SG&A Expenses: A Tale of Two Giants

In the ever-evolving landscape of global software companies, understanding the financial strategies of industry leaders is crucial. This analysis delves into the Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses of SAP SE and Autodesk, Inc. from 2014 to 2023. Over this decade, SAP SE consistently outspent Autodesk, with SG&A expenses peaking at approximately $11 billion in 2022, a 112% increase from 2014. In contrast, Autodesk's expenses grew by 124%, reaching around $2.3 billion in 2023. This disparity highlights SAP's expansive operational scale compared to Autodesk's more focused approach. Notably, 2024 data for SAP is missing, indicating potential shifts in their financial strategy. As these companies navigate the digital transformation era, their SG&A trends offer insights into their strategic priorities and market positioning.