What does GAAP stand for?

GAAP stands for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This term defines a set of standards and procedures that organizations in the United States use to prepare their financial statements. GAAP is important because it ensures consistency, reliability, and comparability in financial reporting, which is crucial for investors, creditors, and regulators who rely on this information to make informed decisions.

The principles encompassed by GAAP include rules regarding revenue recognition, balance sheet item classification, and outstanding share measurements, among others. This framework helps maintain transparency and accuracy in financial reporting, facilitating better understanding and trust among stakeholders in financial disclosures.

The other options do not accurately describe GAAP. While they include terms associated with accounting and financial reporting, they do not represent the official definition or the widely recognized principles that govern accounting practices.