Costco Wholesale Corporation operated 787 stores as of September 1, 2019. The following data were taken from the company's annual report. All dollar amounts are in millions. Fiscal Year Ending Fiscal Years Ending 12/31/201 12/31/2018 9 $ Net sales $ 141,576 152,703 Cost of 123,152 goods sold 132,886 Net 3,134 income 3,659 Merchandi se 11,040 11,395 inventory Discussion Questions 1. Based on Costco's gross margin and return on sales percentages, did its performance improve in 2019? Explain