99 Cents Only profits plummet in Q1

City of Commerce, Calif. — A sharp increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses drove an 88% drop in net income at 99 Cents Only Stores Inc. to $1.17 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 from $9.57 billion the same quarter the prior fiscal year.

The profit plummet came as total sales rose 6% to $506.17 million from $477.9 million. Same-store sales declined 1.7%, primarily due to lower customer traffic.

"While we are disappointed with the financial results of this past quarter, we remain confident that the core business strategy of99 CentsOnly Stores remains strong,” said Andrew Giancamilli, president and CEO.“During the past 18 months, we have undertaken some aggressive growth initiatives – including expanding our store network, enhancing our overall product offering, upgrading back office functions of the business by investing in technology and human capital, and the opening of new distribution centers. Now, the company is focused on operational execution.”