Selling, General, and Administrative Costs: Southwest Airlines Co. vs IDEX Corporation

A Tale of Two Companies: SG&A Expenses Over Time

In the world of corporate finance, Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses are a crucial indicator of a company's operational efficiency. This chart compares the SG&A expenses of Southwest Airlines Co. and IDEX Corporation from 2014 to 2023. Over this period, Southwest Airlines Co. has seen a significant increase in its SG&A expenses, rising by nearly 1,830% from 2014 to 2023. This surge reflects the airline's expansion and increased operational costs. In contrast, IDEX Corporation's SG&A expenses have grown by approximately 40% over the same period, indicating a more stable cost structure. The year 2020 marked a notable dip for Southwest Airlines, likely due to the pandemic's impact on the airline industry. By 2023, both companies reached their highest SG&A expenses, with Southwest Airlines leading the charge. This comparison highlights the dynamic nature of corporate expenses and the varying strategies companies employ to manage them.