Authorized shares is the maximum number of shares that the board of directors is "authorized", or allowed to issue. Outstanding shares are shares of stock that have been issued.Authorized capital stock is the largest amount of shares a company is permitted to issue. You can only issue each share once. Once issued, the share can be traded and sold. It is also usually listed in the capital accounts section of the balance sheet. State Regulations; Compare. (50) 'Subscriptions' means the promise to purchase capital stock in a stock association and payment of a portion of the selling price.