Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. or ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.: Who Manages SG&A Costs Better?

Managing SG&A Costs: A Tale of Two Companies

In the competitive world of business, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for profitability. Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. and ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. offer a fascinating study in contrasts. Over the past decade, Jacobs Engineering has seen its SG&A expenses grow by approximately 55%, peaking in 2022. Meanwhile, ZTO Express has experienced a staggering 354% increase, with costs nearly matching Jacobs by 2023.

Jacobs Engineering's expenses have been relatively stable, with a slight dip in 2016, while ZTO Express has shown a consistent upward trend. This divergence highlights the different strategies and market pressures faced by these companies. As we look to 2024, Jacobs shows a slight decrease, but ZTO's data remains incomplete, leaving room for speculation. Understanding these trends can provide valuable insights into corporate efficiency and strategic planning.