W.W. Grainger, Inc. or AMETEK, Inc.: Who Manages SG&A Costs Better?

Who Manages SG&A Costs Better: W.W. Grainger, Inc. or AMETEK, Inc.?

In the competitive landscape of industrial supply and manufacturing, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for profitability. Over the past decade, W.W. Grainger, Inc. and AMETEK, Inc. have shown distinct approaches to handling these costs. From 2014 to 2023, W.W. Grainger's SG&A expenses have consistently been higher, peaking at nearly $3.93 billion in 2023. In contrast, AMETEK's expenses have been more modest, reaching approximately $677 million in the same year. This indicates that W.W. Grainger's SG&A costs are about six times higher than AMETEK's. However, the trend for both companies shows a steady increase, with AMETEK's expenses growing by roughly 47% over the period, while W.W. Grainger's rose by about 32%. This data highlights the different scales and strategies of these industry giants in managing operational costs.