Operational Costs Compared: SG&A Analysis of ServiceNow, Inc. and Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

A Decade of SG&A Evolution: ServiceNow vs. Palo Alto Networks

In the ever-evolving tech landscape, operational efficiency is paramount. Over the past decade, ServiceNow, Inc. and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. have demonstrated significant growth in their Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses, reflecting their strategic investments in scaling operations. From 2014 to 2024, ServiceNow's SG&A expenses surged by over 990%, while Palo Alto Networks saw an increase of approximately 750%. This trend underscores the aggressive expansion and market penetration strategies employed by both companies. Notably, ServiceNow consistently outpaced Palo Alto Networks in SG&A spending, peaking at nearly 4.8 billion USD in 2024, compared to Palo Alto's 3.5 billion USD. This disparity highlights ServiceNow's commitment to robust operational frameworks, potentially positioning it for greater market dominance. As these tech giants continue to innovate, their SG&A trajectories offer a window into their future growth and competitive strategies.