DGRO vs VYM: ETF Comparison
Compare DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) side by side by average annual total return since inception — one fair number covering price and dividends.
Updated Sep 15, 2026
*For entertainment purposes ONLY! NOT financial advice! Data may be inaccurate.*
DGRO vs VYM: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, DGRO edges out VYM: +12.4% per year vs +9.3% per year — a gap of 3.1 percentage points annually. Total return counts both price movement and dividends, so this is the whole picture of each fund's performance, not just yield.
Keep the track records in mind: VYM has been trading for 19.8 years, while DGRO has only 12.3 years of history. A shorter track record means the younger fund's average has been shaped by fewer market environments — one strong or weak stretch moves the needle more.
DGRO vs VYM Side-by-Side Data
| Symbol | Name | Provider | Inception | Age | Total Return | Avg. Annual Return | Yield | Expense Ratio | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DGRO | iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF | iShares | 6/10/2014 | 12.3y | +319.0% | +12.4% | 2.0% | 0.08% | A |
| VYM | Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | Vanguard | 11/10/2006 | 19.8y | +485.0% | +9.3% | 2.5% | 0.04% | A |
DGRO vs VYM — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, DGRO or VYM?
By average annual total return since inception, DGRO edges out VYM (+12.4% vs +9.3% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between DGRO and VYM?
DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) is offered by iShares and currently yields 2.0%. VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) is offered by Vanguard and yields 2.5%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +12.4% and +9.3% respectively.
Does DGRO pay a higher dividend than VYM?
DGRO currently yields 2.0% and VYM yields 2.5%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.