Selling, General, and Administrative Costs: Accenture plc vs Applied Materials, Inc.

A Tale of Two Giants: Accenture vs. Applied Materials

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate finance, understanding the dynamics of Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial. Over the past decade, Accenture plc and Applied Materials, Inc. have showcased contrasting trajectories in their SG&A expenditures. From 2014 to 2024, Accenture's SG&A costs surged by approximately 106%, reflecting its expansive growth strategy and global footprint. In contrast, Applied Materials saw a more modest increase of around 102%, indicative of its focused operational efficiency.

Key Insights

• Accenture's Growth: By 2024, Accenture's SG&A expenses reached over 11 billion, a testament to its aggressive market expansion.
• Applied Materials' Efficiency: Despite a smaller scale, Applied Materials maintained a steady increase, peaking at nearly 1.8 billion in 2024.

This comparison highlights the strategic differences between a consulting powerhouse and a semiconductor leader, offering valuable insights for investors and industry analysts alike.