Waste Management, Inc. or Paychex, Inc.: Who Manages SG&A Costs Better?

A Tale of Two Titans: SG&A Cost Management in Focus

In the competitive landscape of corporate America, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for profitability. Waste Management, Inc. and Paychex, Inc. have been at the forefront of this financial balancing act since 2014. Over the past decade, Waste Management has consistently reported higher SG&A expenses, peaking at approximately $1.93 billion in 2022. In contrast, Paychex has shown a steady increase, reaching around $1.62 billion by 2024.

Despite Waste Management's higher absolute costs, Paychex's expenses have grown by nearly 101% since 2014, compared to Waste Management's 30% increase. This suggests that Paychex is expanding its operations more aggressively. However, the absence of 2024 data for Waste Management leaves room for speculation on its future cost management strategies. As these giants continue to evolve, their SG&A strategies will be pivotal in shaping their financial futures.