in 2006. Christopher is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst Designation.

GO PAPERLESS

Contact your broker to sign up for eDelivery of WisdomTree ETF documents.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Funds before investing. U.S. investors only: To obtain a prospectus containing this and other important information, please call 866.909.9473, or click here to view or download a prospectus online. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest. There are risks involved with investing, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Foreign investing involves currency, political and economic risk. Funds focusing on a single country, sector and/or funds that emphasize investments in smaller companies may experience greater price volatility. Investments in emerging markets, real estate, currency, fixed income and alternative investments include additional risks. Due to the investment strategy of certain Funds, they may make higher capital gain distributions than other ETFs. Please see prospectus for discussion of risks.

WisdomTree Funds are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, in the U.S.

© 2026 WisdomTree, Inc. All Rights Reserved.