Which assertion about financial statements is most correct?

Financial statements must adhere to a standardized set of guidelines and formats, which is essential for ensuring consistency and reliability in their presentation. These standards, often established by governing bodies like the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) or the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), allow for comparability across different organizations and reporting periods. By following these prescribed formats, stakeholders—such as investors, creditors, and regulators—can more easily assess the financial health and performance of an organization. This structure not only aids in transparency but also builds trust in the reported information, as it minimizes the risk of misrepresentation and allows for easier audits and regulatory oversight.

The other assertions lack accuracy; financial statements serve multiple purposes beyond auditing, they provide critical insights to both internal and external stakeholders, and they are mandatory for many organizations, especially publicly traded ones, rather than being optional.