Table:
|  | 2019 | 2018 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Net sales | $3,164.4 | $2,873.5 |
| Cost of sales | 2,872.6 | 2,615.9 |
| Gross profit | 291.8 | 257.6 |
| Gross margin | 9.2% | 9.0% |
| Operating income | 142.1 | 118.3 |
| Operating margin | 4.5% | 4.1% |
| Other expense | 16.1 | 10.7 |
| Income tax expense | 17.3 | 94.6 |
| Net income | 108.6 | 13.0 |
| Diluted earnings per share | $3.50 | $0.38 |
| Return on invested capital* | 13.1% | 16.1% |
| Economic return* | 4.1% | 6.6% |
Paragraphs:
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Performance Summary. The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the indicated fiscal years (dollars in millions, except per share data):
*Non-GAAP metric; refer to "Return on Invested Capital ("ROIC") and Economic Return" below for more information and Exhibit 99.1 for a reconciliation.
Net sales. Fiscal 2019 net sales increased $290.9 million, or 10.1%, as compared to fiscal 2018.
Net sales are analyzed by management by geographic segment, which reflects the Company's reportable segments, and by market sector. Management measures operational performance and allocates resources on a geographic segment basis. The Company’s global business development strategy is based on our targeted market sectors.
Question:
What was the increase in net sales between 2018 and 2019?
Answer: 290.9