Investar Holding Corp Appoints Wipfli as New Auditor; Dismisses BDO

What Happened

• Investar Holding Corp (ISTR) filed an 8-K disclosing that, with Audit Committee approval, it dismissed BDO USA, P.C. as its independent registered public accounting firm and engaged Wipfli LLP to serve as its independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. Both actions took place on June 17, 2026.
• Prior to BDO, Investar’s auditor was HORNE LLP; on November 1, 2025 HORNE partners/staff joined BDO, Horne resigned as auditor on November 1, 2025, and BDO was appointed on November 3, 2025. BDO’s audit reports for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were unmodified (no adverse opinions or disclaimers).

Key Details

• Date of dismissal and new engagement: June 17, 2026.
• Prior auditor transition: HORNE partners joined BDO on Nov 1, 2025; Horne resigned Nov 1, 2025; BDO appointed Nov 3, 2025.
• Audit opinions: BDO’s reports for fiscal years ended Dec 31, 2025 and 2024 were not qualified or modified.
• No disagreements or reportable events between Investar and BDO for fiscal years 2025, 2024 or the interim through June 17, 2026. BDO provided a letter dated June 19, 2026 (filed as Exhibit 16.1) confirming its views. Investar had not consulted Wipfli on accounting matters prior to engagement.

Why It Matters

• A change in independent auditor is a governance and disclosure event investors should note because it can affect audit continuity and future financial reporting.
• The filing states there were no disagreements or reportable events and that recent audit reports were unmodified, which indicates no identified audit disputes or qualifications for the periods reported.
• Investors should watch upcoming filings (e.g., next 10-Q/10-K) for Wipfli’s audit reports and any discussion of internal controls or changes in audit scope.