Akerna Corp. (KERN)
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.
Akerna Corp. (KERN) trades at $0.31 with AI Score 43/100 (Grade C). Akerna Corp. provides enterprise software solutions for regulatory compliance and inventory management, primarily serving the cannabis, hemp, and CBD industries. Market cap: $162,320, Sector: Healthcare.
Price live · AI analysis from May 9, 2026Analyst Coverage for KERN: KERN 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 KERN against Healthcare peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
KERN: the 1 perspectives are evenly split.
How is this calculated? →Akerna Corp. (KERN) Healthcare & Pipeline Overview
Akerna Corp. delivers regulatory compliance and inventory management software solutions for the cannabis, hemp, and CBD industries. Its MJ Platform and Leaf Data Systems offer seed-to-sale tracking and reporting, positioning it as a key enabler for businesses navigating complex regulatory landscapes in the burgeoning cannabis market.
What Is the Investment Thesis for KERN?
Akerna Corp. operates in the rapidly growing cannabis industry, providing essential software solutions for regulatory compliance and inventory management. The increasing legalization of cannabis in various states and countries presents a significant growth opportunity for the company. Akerna's MJ Platform and Leaf Data Systems are critical for businesses navigating complex regulatory frameworks. However, the company's negative profit margin of -63.4% raises concerns about its financial sustainability. Future catalysts include further cannabis legalization and expansion into new markets. Investors should closely monitor Akerna's ability to improve profitability and capitalize on the growing demand for compliance solutions in the cannabis industry.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
KERN Key Highlights
- Akerna Corp. operates in the rapidly expanding cannabis software market, driven by increasing legalization and demand for compliance solutions.
- The company's MJ Platform and Leaf Data Systems provide essential tracking, reporting, and compliance tools for cannabis businesses and regulatory bodies.
- Akerna's gross margin of 52.9% indicates a strong ability to generate revenue from its software offerings.
- The company's beta of 2.79 suggests high volatility compared to the overall market.
- Akerna's negative profit margin of -63.4% highlights the need for improved cost management and revenue generation.
Who Are KERN's Competitors?
KERN is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARL CARLSMED, INC. | $11.90 | +4.94% | $323.50M | 70 |
| HNGE Hinge Health, Inc. | $89.42 | +6.39% | $6.92B | 68 |
| VRHI Veri Medtech Holdings Inc. | $1.95 | +0.00% | $39.09M | 67 |
| AKLI Akili, Inc. | $0.43 | +0.25% | $34.10M | 67 |
| RCM R1 RCM Inc. | $14.31 | +0.00% | $6.04B | 54 |
| BFRG Bullfrog AI Holdings, Inc. Common Stock | $0.72 | +3.54% | $8.46M | 54 |
| CERN Cerner Corporation | $94.92 | +0.00% | 54 | |
| CRVW CareView Communications, Inc. | $0.05 | -8.31% | $30.65M | 54 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are KERN's Key Strengths?
- Comprehensive software solutions for the cannabis industry
- Established customer base
- Expertise in cannabis regulations
What Are KERN's Weaknesses?
- Negative profit margin
- High beta indicating high volatility
- Limited financial resources
What Could Drive KERN Stock Higher?
- Further legalization of cannabis in additional states and countries, expanding Akerna's potential market.
- Increasing demand for regulatory compliance and inventory management solutions in the cannabis industry.
- Development of new software solutions and enhancements to existing products.
What Are the Key Risks for KERN?
- Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of -0.32 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Negative return on equity (-16.6%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.
- Weak fundamentals — a Piotroski F-Score of 1/9 flags soft profitability, leverage or efficiency.
- Increasing competition from other software providers in the cannabis industry.
- Evolving regulations that could impact the demand for Akerna's software solutions.
- Economic downturn that could reduce spending on software and consulting services.
- Akerna's negative profit margin raises concerns about its financial sustainability.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for KERN?
- Expansion into New Geographic Markets: As more states and countries legalize cannabis, Akerna has the opportunity to expand its market reach and offer its software solutions to new customers. The global cannabis market is projected to reach $57 billion by 2027, presenting a significant growth opportunity for Akerna. Successfully entering new markets requires adapting to local regulations and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Development of New Software Solutions: Akerna can expand its product offerings by developing new software solutions that address emerging needs in the cannabis industry. This could include solutions for supply chain management, customer relationship management (CRM), or data analytics. The market for cannabis software is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by the increasing complexity of the industry.
- Partnerships and Acquisitions: Akerna can accelerate its growth by forming strategic partnerships with other companies in the cannabis industry or acquiring complementary businesses. This could provide access to new markets, technologies, or customers. Potential partners include cannabis cultivators, processors, retailers, and regulatory bodies.
- Enhancement of Existing Products: Akerna can improve its existing software solutions by adding new features and functionality. This could include enhancements to the MJ Platform, such as improved reporting capabilities, enhanced security features, or integration with other software systems. Continuous product improvement is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving cannabis software market.
- Data Analytics and Business Intelligence: Akerna can leverage its data analytics capabilities to provide valuable insights to its customers. This could include providing data on market trends, consumer behavior, and operational efficiency. The market for cannabis data analytics is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making in the industry.
What Opportunities Does KERN Have?
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Development of new software solutions
- Partnerships and acquisitions
What Threats Does KERN Face?
- Increasing competition
- Evolving regulations
- Economic downturn
What Are KERN's Competitive Advantages?
- Regulatory Expertise: Akerna's deep understanding of cannabis regulations provides a competitive advantage.
- Established Customer Base: The company has an established customer base in the cannabis industry.
- Comprehensive Software Solutions: Akerna offers a comprehensive suite of software solutions for the cannabis industry.
What Does KERN Do?
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Akerna Corp. has established itself as a provider of enterprise software solutions tailored for the cannabis, hemp, and CBD industries. The company's core offering is the MJ Platform, a comprehensive software suite designed to enable regulatory compliance and streamline inventory management for businesses operating in these sectors. This platform provides tracking, reporting, and compliance tools essential for cultivators, processors, sellers, and clinics. Akerna also offers Leaf Data Systems, a government regulatory software used by state and local agencies to monitor and regulate the cannabis industry. Beyond its core platforms, Akerna provides consulting services to cannabis businesses, offering expertise in navigating the complex regulatory landscape. The company also offers business intelligence, data analytics, and other software-related services to help businesses optimize their operations and make data-driven decisions. Additionally, Akerna provides Last Call Analytics, a tool designed for alcohol brands to analyze their retail sales data. Akerna's seed-to-sale platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for tracking, reporting, and compliance, catering to the entire cannabis supply chain. The company's solutions are utilized across the United States and Canada, reflecting its geographic reach and market penetration.
What Products and Services Does KERN Offer?
- Provides enterprise software solutions for the cannabis, hemp, and CBD industries.
- Offers the MJ Platform for regulatory compliance and inventory management.
- Develops Leaf Data Systems, a government regulatory software.
- Provides consulting services to cannabis businesses.
- Offers business intelligence and data analytics services.
- Provides Last Call Analytics for alcohol brands to analyze retail sales data.
- Operates a seed-to-sale platform for tracking, reporting, and compliance.
How Does KERN Make Money?
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Akerna generates revenue through subscription fees for its software platforms, such as MJ Platform and Leaf Data Systems.
- Consulting Services: The company provides consulting services to cannabis businesses, generating revenue through project-based fees.
- Data Analytics: Akerna offers data analytics services, generating revenue through subscription or usage-based fees.
What Industry Does KERN Operate In?
Akerna Corp. operates within the healthcare information services sector, specifically targeting the cannabis industry. The cannabis market is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing legalization and changing consumer attitudes. This growth is driving demand for software solutions that enable regulatory compliance, inventory management, and data analytics. Akerna competes with other software providers offering similar solutions, as well as companies providing broader enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The industry is characterized by evolving regulations and increasing competition, requiring companies to adapt and innovate to maintain their market position.
Who Are KERN's Key Customers?
- Cannabis cultivators
- Cannabis processors
- Cannabis retailers
- Government regulatory bodies
Akerna Corp. (KERN) Valuation Context
Valued at 162K, KERN is classified as a micro-cap stock. Relative to its peer group, KERN's quantitative score of 43/100 is below the peer average of 65/100.
ROE -17%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Akerna Corp. stands at -16.6%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -6.1%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. A current ratio of 0.13 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is -25.1%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
F-Score 1/9Financial Health
Akerna Corp.'s Piotroski F-Score is 1/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — flagging fundamental weakness worth scrutiny. Its Altman Z-Score of -0.32 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
KERN Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Comprehensive software solutions for the cannabis industry
- Established customer base
- Expertise in cannabis regulations
- Upcoming: Further legalization of cannabis in additional states and countries, expanding Akerna's potential market.
Bear Case
- Negative profit margin
- High beta indicating high volatility
- Limited financial resources
- Potential: Increasing competition from other software providers in the cannabis industry.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · July 2026
KERN Latest News
No recent news available for KERN.
KERN Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for KERN.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for KERN.
KERN MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates KERN's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Jessica Billingsley
CEO
Jessica Billingsley is the CEO of Akerna Corp. She has been a pioneer in the cannabis industry, advocating for its growth and development. With a background in technology and entrepreneurship, she has led Akerna in providing software solutions for regulatory compliance and inventory management. Her expertise in navigating the complex regulatory landscape has been instrumental in Akerna's success. She is a recognized leader in the cannabis technology space.
Track Record: Under Jessica Billingsley's leadership, Akerna has established itself as a provider of software solutions for the cannabis industry. She has overseen the development of the MJ Platform and Leaf Data Systems, which are used by businesses and regulatory bodies. Her strategic decisions have positioned Akerna to capitalize on the growing demand for compliance solutions in the cannabis market.
Common Questions About KERN (Healthcare)
What does Akerna Corp. do?
Akerna Corp. provides enterprise software solutions for businesses operating in the cannabis, hemp, and CBD industries. The company's core offering is the MJ Platform, a comprehensive software suite designed to enable regulatory compliance and streamline inventory management. Akerna also offers Leaf Data Systems, a government regulatory software used by state and local agencies to monitor and regulate the cannabis industry. In addition, Akerna provides consulting services, business intelligence, and data analytics services to help businesses optimize their operations and make data-driven decisions.
What do analysts say about KERN stock?
Analyst coverage of Akerna Corp. is limited, reflecting the company's small market capitalization and focus on the niche cannabis software market. Given the company's negative profit margin and high beta, analysts may express caution about its financial sustainability and volatility. However, the increasing legalization of cannabis and the growing demand for compliance solutions could be seen as positive factors. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consider their risk tolerance before investing in Akerna.
What are the main risks for KERN?
Akerna Corp. faces several risks, including increasing competition from other software providers, evolving regulations that could impact demand for its solutions, and an economic downturn that could reduce spending on software and consulting services. The company's negative profit margin is a significant concern, as it raises questions about its financial sustainability. Additionally, the cannabis industry is subject to regulatory uncertainty, which could impact Akerna's business prospects. Investors should carefully consider these risks before investing in Akerna.
How does Akerna's MJ Platform address the unique regulatory challenges in the cannabis industry?
Akerna's MJ Platform is designed to address the complex and evolving regulatory landscape of the cannabis industry. It provides tools for tracking inventory, managing compliance requirements, and generating reports for regulatory bodies. The platform helps businesses navigate the varying regulations across different states and countries, ensuring they remain compliant with local laws. By automating compliance processes, the MJ Platform reduces the risk of regulatory violations and helps businesses operate efficiently in a highly regulated environment. This is particularly important as regulations become more stringent and enforcement increases.
What are the key growth opportunities for KERN in the healthcare information services sector?
Akerna's growth opportunities in the healthcare information services sector are primarily tied to the expansion of the legal cannabis market. As more states and countries legalize cannabis, the demand for regulatory compliance and inventory management solutions will increase. Akerna can capitalize on this trend by expanding its geographic reach, developing new software solutions, and forming strategic partnerships. The company can also leverage its data analytics capabilities to provide valuable insights to cannabis businesses, helping them optimize their operations and make data-driven decisions. Successfully executing these strategies will be crucial for Akerna to achieve sustainable growth in the healthcare information services sector.
What are the key factors to evaluate for KERN?
Akerna Corp. (KERN) holds an AI score of 43/100 (low). Not financial advice.
How frequently does KERN data refresh on this page?
KERN prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven KERN's recent stock price performance?
Akerna Corp. (KERN) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Comprehensive software solutions for the cannabis industry. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
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.
- Financial data is limited and may not be fully up-to-date.
- Analyst coverage is limited, and consensus estimates may not be reliable.
- The cannabis industry is subject to regulatory uncertainty, which could impact Akerna's business prospects.