Business Context and Reporting Period
Company: LEE ENTERPRISES, Inc.
Filing Type: Form 8-K (Current Report)
Date of Report: September 2, 2026
Reporting Period: The filing addresses events occurring on September 2, 2026, regarding the change of the independent registered public accounting firm. The company's fiscal year ends in late September (e.g., September 27, 2026).
Key Financial Metrics
This Form 8-K filing does not contain financial performance data such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. The document is strictly procedural regarding the appointment and dismissal of auditors.
Material Changes Versus Prior Period
- Accountant Dismissal: The Audit Committee approved the dismissal of BDO USA, P.C. as the independent registered public accounting firm, effective upon the completion of the 2026 fiscal year audit and the subsequent 10-K filing.
- Accountant Appointment: Grant Thornton LLP was appointed as the new independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 26, 2027.
- Reason for Change: The change follows a competitive evaluation process and consideration of potential audit firm rotation.
Guidance, Outlook, Risks, and Contingencies
- Historical Audit Opinions: BDO's reports for fiscal years ended September 28, 2025, and September 29, 2024, were unqualified and did not contain adverse opinions or disclaimers.
- Disagreements: There were no disagreements between the Company and BDO regarding accounting principles, practices, or auditing scope during the two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period.
- Reportable Events: The only reportable event noted was a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to revenue transactions. This weakness existed through June 23, 2024, and was remediated as of September 29, 2024.
- Consultations: No consultations were held with Grant Thornton regarding accounting principles or reportable events prior to their appointment.
Important Facts for Investor Verification
- Verify the completion of the 2026 fiscal year audit by BDO and the subsequent filing of the Form 10-K to confirm the effective date of the auditor transition.
- Review the letter from BDO USA, P.C. (Exhibit 16.1) to confirm their agreement with the Company's statements regarding the dismissal and lack of disagreements.
- Confirm that the material weakness in internal controls remediated in September 2024 has not recurred in the 2026 fiscal year.
- Monitor the transition process to ensure Grant Thornton completes customary client acceptance procedures before assuming the audit role.