PGRO vs. DGRO

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PGRO (Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. PGRO is actively managed, while DGRO is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PGRO returned 11.18%/yr vs 11.06%/yr for DGRO. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PGRO charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

PGRO vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF (PGRO) and iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PGRO achieves a 4.20% return, which is significantly lower than DGRO's 12.23% return.

PGRO

• 1D: -1.76%
• 1M: -0.29%
• 6M: 3.82%
• YTD: 4.20%
• 1Y: 13.02%
• 3Y*: 20.49%
• 5Y*: 11.18%
• 10Y*: —

DGRO

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 2.16%
• 6M: 9.63%
• YTD: 12.23%
• 1Y: 21.63%
• 3Y*: 16.92%
• 5Y*: 11.06%
• 10Y*: 13.26%

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

PGRO vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PGRO Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF	4.20%	15.13%	34.01%	45.19%	-31.53%	16.63%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	12.23%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	11.43%

Correlation

The correlation between PGRO and DGRO is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2021	0.63

Over the past year, the correlation between PGRO and DGRO has dropped to 0.36 - well below their long-term average of 0.63, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PGRO vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PGRO	DGRO
Technology	48.3%	22.0%
Communication Services	17.1%	0.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	5.4%
Healthcare	7.3%	16.5%
Financial Services	5.4%	20.6%
Industrials	4.3%	10.4%
Utilities	2.6%	6.4%
Basic Materials	2.4%	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	1.9%	11.1%
Real Estate	0.9%	-
Energy	-	5.1%

Return for Risk

PGRO vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

PGRO

PGRO Risk / Return Rank: 24
PGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
PGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
PGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 24
PGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
PGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 24

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 86
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 87
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

PGRO vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF (PGRO) and iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO). 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.

	PGRO	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.76	2.29	-1.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.14	3.33	-2.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.42	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.80	3.36	-2.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.51	12.98	-10.48

PGRO vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PGRO Sharpe Ratio is 0.76, which is lower than the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PGRO and DGRO, 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

PGRO vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PGRO drawdown since its inception was -34.73%, roughly equal to the maximum DGRO drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PGRO and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	PGRO	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.73%	-35.10%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.34%	-6.47%	-9.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.31%	-14.03%	-9.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.73%	-19.31%	-15.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.52%	-0.50%	-5.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.15%	-3.42%	-6.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.21%	1.67%	+3.54%

Volatility

PGRO vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF (PGRO) has a higher volatility of 6.29% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.52%. This indicates that PGRO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DGRO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PGRO	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.29%	2.52%	+3.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.78%	6.94%	+6.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.35%	9.50%	+7.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.02%	13.79%	+8.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.79%	16.57%	+5.22%

PGRO vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

PGRO has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

PGRO vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

PGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, less than DGRO's 1.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.91%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%
PGRO Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.08%	0.19%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PGRO and DGRO in my portfolio?

PGRO and DGRO have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PGRO or DGRO?

PGRO has higher volatility (6.29%) compared to DGRO (2.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PGRO dropped -34.73% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, PGRO or DGRO?

On 5-year performance, PGRO leads with 11.18% vs 11.06% for DGRO. On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 2.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PGRO or DGRO?

Over the 5-year period, PGRO has performed better with a 11.18% return vs 11.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PGRO or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PGRO.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.91%, compared with 0.02% for PGRO.

What is the main difference between PGRO and DGRO?

They also come from different issuers: Power Corporation of Canada and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for PGRO and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 0.76), 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.