Analyzing BARK (NYSE:BARK) and High Tide (NASDAQ:HITI)

BARK (NYSE:BARK) and High Tide (NASDAQ:HITI) are both small-cap consumer discretionary companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk, dividends and earnings.

Volatility & Risk

BARK has a beta of 1.98, indicating that its stock price is 98% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, High Tide has a beta of 0.56, indicating that its stock price is 44% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

28.8% of BARK shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 4.5% of High Tide shares are owned by institutional investors. 14.8% of BARK shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 12.4% of High Tide shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares BARK and High Tide”s top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
BARK	$370.80 million	0.20	-$32.34 million	($3.58)	-2.30
High Tide	$720.47 million	0.33	-$20.50 million	($0.23)	-11.61

High Tide has higher revenue and earnings than BARK. High Tide is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than BARK, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares BARK and High Tide’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
BARK	N/A	N/A	N/A
High Tide	N/A	N/A	N/A

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings for BARK and High Tide, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
BARK	1	2	2	0	2.20
High Tide	1	0	3	0	2.50

BARK presently has a consensus price target of $15.33, indicating a potential upside of 85.90%. High Tide has a consensus price target of $5.62, indicating a potential upside of 110.67%. Given High Tide’s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe High Tide is more favorable than BARK.

Summary

High Tide beats BARK on 7 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About BARK

BARK Inc., a dog-centric company, provides products, services, and content for dogs. It operates in two segments, Direct to Consumer and Commerce. The company serves dogs through monthly subscription services. It is also involved in the design of playstyle-specific toys, satisfying treats, personal meal plans with supplements, and dog-first experiences designed to foster health and happiness of dogs everywhere. In addition, the company offers monthly themed box of toys and treats under the BarkBox and Super Chewer names; personalized meal plans under the BARK Food name; health and wellness products under the BARK Bright name; and dog beds, bowls, collars, harnesses, and leashes under the BARK Home brand. Further, the company sells BARK Home products through BarkShop.com. Additionally, it offers custom collections through online marketplaces, and brick and mortar retailers. The company was formerly known as The Original BARK Company and changed its name to BARK, Inc. in November 2021. BARK Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

About High Tide

High Tide Inc. engages in the cannabis retail business in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Retail and Wholesale segments. It operates licensed retail cannabis stores; and provides data analytics services. In addition, the company manufactures and distributes consumption accessories. Further, it sells its products through online sales via e-commerce platform. The company offers its products under the Daily High Club, DankStop, FABCBD, GC, Nuleaf, Smoke Cartel, and Blessed CBD brands. The company was formerly known as High Tide Ventures Inc. and changed its name to High Tide Inc. in October 2018. High Tide Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.