Mentor Capital (OTC: MNTR) appoints Cherry Bekaert as new auditor

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Mentor Capital, Inc. reported a change in its independent registered public accounting firm following an acquisition. On January 12, 2026, its relationship with Spicer Jeffries LLP ended because Spicer Jeffries was acquired by Cherry Bekaert LLP. The company states there were no disagreements with Spicer Jeffries on accounting principles, disclosures, audit scope, or procedures for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and no reportable events under SEC rules.

The prior audit reports from Spicer Jeffries for those years contained no adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications. Effective January 13, 2026, the audit committee and board approved the engagement of Cherry Bekaert LLP as the new independent registered public accountant. Mentor Capital also requested, and attached as an exhibit, a letter from Spicer Jeffries to the SEC indicating whether it agrees with these disclosures.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 12, 2026 (January 16, 2026)

MENTOR CAPITAL, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		000-55323		77-0395098
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5964 Campus Court, Plano, Texas		75093
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (760) 788-4700

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock		MNTR		OTCQB

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging Growth Company ☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act ☐

Item 4.01 Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

(a) Disengagement from Previous Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

On January 12, 2026, the Company’s relationship with Spicer Jeffries LLP (“Spicer Jeffries”), our independent accountant, ceased due to Cherry Bekaert LLP’s acquisition of Spicer Jeffries.

In connection with the audit of our financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no disagreements with Spicer Jeffries on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope of procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Spicer Jeffries, would have caused them to make reference in connection with its reports to the subject matter of the disagreements. No “disagreement” and 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 of the SEC’s rules and regulations have occurred during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, as of January 12, 2026, or preceding the change of our relationship with of Spicer Jeffries.

The audit report of Spicer Jeffries on our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

We have requested that Spicer Jeffries furnish us with a letter addressed to the Commission stating whether it agrees with the above statements. A copy of this letter is included herewith as Exhibit 16.1.

(b) Engagement of New Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Effective January 13, 2026, the Company’s audit committee and board of directors approved the engagement of Cherry Bekaert LLP (“Cherry Bekaert”) as the Company’s independent registered public accountant, effective immediately. During the two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period prior to their engagement, there were no consultations between us and Cherry Bekaert prior to their appointment concerning (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that Cherry Bekaert concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K); or (iii) any reportable event (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit Number		Description
16.1		Letter from Spicer Jeffries LLP dated January 15, 2026 to the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding statements included in this Form 8-K
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

		Mentor Capital, Inc.
Date:	January 16, 2026	By:	/s/ Chet Billingsley
			Chet Billingsley, Chairman and CEO

FAQ

What did Mentor Capital (MNTR) disclose in this 8-K?

Mentor Capital, Inc. disclosed a change in its independent registered public accounting firm. Its relationship with Spicer Jeffries LLP ended following that firm’s acquisition by Cherry Bekaert LLP, and Mentor Capital engaged Cherry Bekaert as its new independent registered public accountant.

Why did Mentor Capital change from Spicer Jeffries to Cherry Bekaert?

The change occurred because Cherry Bekaert LLP acquired Spicer Jeffries LLP. As a result of this acquisition, Mentor Capital’s relationship with Spicer Jeffries ceased on January 12, 2026, and the company subsequently approved Cherry Bekaert as its new independent registered public accounting firm.

Were there any disagreements between Mentor Capital and Spicer Jeffries?

The company states that for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and through January 12, 2026, there were no disagreements with Spicer Jeffries on accounting principles, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, and no reportable events under Item 304 of Regulation S-K.

How were Spicer Jeffries’ prior audit opinions on Mentor Capital’s financials characterized?

The audit reports of Spicer Jeffries LLP on Mentor Capital’s financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

When did Mentor Capital appoint Cherry Bekaert as its new auditor?

Effective January 13, 2026, Mentor Capital’s audit committee and board of directors approved the engagement of Cherry Bekaert LLP as the company’s independent registered public accountant.

Did Mentor Capital consult Cherry Bekaert before appointing it as auditor?

The company states that during the two most recent fiscal years and the interim period prior to engagement, there were no consultations with Cherry Bekaert about accounting principles for specific transactions, potential audit opinions, any disagreements, or any reportable events under Item 304 of Regulation S-K.

What exhibit is included with Mentor Capital’s 8-K about the auditor change?

The filing includes Exhibit 16.1, which is a letter from Spicer Jeffries LLP dated January 15, 2026, addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the statements made about the change in the company’s independent registered public accounting firm.