BGDV vs. ESN

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

BGDV (Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. BGDV is actively managed, while ESN is passively managed. Over the past year, BGDV returned 24.64% vs 27.64% for ESN. Their 0.78 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. BGDV charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ESN.

Performance

BGDV vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF (BGDV) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BGDV achieves a 14.13% return, which is significantly lower than ESN's 16.65% return.

BGDV

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 1.04%
• 6M: 10.90%
• YTD: 14.13%
• 1Y: 24.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.86%

ESN

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -0.26%
• 6M: 12.11%
• YTD: 16.65%
• 1Y: 27.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.50%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BGDV Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF	$602.83K	$371.68K	$405.15K
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	$2.17M	$1.60M	$1.63M

BGDV vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BGDV Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF	14.13%	13.74%	-2.05%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	16.65%	16.52%	-3.89%

Correlation

The correlation between BGDV and ESN is 0.74, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2024	0.78

The correlation between BGDV and ESN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BGDV vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

BGDV

BGDV Risk / Return Rank: 85
BGDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
BGDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
BGDV Omega Ratio Rank: 85
BGDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BGDV Martin Ratio Rank: 87

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 93
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 92
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 92

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

BGDV vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF (BGDV) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BGDV	ESN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	2.65	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	3.65	-0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.46	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.80	4.12	-1.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.84	16.52	-3.68

BGDV vs. ESN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BGDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the ESN Sharpe Ratio of 2.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BGDV and ESN, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BGDV vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BGDV drawdown since its inception was -14.80%, which is greater than ESN's maximum drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BGDV and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	BGDV	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.80%	-13.60%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.41%	-6.42%	-1.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-0.53%	+0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.99%	-1.81%	-0.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.83%	1.60%	+0.23%

Volatility

BGDV vs. ESN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF (BGDV) is 2.43%, while Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) has a volatility of 2.65%. This indicates that BGDV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ESN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BGDV	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.43%	2.65%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.53%	7.51%	+1.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.31%	9.98%	+1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.72%	13.04%	+1.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.72%	13.04%	+1.68%

BGDV vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

BGDV has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than ESN's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

BGDV vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

BGDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%, more than ESN's 0.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BGDV Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF	0.94%	1.13%	0.09%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.78%	0.91%	0.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BGDV and ESN in my portfolio?

BGDV and ESN have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BGDV or ESN?

ESN has higher volatility (2.65%) compared to BGDV (2.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BGDV dropped -14.80% vs ESN's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, BGDV or ESN?

On 1-year performance, ESN leads with 27.64% vs 24.64% for BGDV. On fees, BGDV is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, BGDV has been the lower-risk option at 2.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BGDV or ESN?

Over the 1-year period, ESN has performed better with a 27.64% return vs 24.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BGDV or ESN?

BGDV is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ESN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BGDV or ESN?

BGDV has the higher dividend yield at 0.94%, compared with 0.78% for ESN.

What is the main difference between BGDV and ESN?

They also come from different issuers: Bahl & Gaynor and KKM. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for BGDV and 0.70% for ESN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 2.09), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.