8-K: Willamette Valley Vineyards Announces Auditor Change Following Moss Adams Merger with Baker Tilly

Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. has appointed Baker Tilly US, LLP as its new independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, following the merger of its previous auditor, Moss Adams LLP, with Baker Tilly.

Summary

• Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. (the Company) was notified on June 3, 2025, that its independent registered public accounting firm, Moss Adams LLP, merged with Baker Tilly US, LLP, effective the same day.
• As a result of the merger, Moss Adams LLP resigned as the Company's auditors.
• The Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors approved the appointment of Baker Tilly US, LLP as the successor independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
• Moss Adams LLP had served as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm since 2004, with their most recent appointment in 2023.
• The audit reports issued by Moss Adams LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, did not contain any adverse opinions, disclaimers, qualifications, or modifications.
• There were no disagreements or reportable events between the Company and Moss Adams LLP during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, or the subsequent interim period through June 3, 2025.
• Neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted Baker Tilly US, LLP regarding accounting principles, audit opinions, or any disagreements/reportable events prior to their appointment.

Sentiment

Score: 8

Explanation: The sentiment is positive/neutral as the auditor change is administrative due to a merger, with no reported disagreements or issues with the previous auditor, indicating a smooth transition and continued financial reporting integrity.

Positives

• The transition of auditors is a result of a merger between the previous firm and the new firm, indicating a smooth, non-contentious change.
• Moss Adams LLP's audit reports for 2024 and 2023 were unqualified, indicating no significant accounting or auditing issues.
• There were no disagreements or reportable events between the Company and Moss Adams LLP, suggesting a healthy relationship and sound financial reporting practices.
• The Company did not consult Baker Tilly US, LLP on any contentious accounting or auditing matters prior to their appointment, reinforcing the smooth nature of the transition.

Future Outlook

The document 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 independent registered public accounting firm.

Management Comments

• James W. Bernau, President, signed the report on behalf of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc.

Industry Context

This announcement reflects a common occurrence in the accounting industry where mergers and acquisitions among accounting firms lead to changes in client auditors. Such changes are typically administrative when the previous firm's audit reports were clean and no disagreements existed, ensuring continuity in audit quality under the new combined entity.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The change in auditor is administrative and does not indicate any issues with past financial statements, maintaining confidence in financial reporting integrity.
• Regulatory Authorities: The company is fulfilling its disclosure obligations regarding the change in its certifying accountant, ensuring transparency.

Key Dates

Keywords

Willamette Valley Vineyards, WVVI, SEC filing, Form 8-K, auditor change, independent registered public accounting firm, Moss Adams LLP, Baker Tilly US LLP, corporate governance, financial reporting, audit committee