How do companies decide where to invest, when to return cash to shareholders, or when to take bold risks on new technologies? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down capital allocation, the art and science behind a company’s biggest money decisions.

From ROI and NPV to multi-billion dollar bets on streaming, cloud computing, and biotech, this deep dive features case studies from Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, Pfizer, and more. Learn how capital allocation drives long-term value, and how to spot it in your own company or investments.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What capital allocation really means and why it matters
• The key metrics (ROI, NPV, IRR) behind investment decisions
• Real-world strategies from Amazon (AWS), Apple (stock buybacks), and Microsoft (Azure)
• Warren Buffett’s approach to acquisitions at Berkshire Hathaway
• How companies like Netflix, Disney, Intel, and Pfizer made bold capital bets
• How to evaluate capital allocation as an FP&A analyst or investor

Who this episode is for:

This episode is for finance professionals, FP&A analysts, investors, and business strategists who want to understand how capital allocation decisions shape value creation. It’s also valuable for anyone making or analyzing investment decisions—inside a company or in the stock market.