8-K: Mentor Capital Appoints New Auditor, Dismisses Cherry Bekaert
Current Report (8-K)
Mentor Capital, Inc. has dismissed Cherry Bekaert LLP as its independent accountant and appointed M&K CPAS, PLLC as its new auditor, effective April 20, 2026.
Summary
- Mentor Capital, Inc. announced on April 20, 2026, the dismissal of its independent registered public accounting firm, Cherry Bekaert LLP.
- The company's Board of Directors and Audit Committee approved the dismissal.
- Cherry Bekaert LLP had served as the company's independent accountant since January 2026.
- There were no disagreements or reportable events with Cherry Bekaert LLP during their tenure.
- The audit report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, did not contain any adverse opinions or qualifications.
- M&K CPAS, PLLC has been engaged as the new independent registered public accountant, effective immediately.
- There were no prior consultations with M&K CPAS regarding accounting principles, audit opinions, disagreements, or reportable events.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral event. While auditor changes can sometimes signal underlying issues, the absence of disagreements and reportable events suggests a routine transition.
Positives
- The dismissal of the previous auditor and engagement of a new one were approved by the Board of Directors and Audit Committee, indicating proper corporate governance.
- No disagreements or reportable events occurred with the outgoing auditor, Cherry Bekaert LLP, suggesting a smooth transition.
- The audit report from Cherry Bekaert LLP for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, was unqualified, indicating no major accounting issues were found.
- The new auditor, M&K CPAS, PLLC, had no prior consultations that would indicate any significant accounting or auditing concerns with the company.
Future Outlook
No forward-looking statements or guidance were provided in this filing.
Management Comments
- The dismissal of Cherry Bekaert LLP was approved by the Company's Board of Directors and Audit Committee.
- Cherry Bekaert LLP had no disagreements on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope of procedures.
- No reportable event leading to a difference of opinion as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) and Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K has occurred.
- The audit report of Cherry Bekaert LLP did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that auditor changes are common in the financial reporting cycle, often driven by audit firm policies on client tenure, perceived audit quality, or strategic decisions by the company. The lack of disagreements with the outgoing auditor and the absence of prior significant consultations with the new auditor suggest a standard transition.
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auditor Dismissal and Engagement | Dismissal of Cherry Bekaert LLP and engagement of M&K CPAS, PLLC as the independent registered public accounting firm. | 2026-04-20 | Standard corporate governance procedure for auditor rotation or change. Requires board and audit committee approval. |
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: The change in auditor is a routine event but may lead to increased scrutiny of financial reporting until the new auditor establishes its relationship with the company. The lack of prior issues with the outgoing auditor is a positive sign.
- Creditors: No immediate impact expected, as the change is procedural and no financial disagreements were reported.
- Employees: No direct impact expected from this auditor change.
Next Steps
- M&K CPAS, PLLC will commence its role as the independent registered public accountant for Mentor Capital, Inc.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | Cherry Bekaert LLP began serving as Mentor Capital, Inc.'s independent accountant. |
| 2025-12-31 | Fiscal year end for which Cherry Bekaert LLP audited the consolidated financial statements. |
| 2026-04-20 | Date of dismissal of Cherry Bekaert LLP and engagement of M&K CPAS, PLLC. |
| 2026-04-22 | Date of the letter from Cherry Bekaert LLP to the SEC. |
| 2026-04-23 | Date of the Form 8-K filing. |
Keywords
Auditor Change, SEC Filing, Form 8-K, Mentor Capital, Cherry Bekaert LLP, M&K CPAS, PLLC, Accounting Firm, Corporate Governance
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