Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 8-K filing by Brooks Automation, Inc. (not Azenta, Inc.) reports a corporate governance event dated December 3, 2015. The filing addresses a change in the company's independent registered public accounting firm.
Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. This report is strictly procedural regarding the auditor change and does not contain financial statement data.
Material Changes
- Appointment of New Auditor: The Audit Committee approved the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PWC) as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015.
- Dismissal of Prior Auditor: BDO USA, LLP (BDO) was dismissed effective December 3, 2015.
- Audit History: During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, and the interim period through December 3, 2015, there were no disagreements with BDO regarding accounting principles, practices, or auditing scope.
- Report Quality: BDO's reports for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 contained no adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications regarding uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing contains no management guidance, financial outlook, or discussion of operational risks. It confirms that no consultations occurred with PWC regarding accounting principles or potential audit opinions prior to the engagement. The company provided BDO with a copy of the disclosures prior to filing, and BDO's response letter is included as Exhibit 16.1.
Key Facts for Investor Verification
- Verify the effective date of the auditor transition (December 3, 2015).
- Confirm the absence of any "reportable events" or disagreements with the former auditor, BDO.
- Note that the new auditor, PWC, was engaged for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015.
- Review Exhibit 16.1 for the formal letter from BDO confirming their agreement with the company's disclosures.