Who Optimizes SG&A Costs Better? Ascendis Pharma A/S or Alkermes plc

Optimizing SG&A Costs: A Tale of Two Companies

In the competitive world of pharmaceuticals, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for maintaining profitability. Over the past decade, Ascendis Pharma A/S and Alkermes plc have taken different paths in optimizing these costs.

From 2014 to 2023, Alkermes plc consistently reported higher SG&A expenses, peaking at approximately $690 million in 2023. This represents a 245% increase from their 2014 expenses. In contrast, Ascendis Pharma A/S, while starting with significantly lower expenses, saw a dramatic rise of over 4,100% during the same period, reaching around $264 million in 2023.

This data highlights the contrasting strategies of these two companies. While Alkermes maintains a steady increase, Ascendis is rapidly scaling its operations, reflecting its aggressive growth strategy. Understanding these trends provides valuable insights into their operational efficiencies and market strategies.