DGRO vs IJR
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF vs iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.08%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.10%. Launched in 2014, the fund has a 12-year track record.
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.28%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
Quick Verdict
IJR has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.06% vs 0.08%), saving about $40 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, IJR has significantly outperformed with a 19.2% return vs 13.9%. Income investors may prefer DGRO for its higher yield (2.1% vs 1.3%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
0 of top 10 holdings overlap (0% overlap in top holdings)
DGRO Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Exxon Mobil CorporationXOM | 3.43% |
| Johnson & JohnsonJNJ | 2.94% |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co.JPM | 2.93% |
| Apple Inc.AAPL | 2.87% |
| Microsoft CorporationMSFT | 2.71% |
| AbbVie Inc.ABBV | 2.67% |
| Broadcom Inc.AVGO | 2.49% |
| The Procter & Gamble CompanyPG | 2.14% |
| Philip Morris International Inc.PM | 2.05% |
| Merck & Co., Inc.MRK | 2.05% |
IJR Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| BLK CSH FND TREASURY SL AGENCYXTSLA | 1.37% |
| Eastman Chemical CompanyEMN | 0.54% |
| Viavi Solutions Inc.VIAV | 0.53% |
| Argan, Inc.AGX | 0.52% |
| Primoris Services CorporationPRIM | 0.52% |
| FormFactor, Inc.FORM | 0.51% |
| Element Solutions IncESI | 0.51% |
| LKQ CorporationLKQ | 0.50% |
| SM Energy CompanySM | 0.49% |
| ESCO Technologies Inc.ESE | 0.48% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose IJR if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose IJR if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose DGRO if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.