Business context and reporting period
McCormick & Company, Inc. filed this Form 8-K concerning a change in its independent registered public accounting firm. The report is dated September 24, 2026; the filing is signed September 28, 2026. The auditor change relates to the fiscal year ending November 30, 2026, and the planned engagement for fiscal 2027.
Key financial metrics
This filing reports no revenue, profit, cash flow, margin, debt, liquidity, or other operating or financial metrics.
Auditor change and material developments
- On September 24, 2026, the Audit Committee dismissed Ernst & Young LLP (EY). The dismissal is expected to become effective when McCormick files its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2026.
- The stated reason is that EY is not expected to meet SEC independence requirements after the anticipated closing of the transaction announced March 31, 2026, under which Unilever is to transfer its foods business, subject to exceptions, to McCormick.
- Following a request-for-proposals process, the Audit Committee approved KPMG LLP for fiscal 2027, subject to KPMG’s standard client-acceptance procedures and execution of an engagement letter. Its engagement is expected to begin when EY’s dismissal takes effect.
Management commentary, risks, and unusual items
- EY’s audit reports for fiscal 2024 and 2025 contained no adverse or disclaimer opinion and were not qualified or modified for uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
- McCormick reported no disagreements with EY and no reportable events during fiscal 2024 or 2025 or the subsequent interim period through the report date.
- McCormick stated it had not consulted KPMG on specified accounting or audit matters, disagreements, or reportable events during that period.
- The auditor transition is linked to the anticipated Unilever transaction; the filing does not provide transaction financial terms or a closing date.
Important facts for investors to verify
- Whether and when the Unilever foods-business transaction closes, and how its terms or timing affect auditor independence.
- Whether KPMG completes client-acceptance procedures and executes its engagement letter.
- The effective transition date disclosed with the fiscal 2026 Form 10-K and any related audit or reporting updates.