ETF Comparison
DGRO vs VTV: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF and Vanguard Value ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| DGRO | VTV | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF | Vanguard Value ETF |
| Issuer | BlackRock | Vanguard |
| Price | $70.20 | $196.67 |
| Distribution yield | 1.96% | 1.88% |
| Expense ratio | 0.08% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $38.8B | $238.5B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) | CRSP US Large Cap Value Index |
| Objective | Seeks to track the investment results of the Morningstar U.S. Dividend Growth Index, which measures the performance of U.S. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. Companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. | Provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 06/10/2014 | 01/26/2004 |
| Beta | 0.76 | 0.76 |
| Last dividend | $0.33 | $1.08 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/17/2026 | 03/27/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) and VTV (Vanguard Value ETF) are both popular quarterly-pay seeks to track the investment results of the morningstar u.s. dividend growth index, which measures the performance of u.s. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
DGRO offers the higher yield at 1.96% vs 1.88% for VTV. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VTV is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.03% compared to 0.08%.
They track different benchmarks: DGRO is linked to Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) while VTV tracks CRSP US Large Cap Value Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VTV is the larger fund by assets ($238.5B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, DGRO would generate roughly $16.33/month while VTV would produce $15.67/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, DGRO would cost approximately $80 in fees vs $30 for VTV (simplified, not compounded). The $50.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
DGRO tracks Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) with a seeks to track the investment results of the morningstar u.s. dividend growth index, which measures the performance of u.s. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. approach, while VTV tracks CRSP US Large Cap Value Index using a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. strategy. Beta is 0.76 for DGRO and 0.76 for VTV, indicating VTV is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
DGRO is managed by BlackRock (launched 06/10/2014) with $38.8B in assets. VTV is managed by Vanguard (launched 01/26/2004) with $238.5B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is DGRO or VTV better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. DGRO currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between DGRO and VTV?
DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) tracks Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) with a seeks to track the investment results of the morningstar u.s. dividend growth index, which measures the performance of u.s. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. strategy, while VTV (Vanguard Value ETF) tracks CRSP US Large Cap Value Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. approach. They are issued by BlackRock and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both DGRO and VTV?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, DGRO or VTV?
DGRO has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VTV charges 0.03%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in DGRO vs VTV generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in DGRO would generate roughly $16.33 per month ($196.00 annually). The same in VTV would produce about $15.67 per month ($188.00 annually).
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