standards are used in conjunction with national standards. Companies’ stock exchange listings are noted, so that voluntary and mandatory use of ‘‘international’’ standards is addressed. ‘‘International’’ standards are defined as US GAAP, the generally accepted accounting practices of the United States of America (US), or IAS (International Accounting Standards, now described as IFRS) developed by the IASC.1 Attributes of companies that choose US GAAP or IAS are also examined.