Selling, General, and Administrative Costs: AstraZeneca PLC vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

A Tale of Two Pharmaceutical Giants: AstraZeneca vs. Vertex

In the ever-evolving pharmaceutical industry, understanding the financial dynamics of major players is crucial. Over the past decade, AstraZeneca PLC and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated have showcased contrasting trends in their Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses. From 2014 to 2023, AstraZeneca's SG&A costs surged by approximately 35%, peaking in 2022. This reflects their aggressive expansion and marketing strategies. In contrast, Vertex's expenses grew by nearly 270%, albeit from a much smaller base, indicating their rapid scaling and increased market presence.

Key Insights

• AstraZeneca: Dominated the SG&A landscape with expenses consistently over 10 times that of Vertex, highlighting their established market position.
• Vertex: Despite lower absolute costs, their growth rate in SG&A expenses underscores a strategic push to expand their footprint.

These trends offer a window into the strategic priorities and market dynamics of these pharmaceutical titans.