What is the main purpose of this 8-K/A filing?

This filing serves as an amendment to previously submitted reports to formally confirm the conclusion of Ameriprise Financial's audit engagement with Ernst & Young LLP (EY) for the fiscal year 2010. It also reiterates the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as the auditor for the 2011 fiscal year.

Were there any issues or disagreements with the outgoing auditor, Ernst & Young LLP?

No, the filing explicitly states that there were no disagreements between Ameriprise Financial and EY on any matters of accounting principles, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope/procedure. Furthermore, no 'reportable events' occurred that would have required EY to mention in their reports.

What does the engagement of PwC as the new auditor imply?

The engagement of PwC signifies a standard transition in the company's auditing firm, which is common in corporate governance. The filing confirms that Ameriprise had decided not to re-engage EY for 2011 and had approved PwC's engagement in June 2010. The process appears to be a normal rotation or change of auditor, with no adverse implications suggested by this filing.

Is this change in auditor a cause for concern for investors?

Generally, a change in auditor is not a cause for immediate concern, especially when, as in this case, there are no reported disagreements or accounting issues with the outgoing auditor. The filing emphasizes a smooth transition and adherence to SEC disclosure requirements, suggesting good corporate governance practices.

AMP 8-K: Financial Events

Summary

This Form 8-K/A filing from Ameriprise Financial, Inc. serves as an amendment to previous filings concerning a change in its independent registered public accountants. Specifically, it confirms the conclusion of the engagement with Ernst & Young LLP (EY) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, following their issuance of the audit report for the 2010 Form 10-K. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) was previously approved to be the company's auditor for the 2011 fiscal year. The filing emphasizes that there were no disagreements or reportable events during the period of EY's engagement that would have necessitated disclosure in their audit reports. This amendment provides further confirmation and documentation related to the transition of auditors, which is a routine but important disclosure for investor confidence in financial reporting integrity. Investors should note the smooth transition and the absence of any reported accounting disputes with the outgoing auditor.

Key Highlights

1Ameriprise Financial, Inc. confirms the completion of its audit engagement with Ernst & Young LLP (EY) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
2This filing is an amendment to previous disclosures regarding the change of independent registered public accountants.
3PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) is confirmed as the company's auditor beginning with the 2011 fiscal year.
4No adverse opinions, disclaimers of opinion, or qualifications were noted in EY's reports on the company's financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009.
5There were no disagreements on accounting principles, financial statement disclosures, or auditing procedures between Ameriprise and EY during the relevant periods.
6No reportable events, as defined by Regulation S-K, occurred during the engagement period that would require disclosure.
7A letter from EY dated March 1, 2011, agreeing with the company's disclosures regarding the change in accountants is included as an exhibit.

AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL INC 8-K/A Report, Auditor Change (Mar 1, 2011)

Summary

Key Highlights

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