BARK (BARK) plans $28M cost savings and pursues $15M in tariff refunds

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

BARK, Inc. reported significant cost-cutting moves and a possible benefit from tariff refunds. The company completed fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 initiatives expected to generate up to $28 million in annualized cost savings, mainly from workforce reductions, operating efficiencies, automation, and a smaller corporate office footprint.

BARK also highlighted potential refunds of tariffs previously paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. It has paid about $15.4 million in incremental tariffs, including $10.5 million recorded in cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. Refund timing and amounts remain uncertain due to ongoing administrative implementation and possible further legal proceedings.

Insights

Equity analyst

BARK outlines sizable cost cuts and uncertain but potentially meaningful tariff refunds.

BARK expects up to $28 million in annualized savings from workforce reductions, operating efficiencies, automation, and office downsizing. These measures aim to improve profitability, free cash flow, and better match its cost structure to current business needs.

The company has paid about $15.4 million in IEEPA tariffs, with $10.5 million in cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. A recent Supreme Court ruling and subsequent court order support refunds, but actual recovery depends on customs implementation and any additional legal steps.

Overall impact hinges on how fully BARK realizes the targeted savings and whether tariff refunds are received. The company signals continued focus on profitability, cash generation, and selective investment in revenue growth, but the filing does not provide updated financial guidance around these actions.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date Earliest Event Reported):

March 23, 2026

BARK, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

001-39691

85-1872418

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

20 Jay Street, Suite 940 Brooklyn, NY

11201 (Zip Code)

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(855) 501-2275

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐			Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐			Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐			Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐			Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e- 4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001

BARK

New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

On March 23, 2026, BARK, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release providing an update on the Company’s recent cost reduction initiatives and the status of potential refunds of tariffs previously paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit No.						Description
99.1						Press release dated as of March 23, 2026
104						Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

BARK, Inc.
By:			/s/ Allison Koehler
			Name: Allison Koehler
			Title: Chief Legal Officer

Date: March 23, 2026

BARK Announces Up To $28 million in Annual Savings Due to Cost Reduction Initiatives and Potential for Approximately $15 million in IEEPA Tariff Refunds

NEW YORK, March 23, 2026 — BARK, Inc. (NYSE: BARK) (“BARK” or the “Company”), a leading dog brand with a mission to make all dogs happy, today provided an update on the Company’s recent cost reduction initiatives and the status of potential refunds of tariffs previously paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”).

Cost Reduction Initiatives

BARK has completed a series of cost reduction initiatives during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026 as part of a broader effort to improve operating efficiency, and drive profitability and free cash flow of the business. The measures are designed to align the Company’s cost structure with current business needs. The Company expects these actions to result in up to $28 million of annualized cost savings, consisting of:

•Approximately $26 million from workforce, operating efficiencies across sales & marketing and general & administrative, through:

◦Targeted headcount reductions and attrition

◦Increased use of automation, including Artificial Intelligence tools

◦Streamlined utilization of external and offshore partners

•Approximately $2 million from a reduction in corporate office footprint

The Company remains focused on executing its mission and strategic goals, continuing to strengthen its profitability and cash generation, and investing in revenue growth.

“Over the past few months, we conducted a comprehensive review of the business with the goal of streamlining our cost structure that leverages our investments in Artificial Intelligence technologies and key strategic relationships,” said Matt Meeker, Chief Executive Officer of BARK. “These changes are focused on improving our operational effectiveness and further strengthening our bottom line. While the workforce reductions were difficult because they impact our colleagues and friends, who have worked hard to support BARK and its customers, we believe these changes position BARK to operate more efficiently and improve cash generation going forward. We remain focused on executing against our core priorities and strengthening the business over the long term.”

Potential IEEPA Tariff Refunds

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under IEEPA were not legally authorized. The matter was remanded to the U.S. Court of International Trade, which subsequently ordered IEEPA tariff refunds to be paid. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced plans to implement a system to process these refunds, with a target launch date of late April 2026.

To date, BARK has paid approximately $15.4 million in incremental tariffs, with $10.5 million allocated to cost of goods sold for the Company’s fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.

The timing and amount of any IEEPA tariff refunds remain uncertain and are subject to administrative implementation, including the development and deployment of the refund processing system, as well as the potential for further legal proceedings or appeals. The Company intends to maintain all legal and administrative rights to the recovery of IEEPA tariffs paid, however, there is no assurance as to the timing or amount of any recovery.

About BARK

BARK is the world’s most dog-centric company, devoted to making all dogs happy with the best products, food, services, and content. BARK’s dog-obsessed team leverages its unique, data-driven understanding of what makes each dog special to design playstyle-specific toys, wildly satisfying treats, dog-first experiences that foster the health and happiness of dogs everywhere, and more. Founded in 2011, BARK loyally serves millions of dogs nationwide with BarkBox and Super Chewer, its themed toys and treats subscriptions; custom product collections through its retail partner network, including Target, Chewy, and Amazon; BARK in the Belly, a premium dog food and consumables line that donates 100% of food profits to fight canine hunger; and BARK Air, the first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first. At BARK, we want to make dogs as happy as they make us because dogs and humans are better together. Sniff around at bark.co for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding anticipated cost

savings and timing and amount of potential tariff refunds, that are based on the Company’s current expectations, forecasts and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” "anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Actual results and outcomes could differ materially from any results or outcomes made or implied in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks and information included under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026, copies of which may be obtained by visiting the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://investors.bark.co/ or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release, which are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

Contacts

Investors:

investors@barkbox.com

Media:

press@barkbox.com

FAQ

What cost savings did BARK (BARK) announce in its March 23, 2026 update?

BARK expects up to $28 million in annualized cost savings from fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 initiatives. Savings come mainly from workforce reductions, operating efficiencies in sales, marketing and G&A, increased automation, and a smaller corporate office footprint aimed at improving profitability and cash generation.

How is BARK (BARK) achieving the $28 million in annual savings?

BARK targets about $26 million in savings from headcount reductions, operating efficiencies, and automation, plus roughly $2 million from reducing its corporate office footprint. These actions are intended to align its cost structure with current business needs and strengthen profitability and free cash flow.

What is the potential financial impact of IEEPA tariff refunds for BARK (BARK)?

BARK has paid approximately $15.4 million in incremental IEEPA tariffs, including $10.5 million in cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. Court rulings support refunds, but the timing and amount of any recovery remain uncertain due to administrative and legal factors.

Why are BARK’s IEEPA tariff refunds uncertain despite court orders?

Although courts ordered IEEPA tariff refunds and U.S. Customs plans a refund system, BARK notes timing and amounts remain uncertain. Outcomes depend on administrative implementation of the refund process and the potential for further legal proceedings or appeals affecting recovery.

How do BARK’s cost reductions affect its strategic priorities?

BARK states the cost reductions are designed to improve operational effectiveness, profitability, and cash generation while still supporting its mission and strategic goals. Management indicates it will continue investing in revenue growth even as it streamlines operations and leverages automation and strategic relationships.

What legal developments led to potential tariff refunds relevant to BARK (BARK)?

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled tariffs imposed under IEEPA were not legally authorized. The case was remanded, and the U.S. Court of International Trade ordered refunds, prompting U.S. Customs to plan a refund processing system targeting launch in late April 2026.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

5 documents

Press Releases

• EX-99.1 EX-99.1 11.9 KB

Other Documents

• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA DOCUMENT 2.9 KB
• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT 15.3 KB
• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE DOCUMENT 27.9 KB
• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT 15.9 KB