8-K: Investar Holding Corp. Appoints BDO as New Auditor

Investar Holding Corporation announced a change in its independent registered public accounting firm from Horne LLP to BDO USA, P.C. due to a merger.

Summary

• Investar Holding Corporation (ISTR) has appointed BDO USA, P.C. as its new independent registered public accounting firm.
• The change follows the resignation of Horne LLP on November 1, 2025, after its partners and professional staff joined BDO.
• BDO's appointment was approved by the Company's Audit Committee on November 3, 2025.
• Horne LLP's reports for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, contained no adverse opinions, disclaimers, qualifications, or modifications.
• There were no disagreements between Investar and Horne on accounting principles, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope/procedure during the fiscal years 2023, 2024, and through October 31, 2025.
• Investar did not consult with BDO on accounting principles or audit opinions prior to its engagement that would require disclosure.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to slightly positive. The change in auditor is a procedural event, but the lack of any disagreements or adverse opinions from the outgoing auditor is a positive indicator of the company's financial reporting integrity.

Positives

• The transition of the independent registered public accounting firm was smooth, with no reported disagreements on accounting principles or practices with the outgoing firm, Horne LLP.
• Horne LLP's audit reports for 2023 and 2024 were unqualified, indicating sound financial reporting during their tenure.

Risks

• Potential for minor administrative disruption during the transition period to the new auditing firm, BDO USA, P.C.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's financial performance or strategic direction, focusing solely on the change in its independent registered public accounting firm.

Management Comments

• John J. DAngelo, President and Chief Executive Officer, signed the report on behalf of Investar Holding Corporation.

Industry Context

Changes in independent registered public accounting firms are common in the financial industry, often occurring due to mergers or acquisitions of accounting firms, as seen with Horne LLP's staff joining BDO USA, P.C. BDO is a well-established global accounting firm, and this transition is a standard operational event for publicly traded companies.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The transition of auditing firms due to a merger of accounting practices is a common occurrence in the industry, aligning with standard corporate practices.
• The absence of any reported disagreements or adverse opinions from the outgoing auditor, Horne LLP, for the fiscal years 2023 and 2024, indicates a smooth and compliant transition, which is a positive sign compared to situations where auditor changes are prompted by disputes or concerns over financial reporting.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Minimal direct impact, as the change is procedural and indicates continued adherence to financial reporting standards.
• Regulatory Bodies: Ensures compliance with SEC requirements for independent audit oversight.

Next Steps

• BDO USA, P.C. will serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for Investar Holding Corporation going forward.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This filing details a routine administrative change in the company's independent registered public accounting firm due to a merger of accounting practices. There are no financial results, strategic updates, or material risks disclosed that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. The smooth transition with no reported disagreements is a neutral to slightly positive signal regarding corporate governance and financial reporting integrity, but it does not provide a basis for a 'buy' or 'sell' decision.

Keywords

Auditor Change, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Investar Holding Corporation, ISTR, BDO USA, Horne LLP, SEC Filing, Corporate Governance, Accounting