Operational Costs Compared: SG&A Analysis of Merck & Co., Inc. and GSK plc

A Decade of SG&A: Merck & Co., Inc. vs. GSK plc

In the ever-evolving pharmaceutical industry, operational efficiency is key. Over the past decade, Merck & Co., Inc. and GSK plc have demonstrated contrasting trends in their Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses. From 2014 to 2023, Merck's SG&A expenses fluctuated, peaking in 2014 and 2019, while GSK's expenses showed a more consistent upward trajectory, reaching their zenith in 2020.

Key Insights

• Merck & Co., Inc.: Despite a 23% drop in SG&A expenses from 2014 to 2020, Merck managed to stabilize its costs, ending 2023 with a 9% increase from its 2020 low.
• GSK plc: GSK's expenses rose by 39% from 2014 to 2020, reflecting strategic investments, before a slight dip in 2022.

These trends highlight the strategic choices each company has made in managing operational costs, offering a glimpse into their financial health and market strategies.