Leslie's, Inc. 8-K

What Happened
Leslie’s, Inc. announced on January 27, 2026 that its Audit Committee approved the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending October 3, 2026. On the same date the Audit Committee approved the dismissal of Ernst & Young LLP (EY), effective upon completion of EY’s interim review for the quarter ended January 3, 2026. EY’s audit reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended October 4, 2025 and September 28, 2024 were unmodified, but EY’s reports on internal control over financial reporting for both years contained adverse opinions due to identified material weaknesses.

Key Details

• Appointment date: Audit Committee approved Grant Thornton on January 27, 2026; change effective after EY completes interim review for quarter ended January 3, 2026.
• EY’s audit opinions on consolidated financial statements for fiscal years ended Oct 4, 2025 and Sep 28, 2024 were not qualified or modified.
• EY issued adverse opinions on internal control over financial reporting as of Oct 4, 2025 (material weaknesses in inventory and asset impairment processes) and Sep 28, 2024 (material weaknesses in vendor rebate and inventory processes), as previously disclosed in Leslie’s Form 10-K filings.
• The Company reported no disagreements with EY regarding accounting, disclosure or auditing matters, and neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted Grant Thornton on accounting or audit issues during the covered periods. EY’s letter dated January 30, 2026 is filed as Exhibit 16.1.

Why It Matters
A change in independent auditor is a notable governance event for investors because the auditor provides assurance on financial statements and controls. The adverse internal control opinions previously issued by EY are material disclosures that the Company has already reported in its 10-Ks; investors should watch for management’s remediation plans and any updates on internal control improvements. The timing of the auditor transition (pending completion of EY’s interim review) may affect the company’s upcoming interim reporting and review processes.