Why Beyond Meat Stock Fell 24% in March

Shares of Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) were going from bad to worse last month as the struggling plant-based meat stock reacted to the broader market pullback and risk-off sentiment in response to the Iran war, and the company said it would miss its deadline to file its annual 10-K report.

In addition to serious problems in the business, investors now have to worry about accounting inconsistencies. By the end of the month, the stock was down 24%, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.

As you can see from the chart below, the stock fell over most of the month before bouncing on the broad-market surge on March 31.

BYND data by YCharts

What happened with Beyond Meat

The biggest news out on Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) last month was that the company had to delay its fourth-quarter earnings report and its 10-K filing.

Beyond Meat said it identified a material weakness in its financial reporting related to controls associated with the accounting for its inventory position. It identified material errors in the first three quarters of the year, including an understatement of cost of goods sold and certain selling, general, and administrative expenses.

The company also said it would delay its 10-K filing to give it the necessary time to review its inventory, including the provision of excess and obsolete inventory.

Beyond Meat had said it would file its 10-K before March 31, but as of April 2, it had still not filed it.

Elsewhere, the company announced that the Beyond Meat breakfast sandwich has returned to Starbucks U.K., a positive sign for demand for its products at a time when the company could desperately use one.

Beyond Meat is still shrinking

Beyond Meat reported fourth-quarter earnings after hours on March 31, and the stock plunged the following day, losing 11.6% on April 1.

Revenue in the quarter fell 19.7% to $61.6 million, and its gross profit slipped form $10 million to $1.4 million. Its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) loss widened from $26 million to $69 million.

Beyond Meat's stock price has now fallen below $1, and with revenue declining by double digits and losses piling up, its prospects for a recovery seem dim. In the first quarter of 2026, the company expects revenue of $57 million to $59 million, representing a 15% decline at the midpoint.

With its accounting problems compounding its business challenges, there's little reason to bet on a comeback in Beyond Meat.

Jeremy Bowman has positions in Starbucks. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Beyond Meat and Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.