Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) trades at $24.75 with AI Score 44/100 (Grade C). Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) is an actively managed fund focusing on tax-exempt income and capital… Market cap: $233M, Sector: Financial services.
Price as of Aug 21, 2026 · Last analyzed: Mar 15, 2026Analyst Coverage for SCNM: SCNM does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates SCNM against Financial Services peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
SCNM: 1/3 scored disciplines lean bearish. Dominant signal: Izzy Englander bullish.
How is this calculated? →Why this analysis is different
- A 9-signal quantitative MoonshotScore built from filings, insider activity, and market data — computed from the numbers, not from opinion.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) Financial Services Profile
Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) provides investors with exposure to the U.S. municipal bond market, offering current income exempt from federal income taxes. The fund employs an active management strategy, adjusting its portfolio based on interest rate and credit quality analysis, while capping investments in below-investment-grade municipal instruments.
What Is the Investment Thesis for SCNM?
SCNM presents an investment opportunity for those seeking tax-exempt income through municipal bonds. The fund's active management approach allows for adjustments based on interest rate movements and credit quality, potentially mitigating risks associated with fixed-income investments. With a market cap of $233M, SCNM offers a focused exposure to the municipal bond market. A key value driver is the potential for tax-advantaged income, appealing to investors in higher tax brackets. The fund's ability to invest in pooled vehicles and employ derivatives could enhance returns, but also introduces additional complexity and potential risks. The fund's investment strategy involves a top-down approach, where the portfolio manager focuses on broader economic factors such as interest rates and credit quality to make informed investment decisions.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
SCNM Key Highlights
SCNM is an actively managed ETF focused on municipal bonds.
- The fund aims to provide current income exempt from regular federal income taxes.
- SCNM has a market capitalization of $233M.
- The fund employs a top-down approach, focusing on interest rates and credit quality.
- SCNM caps investments in below-investment-grade municipal instruments at 10% of assets.
Who Are SCNM's Competitors?
SCNM is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTEB Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF | $49.57 | -0.18% | $48.8B | 46 |
| MUB iShares National Muni Bond ETF | $105.47 | -0.20% | $45.9B | 47 |
| HYMB State Street SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF | $24.83 | -0.20% | $3.10B | 47 |
| HTFC Horizon Technology Finance Corp. | $24.97 | +0.00% | $230M | 75 |
| CAGPF Samara Asset Group plc | $2.49 | +0.00% | $228M | 67 |
| LIEN Chicago Atlantic BDC, Inc. | $9.74 | +2.53% | $223M | 86 |
| BANX ArrowMark Financial Corp. | $20.70 | +0.95% | $201M | 72 |
| SSSS SuRo Capital Corp. | $11.46 | -0.17% | $299M | 73 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are SCNM's Key Strengths?
Active management allows for strategic adjustments based on market conditions.
- Focus on tax-exempt income is attractive to investors in high tax brackets.
- Diversified portfolio of municipal bonds reduces risk.
- Experienced portfolio management team.
What Are SCNM's Weaknesses?
Active management fees may be higher than passively managed ETFs.
- Fund performance is dependent on the skill of the portfolio manager.
- Exposure to derivatives introduces additional complexity and risk.
- Limited investment in below-investment-grade municipal instruments may constrain returns.
What Could Drive SCNM Stock Higher?
Potential changes in tax laws could increase the attractiveness of municipal bonds.
- Infrastructure spending initiatives by state and local governments could boost the municipal bond market.
- Active management strategy allows for adjustments based on market conditions.
- Launch of new ETF products focused on specific segments of the municipal bond market (timeline: next 12 months).
What Are the Key Risks for SCNM?
Rising interest rates could negatively impact bond values.
- Credit downgrades of municipal bonds could lead to losses.
- Increased competition from other municipal bond ETFs and mutual funds.
- Changes in tax laws could reduce the attractiveness of municipal bonds.
- Reliance on the skill and experience of the portfolio manager.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for SCNM?
- Increased Demand for Tax-Advantaged Investments: As tax rates fluctuate and the need for tax-efficient investment strategies grows, SCNM can capitalize on the increasing demand for municipal bonds. The market for tax-exempt investments is projected to expand as investors seek to minimize their tax liabilities. SCNM's focus on providing current income exempt from federal income taxes positions it favorably to attract investors looking for stable, tax-advantaged returns. This growth opportunity is ongoing and directly tied to the evolving tax landscape.
- Expansion of Municipal Bond Market: The municipal bond market is expected to grow as state and local governments issue debt to finance infrastructure projects and other public initiatives. This expansion creates a larger pool of investment opportunities for SCNM, allowing it to diversify its portfolio and potentially enhance returns. The fund can benefit from the increasing supply of municipal bonds by selectively investing in high-quality issues that align with its investment objectives. This growth opportunity is ongoing and dependent on the fiscal policies of state and local governments.
- Strategic Use of Derivatives: SCNM's ability to employ derivatives provides a growth opportunity by allowing it to manage interest rate risk and enhance returns. Derivatives can be used to hedge against interest rate fluctuations, protecting the fund's portfolio from potential losses. Additionally, derivatives can be used to generate additional income or enhance exposure to specific segments of the municipal bond market. The fund's expertise in using derivatives can differentiate it from competitors and attract investors seeking sophisticated investment strategies. This growth opportunity is ongoing and requires careful risk management.
- Active Management Expertise: SCNM's active management approach provides a growth opportunity by allowing it to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on investment opportunities. The fund's portfolio manager can adjust the fund's holdings based on interest rate movements, credit quality, and other economic factors. This active management strategy can potentially generate higher returns than passively managed index funds. The fund's expertise in municipal bond investing and its ability to make informed investment decisions are key differentiators. This growth opportunity is ongoing and dependent on the skill and experience of the portfolio manager.
- Increased Adoption of ETFs: The increasing adoption of ETFs as investment vehicles provides a growth opportunity for SCNM. ETFs offer several advantages over traditional mutual funds, including lower costs, greater transparency, and increased liquidity. As more investors embrace ETFs, SCNM can attract new assets and expand its market share. The fund's focus on municipal bonds and its active management approach can appeal to investors seeking specialized ETF strategies. This growth opportunity is ongoing and driven by the broader trend towards ETF investing.
What Are SCNM's Competitive Advantages?
- Expertise in municipal bond investing.
- Active management strategy to adapt to market conditions.
- Tax-advantaged income stream for investors.
- Established track record in the municipal bond market.
What Does SCNM Do?
Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund designed to provide investors with current income that is exempt from regular federal income taxes, while also focusing on capital preservation. The fund achieves this objective by investing primarily in municipal bonds of varying maturities. These municipal instruments generate interest income that is not subject to federal income tax, making the fund attractive to investors seeking tax-advantaged income streams. SCNM was created to offer a diversified portfolio of municipal bonds, managed by experienced professionals who actively adjust the fund's holdings based on market conditions and economic outlook. The fund's investment strategy involves a top-down approach, where the portfolio manager focuses on broader economic factors such as interest rates and credit quality to make informed investment decisions. SCNM may invest without limit in municipal instruments subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). The fund may invest up to 20% in other debt and fixed income investments. SCNM caps its investments rated below investment grade municipal instruments to 10% of assets. The fund may also invest in pooled investment vehicles, including other ETFs, and utilize derivatives to manage interest rate risk and enhance returns. The fund's target interest rate sensitivity is continually adjusted based on expected interest rate movements, allowing it to adapt to changing market conditions.
What Products and Services Does SCNM Offer?
- Invests in municipal bonds of any maturity.
- Seeks current income exempt from regular federal income taxes.
- Focuses on capital preservation.
- Employs a top-down approach, focusing on interest rates and credit quality.
- May invest in pooled vehicles, including ETFs.
- May employ derivatives to manage interest rate sensitivity.
How Does SCNM Make Money?
- Generates income from interest earned on municipal bond holdings.
- Actively manages portfolio to optimize returns and manage risk.
- Charges a management fee for its services.
What Industry Does SCNM Operate In?
The asset management industry is characterized by intense competition and evolving regulatory landscapes. ETFs like SCNM operate within this environment, offering investors diversified exposure to specific asset classes. The municipal bond market, in particular, is influenced by factors such as interest rate changes, credit ratings, and tax policies. As an actively managed ETF, SCNM seeks to outperform its benchmark by strategically adjusting its portfolio based on market conditions. The fund competes with other municipal bond ETFs and mutual funds, differentiating itself through its active management approach and focus on tax-exempt income.
Who Are SCNM's Key Customers?
- Individual investors seeking tax-exempt income.
- Financial advisors looking for municipal bond exposure for their clients.
- Institutional investors seeking diversified fixed-income investments.
SCNM Valuation & Market Position
With a $233M market cap, Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF sits in the micro-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, SCNM's quantitative score of 44/100 is below the peer average of 56/100.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF stands at 0.0%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 0.0%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. SCNM trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 0.00, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is 0.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.00 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is 0.0%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
SCNM Financials
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Active management allows for strategic adjustments based on market conditions.
- Focus on tax-exempt income is attractive to investors in high tax brackets.
- Diversified portfolio of municipal bonds reduces risk.
- Experienced portfolio management team.
Bear Case
- Active management fees may be higher than passively managed ETFs.
- Fund performance is dependent on the skill of the portfolio manager.
- Exposure to derivatives introduces additional complexity and risk.
- Limited investment in below-investment-grade municipal instruments may constrain returns.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · August 2026
SCNM Latest News
No recent news available for SCNM.
SCNM Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for SCNM.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for SCNM.
SCNM MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates SCNM 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: Hunter Horsley
CEO
Hunter Horsley is the CEO of Sterling Capital. Prior to this role, Horsley held various leadership positions within the financial services industry, focusing on investment management and portfolio strategy. He has extensive experience in fixed-income markets and a deep understanding of municipal bond investing. Horsley holds a degree in Finance from a leading university and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.
Track Record: Under Horsley's leadership, Sterling Capital has expanded its ETF offerings and enhanced its active management capabilities. He has overseen the implementation of strategic initiatives to improve fund performance and attract new investors. Horsley has also focused on strengthening the firm's risk management framework and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF Financial Services Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does the AI Score mean for SCNM?
SCNM holds an AI Score of 44/100 (Grade: C). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) is an actively managed fund focusing on tax-exempt income and capital preservation. The fund invests primarily in municipal bonds and may use …
What does Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF do?
Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund that invests primarily in municipal bonds. The fund's objective is to provide investors with current income that is exempt from regular federal income taxes, while also focusing on capital preservation. SCNM employs a top-down approach, focusing on interest rates and credit quality to make informed investment decisions.
What are the main risks for SCNM?
The main risks for SCNM include interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. Rising interest rates could negatively impact bond values, leading to losses for the fund. Credit downgrades of municipal bonds could also result in losses. Market risk refers to the potential for broader market downturns to negatively impact the fund's performance.
What are the key factors to evaluate for SCNM?
Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) holds an AI score of 44/100 (low). SCNM presents an investment opportunity for those seeking tax-exempt income through municipal bonds. Not financial advice.
How frequently does SCNM data refresh on this page?
SCNM's price was last updated on Aug 21, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven SCNM's recent stock price performance?
Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Active management allows for strategic adjustments based on market conditions. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider SCNM overvalued or undervalued right now?
Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM) has no trailing P/E available here, so lean on price-to-sales and cash flow in the Financials tab. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
How do I research SCNM before investing?
Before investing in Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) analyst consensus ratings and price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Why might investors consider adding SCNM to a portfolio?
Key strength of Sterling Capital National Municipal Bond ETF (SCNM): Active management allows for strategic adjustments based on market conditions. Weigh rewards against risks and diversify. Not financial advice.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- AI analysis pending for SCNM.
- Financial data is based on available information and may be subject to change.