This study examines whether application of IFRS by non-US firms results in accounting
amounts comparable to those resulting from application of US GAAP by US firms. IFRS
firms have greater accounting system and value relevance comparability with US firms
when IFRS firms apply IFRS than when they applied domestic standards. Comparability is
greater for firms that adopt IFRS mandatorily, firms in common law and high enforcement
countries, and in more recent years. Earnings smoothing, accrual quality, and timeliness
are potential sources of the greater comparability. Although application of IFRS has
enhanced financial reporting comparability with US firms, significant differences remain.