Ferguson plc and Curtiss-Wright Corporation: SG&A Spending Patterns Compared

SG&A Spending Patterns: A Tale of Two Companies

In the world of corporate finance, understanding a company's spending patterns can reveal much about its strategic priorities. Over the past decade, Ferguson plc and Curtiss-Wright Corporation have demonstrated contrasting approaches to their Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses.

From 2014 to 2023, Ferguson plc's SG&A expenses surged by over 1,000%, peaking at approximately $5.92 billion in 2023. This dramatic increase reflects Ferguson's aggressive expansion and investment in operational capabilities. In contrast, Curtiss-Wright Corporation maintained a more stable SG&A expenditure, with a modest increase of around 17% over the same period, reaching nearly $497 million in 2023.

These divergent trends highlight Ferguson's growth-oriented strategy compared to Curtiss-Wright's steady, perhaps more conservative, approach. As we look to 2024, Ferguson's data remains incomplete, leaving room for speculation on its future trajectory.