Operational Costs Compared: SG&A Analysis of Southwest Airlines Co. and Masco Corporation

A Tale of Two Giants: SG&A Expenses in Focus

In the world of corporate finance, Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses are a critical measure of operational efficiency. This analysis compares the SG&A expenses of Southwest Airlines Co. and Masco Corporation from 2014 to 2023. Over this period, Masco Corporation's SG&A expenses have shown a relatively stable trend, averaging around $1.4 billion annually. In contrast, Southwest Airlines Co. experienced a significant increase, with expenses soaring by nearly 1,800% from 2014 to 2023. This dramatic rise reflects the airline's strategic investments and operational expansions. Notably, 2022 marked a peak for Southwest, with expenses reaching approximately $3.7 billion, a 90% increase from 2020. This data underscores the dynamic nature of SG&A expenses and highlights the contrasting financial strategies of these two industry leaders.