Who Optimizes SG&A Costs Better? Corning Incorporated or Pure Storage, Inc.

Optimizing SG&A Costs: A Tale of Two Companies

In the competitive landscape of corporate America, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for profitability. Corning Incorporated and Pure Storage, Inc. offer a fascinating case study in this regard. Over the past decade, Corning has consistently maintained higher SG&A expenses, averaging around $1.66 billion annually. In contrast, Pure Storage, a relatively newer player, has seen its SG&A costs rise from a modest $60 million in 2014 to nearly $1.2 billion in 2024, reflecting its rapid growth trajectory.

Despite Corning's larger absolute numbers, Pure Storage's expenses have grown at a faster rate, indicating aggressive expansion strategies. By 2024, Pure Storage's SG&A expenses are approximately 62% of Corning's, up from just 5% in 2014. This trend highlights the dynamic nature of tech companies as they scale. Understanding these patterns can provide valuable insights for investors and industry analysts alike.