Breaking Down SG&A Expenses: AbbVie Inc. vs AstraZeneca PLC

A Tale of Two Giants: SG&A Expenses in the Pharmaceutical Industry

In the ever-evolving pharmaceutical landscape, understanding the financial strategies of industry leaders is crucial. AbbVie Inc. and AstraZeneca PLC, two titans in the field, have shown distinct trends in their Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses over the past decade. From 2014 to 2023, AstraZeneca consistently outpaced AbbVie, with SG&A expenses peaking at approximately 18.9 billion in 2022, a 42% increase from 2014. In contrast, AbbVie saw a more modest rise, with expenses reaching around 15.3 billion in 2022, marking a 98% increase from its 2016 low. This divergence highlights AstraZeneca's aggressive market strategies compared to AbbVie's more conservative approach. As these companies navigate the complexities of global healthcare, their financial decisions offer a window into their strategic priorities and market positioning.