Including a selection of dividend-paying stocks in your investment portfolio can be a strategic move for many investors. For those in retirement, the regular income generated from dividends can be crucial for covering living expenses. However, even younger individuals who are still building their careers can benefit significantly from dividend income. During periods when you might not have additional funds available for investing, the dividends you receive can be reinvested to acquire more shares, thereby enhancing your long-term investment portfolio.
A straightforward method to gain exposure to dividend stocks is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds operate similarly to stocks in the market. One notable example is the iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO 0.32%), which has garnered considerable interest among investors.
Image source: Getty Images.
In this article, we will explore the iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF and other dividend-focused ETFs to help you identify options that align with your investment goals.
Understanding the Value of Dividend Investing
To appreciate the appeal of investing in dividend stocks, it’s essential to understand the compelling reasons behind this strategy. Beyond the immediate benefit of receiving dividend income, consider the historical performance data outlined in the table below:
|
Dividend-Paying Status |
Average Annual Total Return, 1973-2024 |
|---|---|
|
Dividend growers and initiators |
10.24% |
|
Dividend payers |
9.20% |
|
No change in dividend policy |
6.75% |
|
Dividend non-payers |
4.31% |
|
Dividend shrinkers and eliminators |
(0.89%) |
|
Equal-weighted S&P 500 index |
7.65% |
Data source: Ned Davis Research and Hartford Funds.
The impressive performance of dividend-paying stocks is not surprising. Companies that distribute dividends typically do so because they have established robust revenue streams, providing their management teams with the confidence to commit to regular payouts.
While it’s true that there are no guarantees in the stock market, you may not achieve a consistent 10% average annual return during your investment journey. However, understanding how your investments could grow over time at various return rates can be enlightening, especially if you consider setting aside $12,000 each year. The following table illustrates this potential growth:
|
Investing $12,000 Annually for |
Growing at 8% Annually |
Growing at 10% Annually |
Growing at 12% Annually |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5 years |
$76,032 |
$80,587 |
$85,382 |
|
10 years |
$187,746 |
$210,374 |
$235,855 |
|
15 years |
$351,892 |
$419,397 |
$501,039 |
|
20 years |
$593,076 |
$756,030 |
$968,385 |
|
25 years |
$947,452 |
$1,298,181 |
$1,792,007 |
|
30 years |
$1,468,150 |
$2,171,321 |
$3,243,511 |
|
35 years |
$2,233,226 |
$3,577,522 |
$5,801,557 |
|
40 years |
$3,357,372 |
$5,842,222 |
$10,309,707 |
Data source: Calculations by author.
Exploring the Performance of the iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF
Let’s delve deeper into the performance metrics of the iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF. A closer examination reveals how this ETF has performed over recent years:
|
Over the Past… |
Average Annual Gain |
|---|---|
|
3 years |
11.87% |
|
5 years |
13.94% |
|
10 years |
11.75% |
Data source: Morningstar.com.
The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF currently holds a diversified portfolio of 398 positions, with its top 10 holdings representing nearly 27% of its overall value. Below is a list of these top-performing stocks:
|
Stock |
Percent of ETF |
|---|---|
|
ExxonMobil |
3.16% |
|
JPMorgan Chase |
3.09% |
|
Microsoft |
3.06% |
|
Apple |
2.97% |
|
Johnson & Johnson |
2.89% |
|
Broadcom |
2.67% |
|
AbbVie |
2.66% |
|
2.32% |
|
|
The Home Depot |
2.11% |
|
Merck |
1.96% |
Data source: Fidelity.com, as of June 24, 2025. ETF = exchange-traded fund.
It’s also important to consider the dividend yield of the ETF, which recently stood at 2.23%. While this yield may not be among the highest available, it still exceeds the S&P 500‘s current yield of approximately 1.25%. This can be appealing for those seeking a steady stream of income.
Moreover, companies that show strong and consistently increasing dividends tend to raise their payouts over time. For instance, the quarterly dividend paid in June 2025 was $0.324 per share, marking a significant increase from $0.249 in June 2020 and $0.169 in June 2015. This trend indicates a positive trajectory for dividend income over the long haul.
Comparing the iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF with Other Dividend ETFs
While the iShares ETF offers notable benefits, it is not the only option available for investors seeking high dividend yields. Below is a comparison with other ETFs worth considering, alongside their performance metrics relative to an S&P 500 index fund:
|
ETF |
Recent Yield |
5-Year Avg. Annual Return |
10-Year Avg. Annual Return |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8.01% |
11.73% |
N/A |
|
|
iShares Preferred & Income Securities ETF |
6.68% |
3.22% |
3.21% |
|
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF |
3.97% |
13.34% |
10.92% |
|
Fidelity High Dividend ETF |
3.02% |
17.91% |
N/A |
|
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF |
2.86% |
14.60% |
10.08% |
|
SPDR S&P Dividend ETF |
2.59% |
11.77% |
9.29% |
|
iShares US Real Estate ETF |
2.55% |
7.26% |
6.09% |
|
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF |
2.23% |
13.94% |
11.75% |
|
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF |
1.79% |
14.07% |
11.83% |
|
First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF |
1.67% |
17.61% |
12.68% |
|
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF |
1.25% |
16.54% |
13.15% |
Source: Yahoo! Finance and Morningstar.com, as of June 24, 2025. ETF = exchange-traded fund.
The data reveals that generally, as you pursue higher growth rates, you may need to accept lower yields. However, several of the ETFs listed above may present more attractive options than the iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF, boasting higher yields alongside strong average annual returns.
It’s essential to determine your investment priorities and conduct thorough research on any ETFs that pique your interest. For example, the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF employs a distinct strategy, diversifying beyond merely investing in dividend-paying stocks, while the iShares Preferred & Income Securities ETF specializes in preferred stocks, which tend to have slower appreciation rates.
Investing in the iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF can be a sound decision, but it’s prudent to evaluate other ETFs to ensure you’re making the best possible choice for your investment strategy.
JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Selena Maranjian has positions in AbbVie, Apple, Broadcom, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AbbVie, Apple, Home Depot, JPMorgan Chase, Merck, Microsoft, Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF, Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, and Vanguard Whitehall Funds-Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and Johnson & Johnson and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
