8-K: Scientific Industries Appoints New Auditor CRI

Scientific Industries, Inc. has appointed Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC as its new independent registered public accounting firm, following the acquisition of its previous auditor's capital markets practice.

Summary

• Scientific Industries, Inc. (the Company) was notified that Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC (CRI) acquired certain assets related to the capital markets practice of Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs, LLP (BPB), effective January 1, 2026.
• On January 14, 2026, the Company's Audit Committee simultaneously dismissed BPB and appointed CRI as its independent registered public accounting firm.
• BPB had been engaged for the period from August 22, 2025, to December 31, 2025, to audit the Company's three and nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, condensed consolidated financial statements and the year ended December 31, 2025, consolidated financial statements.
• BPB did not issue any reports on the Company's financial statements during its engagement period.
• There were no disagreements with BPB on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure during the engagement period through January 14, 2026.
• There were no reportable events with BPB during the engagement period through January 14, 2026.
• The Company did not consult with CRI regarding accounting principles, audit opinions, or any disagreements or reportable events prior to CRI's appointment.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to slightly positive. The change in auditor is administrative, driven by an acquisition, and the explicit statement of no disagreements or reportable events with the previous auditor is a positive indicator of sound corporate governance and financial reporting practices.

Positives

• The transition to the new auditor, CRI, was a result of an acquisition of the previous auditor's (BPB) capital markets practice, indicating a structured change rather than a contentious dismissal.
• There were no disagreements on accounting principles, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope/procedure with the former auditor, BPB, which suggests a clean record during their engagement.
• No reportable events were identified with BPB, further indicating a smooth relationship and compliance with regulatory standards.

Future Outlook

The filing does not provide any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the Company's financial performance or strategic direction, focusing solely on the change in its certifying accountant.

Management Comments

• Helena R. Santos, President and Chief Executive Officer, signed the report on behalf of Scientific Industries, Inc.

Industry Context

Changes in independent registered public accounting firms are a routine occurrence in the corporate landscape, often triggered by mergers and acquisitions within the accounting industry, as seen in this case. Such changes are closely monitored by investors and regulators to ensure continuity of financial oversight and adherence to auditing standards. The explicit statement of no disagreements or reportable events is standard disclosure aimed at reassuring stakeholders about the integrity of the financial reporting process during the transition.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The change in auditor, without any reported disagreements or reportable events, suggests continued robust oversight of financial reporting, which is generally positive for investor confidence.
• Management: Management will work with the new auditing firm, CRI, to ensure a smooth transition for future financial statement audits.
• Regulatory Authorities: The filing ensures compliance with SEC requirements regarding auditor changes, providing transparency to regulatory bodies.

Next Steps

• The Company has requested and filed a letter from Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs, LLP addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission, confirming agreement with the statements made in the 8-K filing.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This filing details a routine administrative change in the company's independent registered public accounting firm, driven by an acquisition within the auditing industry. Crucially, there are no reported disagreements or reportable events with the former auditor, indicating a smooth transition without any red flags concerning financial reporting integrity. As such, this event does not present new information that would fundamentally alter the company's financial outlook or strategic position, warranting a 'hold' recommendation for existing investors.

Keywords

auditor change, independent registered public accounting firm, SEC filing, corporate governance, financial reporting, Berkowitz Pollack Brant, Carr Riggs & Ingram, Scientific Industries