What Depreciation Rule must a company adhere to when preparing statements for third-party stakeholders?

The correct answer focuses on GAAP rules, which stands for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Companies are required to adhere to GAAP when preparing financial statements for external users, including stakeholders such as investors, creditors, and regulatory agencies. GAAP provides a standardized framework that ensures the consistency, comparability, and transparency of financial reporting.

These principles dictate how depreciation should be recorded and reported, emphasizing the systematic allocation of the cost of an asset over its useful life. Following GAAP helps stakeholders accurately assess a company's financial performance and position, providing them with a clear view of how assets are managed and their associated expenses over time.

While other options, such as IRS rules and tax codes, mainly pertain to tax reporting and compliance, and cash basis accounting relates to recognizing revenues and expenses when cash changes hands rather than when transactions occur, GAAP offers the comprehensive framework necessary for preparing comprehensive financial statements that align with stakeholder interests.