SG&A Expenses: A Tale of Two Companies

Waste Management, Inc. vs Saia, Inc.

In the world of corporate finance, Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses are a critical measure of a company's operational efficiency. Over the past decade, Waste Management, Inc. and Saia, Inc. have shown contrasting trends in their SG&A expenses. From 2014 to 2023, Waste Management's SG&A expenses have consistently been over 30 times higher than those of Saia, reflecting its larger scale of operations. However, Saia has demonstrated a remarkable growth trajectory, with its SG&A expenses increasing by approximately 80% over this period, compared to Waste Management's 30% rise. This divergence highlights Saia's aggressive expansion strategy, while Waste Management maintains its dominance in the waste management sector. As we look to the future, these trends offer valuable insights into the strategic priorities and market positioning of these two industry players.