Gross profit for the first quarter of 2020 was $42.9 million or 70% of net revenue, compared to $40.1 million, or 70% of net revenue for the first quarter of 2019, an increase of $2.8 million, or 7%. The increase in gross profit resulted primarily from increased sales of our Advanced Wound Care and Surgical & Sports Medicine products.
Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020 were $58.0 million, compared to $52.3 million for the first quarter of 2019, an increase of $5.8 million, or 11%. R&D expense was $5.4 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared to $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2019, an increase of $2.0 million, or 60%. The increase in R&D was driven by additional headcount and continued investment in clinical programs and our product pipeline. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $52.6 million, compared to $48.9 million in the first quarter of 2019, an increase of $3.7 million, or 8%. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily due to additional headcount, primarily in our direct sales force and increased sales commissions due to increased sales, additional royalties, a portion of which was a cancellation fee for certain product royalty and consulting agreements, and additional credit card processing fees due to increased use by our customers. The increase in SG&A expenses were offset partially by a decrease in amortization associated with intangible assets and a decrease in legal, consulting fees and other costs associated with the ongoing operations of our business.
Operating loss for the first quarter of 2020 was $15.1 million, compared to an operating loss of $12.1 million for the first quarter of 2019, an increase of $3.0 million, or 24%, primarily due to increased R&D expenses and a cancellation fee for certain product royalty and consulting agreements. Total other expenses, net, for the first quarter of 2020 were $1.2 million, compared to $3.5 million for the first quarter of 2019, a decrease of $2.3 million, or 66%. The decrease was driven primarily by a gain of $1.3 million related to the settlement of the deferred acquisition consideration dispute with the sellers of NuTech Medical, offset partially by higher interest expense related to higher borrowings compared to the prior year period. The change in total other expenses, net, for the first quarter of 2020 was also driven by a $1.9 millionnon-cash loss on the extinguishment of debt which impacted the prior period only and was related to thewrite-off of unamortized debt discount upon repayment of the master lease agreement as well as early payment penalties.
Net loss for the first quarter of 2020 was $16.3 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to a net loss of $15.7 million, or $0.17 per share, for the first quarter of 2019, an increase of $0.6 million, or 4%.
As of March 31, 2019, the Company had $46.9 million in cash and $110.0 million in debt obligations, of which $16.9 million were capital lease obligations, compared to $60.2 million in cash and $100.6 million in debt obligations, of which $17.5 million were capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2019.
Fiscal Year 2020 Revenue Guidance:
On April 8, 2020, the Company withdrew its previously announced fiscal year 2020 revenue guidance, originally issued on March 9, 2020, due to the rapidly evolving environment and uncertainty resulting from the impact of theCOVID-19 pandemic. Given continued uncertainty, the Company is currently unable to predict the impact thatCOVID-19 will have on its financial position and operating results. The Company is continuing to actively review and implement cost saving measures including discontinuing allnon-essential services and programs and instituting controls on travel, events, marketing and clinical studies.