DIVL vs. DIVB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DIVL (Madison Dividend Value ETF) and DIVB (iShares Core Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DIVL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Madison, while DIVB is a Dividend fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend and Buyback Index. DIVL is actively managed, while DIVB is passively managed. Over the past year, DIVL returned 14.29% vs 30.52% for DIVB. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DIVL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for DIVB.

Performance

DIVL vs. DIVB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Madison Dividend Value ETF (DIVL) and iShares Core Dividend ETF (DIVB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DIVL achieves a 10.46% return, which is significantly lower than DIVB's 22.13% return.

DIVL

• 1D: 1.25%
• 1M: 1.32%
• 6M: 5.17%
• YTD: 10.46%
• 1Y: 14.29%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DIVB

• 1D: 2.12%
• 1M: 3.84%
• 6M: 18.62%
• YTD: 22.13%
• 1Y: 30.52%
• 3Y*: 21.77%
• 5Y*: 13.09%
• 10Y*: —

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

DIVL vs. DIVB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DIVL Madison Dividend Value ETF	10.46%	9.83%	8.81%	1.30%
DIVB iShares Core Dividend ETF	22.13%	15.09%	18.59%	6.72%

Correlation

The correlation between DIVL and DIVB is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2023	0.88

The correlation between DIVL and DIVB shifts across timeframes, from 0.78 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DIVL vs. DIVB — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIVL

DIVL Risk / Return Rank: 47
DIVL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DIVL Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DIVL Omega Ratio Rank: 44
DIVL Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
DIVL Martin Ratio Rank: 43

DIVB

DIVB Risk / Return Rank: 90
DIVB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
DIVB Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
DIVB Omega Ratio Rank: 89
DIVB Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
DIVB Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

DIVL vs. DIVB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Madison Dividend Value ETF (DIVL) and iShares Core Dividend ETF (DIVB). 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.

	DIVL	DIVB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	2.52	-1.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	3.53	-1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.45	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.07	4.49	-2.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.65	15.05	-9.41

DIVL vs. DIVB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DIVL Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is lower than the DIVB Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DIVL and DIVB, 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

DIVL vs. DIVB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DIVL drawdown since its inception was -14.06%, smaller than the maximum DIVB drawdown of -36.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIVL and DIVB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DIVL	DIVB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.06%	-36.93%	+22.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.93%	-6.82%	-0.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.29%	0.00%	-1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.59%	-4.94%	+2.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	2.03%	+0.51%

Volatility

DIVL vs. DIVB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Madison Dividend Value ETF (DIVL) is 3.25%, while iShares Core Dividend ETF (DIVB) has a volatility of 4.76%. This indicates that DIVL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DIVB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DIVL	DIVB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.25%	4.76%	-1.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.94%	9.50%	-1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.77%	12.16%	-1.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.32%	15.35%	-3.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.32%	18.35%	-6.03%

DIVL vs. DIVB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DIVL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than DIVB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

DIVL vs. DIVB - Dividend Comparison

DIVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.72%, less than DIVB's 2.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DIVB iShares Core Dividend ETF	2.17%	2.50%	2.61%	3.18%	2.02%	1.63%	2.08%	2.07%	2.52%	0.37%
DIVL Madison Dividend Value ETF	1.72%	1.80%	2.19%	1.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DIVL and DIVB in my portfolio?

DIVL and DIVB have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DIVL or DIVB?

DIVB has higher volatility (4.76%) compared to DIVL (3.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DIVL dropped -14.06% vs DIVB's -36.93%.

Which ETF is better, DIVL or DIVB?

On 1-year performance, DIVB leads with 30.52% vs 14.29% for DIVL. On fees, DIVB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, DIVL has been the lower-risk option at 3.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DIVL or DIVB?

Over the 1-year period, DIVB has performed better with a 30.52% return vs 14.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DIVL or DIVB?

DIVB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for DIVL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DIVL or DIVB?

DIVB has the higher dividend yield at 2.17%, compared with 1.72% for DIVL.

What is the main difference between DIVL and DIVB?

DIVL is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while DIVB is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Madison and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for DIVL and 0.05% for DIVB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DIVB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.33), 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.