Selling, General, and Administrative Costs: United Rentals, Inc. vs American Airlines Group Inc.

A Tale of Two Industries: SG&A Expenses in Aviation and Equipment Rental

In the world of corporate finance, Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses are a critical measure of operational efficiency. This analysis compares the SG&A expenses of two industry giants: American Airlines Group Inc. and United Rentals, Inc., from 2014 to 2023.

American Airlines, a leader in the aviation sector, saw its SG&A expenses fluctuate, peaking in 2022 with a 29% increase from 2016. The pandemic year of 2020 marked a significant dip, with expenses dropping by 68% compared to 2019. Meanwhile, United Rentals, a key player in equipment rental, demonstrated a steady upward trend, with a 115% increase in SG&A expenses from 2014 to 2023.

This comparison highlights the resilience and adaptability of these companies in navigating economic challenges and industry-specific demands.