A board of directors represents a company's shareholders and makes important decisions for them regarding business protocol and operations. The board may use a document called a corporate resolution to record its decisions and initiatives. Capital stock is the amount of common and preferred shares that a company is authorized to issue, according to its corporate charter. Capital stock can only be issued by the company and is the maximum number of shares that can ever be outstanding. The amount is listed on the balance sheet in the company's shareholders' equity section.