Operational Costs Compared: SG&A Analysis of Apple Inc. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited

A Comparative Analysis of SG&A Expenses: Apple Inc. vs. TSMC

In the ever-evolving landscape of global technology giants, operational efficiency is a key determinant of success. This analysis delves into the Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses of two industry titans: Apple Inc. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), from 2014 to 2024.

Key Insights

Over the past decade, TSMC's SG&A expenses have surged by approximately 300%, reflecting its aggressive expansion and market dominance. In contrast, Apple Inc. has seen a more modest increase of around 117%, showcasing its strategic cost management. Notably, in 2023, TSMC's SG&A expenses were nearly three times those of Apple, highlighting its significant investment in operational capabilities.

Conclusion

This comparative analysis underscores the distinct strategic approaches of these tech giants, with TSMC focusing on expansive growth and Apple maintaining a steady, controlled operational cost structure.