Operational Costs Compared: SG&A Analysis of Waste Management, Inc. and Illinois Tool Works Inc.

A Decade of Operational Efficiency: SG&A Trends in Waste Management and Illinois Tool Works

Over the past decade, the operational strategies of Waste Management, Inc. and Illinois Tool Works Inc. have been reflected in their Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses. From 2014 to 2023, Illinois Tool Works consistently maintained higher SG&A expenses, peaking in 2014. However, a notable decline of approximately 12% was observed by 2023. In contrast, Waste Management's SG&A expenses showed a steady upward trajectory, increasing by about 30% over the same period. This divergence highlights differing strategic focuses: Illinois Tool Works appears to be optimizing costs, while Waste Management is potentially investing in growth and expansion. These trends offer a window into how each company navigates the complexities of their respective industries, with Illinois Tool Works focusing on efficiency and Waste Management on scaling operations.