Palo Alto Networks, Inc. or Autodesk, Inc.: Who Manages SG&A Costs Better?

Managing SG&A Costs: A Tale of Two Tech Giants

In the competitive world of technology, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for profitability. Over the past decade, Autodesk, Inc. and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. have shown distinct strategies in handling these costs. From 2014 to 2024, Autodesk's SG&A expenses grew by approximately 124%, while Palo Alto Networks saw a staggering increase of around 751%. Despite this, Autodesk maintained a more consistent growth pattern, with expenses rising steadily each year. In contrast, Palo Alto Networks experienced a sharper increase, particularly from 2019 onwards, reflecting its aggressive expansion strategy. By 2024, Palo Alto Networks' SG&A expenses were about 42% higher than Autodesk's. This data highlights the different approaches these companies take in managing operational costs, with Autodesk focusing on steady growth and Palo Alto Networks on rapid expansion.