Selling, General, and Administrative Costs: QUALCOMM Incorporated vs Fortive Corporation

A Comparative Analysis of SG&A Expenses: QUALCOMM vs Fortive

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate finance, Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses serve as a critical indicator of a company's operational efficiency. Over the past decade, QUALCOMM Incorporated and Fortive Corporation have demonstrated distinct trajectories in their SG&A expenditures.

From 2014 to 2023, QUALCOMM's SG&A expenses have shown a steady increase, peaking in 2018 with a 30% rise compared to 2014. This trend reflects QUALCOMM's strategic investments in innovation and market expansion. In contrast, Fortive's SG&A expenses have been more volatile, with a notable 65% increase from 2015 to 2019, followed by a stabilization phase.

Interestingly, 2023 data reveals a narrowing gap between the two corporations, with QUALCOMM's expenses at approximately 2.5 billion and Fortive's at 2.1 billion. This convergence suggests a potential shift in operational strategies. However, the absence of Fortive's 2024 data leaves room for speculation on future trends.