Akerna Corp (KERN) Stock Analysis — March 2026
Executive Summary
Akerna Corp (NASDAQ: KERN) is a ancillary cannabis company currently priced at $6.27 per share with a market capitalization of $376.3M. The company generates trailing twelve-month revenue of $6.8M with a gross margin of 4.0% and year-over-year revenue growth of 0.00%. The stock trades on the NASDAQ exchange in the United States market, and is positioned as a mid-cap player within the cannabis sector.
Key Takeaways
Akerna Corp has a market cap of $376.3M, making it a mid-cap cannabis company listed on the NASDAQ.
Trailing twelve-month revenue is $6.8M with year-over-year growth of 0.0%. Declining revenue is a concern that warrants attention.
The company's gross margin stands at 4.0%. Low or negative margins raise questions about pricing power and cost structure.
Akerna Corp holds $0 in cash against $5.1M in debt, resulting in a net debt position of $5.1M and an estimated 0.0 months of cash runway.
The stock trades at a P/S ratio of 55.05x and EV/Revenue of 0.00x. Elevated multiples suggest the market is pricing in significant future growth.
At $6.27, the stock trades at 50% of its 52-week range ($6.27 – $6.27). The stock is trading mid-range, offering a balanced risk-reward profile.
The annual share dilution rate is 0.0%. Low dilution is a positive sign of disciplined capital management.
Akerna Corp Company Overview
Akerna Corp (NASDAQ: KERN) is a ancillary cannabis company currently trading at $6.27 per share with a market capitalization of $376.3M. The stock gained +24.64% in the most recent trading session on volume of 70.8K shares. Akerna Corp is headquartered in the United States and employs approximately 0 people. As a participant in the ancillary cannabis segment, the company operates within one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors of the North American economy.
On the revenue front, Akerna Corp generated $6.8M in trailing twelve-month (TTM) revenue, reflecting year-over-year growth of 0.0%. This growth rate is trailing the Ancillary sector average of 0.0%. Akerna Corp is marginally profitable at the gross level with a 4.0% gross margin, suggesting the company is covering its direct costs of goods sold but may face challenges scaling to full profitability. Revenue trends in the cannabis industry are closely watched by analysts, as the sector continues to navigate pricing compression, oversupply dynamics in certain markets, and the ongoing burden of IRS Section 280E, which prevents cannabis businesses from deducting ordinary business expenses at the federal level.
Financial Analysis
Akerna Corp generated $6.8M in trailing twelve-month revenue, reflecting year-over-year growth of 0.00%. The company's gross margin of 4.0% translates to approximately $274.8K in gross profit over the trailing twelve months. This margin profile places Akerna Corp in a challenging margin position, where the company covers its direct costs but faces pressure on operational profitability.
Revenue momentum is a critical metric for cannabis companies, as the industry continues to evolve through shifts in consumer demand, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics. Akerna Corp's revenue decline of 0.00% is a notable concern that may be attributable to market headwinds, competitive pressure, pricing compression, or strategic transitions. Investors should closely monitor whether this trend stabilizes or accelerates in coming quarters. The cannabis industry's profitability dynamics are heavily influenced by IRS Section 280E, which prevents plant-touching operators from deducting ordinary business expenses for federal income tax purposes, effectively creating tax rates that can exceed 70% of gross profit.
Valuation Analysis
From a valuation perspective, Akerna Corp trades at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 55.05x, which is above the sector median of 0.89x, suggesting the market is pricing in higher growth expectations or a premium for Akerna Corp's market position. The enterprise value-to-revenue (EV/Revenue) multiple stands at 0.00x. Cannabis stock valuations have compressed significantly from their 2021 highs, and current multiples reflect a more mature market environment where investors demand clear paths to profitability. For context, the broader Ancillary sector contains 12 publicly traded companies tracked by CannaCap, and Akerna Corp's valuation should be considered within the context of its specific growth profile and competitive positioning.
At a price-to-sales ratio of 55.05x and an enterprise value-to-revenue multiple of 0.00x, Akerna Corp's valuation reflects the market's current assessment of the company's growth potential and risk profile. Enterprise value — calculated as market capitalization plus total debt minus cash — stands at approximately $381.5M, providing a more complete picture of the company's total valuation when accounting for balance sheet items. Investors should compare these multiples against both direct sector peers and historical ranges to determine whether KERN is trading at a premium or discount.
Balance Sheet Deep Dive
Akerna Corp carries net debt of $5.1M, with $5.1M in total debt against $0 in cash and equivalents. At the current pace, the company has an estimated 0.0 months of cash remaining, making capital management a critical near-term priority. Access to capital remains a persistent challenge for cannabis companies, particularly plant-touching operators that are excluded from traditional banking services and institutional lending. Many cannabis companies have turned to sale-leaseback transactions, private placements, and at-the-market (ATM) equity offerings to fund operations. Akerna Corp's balance sheet should be evaluated with these industry-specific constraints in mind.
Akerna Corp carries a net debt position of $5.1M, with $5.1M in total debt exceeding $0 in cash and equivalents. The company has approximately 0 months of estimated cash runway, making capital management a key near-term priority. Investors should monitor the company's ability to service its debt obligations, improve operational cash flow, and potentially refinance existing obligations at favorable terms. In the cannabis industry, where access to traditional banking remains restricted, balance sheet strength is a critical differentiator.
The company's annual share dilution rate of 0.0% is relatively low, indicating disciplined capital management and reduced reliance on dilutive equity financing. Low dilution is a positive signal that the company is capable of funding operations through internal cash flows or non-dilutive sources. With 60.0M shares currently outstanding, any additional equity issuance directly impacts per-share metrics including earnings per share, book value per share, and ownership percentage.
Ancillary Cannabis Sector Context
Within the Ancillary Cannabis sector, Akerna Corp ranks #3 out of 12 companies by market capitalization, commanding a 6.0% share of the sector's total market cap of $6.27B. Ancillary cannabis companies provide products and services that support the cannabis industry without directly touching the plant. This includes hydroponics suppliers, packaging companies, technology platforms, consulting firms, and real estate services. The largest company in the sector by market cap is Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG) at $3.54B, followed by Turning Point Brands (TPB) at $1.73B.
By revenue, Akerna Corp ranks #9 in its sector with $6.8M in trailing twelve-month sales. The sector's top revenue generator is Scotts Miracle-Gro at $3.35B. Akerna Corp's gross margin of 4.0% compares to a sector average of 0.1%, placing it above the peer group midpoint. Revenue growth of 0.0% year-over-year reflects challenges that may include market headwinds, competitive pressure, or strategic transitions.
What distinguishes Akerna Corp within the Ancillary Cannabis space includes minimal share dilution at just 0.0% annually. These characteristics help define the company's competitive positioning and investment thesis relative to the 11 other Ancillary companies tracked by CannaCap. Investors comparing cannabis stocks within this sector should consider not just valuation multiples, but also balance sheet strength, management execution, and geographic or product diversification.
Historical Price Performance
Akerna Corp (KERN) currently trades at $6.27, which places the stock at approximately 50% of its 52-week trading range. Over the past twelve months, KERN has traded as high as $6.27 and as low as $6.27, representing a 0.0% spread between the yearly high and low. The current price sits 0.0% below the 52-week high and 0.0% above the 52-week low. This range provides important context for understanding the stock's recent volatility and where current levels fall within the broader price history.
In the most recent trading session, KERN rose +24.64% from a previous close of $5.03 to $6.27, on volume of 70.8K shares. This positive session represents a significant single-day move that may have been driven by company-specific news, sector-wide sentiment, or broader market dynamics. The stock has 60,000,000 shares outstanding, giving it a fully diluted market capitalization that investors should factor into their analysis alongside the current $376.3M market cap figure.
Cannabis stocks have historically exhibited significant price volatility driven by regulatory developments, earnings surprises, and shifts in market sentiment toward the sector. KERN is trading in the middle of its 52-week range, which suggests the stock has room to move in either direction based on fundamental catalysts. Historical price levels should be considered alongside fundamental data — including revenue trends, margin improvement, and balance sheet health — to form a complete investment thesis.
Investment Thesis
A balanced framework for evaluating Akerna Corp (KERN) as a potential investment, considering both the upside catalysts and downside risks based on the company's current financial data and industry positioning.
Revenue stabilization and potential for operational improvements could reignite top-line growth. With TTM revenue of $6.8M, even modest gains in market share or pricing power could meaningfully impact the company's financial trajectory and investor sentiment toward KERN.
Positive gross margin of 4.0% with room for expansion as the company scales operations and optimizes its cost structure. Industry-wide margin improvements driven by state-level regulatory maturation and potential federal reform (particularly the elimination of Section 280E) could provide a significant tailwind.
Federal cannabis reform — including potential rescheduling, banking access via the SAFE Banking Act, or eventual descheduling — would be a transformative catalyst for Akerna Corp and the entire cannabis sector. Any legislative progress could unlock institutional capital flows, improve banking access, and eliminate the Section 280E tax burden that suppresses profitability industry-wide.
Intensifying competition from both legal operators and the persistent illicit market could pressure Akerna Corp's revenue growth and margins. The cannabis industry remains highly fragmented, and market share gains are becoming increasingly difficult as more states award licenses and new competitors enter the market.
Net debt position of $5.1M with only 0 months of estimated cash runway creates financing risk. The company may need to raise additional capital through dilutive equity offerings or high-cost debt, which would further pressure per-share value and increase financial risk.
Regulatory uncertainty remains the single largest risk for Akerna Corp and all cannabis investments. Federal prohibition in the United States creates ongoing challenges including Section 280E tax burdens, limited interstate commerce, and the risk of enforcement actions. State-level regulatory changes, licensing moratoriums, and social equity requirements add additional layers of unpredictability that can materially impact the company's operations and growth plans.
Risk Factors
Key risks that investors should consider before investing in Akerna Corp (KERN). This is not an exhaustive list, and investors should conduct their own due diligence.
Regulatory & Legal Risk
Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, creating fundamental legal uncertainty for Akerna Corp and all plant-touching cannabis operators. Changes in federal enforcement policy, state regulatory frameworks, or local ordinances could materially impact the company's operations, licensing, and financial performance. The evolving patchwork of state regulations creates compliance complexity and limits the ability to operate across state lines.
Balance Sheet & Liquidity Risk
With $0 in cash against $5.1M in total debt and an estimated 0 months of cash runway, Akerna Corp faces potential liquidity constraints. The company may need to secure additional financing through equity raises (which dilute shareholders), debt issuance (which increases financial risk), or asset sales (which may reduce operational capacity). Cannabis companies' limited access to traditional banking further constrains available financing options.
Section 280E Tax Burden
Under IRS Section 280E, cannabis businesses are prohibited from deducting ordinary business expenses for federal income tax purposes. This effectively results in tax rates that can exceed 70% of gross profit for plant-touching operators, significantly reducing cash flow available for reinvestment and debt service. While potential rescheduling could eliminate this burden, the timeline and outcome remain uncertain, and Akerna Corp's profitability metrics should be evaluated with this tax overhang in mind.
Market & Competition Risk
The cannabis industry faces pricing pressure from oversupply in mature markets, competition from the illicit market (which avoids regulatory costs and taxation), and evolving consumer preferences. Akerna Corp competes for market share against both established operators and well-funded new entrants. Price compression in key markets has squeezed margins across the industry, and any worsening of these trends could materially impact the company's revenue and profitability outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Akerna Corp (KERN) stock, answered with real-time data from Cannabismarketcap.
What is Akerna Corp's (KERN) stock price today?
Akerna Corp (KERN) stock is currently trading at $6.27 per share on the NASDAQ exchange. This represents a daily gain of +24.64% ($1.24) from the previous closing price of $5.03. Over the past 52 weeks, KERN has traded between a low of $6.27 and a high of $6.27, placing the current price at approximately currently at its 52-week high from its annual high. The stock has a market capitalization of $376.3M, making it a notable cannabis-adjacent companies tracked by Cannabismarketcap. Akerna Corp operates in the Ancillary sector, serving the broader cannabis industry.
What is Akerna Corp's market capitalization?
Akerna Corp (KERN) has a current market capitalization of $376.3M, calculated by multiplying its 60.0M shares outstanding by the current stock price of $6.27. Market capitalization is a key measure of a company's total equity value as perceived by the public market, and it places Akerna Corp among the mid-cap cannabis companies tracked on Cannabismarketcap. For context, the enterprise value (market cap plus debt minus cash) stands at $381.5M, which accounts for the company's balance sheet structure. Investors often use market cap alongside revenue and profitability metrics to assess relative valuation within the cannabis sector.
Is Akerna Corp profitable?
Akerna Corp (KERN) currently reports a gross margin of 4.0%, which means the company retains 4.0 cents of every revenue dollar after direct costs of goods sold. On trailing twelve month revenue of $6.8M, this translates to an estimated gross profit of approximately $274.8K. Profitability is a critical factor in the cannabis industry, where many companies are still investing heavily in growth and regulatory compliance. Investors should review the full income statement, cash flow trends, and operating expense breakdown on Cannabismarketcap for a complete picture of Akerna Corp's financial health.
What is Akerna Corp's annual revenue?
Akerna Corp (KERN) reports trailing twelve month (TTM) revenue of $6.8M, reflecting the total sales generated by the company over the most recent four quarters. The current price-to-sales ratio is 55.05x, which means investors are paying $55.05 for every $1 of annual revenue — a premium valuation in the context of the cannabis sector. Revenue is one of the most closely watched metrics for cannabis companies, as many are still scaling operations in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. View the full income statement and quarterly revenue breakdown on Cannabismarketcap for detailed trend analysis.
What are Akerna Corp's key financial metrics?
Akerna Corp (KERN) reports several important financial metrics that investors track closely. The company has a market capitalization of $376.3M, trailing twelve month revenue of $6.8M, and a gross margin of 4.0%. On the balance sheet, Akerna Corp holds $0 in cash and equivalents against $5.1M in total debt, resulting in a debt-to-market-cap ratio of 0.01x. The price-to-sales ratio stands at 55.05x, while the enterprise value to revenue multiple is N/A. With 60.0M shares outstanding, investors should consider both the fundamental financial performance and share structure when evaluating KERN.
What exchange is KERN listed on?
Akerna Corp trades under the ticker symbol KERN on the NASDAQ exchange, and the stock is denominated in US dollars (USD). Shares can typically be purchased through most standard brokerage accounts. The stock sees average daily trading volume of approximately 70.8K shares, which is an important consideration for liquidity and the ability to enter or exit positions without significant price impact.
What sector is Akerna Corp in?
Akerna Corp is classified as a Ancillary company within the cannabis industry, meaning it provides supporting products, services, or technology to the cannabis industry without directly handling the plant. The Ancillary sector is a key segment of the cannabis market, and investors often compare companies within the same sector to identify relative outperformers. You can compare KERN with other Ancillary stocks on Cannabismarketcap's sector page to see how it ranks on metrics like market cap, revenue, and margins.
What is Akerna Corp's gross margin?
Akerna Corp (KERN) has a gross margin of 4.0%, which represents the percentage of revenue the company retains after paying for the direct cost of goods sold. On trailing twelve month revenue of $6.8M, this translates to an estimated gross profit of approximately $274.8K. Gross margin is a critical profitability indicator in the cannabis industry, where companies face unique cost pressures from regulatory compliance, testing requirements, and the tax burden of IRC Section 280E (which prevents cannabis companies from deducting standard business expenses). A thin gross margin like Akerna Corp's suggests the company has pricing power and operational efficiency relative to peers.
How does KERN compare to other cannabis stocks?
You can compare Akerna Corp (KERN) side-by-side with any cannabis stock on Cannabismarketcap using the dedicated comparison tool. Key comparison metrics include market cap ($376.3M), trailing twelve month revenue ($6.8M), gross margin (4.0%), and price-to-sales ratio (55.05x). Akerna Corp sits in the Ancillary sector, so the most relevant peer comparisons would be against other Ancillary companies, though cross-sector comparisons can also reveal interesting insights about relative valuation. Visit the rankings page to see where KERN stands across all cannabis companies on metrics like revenue growth (0.00% YoY), cash position ($0), and employee count (N/A).
What is KERN's 52-week trading range?
Akerna Corp (KERN) has traded between a 52-week low of $6.27 and a 52-week high of $6.27, with the current price of $6.27 sitting approximately currently at its 52-week high from the annual high. This range represents a spread of $0.00 (0% from low to high), which reflects the volatility the stock has experienced over the past year. The 52-week range is a commonly used technical indicator that helps investors understand whether a stock is trading near the top or bottom of its recent range, and it can inform decisions about entry and exit points. Cannabis stocks in general tend to exhibit higher volatility than broader market indices due to evolving regulations and market sentiment.
How does Akerna Corp's valuation compare to cannabis industry peers?
Akerna Corp (KERN) is valued at a market capitalization of $376.3M with a price-to-sales ratio of 55.05x, and an enterprise value of $381.5M. In the cannabis industry, valuations can vary significantly depending on sector (MSO, LP, Ancillary, etc.), growth rate, and path to profitability. Akerna Corp's current revenue trajectory of 0.00% YoY may result in a lower valuation relative to faster-growing peers. Investors can use the Cannabismarketcap rankings and comparison tools to benchmark KERN against specific competitors on valuation multiples, growth rates, and profitability.
What is Akerna Corp's enterprise value?
Akerna Corp (KERN) has an estimated enterprise value (EV) of $381.5M, which is calculated by taking the market capitalization of $376.3M, adding total debt of $5.1M, and subtracting cash and equivalents of $0. Enterprise value is widely considered a more comprehensive measure of a company's total value than market cap alone because it accounts for the capital structure, including debt obligations and available liquidity. For cannabis companies in particular, where balance sheet health varies dramatically, enterprise value provides a more accurate picture of acquisition cost and relative valuation.
Is Akerna Corp stock overvalued or undervalued?
Determining whether Akerna Corp (KERN) is overvalued or undervalued requires analyzing multiple valuation metrics in context. The current price-to-sales ratio of 55.05x is on the higher end for cannabis stocks, which could indicate overvaluation unless justified by exceptional growth prospects. The stock is currently trading at $6.27, which is currently at its 52-week high from its 52-week high of $6.27, with a gross margin of 4.0%. Investors should consider the company's enterprise value of $381.5M, its cash position of $0, and the broader cannabis industry outlook when forming a valuation opinion. Cannabismarketcap provides all the data needed for a thorough analysis, but this information should not be considered investment advice.
What are the risks of investing in Akerna Corp?
Investing in Akerna Corp (KERN) carries several risks that investors should carefully consider. First, the cannabis industry remains federally illegal in the United States, creating regulatory uncertainty that can impact stock prices, banking access, and tax obligations (notably IRC Section 280E). Second, Akerna Corp's balance sheet shows $5.1M in total debt against $0 in cash, which investors should monitor for dilution risk or liquidity concerns. Additionally, the stock has shown a 52-week range of $6.27 to $6.27, reflecting meaningful price volatility. As with all cannabis stocks, investors face risks from changing state regulations, competitive pressures, and the evolving legal landscape. This information is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice.
What is Akerna Corp's cash position and debt level?
Akerna Corp (KERN) holds $0 in cash and equivalents on its balance sheet, set against $5.1M in total debt. This gives the company a net debt position of $5.1M. Balance sheet strength is especially important in the cannabis industry, where companies often face limited access to traditional banking and capital markets. Investors should track these metrics over time on Cannabismarketcap to identify trends in cash consumption and debt management.
How many shares outstanding does Akerna Corp have?
Akerna Corp (KERN) currently has 60.0M shares outstanding, which when multiplied by the current stock price of $6.27 gives the company its market capitalization of $376.3M. Share count is important because all per-share metrics (earnings per share, book value per share, etc.) are directly impacted by changes in shares outstanding. Cannabis companies frequently issue new shares to raise capital, so monitoring dilution trends on Cannabismarketcap is recommended for long-term investors.
Does Akerna Corp pay a dividend?
Most cannabis companies, including Akerna Corp (KERN), do not currently pay dividends. The cannabis industry is still in a growth phase, and companies typically reinvest available capital into expanding operations, securing new licenses, building out retail and cultivation infrastructure, and navigating complex regulatory requirements. Additionally, the IRC Section 280E tax burden significantly reduces the free cash flow available for shareholder distributions. Investors in cannabis stocks should generally expect returns to come from capital appreciation rather than dividend income. If Akerna Corp initiates a dividend in the future, it would be reported in their SEC filings and reflected on Cannabismarketcap.
How can I research Akerna Corp stock before investing?
To research Akerna Corp (KERN) before investing, start with the company overview on Cannabismarketcap, which provides current price ($6.27), market cap ($376.3M), and key financial metrics. Next, review the full financial statements page for quarterly revenue trends, margins, and balance sheet details. Check the analyst ratings page for Wall Street consensus and price targets, and the technical analysis page for chart patterns and momentum indicators. Compare KERN against sector peers using the comparison tool to understand relative valuation. Review recent news coverage for regulatory developments or corporate events. Finally, read the investment analysis page for a comprehensive deep-dive. Cannabis investing carries unique risks including federal illegality, regulatory uncertainty, and limited banking access — always conduct thorough due diligence before making any investment decision.
What does Akerna Corp's market cap of $376.3M mean?
Akerna Corp's market capitalization of $376.3M represents the total market value of all its outstanding shares (60.0M shares multiplied by the current stock price of $6.27). Market cap is the primary measure investors use to classify companies by size: mid-cap companies ($100M–$1B) like Akerna Corp offer a balance between growth potential and stability. In the cannabis sector, market cap is especially important because it determines index weighting, institutional investment eligibility, and often correlates with the company's operational scale and geographic reach. Akerna Corp currently ranks # among cannabis stocks tracked on Cannabismarketcap.
What regulatory risks does Akerna Corp face?
Akerna Corp (KERN), like all cannabis companies, faces significant regulatory risks that investors should understand. At the federal level, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, which restricts banking access, prevents standard business expense deductions under IRC Section 280E, and creates legal uncertainty. Akerna Corp is subject to the evolving regulatory landscape across the jurisdictions where it operates. Potential catalysts include federal rescheduling (which could ease 280E burdens), the SAFE Banking Act (which would improve banking access), and individual state legalization events. Conversely, regulatory setbacks such as license moratoriums, increased enforcement, or unfavorable tax policy changes pose downside risks. Investors should monitor legislative developments closely using Cannabismarketcap's news and legalization tracker.
More KERN Research & Data
KERN price, chart & key stats
Revenue, earnings & balance sheet
Quarterly earnings & EPS trends
Historical price & volume chart
Step-by-step buying guide
Side-by-side peer comparison
Detailed investment thesis & outlook
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