innovation, margin expansion via recycling and AIMS, commitment to ESG, and building on our core strengths of brand, manufacturing, R&D and customer connection. We expect these investments will drive benefits for years to come. Additionally, as part of our ongoing commitment to strong corporate governance and diversity, we recently welcomed three new Board members, including Fumbi Chima, Howard Heckes and Romeo Leemrijse, each of whom brings strong leadership, unique experience and diverse perspectives to help AZEK achieve its long-term objectives.”
“We have made great progress with our recycling initiatives. Through AZEK’s recycling programs, approximately 400 million pounds of scrap and waste were diverted from landfills in fiscal year 2020, an increase from approximately 290 million pounds in fiscal year 2019. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we implemented a strategic material supply relationship with Berry Plastics and established our FULL-CIRCLE PVC Recycling Program where we are sourcing scrap materials direct from fabrication shops, construction sites and remodeling projects. Additionally, we are proud to have received the 2020 Vinyl Recycling Award from the Vinyl Sustainability Council in recognition of recent recycling innovations in our TimberTech AZEK decking product line.”
“While we continue to operate in an uncertain environment, we remain focused on the health and well-being of our employees, channel partners and customers. Our team continues to execute well against our key strategic initiatives, and we remain optimistic about our long-term growth and margin potential,” concluded Mr. Singh.
FOURTH QUARTER FISCAL 2020 CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 increased by $48.4 million, or 22.4%, to $263.9 million from $215.5 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The increase was driven by higher sales growth in our Residential segment. Net sales for the Residential segment increased by 30.0%, partially offset by a decrease in the Commercial segment of 14.4%, in each case as compared to the prior year period.
Gross profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 increased by $20.8 million, or 29.9%, to $90.3 million from $69.5 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Gross margin increased 200 basis points to 34.2%, compared to 32.2% for prior year period. The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by the strong results in the Residential segment during the quarter.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $103.4 million to $149.9 million, or 56.8% of net sales, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $46.6 million, or 21.6% of net sales, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to stock-based compensation costs of $100.3 million related to our IPO and secondary offering and ongoing public company expenses.
Net loss was ($64.4) million, or ($0.43) per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 as compared to net loss of ($0.9) million, or ($0.01) per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, primarily due to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses related to additional stock-based compensation expense as a result of our recent public offerings. Net margin was (24.4%) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 as compared to net margin of (0.4%) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.