Summary
This filing is an amendment to a previous Form 8-K, clarifying the change in American Express Company's independent registered public accounting firm. The company's Audit Committee decided to dismiss Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y) and appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as its auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005. E&Y had completed its engagement for the 2004 fiscal year. The filing emphasizes that there were no disagreements or reportable events with E&Y concerning accounting principles, financial statement disclosures, or auditing procedures during the past two fiscal years. Furthermore, American Express did not consult with PwC on any matters related to its financial statements for the 2004 and 2003 fiscal years prior to PwC's appointment. An accompanying letter from E&Y, confirming these statements, is included as an exhibit.
Key Highlights
- 1American Express Company appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as its independent auditor for fiscal year 2005.
- 2Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y) was dismissed as the company's independent auditor for fiscal year 2005.
- 3E&Y completed its audit for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
- 4The company stated there were no disagreements with E&Y on accounting principles, financial disclosures, or auditing procedures during the past two fiscal years.
- 5No 'reportable events' (as defined by Regulation S-K) occurred with E&Y in the past two fiscal years.
- 6American Express did not consult with PwC on any matters concerning its 2004 or 2003 financial statements prior to the appointment.