Who Optimizes SG&A Costs Better? AbbVie Inc. or Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

Optimizing SG&A Costs: A Tale of Two Giants

In the competitive landscape of the pharmaceutical and retail sectors, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for profitability. Over the past decade, AbbVie Inc. and Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. have demonstrated contrasting strategies in optimizing these costs.

From 2014 to 2023, AbbVie Inc. has shown a significant increase in SG&A expenses, rising by approximately 66%, from $7.7 billion to $12.9 billion. This upward trend reflects AbbVie's strategic investments in expanding its market presence and enhancing operational efficiencies. In contrast, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. has maintained a relatively stable SG&A expense profile, with a modest increase of around 44% over the same period, reaching $25.5 billion in 2023.

While AbbVie focuses on aggressive growth, Walgreens emphasizes cost stability, showcasing two distinct approaches to financial management in their respective industries.