DGRO vs. DLN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) and DLN (WisdomTree US LargeCap Dividend ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - DGRO tracks the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index while DLN tracks the WisdomTree LargeCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGRO returned 13.30%/yr vs 12.68%/yr for DLN. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DGRO charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DLN.

Performance

DGRO vs. DLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) and WisdomTree US LargeCap Dividend ETF (DLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGRO achieves a 8.76% return, which is significantly lower than DLN's 9.93% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DGRO having a 13.30% annualized return and DLN not far behind at 12.68%.

DGRO

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 3.14%
• YTD: 8.76%
• 6M: 8.75%
• 1Y: 22.54%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 10.54%
• 10Y*: 13.30%

DLN

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 2.93%
• YTD: 9.93%
• 6M: 9.96%
• 1Y: 22.38%
• 3Y*: 18.35%
• 5Y*: 12.22%
• 10Y*: 12.68%

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

DGRO vs. DLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	8.76%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	9.50%	29.87%	-2.38%	23.00%
DLN WisdomTree US LargeCap Dividend ETF	9.93%	15.53%	19.66%	9.95%	-3.78%	25.60%	4.59%	28.91%	-5.82%	18.22%

Correlation

The correlation between DGRO and DLN is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2014	0.97

The correlation between DGRO and DLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

DGRO vs. DLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DGRO	DLN
Financial Services	21.2%	18.0%
Technology	19.4%	20.1%
Healthcare	16.4%	12.6%
Consumer Defensive	11.5%	9.3%
Industrials	10.8%	7.9%
Utilities	6.9%	5.9%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	5.0%
Energy	5.6%	8.5%
Basic Materials	2.5%	1.0%
Communication Services	0.1%	7.8%
Real Estate	-	4.0%

Return for Risk

DGRO vs. DLN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 71
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 71

DLN

DLN Risk / Return Rank: 77
DLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
DLN Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
DLN Martin Ratio Rank: 79

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DGRO vs. DLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) and WisdomTree US LargeCap Dividend ETF (DLN). 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.

	DGRO	DLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	2.53	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	3.64	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.46	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.50	3.69	-0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.52	15.59	-2.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DGRO vs. DLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGRO Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the DLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGRO and DLN, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DGRO	DLN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39	2.53	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77	0.93	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80	0.79	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.53	+0.23

Drawdowns

DGRO vs. DLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGRO drawdown since its inception was -35.10%, smaller than the maximum DLN drawdown of -57.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGRO and DLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGRO	DLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.10%	-57.84%	+22.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-6.10%	-0.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.03%	-13.71%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.31%	-16.26%	-3.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.10%	-35.82%	+0.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	-0.51%	+0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.44%	-7.52%	+4.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.67%	1.44%	+0.23%

Volatility

DGRO vs. DLN - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) and WisdomTree US LargeCap Dividend ETF (DLN) have volatilities of 2.21% and 2.17%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGRO	DLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.21%	2.17%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.91%	6.77%	+0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.48%	8.87%	+0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.82%	13.26%	+0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.62%	16.16%	+0.46%

DGRO vs. DLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGRO has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than DLN's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGRO vs. DLN - Dividend Comparison

DGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.96%, more than DLN's 1.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.96%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%
DLN WisdomTree US LargeCap Dividend ETF	1.79%	1.90%	2.00%	2.43%	2.53%	2.01%	2.66%	2.51%	2.90%	2.33%	2.64%	2.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGRO and DLN in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DGRO and DLN move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DGRO or DLN?

DGRO has higher volatility (2.21%) compared to DLN (2.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGRO dropped -35.10% vs DLN's -57.84%.

Which ETF is better, DGRO or DLN?

On 10-year performance, DGRO leads with 13.30% vs 12.68% for DLN. On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DGRO or DLN?

Over the 10-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 13.30% return vs 12.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGRO or DLN?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DGRO or DLN?

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 1.79% for DLN.

What is the main difference between DGRO and DLN?

DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index, while DLN tracks WisdomTree LargeCap Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for DGRO and 0.28% for DLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 2.39), 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.