Selling, General, and Administrative Costs: Merck & Co., Inc. vs Alkermes plc

A Comparative Analysis of SG&A Expenses: Merck & Co., Inc. vs. Alkermes plc

In the ever-evolving pharmaceutical industry, understanding the financial dynamics of major players is crucial. This analysis delves into the Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses of two prominent companies: Merck & Co., Inc. and Alkermes plc, from 2014 to 2023.

Merck & Co., Inc., a global leader, consistently outpaces Alkermes in SG&A spending, reflecting its expansive operations and market reach. In 2023, Merck's SG&A expenses were approximately 15 times higher than Alkermes, highlighting its significant investment in administrative and sales functions. Over the decade, Merck's expenses showed a slight decline, with a 10% decrease from 2014 to 2020, before stabilizing.

Conversely, Alkermes exhibited a steady increase in SG&A costs, growing by nearly 245% over the same period, indicating its strategic expansion efforts. This trend underscores the contrasting growth strategies of these pharmaceutical giants.