The maximum number of shares that a firm can issue is the number on Select one: O A. outstanding shares. O B. authorized shares O C. permissible shares O D. issued shares. When shares are repurchased for less than their cost, the difference is recognized as Select one: ws A. an increase to retained earings. O B. extraordinary gains. O C. ordinary gains O D. contributed surplus. Changes in the profit margin ratio could indicate changes in any of the following except changes in Select one: A. sales volume. B. product profitability C. the cost structure. D. the pricing ng