Operational Costs Compared: SG&A Analysis of Southwest Airlines Co. and Avery Dennison Corporation

A Tale of Two Giants: SG&A Expenses in Focus

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate America, operational efficiency is paramount. This analysis delves into the Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses of two industry titans: Southwest Airlines Co. and Avery Dennison Corporation, from 2014 to 2023.

Southwest Airlines, a leader in the aviation sector, saw its SG&A expenses soar by nearly 1,830% from 2014 to 2023, peaking at approximately 4 billion in 2023. This surge reflects the airline's strategic expansions and operational challenges, especially during the pandemic years.

Conversely, Avery Dennison, a global materials science company, maintained a more stable trajectory. Its SG&A expenses grew by about 20% over the same period, reaching a high of 1.33 billion in 2022. This stability underscores Avery Dennison's consistent operational strategies and market adaptability.

This comparative analysis highlights the dynamic nature of operational costs and the strategic decisions that shape them.