Novartis AG and Viking Therapeutics, Inc.: SG&A Spending Patterns Compared

SG&A Spending Patterns: Novartis AG vs. Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

In the ever-evolving pharmaceutical landscape, understanding the financial strategies of industry giants and emerging players is crucial. From 2014 to 2023, Novartis AG, a global leader, consistently allocated substantial resources to Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses, averaging around $14.5 billion annually. In contrast, Viking Therapeutics, Inc., a burgeoning biotech firm, demonstrated a remarkable growth trajectory in SG&A spending, increasing from a modest $1.2 million in 2014 to an impressive $37 million by 2023.

This ten-year period highlights a strategic divergence: while Novartis maintained a steady investment, Viking's SG&A expenses surged by over 2,800%, reflecting its aggressive expansion and market penetration efforts. Such insights underscore the dynamic nature of financial planning in the pharmaceutical sector, where established firms and newcomers adopt distinct approaches to navigate competitive pressures and innovation demands.