Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 8-K Current Report is filed by Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAOI) on May 4, 2026. The report discloses a change in the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.
Key Financial Metrics
This filing does not contain financial performance data such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. The document focuses exclusively on the administrative change of the external auditor.
Material Changes
- Dismissal of Auditor: The Audit Committee dismissed Grant Thornton LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm effective May 4, 2026.
- Appointment of New Auditor: The Committee appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as the new independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.
- Scope of Dismissal: The dismissal does not affect Grant Thornton's engagement to perform a review of the consolidated financial statements for the quarter ending March 31, 2026.
Management Commentary, Risks, and Contingencies
- Audit Opinions: Grant Thornton's reports for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 contained no adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications regarding uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
- Disagreements: There were no disagreements with Grant Thornton on accounting principles, financial statement disclosures, or auditing scope during the relevant periods.
- Reportable Events: No reportable events occurred during 2024, 2025, or the interim period through May 4, 2026, except for a previously disclosed material weakness in controls over the review of technical accounting analysis. This weakness was remediated as of December 31, 2025.
- Consultations with New Auditor: The Company did not consult with PwC regarding accounting principles, audit opinions, or reportable events prior to their appointment.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the effective date of the transition from Grant Thornton to PwC for the 2026 fiscal year audit.
- Confirm that the material weakness in internal controls disclosed in the 2024 10-K was indeed remediated by December 31, 2025.
- Review the upcoming Q1 2026 financial review to ensure it is completed by Grant Thornton as stated.
- Monitor future filings for any additional disclosures regarding the rationale for the auditor change beyond the competitive selection process.