BARK Q1 Earnings Call Highlights

Q1 revenue reached $78.8 million , at the high end of guidance, while adjusted EBITDA rose to approximately $600,000 from $100,000 a year earlier. BARK ended the quarter with $16.1 million in cash and no debt. Direct-to-consumer revenue declined because of a smaller subscriber base, but retention improved by more than 170 basis points, average order value increased, and management remains confident the segment will return to growth in the second half of fiscal 2027. BARK expects stronger commerce performance during the holiday season, supported by new products and partnerships including Licksters, expanded Crocs offerings and a Liquid Death collaboration. The company forecast Q2 revenue of $83 million to $85 million and adjusted EBITDA of $1 million to $3 million.

BARK NYSE: BARK reported fiscal first-quarter 2027 revenue at the high end of its guidance range, while management pointed to improving subscriber retention, higher average order values and expected growth in its commerce business heading into the holiday season. Revenue totaled $78.8 million, compared with $102.9 million in the prior-year period. The company had guided for first-quarter revenue of $77 million to $79 million. Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $600,000, within its outlook of $0 million to $1 million and up from $100,000 a year earlier.

“Our first quarter results reflect continued profitability alongside underlying momentum in the parts of the business we are most focused on growing,” Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Matt Meeker said during the earnings call. Direct-to-Consumer Metrics Show Improvement Total direct-to-consumer revenue was $66.7 million in the quarter. That figure included $3.2 million from BARK Air, up 37% year over year. Excluding BARK Air, direct-to-consumer revenue was $63.5 million, down from $86.8 million in the prior-year quarter. Interim Chief Financial Officer Brian Dostie said the decline reflected the smaller subscriber base BARK entered the year with after the company reduced marketing and promotional spending during fiscal 2026. Direct-to-consumer orders declined about 28% year over year, while average order value increased by $0.45. Meeker said subscriber retention improved by more than 170 basis points from the prior-year quarter, and that the lifetime value of a BarkBox subscriber was near its highest level since the company became public. He said the company remains at the same level of confidence in its plan to return its direct-to-consumer business to growth in the second half of the year. “The revenue decline is a volume story tied to the smaller base, and the per order economics continue to improve,” Dostie said.

Commerce revenue was $12.1 million, down 11% from the prior-year period. Management characterized the segment as seasonal and “lumpy,” noting that some activity that may have occurred in the first quarter shifted into the previous fourth quarter. Meeker said BARK expects commerce revenue to increase meaningfully as it approaches the holiday season. The company plans to launch products through the Girl Scout Cookie program this winter and cited expansion with both current and new retail, wholesale and marketplace partners. The company also highlighted several upcoming product launches: Licksters: A new enrichment toy and treat-refill platform that is being introduced to subscribers and is expected to roll out at Target, PetSmart, Walmart, Amazon and Chewy in the fall. Crocs for Dogs: BARK plans to expand its Crocs partnership in October 2026 with toys, beds, accessories and additio...