Anybody have info on Apple's budget?
According to each company's quarterly statements, hare are the results for the last reported quarter which covered April-June 2008:
Apple spent 12% of net sales on "Selling, general, and administrative"
Microsoft spent 24% of net sales on "Sales and Marketing"
Apple spent 4% of net sales on "Research and development."
Microsoft spent 15% of net sales on "Research and Development."
Each of these areas are a specific as either one will get on advertising $$$.
Apple: "SG&A expenditures increased $170 million or 23% and $622 million or 29%, respectively, for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same periods in 2007. These increases are due primarily to higher stock-based compensation expenses, higher variable selling expenses resulting from the significant year-over-year increase in total net sales and the Company’s continued expansion of its Retail segment in both domestic and international markets. In addition, the Company incurred higher spending on marketing and advertising during the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. "
Microsoft: "Sales and marketing expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expense, and other headcount-related costs associated with sales and marketing personnel and advertising, promotions, trade shows, seminars, and other programs. Sales and marketing expenses increased during the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2008, reflecting increased headcount-related expenses and increased corporate marketing and advertising campaigns. Headcount-related expenses increased 17% during the three months and 14% during the twelve months ended June 30, 2008, reflecting an increase in headcount during the year."
