Who Optimizes SG&A Costs Better? Salesforce, Inc. or NetApp, Inc.

Optimizing SG&A Costs: A Tale of Two Tech Giants

In the competitive world of technology, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for profitability. Over the past decade, Salesforce, Inc. and NetApp, Inc. have taken different paths in optimizing these costs. From 2014 to 2024, Salesforce's SG&A expenses surged by nearly 460%, reflecting its aggressive growth strategy. In contrast, NetApp maintained a more stable trajectory, with expenses fluctuating around a modest 3% increase over the same period.

Salesforce's rapid expansion is evident, with SG&A costs peaking at $15.4 billion in 2024, a significant leap from $2.8 billion in 2014. Meanwhile, NetApp's expenses remained relatively steady, peaking at $2.2 billion in 2015 and 2024. This comparison highlights Salesforce's focus on scaling operations, while NetApp emphasizes cost control. As these companies continue to evolve, their strategies in managing SG&A expenses will be pivotal in shaping their financial futures.