Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 8-K Current Report is filed by BuzzFeed, Inc. on April 13, 2026. The filing addresses a significant change in the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. The Company is classified as an emerging growth company.
Key Financial Metrics
This filing does not contain specific financial performance data such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity figures. However, it references the following financial context from prior reports:
- Going Concern: Audit reports for fiscal years ended December 31, 2025, and 2024 included an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
- Internal Controls: Material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting were identified, specifically regarding information technology general controls and the financial statement close process.
Material Changes
The primary material change reported is the dismissal of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm, effective April 13, 2026. Concurrently, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of CBIZ CPAs P.C. as the new independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.
Regarding the dismissal of Deloitte:
- There were no disagreements on accounting principles or auditing scope during the two most recent fiscal years or the interim period through April 13, 2026.
- Deloitte's prior audit reports were not qualified or modified, except for the going concern explanatory paragraph.
- Reportable events included material weaknesses in internal controls. While IT general controls were remediated by December 31, 2025, deficiencies in the financial statement close process (information flow, documentation accuracy, and reconciliation reviews) remained unremediated as of that date.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
This filing does not provide forward-looking guidance, revenue outlook, or management commentary on future business strategy. The primary risks and contingencies highlighted are:
- Going Concern Risk: Continued substantial doubt regarding the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
- Internal Control Risk: Persistent material weaknesses in the financial statement close process as of the end of the 2025 fiscal year.
- Audit Transition: The transition of audit responsibilities from Deloitte to CBIZ CPAs P.C.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the status of the "substantial doubt about going concern" opinion in the most recent 10-K filing.
- Review the specific remediation plan for the unremediated material weakness regarding the financial statement close process.
- Confirm the terms of engagement and scope of work for the new auditor, CBIZ CPAs P.C.
- Examine the letter from Deloitte (Exhibit 16.1) to ensure no disagreements exist regarding the Company's statements in this filing.