As signs of market stabilization emerge, companies are reassessing their deal strategies for 2026. In this episode, we explore IPO and M&A trends, the influence of AI and macroeconomic shifts, and the steps finance teams can take now to be ready for what’s next.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 3:35 – Where the deals market stands today
• 9:38 – Deals outlook for 2026
• 17:35 – Expected IPOs and financing trends for 2026
• 25:28 – What finance leaders and teams can do now to prepare

For more read our publications, US Capital Markets 2026 Outlook—IPO markets look primed to accelerate in 2026 and The next wave of M&A: Bigger and bolder deals driven by AI and private equity—US Deals 2026 outlook. Also, be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.

About our guest

Mike Bellin is a PwC Deals partner who leads PwC’s US Capital Markets practice. Mike advises clients on accessing the debt and equity capital markets by providing clients with technical/project management advice on complex accounting and financial reporting issues associated with the SEC registration process, IPOs, direct listings, SPAC mergers, 144A debt and equity offerings, divestitures, spinoffs and carve-outs, and GAAP conversions.

About our host

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com

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In this episode, we share key insights and reminders on navigating materiality judgments. We revisit the fundamentals of SAB 99, explore how to apply both quantitative and qualitative considerations, address identified errors, and more.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 3:53 – The framework for assessing materiality and errors in financial statements
• 8:51 – Addressing identified errors
• 15:01 – Reassessing materiality amid economic and other changes
• 19:48 – Trends in reporting errors, including cash flow statement impacts
• 23:09 – Fraud and illegal acts

In case you missed it, check out the previous episode in this year-end miniseries, Year-end toolkit: Accounting and reporting reminders for 2026.

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About our guest

Michael Mullen is PwC’s US Assurance Quality Management leader. In this role, he oversees complex client issues, providing technical insights and expertise in support of overall quality. With over 35 years of client service experience, Michael has led numerous global client engagements.

About our guest host

Diana Stoltzfus is a partner in the National Office who helps to shape PwC’s perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the OCA’s Professional Practices Group.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com

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This episode explores key accounting and reporting considerations for year-end financial reporting. Technical leaders from our National Office share reminders and timely insights across a range of topics, including tariffs, income taxes, held-for-sale accounting, and other emerging issues–topics that are relevant for all finance teams, even if it’s not year-end close time.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 1:52 – AI mega-deal structuring and related accounting and reporting complexities
• 11:30 – Equity method accounting considerations and related disclosures
• 15:58 – Tariffs and trade considerations, including inventory impacts
• 21:38 – Crypto asset accounting models and new FASB guidance
• 25:16 – Accounting and reporting for private credit transactions
• 33:00 – Tax reform developments and income tax accounting
• 40:00 – New ASUs related to derivatives and hedge accounting
• 42:52 – Held-for-sale accounting
• 46:00 – OECD Pillar 2 and global tax

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About our guests

Bret Dooley is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant who leads teams focused on the financial services sectors and accounting for financial instruments. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services, banking, and capital markets industries. Bret focuses on emerging financial reporting issues related to financial instruments, developing interpretive guidance, and assisting clients in resolving complex accounting matters.

Pat Durbin is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience consulting with our clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters, including issues related to revenue, compensation, income taxes, and inventory under both US GAAP and IFRS.

Beth Paul is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant responsible for a team of consultants that specialize in business combinations and related areas, such as consolidations, disposals, impairments, and segment reporting. She has over 30 years of experience consulting with clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters.

About our guest host

Tom Barbieri is PwC’s US Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience advising large financial services and multinational corporations on complex accounting issues. Tom leads the Accounting & SEC Services Group within the National Office, which is focused on supporting our clients and engagement teams in navigating complex technical accounting and financial reporting matters. He is also a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com

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In this final episode of our SEC-focused series, we discuss SEC comments on revenue. Revenue is the top line for a reason; it’s closely watched by investors and therefore the SEC staff as well. From performance obligations to disaggregated revenue disclosures, we discuss the issues most frequently raised by the SEC staff and offer advice to preparers for getting it right the first time.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 1:34 – An overview of SEC comment letter trends related to revenue
• 6:22 – Performance obligations
• 10:48 – Variable consideration
• 17:07 – Principal versus agent considerations
• 26:00 – Disaggregated revenue disclosures

In case you missed it, check out the previous episodes in this SEC-focused series:

• SEC now: MD&A 2025 comment letter trends
• SEC now: Segments 2025 comment letter trends
• SEC now: 2025 comment letter trends on transactions
• SEC now: Non-GAAP 2025 comment letter trends
• SEC now: Today’s landscape and recent developments

For more on the SEC, listen to our recent episodes:

• Key takeaways from the AICPA & CIMA Conference
• SEC to revisit quarterly reporting: Pros, cons, and what’s ahead

Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.

About our guests

Mike Coleman is a partner in PwC's National Office who specializes in accounting for revenue and software arrangements and has served technology clients for much of his career. In addition, Mike has represented the firm on the AICPA Software Task Force.

Ryan Spencer is a partner at PwC's National Office specializing in SEC reporting matters both for US domestic issuers and some of the world’s largest foreign SEC registrants. He has over 25 years of experience serving clients and is a frequent contributor to PwC’s publications and communications.

About our guest host

Kyle Moffatt is PwC’s Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com

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We continue our SEC-focused series with a discussion of management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A), a topic that remains a consistent focus in SEC staff comment letters. In this episode, we explore the latest trends, common themes, and areas of emphasis—including results of operations, liquidity, and critical accounting estimates—and share practical considerations as companies prepare year-end filings.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 1:31 – An overview of SEC comment letter trends related to MD&A
• 6:43 – The results of operations
• 25:16 – Liquidity and capital resources
• 28:30 – Critical accounting estimates
• 35:24 – Final reminders and best practices related to MD&A

In case you missed it, check out the previous episodes in this SEC-focused series:

• SEC now: Segments 2025 comment letter trends
• SEC now: 2025 comment letter trends on transactions
• SEC now: Non-GAAP 2025 comment letter trends
• SEC now: Today’s landscape and recent developments

For more on the SEC, listen to our recent episodes:

• Key takeaways from the AICPA & CIMA Conference
• SEC to revisit quarterly reporting: Pros, cons, and what’s ahead

Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.

About our guests

Lindsay McCord is a PwC National Office partner specializing in matters related to the SEC and the capital markets. Prior to joining PwC, Lindsay spent over 15 years at the SEC, most recently as the Chief Accountant in the Division of Corporation Finance. In this role, Lindsay led an accounting team in providing technical accounting and reporting support to the Division, including SEC rulemaking, interpretation, and guidance.

Ryan Spencer is a partner at PwC's National Office specializing in SEC reporting matters both for US domestic issuers and some of the world’s largest foreign SEC registrants. He has over 25 years of experience serving clients and is a frequent contributor to PwC’s publications.

About our guest host

Kyle Moffatt is PwC’s Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com

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In this episode, we debrief the 2025 AICPA Conference in Washington, DC, highlighting key takeaways including perspectives from SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and other regulatory leaders. Topics include the SEC’s rulemaking priorities for 2026, trends in capital formation, and emerging issues such as AI and cryptocurrency. We also explore practical reminders for year-end reporting and insights into international standard setting collaboration.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 6:42 – SEC Chair keynote: “Making IPOs great again”
• 12:51 – Emerging issues: AI, crypto, and international standard setting
• 25:08 – SEC shutdown impacts and capital markets backlog
• 32:06 – Rulemaking outlook and year-end reminders
• 47:08 – PCAOB oversight, inspections, and audit standard-setting themes

For more, read our In depth, 2025 AICPA & CIMA Conference: Current SEC and PCAOB Developments.

Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.

About our guests

Kevin Vaughn is a PwC National Office partner specializing in SEC reporting matters. Kevin leverages his extensive experience to support PwC public company and pre-IPO clients on accounting and SEC reporting matters. Prior to joining PwC in 2023, Kevin spent over 18 years at the SEC, most recently serving on the leadership team in the SEC’s Office of the Chief Accountant where he focused on technical accounting consultations, SEC rulemakings, and standard setting matters.

Scott Feely is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience supporting clients as they address the SEC and financial reporting implications of their capital markets and merger and acquisition-related activities.

About our guest host

Kyle Moffatt is PwC’s Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com

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We continue our SEC-focused series with a discussion of segment disclosures, reporting trends, and early comment letter themes emerging from the adoption of the new standard. In this episode, we explore common staff observations, including the role of the Chief Operating Decision Maker, or CODM; significant expense disclosures; and interplay with non-GAAP measures.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 1:46 – Why segment disclosures remain a top SEC focus
• 8:04 – Early comment themes under the new standard
• 15:14 – Multiple profit measures and non-GAAP considerations
• 28:14 – How the SEC evaluates a company’s segment structure
• 35:28 – Ongoing reassessment of impacts to segments

In case you missed it, check out the previous episodes in this SEC-focused series:

• SEC now: 2025 comment letter trends on transactions
• SEC now: Non-GAAP 2025 comment letter trends
• SEC now: Today’s landscape and recent developments

Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.

About our guests

Kevin Vaughn is a PwC National Office partner specializing in SEC reporting matters. Kevin leverages his extensive experience to support PwC public company and pre-IPO clients on accounting and SEC reporting matters. Prior to joining PwC in 2023, Kevin spent over 18 years at the SEC, most recently serving on the leadership team in the SEC’s Office of the Chief Accountant where he focused on technical accounting consultations, SEC rulemakings, and standard setting matters.

Jay Seliber is a partner in PwC’s National Office. He leverages over 35 years of experience to help clients with their most complex accounting matters, particularly in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, segment reporting, revenue recognition, stock compensation, earnings per share, employee benefits, restructurings, impairments, and financing transactions.

About our guest host

Kyle Moffatt is PwC’s Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

A video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.com

The GHG Protocol has released its long-awaited proposed updates to the Scope 2 Guidance. In this episode, we highlight the key changes in the exposure draft, including proposed revisions to location-based and market-based reporting, hourly matching, emission factor hierarchies, and more. We also explore what these developments could mean for companies and how stakeholders can participate in the revision process.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 2:49 – Redefining the purpose for location-based and market-based reporting
• 5:33 – The importance of the decision-making criteria
• 6:56 – New emission factor hierarchy for location-based reporting
• 14:30 – Shift toward hourly matching in the market-based method
• 21:53 – Deliverability criteria and implications for renewable energy credits
• 26:19 – Residual mix and fossil-only defaults for unclaimed energy
• 32:45 – How companies can share feedback and next steps for the Scope 2 guidance

For more on the GHG Protocol’s exposure draft, see our publication, GHG Protocol announces Scope 2 Public Consultation, which was updated to indicate that the public consultation deadline was extended to January 31, 2026.

Check out our previous episodes for more on the GHG Protocol and GHG reporting:

• Sustainability now: Modernizing the GHG Protocol
• Sustainability now: Inside the GHG Protocol’s scope 3 update
• Sustainability now: GHG reporting trends and challenges

Looking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards.

About our guest

Colin Powell is PwC Canada’s Technical Net Zero Leader. His work focuses on GHG quantification, life cycle assessment, target setting, and decarbonization strategies. He has helped companies measure over 1 billion tonnes of emissions and previously worked as a consultant supporting global clients in decarbonization. Colin sits on the GHG Protocol’s Scope 3 Working Group, helping shape updates to global standards. He is also a Professional Engineer (Ontario) with a PhD in wastewater treatment modeling.

About our host

Heather Hornis the PwC National Office Sustainability and Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.