W.W. Grainger, Inc. or Clean Harbors, Inc.: Who Manages SG&A Costs Better?

Who Manages SG&A Costs Better: W.W. Grainger, Inc. or Clean Harbors, Inc.?

In the competitive landscape of industrial services, managing Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses is crucial for profitability. Over the past decade, W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Clean Harbors, Inc. have shown distinct approaches to handling these costs. From 2014 to 2023, W.W. Grainger, Inc. consistently reported higher SG&A expenses, peaking at nearly $3.9 billion in 2023, reflecting a 32% increase from 2014. In contrast, Clean Harbors, Inc. maintained a more modest growth, with SG&A expenses rising by approximately 53% over the same period, reaching $671 million in 2023. This data suggests that while W.W. Grainger, Inc. operates on a larger scale, Clean Harbors, Inc. demonstrates a more controlled growth in SG&A costs. Investors and industry analysts can glean insights into each company's operational efficiency and strategic priorities through these trends.