Table:
|  | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Net Sales: |  |  |  |
| Ardent Mills . | $3,476.0 | $3,344.1 | $3,180.0 |
| Others | 195.4 | 198.8 | 177.7 |
| Total net sales . | $3,671.4 | $3,542.9 | $3,357.7 |
| Gross margin: |  |  |  |
| Ardent Mills . | $281.9 | $386.5 | $340.3 |
| Others | 45.5 | 34.8 | 34.6 |
| Total gross margin | $327.4 | $421.3 | $374.9 |
| Earnings after income taxes: |  |  |  |
| Ardent Mills . | $151.9 | $197.0 | $152.0 |
| Others | 18.1 | 10.1 | 10.1 |
| Total earnings after income taxes | $170.0 | $207.1 | $162.1 |
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7. INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES
The total carrying value of our equity method investments at the end of fiscal 2019 and 2018 was $796.3 million and $776.2 million, respectively. These amounts are included in other assets and reflect our 44% ownership interest in Ardent Mills and 50% ownership interests in other joint ventures. Due to differences in fiscal reporting periods, we recognized the equity method investment earnings on a lag of approximately one month.
In fiscal 2019, we had purchases from our equity method investees of $39.4 million. Total dividends received from equity method investments in fiscal 2019 were $55.0 million.
In fiscal 2018, we had purchases from our equity method investees of $34.9 million. Total dividends received from equity method investments in fiscal 2018 were $62.5 million.
In fiscal 2017, we had purchases from our equity method investees of $41.8 million. Total dividends received from equity method investments in fiscal 2017 were $68.2 million.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued) Fiscal Years Ended May 26, 2019, May 27, 2018, and May 28, 2017 (columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts) Summarized combined financial information for our equity method investments on a 100% basis is as follows:
Question:
What was the value of equity that the company purchased during fiscal 2019?
Answer: $39.4 million