QUALCOMM Incorporated or Workday, Inc.: Who Manages SG&A Costs Better?

A Tale of Two Companies: SG&A Management Over a Decade

In the competitive landscape of technology giants, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for maintaining profitability. Over the past decade, from 2014 to 2024, QUALCOMM Incorporated and Workday, Inc. have showcased contrasting strategies in handling these costs.

QUALCOMM, a leader in wireless technology, has consistently maintained its SG&A expenses, averaging around $2.46 billion annually. Despite fluctuations, their expenses peaked in 2018, reaching nearly $3 billion, before stabilizing in subsequent years. This reflects a strategic approach to cost management, aligning with their steady revenue streams.

Conversely, Workday, a cloud-based software provider, has seen a dramatic rise in SG&A expenses, growing from $263 million in 2014 to an estimated $2.84 billion in 2024. This tenfold increase highlights their aggressive expansion strategy, investing heavily in sales and marketing to capture market share.

Understanding these trends offers valuable insights into each company's operational priorities and market positioning.