AstraZeneca PLC vs Merus N.V.: A Decade of SG&A Expenses

In the competitive landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for maintaining profitability. Over the past decade, AstraZeneca PLC and Merus N.V. have demonstrated contrasting trajectories in their SG&A expenditures.

AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical giant, has seen its SG&A costs rise by approximately 35% from 2014 to 2023, peaking in 2022. This increase reflects its expansive global operations and strategic investments in marketing and administration. In contrast, Merus N.V., a smaller biotech firm, has experienced a staggering 1,450% increase in SG&A expenses over the same period, indicative of its aggressive growth strategy and scaling operations.

These trends highlight the differing strategies of established versus emerging players in the pharmaceutical sector, offering insights into how companies allocate resources to support their business objectives.