On the Mams’ US trip, Stanford University marked the first stop where we had the privilege of interacting with Professor Laurie Hodrick, A. Burton Hepburn, Professor Emerita of Economics in the Faculty of Business, Columbia Business School and Visiting Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University. Professor Hodrick is best known for her research on corporate financial decisions which have a particular segment in corporate cash holdings and capital allocation, including share repurchases and dividends, mergers and acquisitions as well as equity offerings. She touched upon the article she had authored covering the buyback initiated by Apple and also answered queries on the rationale for holding high levels of cash even if it lowers Return on Equity. As part of the conclusive, question and answer round, she also shared her knowledge on optimal capital allocation and reasons for mergers and acquisitions. Being one of the foremost authorities in the field of finance, the interaction with Professor Hodrick was an enriching experience.