Is Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF (ISMD) a Strong ETF Right Now?
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 03 2024
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Overview of Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF (ISMD): Launched in 2017, ISMD is a smart beta ETF that aims to match the performance of the Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index, focusing on 500 inspiring small and mid-cap U.S. companies, with an expense ratio of 0.59% and a current dividend yield of 1.28%.
Performance and Comparison: The ETF has shown a 7.93% increase recently and a 25.50% rise over the past year, while also being compared to other ETFs like iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF and JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF, which offer lower expense ratios and potentially lower risk options for investors.
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Analyst Views on UNIT
Wall Street analysts forecast UNIT stock price to fall
4 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
2 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 11.610
Low
6.00
Averages
6.88
High
8.00
Current: 11.610
Low
6.00
Averages
6.88
High
8.00
About UNIT
Uniti Group Inc. is a premier insurgent fiber provider dedicated to enabling mission-critical connectivity across the United States. It offers advanced communications services, including fiber-based broadband to residential and business customers, managed cloud communications and security services for enterprises and government entities and tailored wave and transport solutions for carriers, content providers and large cloud computing and storage service providers. Its segments include Kinetic, Uniti Solutions, and Fiber Infrastructure. Kinetic segment offers local and long-distance voice services and Web conferencing products. Uniti Solutions segment includes software solutions and network connectivity. Fiber Infrastructure segment offers network bandwidth to other telecommunications carriers, network operators, content providers and storage service providers. Its portfolio of services is offered through a suite of brands: Uniti Wholesale, Kinetic, Uniti Fiber, and Uniti Solutions.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Strategic Collaboration: Uniti Wholesale has announced a partnership with Beanfield to enhance cross-border connectivity options by leveraging the CanAm2 high-count dark fiber route connecting Montreal to the New York metro area, significantly addressing customer demands for increased speed and control.
- Network Expansion Benefits: By combining Uniti's long-haul network scale with Beanfield's metro fiber reach in Canada, customers can architect more flexible networks between Montreal and major U.S. interconnection hubs, thereby enhancing competitive positioning in the market.
- High-Capacity Services: The collaboration offers dual-metro bundles with high-capacity wavelengths of up to 100G, linking dark fiber from Montreal, ensuring customers maintain end-to-end control of their optical networks and enhancing service reliability.
- Cloud Corridor Development: By connecting major office hubs and data centers, Uniti and Beanfield are creating a seamless
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- Bond Offering Size: Uniti Group's subsidiary Kinetic ABS Issuer successfully priced a $1.14 billion secured fiber network revenue notes offering, which includes $805.2 million in Class A-2 notes at 5.834%, $134.2 million in Class B notes at 6.224%, and $201.3 million in Class C notes at 7.536%, reflecting strong market confidence in its financing capabilities.
- Weighted Average Rate: The notes carry a weighted average coupon rate of approximately 6.18% and are expected to mature in June 2033, indicating effective cost control in financing while providing necessary funds for future capital expenditures and debt repayment.
- Asset Backing Scope: The notes will be secured by residential fiber network assets and customer agreements across Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Georgia, Iowa, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and Oklahoma, enhancing investor confidence in the security of the debt.
- Liquidity Funding Plans: In addition to the bond issuance, Kinetic ABS Issuer plans to increase the size of its existing liquidity funding note facility to meet higher reserve requirements, demonstrating proactive management in addressing market changes and funding needs.
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- Bond Offering Size: Uniti Group has successfully priced $1.14 billion in secured fiber network revenue term notes through its subsidiary Kinetic ABS Issuer LLC, which includes $805.21 million in 5.834% Class A-2 notes, $134.2 million in 6.224% Class B notes, and $201.3 million in 7.536% Class C notes, with the offering expected to close on July 15, 2026.
- Interest Rates and Asset Backing: The notes carry a weighted average coupon rate of approximately 6.180% and will be secured by residential fiber network assets and related customer agreements across several states, enhancing the company's financial stability and competitive position in the market.
- Planned Use of Proceeds: Uniti intends to utilize the net proceeds from the notes offering for general corporate purposes, which may include success-based capital expenditures and repayment of outstanding debt, thereby improving the company's financial health and supporting future expansion plans.
- Liquidity Facility Adjustments: Following the closing of the notes offering, Uniti plans to increase the maximum commitment under its existing liquidity funding note facility to meet the transaction's liquidity reserve requirements and extend the maturity of the existing liquidity note facility to align with the final maturity date of the notes.
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- User Coverage Expansion: Kinetic has successfully built over 2 million fiber premises across its 18-state service area, marking a significant milestone in the company's aggressive fiber broadband expansion, showcasing strong growth potential in rural and suburban markets.
- Infrastructure Investment: The company's ongoing investment in fiber infrastructure, particularly in the greater Lexington, KY area, reflects a deep understanding of the growing demand for high-speed internet services, which is expected to enhance market share and competitiveness.
- Customer Experience Enhancement: The Chief Customer Officer of Kinetic noted that over 50% of its customer base and revenue now come from fiber services, emphasizing the company's commitment to providing reliable internet service and professional support to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Strategic Partnerships and Innovation: Kinetic launched a new bundle with YouTube TV and was named the 2026 Telecommunications Company of the Year, demonstrating its ongoing efforts in technological innovation and market recognition, further solidifying its leadership position in the fiber internet market.
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- Bond Offering Size: Uniti Group, through its subsidiary Kinetic ABS Issuer LLC, has commenced an offering of $1.14 billion in secured fiber network revenue term notes, expected to mature in June 2033, aimed at strengthening the company's capital structure and supporting future growth.
- Asset Backing Context: The notes will be secured by residential fiber network assets and related customer agreements across several states including Texas, Arkansas, and Kentucky, demonstrating the company's robust foundation and potential revenue-generating capabilities in these markets.
- Liquidity Support Measures: In conjunction with the notes offering, Uniti plans to increase the maximum commitment under its existing liquidity funding note facility and extend its maturity date to meet the liquidity reserve requirements of the transaction, thereby ensuring financial stability amid market fluctuations.
- Planned Use of Proceeds: Uniti intends to utilize the net proceeds from the notes offering for general corporate purposes, which may include success-based capital expenditures and repayment of outstanding debt, helping to optimize the company's financial position and enhance its competitive edge in the market.
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- Community Gigabit Coverage: Kinetic announced that over 75% of homes in the Hazard community now have access to its high-speed next-generation internet, marking a significant advancement in the region's digital infrastructure and enhancing residents' quality of life.
- Support for Economic Growth: Currently, 8,900 homes benefit from Kinetic's future-proof internet, providing faster and more reliable connectivity that supports work, education, streaming, and telehealth, thereby promoting economic growth and opportunities.
- Business Growth Potential: Research indicates that fiber-connected communities experience a 213% higher business growth rate, a 10% increase in self-employment, and a 14-17% rise in home values, demonstrating the significant economic benefits of Kinetic's investments.
- Commitment to Ongoing Investment: Kinetic was named the 2026 Best Rural Fiber Provider and continues to expand its fiber network in Kentucky, demonstrating its commitment to providing high-quality internet services to more homes and businesses.
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